"Reaper" Review: Sometimes Warped Works

Sometimes, warped just works.

And that is certainly the case with the CW’s “Reaper”…

If you missed it, “Reaper” is the story of Sam (Bret Harrison). Sam’s a bit of a slacker who dropped out of college because it “made him sleepy.” He works at a Home Depot-like store with his best friend, Sock (Tyler Labine), his other friend, Ben (Rick Gonzalez), and his crush Andi (Missy Peregrym).

When the show begins, it’s Sam’s 21st birthday, but his parents are acting really weird about it. Strange things start happening to him at work and then a man calling himself the Devil (Ray Wise) shows up in his car.

Finally, his parents give him the explanation: They sold Sam’s soul to the devil before he was born, and the deal comes to fruition on his 21st birthday. To pay off the debt, the Devil wants Sam to collect souls that have escaped from Hell. If he doesn’t, the Devil will take Sam’s mom.

Sam, of course, is reluctant to go along with the Devil’s plan, but Sock think it’s really cool; and he and Ben agree to help.

But Sam’s first recovery attempt goes horribly wrong as a demon arsonist destroys an entire city block and Ben gets hurt. But after the Devil gives him a little more insight into his job—and threatens him—he and Sock go at it again, this time with success as Sam learns to use his newfound powers.

As I said, it’s warped, but it’s a good warped. In all honesty, there shouldn’t be anything funny about the Devil and escaped demons from Hell. Yet, somehow it is.

Part of the credit for that goes to the clever writing, but I would give most of the credit to the wonderful cast. Bret Harrison (“The Loop,” “Grounded for Life”) is adorable as usual, and Tyler Labine is always funny. But the star of the show is absolutely Ray Wise. He’s hilarious, but he’s also sufficiently creepy. And Missy Peregrym, who was so sinister on “Heroes” last season, is perfect as the girl-next-door Andi (an excellent recast from their first choice, Nikki Reed).

And there’s something beautifully ironic about a guy doing good deeds for the Devil.

Now, Sam, Sock and Ben continue to recover lost souls, while keeping it from Andi and Sam’s parents, who Sam lied to and told them his service to the Devil was over. And he has to deal with the Devil continually popping up unexpectedly in his life.

I have to admit that this post in no way does justice to the show. It’s just one of those you have to see for yourself. And you will laugh in spite of the show’s subject matter. You just can’t help it.

Like I said, in this case, warped works…

“Reaper” airs Tuesdays at 9 on the CW…