Reaper - 101 - Pilot

Director: Kevin Smith

Writer: Tara Butters, Michele Fazekas

Actors: Bret Harrison, Ray Wise, Missy Peregrym, Rick Gonzalez, Tyler Labine, Valarie Rae Miller, Kyle Switzer, Allison Hossack, Andrew Airlie, Christine Willes, Donavon Stinson

Original Air Date: September 25th, 2007

Runtime: 45m 30s

Category: Comedy, Demon, Devil, Fantasy

Synopsis: Today is Sam’s twenty-first birthday and so far things have not started out normal. His parents are overly affectionate and his mom seems to be very worried about him. Ignoring them as much as any twenty-one-year-old can ignore their parents, he heads off to work with his buddy Sock. Strange things begin to happen as he saves his beloved Andi, a chick he works with but is afraid to ask out, from a falling air conditioner. He dives over her pushing the mammoth device out of the way, saving her life. Sam takes Sock to the back for a chat and explains to him that he thinks something is very wrong.

After leaving work early, Sam comes home to his father, who is waiting for him. He explains that before he was born, his parents sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for his father’s health. Now really freaked out, the Devil actually decides to show up and tells Sam that he is gonna be Hell’s bounty hunter. With the help of Sock as his sidekick, Sock’s ex as his info informant, and Ben…well, we’re actually not sure what his deal is yet. All I can tell you is that this is gonna be one hell of a show! Do not miss it! Tuesdays at 9pm on The New CW.

Review: I was very skeptical at first and was a bit worried about this show. I thought that it was gonna be some cheap-ass rip off of Ghost Rider (2007) and Ghostbusters (1984). Well kiddies…I was wrong! I think foreign objects actually came out of my nose as I gasped for air while I was laughing. The show is cleaver, funny as all hell, and a great twist on the soul-capturing story. I think that this show, especially while being directed by Kevin Smith, is going to be a huge success.

The story itself is funny as hell. I loved that Sam’s parents sold his freakin’ soul to the freakin’ Devil! That’s funny! And the fact that Sam ended up being a kind of superhero is even more awesome; he’s got his girl, his sidekick, his informant, and Ben…who I think is going to be their gadget-man. Every superhero needs a gadget-man…except Superman…he can do that shut on his own. Anyway, this is a classic story with a modern-day twist that is sure to leave you revved-up and aching from laughter.

The acting was, actually…really good. I was surprised at first…then I realized that Kevin Smith doesn’t half-ass a project. I figured, in the back of my mind, that he would make sure only the best would take part in this show; I was right. The acting was almost pin-point spot-on with reaction time, visual emotions, and character development. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how their next mission pans out.

The script was…oh my God…funny as hell! Like I said above, Kevin Smith doesn’t half-ass. This script was funny as could be with just enough emotion to make you feel the character’s pain and still be a comedy. I don’t think I’ve seen a script this good in a long time. The last script I can think of that was this good, quality as well as funny, was Shaun of the Dead (2004). I mention that because I noticed many similarities between Sock and Ed; both heavy-set, both the comic relief, both always have something cleaver to say, both loyal friends, and both can get annoying to the hero. If there is going to be any character development with Sock…it will be small; his character’s almost perfect the way is. Major kudos for the character personalities.

The effects and action were very good as well. I noticed that the sequences where the Fireman was torching the street looked a lot like the effects from The CW’s other show, Smallville. That’s not a bad thing mind you; I’ve seen multi-million dollar motion pictures that can’t hold a candle to Smallville’s SFX. That just means that the effects were really well done…and the next time I have to explain this, you’re getting a time out…for fifteen minutes. TIME OUT!

Rating: 23. I think that if they would have expanded Ben’s character a bit it would have done nicely. He just seemed to “be there”; no purpose or anything. That’s why I think he might be their gadget-man; he’s gotta have something to do. The other thing that tickled me was Sam’s physiology when using his telekinesis. I didn’t like the whole hand shaking thing; it just seemed hoaky. If the character development allots him more telekinetic practice then I understand…it just looked more funny than cool. But that’s pretty much it; I loved the episode and can’t wait until the next one. This is going to be a wonderful series! (23of25).