Summing Up: Reaper

I still can't get a grip on what exactly this show is trying to achieve. It's just so out there in terms of where it goes with the subplots, most notably the gay demons and Ben's green card marriage/prison term. How can the current direction of the show have been perceived from the pilot? The two shows are almost nothing alike. Sam as the Devil's son? That changes everything. I do like Steve going to heaven and communicating with Sam and Tony, but what are these demons doing? It's just bizarre, and I have no clue what audience this show is trying to appeal to. The last revelation of immortality (?) of Sam's father comes sort of out of nowhere. I am glad Andi finally found out Sam's secret, but she seems to be taking it rather well and playing it off too casually. I'd like to see more of Ben's relationship with Cassidy as well as either that demon girl or Josie with Sock. I can't believe that Lucy Davis who played Ben's Sara is the same actress who was Dawn on the British version of "The Office", the Pam equivalent. I really applaud Ray Wise for his stellar work all season, and especially enjoyed seeing Richard Burgi playing a role truly suited to him.

The biggest thing about this show that always gets me is the age of the characters. This seems like it would be a perfect pitch for a high school show where characters have to deal with more truthfully immature problems instead of going out legally drinking every night. It's as if the writers just transplanted Bret Harrison's character Sam from "The Loop" and based this less stable show around him. The characters on "Reaper" just aren't that interesting. As I said some time ago, this show pales in comparison to the somewhat similar "Chuck" because Chuck is praised for his leadership abilities whereas Sam constantly gets crap for everything he tries to do. This show really needs a makeover for a successful season two.

Season grade: C
Season finale: C
Season MVP: Ray Wise