Sergei Bachlakov / The CWTonight is the night. The last night you have to get everyone you know (especially anyone with a Nielsen box atop their TV set!) to watch one of the best new shows of the season: the CW’s Reaper.
If you saw this series earlier in the season and decided it wasn’t for you, it’s time to give it a second shot, because this dramedy about the devil’s bounty hunter (Bret Harrison) has truly hit its stride in recent episodes. It’s wickedly funny, sincere and even sweet, and it has been serving up some of the best twists anywhere on TV.
So why is tonight your last chance? Because after tonight’s airing at 9 p.m., the suits at the CW will make their decision on whether Reaper will return for a second season, and they'll announce that decision at the New York upfronts next week.
If you’re a fan, you know what a true tragedy it would be to lose this series. So not only should you watch (and get others to watch!), but you can also take part in the Send Socks to Save Reaper Campaign, by mailing any old sock (in honor of the show’s comic relief Bert “Sock” Wysocki) to:
Dawn Ostroff
3300 W. Olive Avenue
Burbank, CA 91505
Meanwhile, to give you more encouragement to love and support this show, I just checked in with the wonderful and talented Ray Wise, who plays the devil with pitch-perfect ease and steals many a scene. Keep reading for the Q&A that follows, and a sneak peek of tonight’s episode…
Thank you for taking the time to talk.
My pleasure. I’m shooting my last scene of the season today, but I have some time now between takes.
The big question fans want to know the answer to, of course, is will you be back? What is your gut telling you about season two?
I feel very optimistic about it. If it goes according to logic, it would seem that we would come back because our shows are getting better than ever. And we’re really clicking on all cylinders. It’s a fine show and good entertainment, and I don’t see why it shouldn’t come back. These last five episodes, I think, have been a real benchmark for the series.
What can you tell me about the final two episodes?
Oh my. Oh, oh, gosh. Oh my. All I can tell you is there’s going to be a great revelation. A great revelation.
Is something the fans will have seen coming?
Yes, actually, if you’ve been thinking about it for a while.
Does it involve the devil?
Of course.
Does it involve Sam?
Yes.
And what about this plot the demons have to overthrow the devil? Will it work?
What fools! What do you think? I’m the No. 2 man. You know that. The only one who can really zap me is the big guy upstairs.
The devil doesn't seem 100 percent evil. Is that how you play him? He’s actually sort of likable.
No, he isn’t all bad. I play him as a charming rather happy-go-lucky kind of a guy who knows how to have a good time, and he takes great pride in the way he looks and acts. He’s that kind of a guy. He’s like a cross between a good used-car salesman and a game-show host. He makes you feel good about yourself, and that’s what a confidence man does.
How do you see Sam and the devil’s relationship evolving?
From the beginning, I think the devil has seen it as a mentor-student relationship, some times a father-son relationship—sometimes just a good friend, and sometimes a teacher who must teach the student. I think it’s all those things. I think Sam is special to him in some way. And perhaps we’ll find out why some day.
You and Brett (Sam) have a lot of scenes together. Have you bonded?
We bonded a long time ago. We could almost finish each other’s sentences. We’re like an old married couple, except that we hardly ever fight.
Will we see more lady friends for the devil?
I hope so. I would like to see the devil’s sexuality come out a little more. I’m not saying that he’s going to do any seminude scenes, but I would like to know that the devil is capable of something like that.
Who should be the devil’s next love conquest?
Oooh...Maybe Cher?
When do you find out about season two?
Not until next Monday...or maybe this Friday, I think. Whenever they choose to let the news loose.
You’re the devil. Can’t you do something?
I can do anything in my own realm, in the realm of my television show, but not with the big network studios. I have no pull. They are untouchable. You’ll have to talk to the guy upstairs.
Now here's a peek at tonight's episode, airing at 9 on the CW. Don't forget to watch, and send in those socks!