Fall TV Preview: Reaper Coming to the CW

2007-2008 TV Season Pick #8: "Reaper" (The CW)
After losing some of its biggest hits this past season, including the perennial family drama "7th Heaven," as well as, shockingly enough, both of the tweener-favorites of "Gilmore Girls" and "Veronica Mars," The CW had the most reason to score some promising new shows for this upcoming season. Sadly, the fifth-ranked network came up short at the upfronts, presenting only a meager amount of mediocre shows, of which almost none seem appealing. Save for one, that is.

"Reaper," a supernatural comedic-drama (almost a first of its kind), is set to debut on The CW at the now very competitive 9:00 timeslot on Tuesday nights. The series is produced by Mark Gordon of "Grey's Anatomy" fame and directed by the creator of the View Askewniverse, Kevin Smith.

Bret Harrison (most notably known for his role in "Grounded for Life") plays the protagonist and title character of Sam, a 21-year-old dropout working a dead-end job while trying to impress a girl that he's got no chance with. The reason why his parents let him slide in pretty much everything in his life? Prior to his birth, they sold his soul to Satan, who actually makes an appearance in the pilot episode, portrayed by Ray Wise.

Satan, who has come to collect on his debt, gives Sam the heads-up on his new role - a bounty hunter obligated to capture demons and hellish souls that have escaped from the Underworld ... and return them back to Hell. Not a bad career choice. Armed with a "vessel-of-the-week" and with the help of his buddy slackers and former girlfriend, Sam takes on his new job as the Devil's ghostbuster.

Loaded with more comedy than anything else, this will resemble "Shaun of the Dead" and "Dead Like Me" more so than the conventional supernatural dramas that we're used to. As for the demons/spirits, well ... the first "escapee of the week" was a firefighter when he was alive ... and now post-death has the ability to set himself on fire, control and create fire, and send fiery flames hurling towards others. Nice, solid connection there.

Airing at 9/8c on Tuesday nights, "Reaper" is probably the only new series this season from The CW that has serious potential to be a breakout hit. Unfortunately, it'll face heavy competition against the ratings-stealing "Dancing with the Stars Results Show" on ABC, CBS's returning hit "The Unit," the brand new dramedy "Chuck" on NBC, and of course one of the highest rated shows period, "House" on FOX. Even so, I have a feeling this crazy, comedic, supernatural story of a demon-fighting, Hell-employed bounty hunter is going to find its place with viewers.

My Predicted Survival Rating for "Reaper" on The CW:
75% chance of being renewed