Ah, the CW. One moment it's gutsying up with shows like "Aliens in America", and the next it's soaping up primetime with the likes of "One Tree Hill".
In the network's entry into this TV season's dweebfight, Bret Harrison ("Grounded for Life", "The Loop") top-bills as Sam, a nerd whose soul has been promised to the Devil. Satan-bound to track down escapees from Hell, Sam takes on demons a la predecessor "Charmed", all the while fighting his manifest destiny.
Yes, the premise of "Reaper" wavers between ludicrous and generic, but the show managed to somehow finagle some serious talent pre-pilot. Ray Wise brings his slick and charm to the recurring and dapper Satan, while noted filmmaker Kevin Smith signed on to direct the series premiere.
Despite the clout of these two names, however, all is not well within the Reaperverse. The problem is, three episodes in, Wise and Smith remain the best things about the show thus far. While Harrison's innate geekitude is still on this side of adorable, Sam's kicked-puppy character is on the very verge of annoying.
Add to that a cast of supporting characters that's variously bland (Missy Peregrym's 'Andi') or polarizing (Tyler Labine's 'Sock'), and "Reaper" may not end up reaping all the eyeballs that it needs.
Thankfully, it is on the CW, where eyeball requirements are generally lower. Also, given the network's history of unpredictability, "Reaper" may yet turn out to be more "Veronica Mars" than "Hidden Palms". The show will also benefit from its fortuitous timeslot, where it faces off with "House", "The Unit", and the "Dancing with the Stars" results show. This will give it the time it needs, since upcoming episodes will be crucial. The show needs to find its soul, and find it pronto - or risk ending up on this TV season's 'Doomed' list.
If you intend to add your name to Satan's register: Have an exit strategy. Even as you proclaim yourself the show's loyal henchbitch, leave room to plead demonic possession in case it crash and burns.
"Reaper" hopes to get your soul on Tuesdays on the CW, 9 pm / 8 pm central.
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