Although it might seem like just another slacker-with-goofball-pals comedy, Reaper turned out to be one of the real sleepers of the 2007-08 season. Underachieving store clerk Sam Oliver (Bret Harrison) not only manages to get away with just about anything, but his parents have also been quite content to let him do so without any hassle. Upon turning 21, Sam discovers why: his folks sold his soul to the Devil (Ray Wise) before he was born. Satan gives Sam something of a reprieve by enlisting his services as a “reaper”—i.e., someone charged with tracking down souls that have escaped from Hell. Not exactly in a position to refuse, Sam reluctantly masters the tools of his new trade and secures the assistance of his pals Sock (Tyler Labine) and Ben (Rick Gonzalez) in his budding career as Hell's bounty hunter. The premise is rife with comic potential that is successfully realized in most of the 18 episodes compiled here, thanks to Harrison (who is so good in his starring role that it could have been written specifically with him in mind) and Wise (whose Satan is both suave and witty). A running theme throughout here is Sam's awkward crush on real-world co-worker Andi (adorable Missy Peregrym), ultimately becoming her protector in the season finale, “Acid Queen,” when she's menaced by one of Hell's most recent escaped souls. DVD extras include an audio commentary, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. Recommended. (E. Hulse)
Reaper: Season One
Lionsgate, 5 discs, 810 min., not rated, DVD: $39.98 Volume 24, Issue 1
Reaper: Season One
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