Well, "Cancun," the Reaper season finale, kind of fudged the whole question of Sam Oliver’s paternity, but we do know this: his father is one hell of a guy.
I was actually kind of hoping that the Devil (Ray Wise, right) really was the sire of Sam (Bret Harrison, left), just because their mentor-protégé relationship is so much fun to watch. Also because it would make Sam’s loyalties in the looming demon rebellion against Satan that much more complicated. Still, the revelation in the season’s final minute that the elder Mr. Oliver is apparently a demon offers some possibilities for season 2. I’ll admit, that was a revelation I didn’t see coming.
Actually, the most interesting character this episode was Tony, whoreminded us, after weeks of neighborly friendliness, that demons arenot always nice guys. He began the episode by dropping a washingmachine on Sam (a test to see if Sam had enough devilish power to savehimself and thereby prove he’s Satan’s son; Tony didn’t seem to upsetby the prospect that, if Sam were a mere mortal, he’d be crushed todeath) and later buried Sam alive in a demon-proof cage. Give Tonycredit for being cleverer than he’s seemed so far (given theill-advised rebellion attempt a few weeks back that killed his lover,Steve); he not only recognized thatSam might be the spawn of Satan, but that he was also certainly amole for Mephistopheles. And he took advantage of thatsituation by withholding from Sam the key info: that the KingSolomon-designed cage was meant to imprison not the Devil but Samhimself. (Plus, Tony got to buy the parts cheap, via Sam’s Work Benchemployee discount.)
Tony also ran the emotional gamut when he learned Steve had beenappearing in visions to Sam (and not to himself); he went fromdisbelief to jealous anger to awestruck wonder to regret to forgivenesswithin moments. Despite Tony’s assertion that not even God’s vastcapacity for mercy extends to demons, it seemed that Steve really hadbecome an angel and ascended to heaven. ("It’s better than Cancun,"Steve exclaimed, justifying the episode’s title.) Tony realized he hadto rescue Sam from the box, though curiously, he did not rescue Mr.Oliver, who’d jumped into the cage to save Sam. Had Tony figured out whatwas confirmed in the final scene, when Mrs. Oliver showed up to dig herapparently unharmed husband out of the abandoned cage? Not sure, but atleast now we know why Sam’s dad ripped out all the pages in Sam’scontract referring to his paternity, as well the nature of the secrethe told Sam he was forbidden to divulge.
I didn’t really dig this week’s subplots. The escaped soul of theweek, an evil fortune teller who was easily dispatched back to hell viaa hurled baseball? Meh. Sock breaking up withJosie for no good reason save his own immaturity? That’s just Sockbeing Sock. Sock falling for beautiful succubus Marlena? He’d alreadyfantasized about Gladys, so his attraction to another demon was nogreat stretch, especially since her kisses gave him the world’sgreatest adrenaline high and super strength. (Each kiss also took ayear off his life, but as Sock noted, they’re the crappy years at theend.) Not sure why Marlena was attracted to Sock, but that was lessirksome than Sock’s trying to pimp her out to Ben so that he could feelthe high, too — and Ben eagerly going along with the idea. Ben seemstoo sensible to shorten his life over a momentary high, not to mentionmaking out with a demon when he already has a dream girlfriend inCassidy. (Where was she, by the way?) At least Marlena had the goodsense (and self-esteem) to find Sock’s scheme appalling; she may be alife-sucking demon, but she’s not a whore.
Oh, and that fireworks effigy of Mr. Oliver? That was pretty awesometo watch, and it made a nice, emotional close to the episode and theseason. It was a send-off that Sam’s dad would surely appreciated, hadhe been there. (And if Mrs. Oliver had been a little quicker with theshovel, he might have been.)
Questions: So, how many years did Sock shave off his life? When isSam going to find out that his father is not only still alive, but is ademon as well? Is Sam’s mom a demon, too? Is Sam really their child, or is he adopted? (After all, the Devil himself left open the possibilitythat he really is Sam’s dad.) Since Tony’s cage idea didn’t work,what’s the rebellion’s Plan B? Finally, are you pleased with the wayReaper’s first season played out, and what do you want to see happennext season?
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I like the way the show finally sort of found itself in these last few episodes, with the demon rebellion and questions of who Sam’s father really is. I like the continuing development of Ben and Sock. I’m glad it became more than a “demon of the week” sort of show. That said, I’m very unhappy that the show won’t be back right away next fall, but is being held for mid-season. If the CW really cared about building an audience for this show, they’d play it up and bring it back in August or September (or whenever the new season starts). Still, I guess we should count ourselves lucky it got renewed at all.
I think that Sam is actually the grandson of the devil. Who says that the devil doesn’t already have several spawns roaming the earth, procreating on their own? I’d love to see Sam have to battle his Dad (or maybe even his Mom, who knows?) over the fate of the world. The sub-plot w/ the fortune teller was weak, but the whole Sock carrying Sam on his shoulders then winging the baseball and capturing the soul was awesome. Bring on Season 2, and soon!
I think Sam is the Devil’s GRANDSON. I think that his dad is the Devil’s son, but fell in love with Sam’s mom. So unlike Jesus, he gave up his imortal side for the human life. In doing that, he had to make a deal with his dad, that his son would play the role he was supposed to. So Sam’s parents never intended to have any kids, maybe even got a vasectomy, to avoid that. But the Devil made it happen, so Sam’s parents have been trying to get around the contract.
Ok Puck, you beat me to it. But another thing, I think that maybe that also leaves room for a little “ew” factor with the ex girlfriend they thought was the Devil’s child. She is the Devil’s child, and technically Sam’s Aunt. Ew…but at least not his sister.
Gary, Mr Oliver didn’t jump into the cage after Sam. He’d been bonked on the head with a shovel, and tossed in after along with Sam. He was out cold, and Sam was cradling him, remember? I hadn’t been sure whether he’d been hit hard enough to be dead, or just concussed but good.
I also wasn’t sure whether that assclown Sock told Ben whether he’d lose a year of his life for every kiss. I was put off by Sock’s “break-up” with Josie, but then I’m put off by everything Sock does anyway. I wish they’d recast him.
The revelation at the end was terrific. I’d thought that we’d been left with too little in the way of cliffhangers, but that one was a doozy!
Great minds think alike, GGB. Though I doubt Sam’s dad gave up his immortality if he survived being buried in the cage. I think he refused to follow the devil’s wishes, like bringing about the Apocalypse, so the Devil sees a chance to do it w/ Sam. I don’t think Cady was a spawn of the Devil, that all the phenonema that happened when Sam hooked up w/ her was the Devil screwing with Sam’s head.
I’m just grateful it’s been renewed, as much as I’d like a full season. As for Sam’s father, I think it’s only an assumption right now that he’s a demon because he survived the pit, but not for certain. For one thing, the cage is supposed to trap a demon for eternity so how could Sam’s mom get him out? Also, if his parents are demons wouldn’t Sam have been born with horns? I think there’s more to the story and that Sam may be part angel and that his dad may be one. Maybe Sam’s mom is the devil’s daughter. Still many possibilities, I don’t think anything has really been answered fully yet, other than the fact that his parents were lying to him.
I can’t wait for this show to return. Any idea when the DVDs will be out? I hope there’s plenty of extra scenes and commentary.
My theory about Andi was apparently wrong, as Sock was able to use a vessel without Sam’s help to apprehend the soul. Or did Sock pick up a little demon himself from the kisses?
The most interesting character to me is now Sam’s mom. Remember how early in the season they kept going out of their way to shield her from what Sam was doing? Then, in this episode, she had it out with her husband in a circle, followed by her almost utter lack of grief at his death (now we know why).
Good episode; good season. Can’t wait for next year.
I hope they ditch Josie in the second season. Maybe that’s why they broke up. Cause seriously, she’s barely in the show. She’s pointless.
All in all, pretty solid. The escaped soul plot was kind of weak but I have to say I always enjoy fortune-telling scenes (I think it goes back to Pee Wee’s Big Adventure).
P.S. Why did the demons need so much lumber if they were building a metal cage?
I’m not sold on the theory that Sam’s dad is a demon. They can die for a time. Hello Gladys. What if he sold his soul for life everlasting? Or agreed to sire Sam for the same? I’m glad it’s renewed and I’m intrigued to see where they take things.
This recap is awful. Bring someone new in. One, it’s inaccurate. It begins by implicitly stating that Sam is not the Devil’s son, only to note the truth in a paranthetical at the end; that it’s still an open question. Tony used Sock’s discount, not Sam’s. Sam’s father didn’t
“jump into the cage.” He was hit by a shovel and thrown in. Finally, it wasn’t even clear that Sock told Ben that he’d lose a year per kiss.
Second, there’s no analysis here. It’s simply a summary of the show, with a few like/dislike comments thrown in without any justification for the author’s opinion.
The recap authors for Lost, The Office, 30 Rock, American Idol, etc. all have talent and all clearly watch the shows they review. Why is it different here?
i don’t assume sam’s real dad is a demon – i think the show left that open. what if he’s god or an angel?
I really liked the finale – the “someone will die” trailer didn’t give me too much hope, because everyone I know that watches said “Sam’s dad. Duh.” But that twist at the end was fabulous. Didn’t see it coming at all.
I don’t watch many CW shows, but from what I’ve seen . . . is it me or do they really know how to make a cliffhanger?
I loved this show, and thought it had an amazing first season (with just enough revelation and nail biters solved).
Regarding Sam, could his parents be souls who’d already been condemned to hell? Maybe, to keep them out of hell they agreed to sell their son’s soul to the devil.
OR, could it be that Sam is the only truly good person here? Maybe there’s some stipulation that if the devil can turn sam into an evil being that he’ll be able to rule the world or something?
Now, the revelation that one of the demons goes to heaven also opens up another distinct possibility for next season: Now that we’ve seen Satan’s legions and the demons who want “out”, will we see god’s angels descend upon the Earth too?
If Sam IS the anti-christ, it’s going to make for one heck of a twist ending.
As for replacing Sus on the recap, we’re all allowed (heck invited) by EW to make our own blogs and show recaps. Write one and I promise to read it
Who is saying that sams parents are demons? They could be angels.
I just hope for a season 2 (by the ending its looking likely)
I agree with Laurence, thats what I’m thinking, that Sam’s parents are actually angels, perhaps fallen angels, like Steve. But here’s where my usual grounded theories get a lil loopy. If you recall from earlier this season (you know EPS way before the strike) I pointed out the scene where Sam’s father was tearing out pages of the contract to burn were going to be pretty significant & I also want y’all to remember when Sam’s dad BEGGED Sam to get the Devil to have an audience with him, to which the Devil flat out refused! So for all y’all claiming that Sam is the Devil’s grandson, good theory, but I THINK you may be wrong there due to the Devil’s unwilling-ness to speak to Sam’s dad (who would be his son), unless he really was pissed about him falling for a human, which I don’t see since he was screwing Cady’s mom for years. And to shush those somplaining bout Josie, she was a necessary character at the beginning to get them out of legal problems when sam needed info. on escaped souls!
Oh and as for MY TRUE wacky theory: This show is the brain child of Kevin Smith who is a comic-book geek at heart, kinda like me. And for any DC Comics fans, I think you’ll recall the switching of sons Orion and Mister Miracle to be raised by opposing fathers, and Darkseid can def. be compared to the Devil…so if you’re following me here, who’s to say that Steve’s revelation to Tony about not killing Sam was to reveal that Sam is like really the son of God and NOT The Devil and killing him would be a BIG NO NO!? And if Sam’s parents really are fallen angels, maybe they made a deal with Satan to raise the son of God as punishment for something so horrible that God would not aid them, but the Prince of Darkness would? Anyways just something for y’all to think over. Hope I got the gears in your heads turning now!! Have a great summer! Catch up with y’all when the show returns!
Oh My God. This show isn’t the brainchild of Kevin Smith. He only directed the pilot. Why doesn’t anyone look these things up. Two women created this show. Women. Not a man. They can create good things too you know.
Sorry jamie, I thought Kevin Smith was more involved than simply directing the piolt, wasn’t there a story about how he couldn’t take on a more agreesive role at some point?? I apologize for your apparent spaz. I’m not an anti-feminist or anything! SHEESH! ALSO, one final tidbit, WHAT ABOUT SAM’S NEVER SEEN BUT FOR TWO EARLY EPISODES YOUNGER BROTHER!? That could tie into my theory, WHAT IF HE IS THE TRUE SON OF SATAN AND SAM IS THE SON OF GOD? Thoughts?!
Sam’s brother is currently hanging out with Chuck Cunningham, Richie’s brother from Happy Days.
Kevin Smith is still listed as a creative consultant in the opening credits every week.
Sam = Samhain
Kevin Smith stayed on after directing the pilot and is now a consultant for the show. And I may be wrong, but isn’t a fallen angel a demon especially for the show’s purposes? All fallen angels (who chose Lucifer’s side instead of God’s) were sent to h-e-ll after the rebellion in Heaven. Didn’t Steve and Tony mention choosing the wrong side?
Sam = Samael
I agree with some of the theories being thrown around. I think sam is the son of Angels, but I don’t think they are fallen. I think it is all a plan to suck Satan in.
Sam = Sammich…ummmmm
Ok, my theory:
Sam is actually the grandson of the Devil through his mom (the devil’s daughter).
Since the Devil needed a son and not a daughter to fulfill the prophecy, he hatched a plan to get his 1st born grandson… By making Mr. Oliver sick and leaving Mrs. Oliver with no other options other than to go to daddy for help the Devil was able to make the deal for Sam’s soul.
I don’t think that Mr. Oliver is a demon. I just think that the deal he made when he was sick gave him immortality, or something.
Can’t wait for next season to see how it all pans out.
Reaper turned out to be a real surprise. I wasn’t sure if the show had any legs, but as long as it had Ray Wise I was on board. I’m glad it decided to stretch itself a little bit toward the end and really build on the characters and mythology. I don’t think that Sam’s parents are angels – the Devil seems to know too much to be fooled that easily. There’s a connection somewhere, but I’m also not convinced that the Devil is his father. I’ll look forward to finding out next season.
I think they’re teasing us with the son of the devil bit. Maybe Sam is like Job. He’s there because of a bet between God and the Devil. But what is the bet? Is he inherently good, so can he be provoked to be evil? And if he’s provoked, does the evil count? (duress and all) The CW did the right thing by giving this show a second season. I’m greedy, though and want an entire season, not the mid-year replacement status it has now. Oh, and keep Josie, she’s a great device for helping with legal issues. Overall, a great, fun show.
Oh, and since my 10 year old and I were just debating this, I have to add more. If we stay with the ‘new Job’ idea, one parent is good and one is bad. This could be part of the bet between God and the Devil. Why wasn’t the dad more wary when dealing with demons? Is he an angel or some agent of heaven? And we could be completely wrong, but it’s fun trying to figure it out.