• Reviews

• All
• Music
• DVDs
• Live
• Cinema
• TV
• Books
• Comic Books
• Video Games

Nov 01, 2008 Year End 2008 - Best of 2008 By Nick Hyman

The CW wisely took a chance on this darkly comedic series about a young man cursed to do the devil’s bidding due to his parents selling his soul. Sam and his buddies Sock and Benji join his crush Andi as they collect souls in their spare time while on break from working at the Home Depot-like store The Work Bench. The show’s strong suit is really the interaction between the three male friends and watching their bromance evolve, though personally I love the interaction between the Devil (played brilliantly by Leland Palmer from Twin Peaks himself, Ray Wise) and Sam (Bret Harrison). However, the Horned One’s appearances are scant in most episodes. The show would also benefit by embracing an ongoing mythology that’s only been hinted at. Reaper was not supported by many viewers and was hampered by first season growing pains, but here’s hoping the upcoming second season (arriving mid-season) will correct the flaws of the first and live up to the potential that the show presents. The DVD is all right, but how could you not get Kevin Smith (who directed the pilot episode) to participate on the commentary track? Creators and former X-Files alumns (Reaper is also shot in Vancouver, B.C.) Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters participate in commentaries and a gag reel, and deleted scenes make up the rest of the limited extras. (www.lionsgate.com)

Author rating: 6/10