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« Reaper
Episode Recap: "All Mine"
Poor Sam. Now more than ever it seems he's stuck in a situation where his cowardice and insecurities (and yet not his poor choice of a role model) is keeping him from getting the things he wants. So far, we know that he wants to go out with Andi and that he believes his life is worth more than his job at the Work Bench, but he still doesn't feel totally comfortable soul-catching for Leland Palmer the Devil. But at least he knows he's pretty good at that last one, especially when motivated by saving innocent people's lives. I say Sam's a god guy, he's just running in an odd crowd.
Sam surrounds himself with a bunch of enablers. Like when Andi hit on him and asked him out, which he then declined? Declined?! Sock just backed him up with a "We're gonna donate some bone marrow to the needy" excuse instead. It seems that despite their good intentions, no one's really looking out for Sam's best interests, except maybe the Devil. Now there's irony. So why did Sam tell her no? Maybe he's that insecure about being near "educated" people? Or is he just not confident in himself?
In this episode, Sam and the guys once again tried to figure out how the new vessel (a toaster this week) is going to land them some captive spirits. What a coincidence that the Devil showed up just to give Sam some advice on his life and his situation with Andi. It appears that the Devil is actually rooting for Sam to succeed, even though it's not in Ole Brimstone's own best interests. Could Ray Wise be the most likable Devil ever? And where are Sam's family and friends, the people who are really meant to give him good advice? As much as I love Sock, sometimes he's more like The Wizard of Oz's scarecrow in the group: no problems in the bravery or heart department, but the head's where it's often lacking.
The team eventually captured this week's escaped soul, Gloria, a woman trying to stay with her earthly lover as long as possible. She turns herself into bees to scare away those who stand in her way. It was kind of cool to have a female villain, even if she wasn't all that awesome as a bad guy. Though Sam at least learned a thing or two about honor in the end, uttering, "The Devil's right.... I don't want to be miserable my whole life," regarding both his lack of initiative in a career and his relationship with Andi. Who knew the D-Man would be anyone's go-to guy for a moral compass? I don't know, but I'm glad someone on this show isn't afraid to use theirs to kick Sam's butt into gear. And maybe the boy will get himself into shape.
Bonus business:
•The Decemberists' "Perfect Crime 2" was playing in the bar. I highly recommend them.
•The Devil and Mariska Hargitay partied it up at the Emmys.
•"There's still hope for you. Hope in the form of toilets." (Boss Ted's inspirational speech).
•"Hey, Broham, never tell Crazy that you were in it for the sex." Ah, words of wisdom.
Check out some of our Reaper clips in our Online Video Guide.
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Oct 10, 2007 1:13 AM
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The Reaper just keeps getting better. The characters are so well developed and Sock could teach Morgan (on Chuck) a thing or two about being a sidekick. But let's talk Reaper.
I totally sympathized with Sam and Andi's job situation. I remember at their age working in retail, trying to decide whether to go to school part time or full time when you are so exhausted from your job - and you are being offered a low paying management position.
In Sam's case, he has two jobs. And neither one is going to give him what he wants in life.
But let's get to the funny stuff. Sock trying to hit on Gloria - flipping his tongue as a come on had me laughing out loud. Sock reminds me of a bad Santa - he wants to be nice and naughty, but in Sock's case it is anything feminine and still moving. (Notice I did not say breathing, since he was hitting on a dead woman.)
Sam's dead end job really mirrors Chuck's dead end job - but their managers are totally different. I like Big Mike on Chuck much better.
And I love that Sam and Sock use their place of employment to stock up for each demon capture.
I agree that the devil has become Sam's surrogate parent. Where the heck is Sam's family? Surely they know what he is doing now. Do they have nothing to say to assure him he is still loved? Or have they just given him over to the devil and they are done with him?
This is the most fleshed out portrayal of the devil I have ever seen on TV or in the movies. Kudos to the writers for making him more of a wise corporate ceo with a mentor mentality and a devilish streak.
Lastly, I would like to say I am in heaven this tv season. I have Chuck, Reaper, and Pushing Up Daisies for new shows to add to Psych and Monk.
These new lighthearted shows (like the much missed Buffy, Angel and Dead Like Me) give us characters to love, comedy, drama and horror.
Even the devil must be pleased with that.
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Oct 10, 2007 2:41 AM
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Is it just me or does Sam remind anyone else of Shawn from Psych? So many mannerisms and facial expressions are the same or similar.
TVDiva, if you like great characters, comedy, drama and horror, have you tried Supernatural? You have to really work to watch that because it's in a horrible time slot on Thursdays, but it's worth it. (I watch Grey's Anatomy online.)
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Oct 10, 2007 6:20 AM
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Was it just me, but...when the guys finally captured Gloria with the toaster in the end, did it remind anyone else of the movie Ghostbusters?
btw...This show is great!
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Oct 10, 2007 8:55 AM
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lostapuck, what a great reference to Ghostbusters!! How great would it be to have one of those guys do a guest spot? My first choice would be Bill Murray, but I'm thinking Reaper and the CW don't have the budget for that!
Another great episode! Did anyone else think of Ausiello when Mariska flashed on screen? Just another reason to love this show. Is there a connection between her and Ray Wise? Or someone else involved with Reaper. Love the cameo ... just was a little surprised by it. And loved that the Devil used that little camera to show the pics. Was I right in thinking that was one of the little slide show toy cameras you play with as a kid? Or am I crazy?
I say it every week, love this show! Now go ahead Dawn Ostroff and CW, give it a full season pick up .... if anyone asks, tell them the Devil made you do it!
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Oct 10, 2007 9:29 AM
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Well, I will agree. Poor Sam. I am not too sure which he was more worried about; the bug lady or the fact that his boss saw a spark of the old him in Sam. There is no better way to say you are going nowhere in life than that.
Sock, as usual, was the very funny best friend and sidekick. We learned another fact about him: he kept a set of Josie's keys and takes naps at her apartment when she is not there.
I noticed in the credits that Kevin Smith was listed as a consultant for this episode. I hope they can get him to stay with that. Great episode and, for me anyway, the time just flew by.
tvdiva - I also loved Reaper, Chuck, and Pushing Daisies (as well as Dirty Sexy Money.) I am pretty impressed with the new crop of shows. Psych is great also.
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Oct 10, 2007 9:31 AM
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derbygirl - That was a newer "tween" style version of the old red one we had in the 70's & 80's... not that *I* have one, of course... I have a niece (yup, that's my story).
There's something SO wrong with me. I was SO attracted to Sock last night... Man, this sheds a LOT of light on my choices in men..... gonna mull this one over a bit.
I really love this show. The characters work, the dialog is funny, the storylines are inventive (c'mon, a toaster?)... and when the Devil flashes that MEGA-WATT smile... I giggle like a schoolgirl (aw shucks).
One question if anyone knows... did they say what had happened to Gloria (why she had died?). You gotta kinda feel bad for the guy... she killed EVERYONE he got close to or anyone who would come between them. That kind of isolation is horrific. Still... I wish great actor like Robert Foxworth could have had a bigger storyline to show off his talents 
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Oct 10, 2007 10:42 AM
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one of my favorites so far ! (there have only been three, i guess that isn't that hard, huh?). Loved when he went to tell Andi that he wanted to date her, and she told him that mysteriously the school was closed down due to asbestos ..and he looks over and the devil is giving him the thumbs up sign...halarious!
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Oct 10, 2007 10:48 AM
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Could the Devil be trying to build up Sam's ego and self worth so that when Sam ultimately dies and the Devil claims his soul, that it's all the more torturous for Sam because he had a life worth salvation whereas right now if he went to Hell his life hasn't been all that impressive?
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Oct 10, 2007 11:02 AM
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Does anyone know whether Reaper got picked up for another season. I saw where Gossip Girl did, surely Reaper would get picked up too...
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Oct 10, 2007 11:31 AM
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It was fun seeing Robert Foxworth in a role that didn't require him to stand up straight all the time.
Sam doesn't appreciate his relationship with the Devil because all Sam sees right now is a harsh taskmaster. This is one of those relationships that he won't appreciate until years down the road. Perhaps sooner because Sam is an adult now (technically anyway).
The funny thing is Sam's boss is trying to teach Sam the same lessons the Devil is teaching. But he's coming from a place Sam can't relate to. And he's offering Sam choices. A guy like Sam has to be made to be taught, not given a choice in the matter. Actually, he's treating Sam like an adult, which is the wrong tact to take here (which the Devil of course knows).
And his parents have been shown to be ineffectual. In fact, they fell down a few notches really with him because of the mess they got him in. I hope we have more with his parents because there's more stuff there that has to be talked about.
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Oct 10, 2007 11:36 AM
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I rarely post but love to read everyones comments. Especially when I love a show as I do this one. We were watching Reaper last night and by the end I had a rather interesting thought that I just wanted to share with everyone. The direction this is going (the parents selling Sam's soul/the Devil becoming a mentor)... has it crossed anyones mind that perhaps the Devil could in fact really be an Angel? I mean come on...he loves Ellen!!!! He reminds me a lot of the movie Michael with John Travolta. He (the Devil)has that kind of feel about his character. Ray Wise does it with perfection! It could play itself out until (hopefully a long time from now) the series ever does end and Sams family will have learned their lessons and Sam finally claims his life and responsibilities. Also, in the end he does not have to go to hell for eternity. It was just a thought. When I told my family what I thought we watched last weeks episode again after last nights was over. They agreed it could be a possibility and puts a spin on it. I guess I am just a sucker for happy endings
I love all of the characters!
Robert Foxworth was a real bonus.
I love this show!
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Oct 10, 2007 12:52 PM
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tchristian - It's interesting you say this as the Devil "decent" behavior was addressed in this interview with Ray Wise. He's quite funny.
As he sees the character, according to biblical reference, the Devil was God's favorite, but had defied Him and was banished to the Hell. Being the ruler of Hell doesn't necessarily make him wholly evil, it just makes him in charge of those also banished there. So, it's a personal affront to him when a soul escapes.
Check out the interview... you'll love Ray Wise even more... and he does a better job than me describing his views
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Oct 10, 2007 1:20 PM
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Daesey - Thank you so much for the lead on that interview. It was great and adds credence to my take on his character. My only complaint was that it was too short (the interview). I hope to see and hear more from Ray Wise. He is the glue in this series. I also find it interesting that he doesn't seem to mind (Mr. D) that Sam's friends are tagging along for each task. Sock even made the "deposit" in last nights episode. Perhaps this new "Scooby Gang" will be as much fun as Buffy's!
![]<img border=](http://community.tvguide.com/images/emoticons/devil.gif) ">
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Oct 10, 2007 2:03 PM
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tchristian - That was my complaint, too! I wished the interview had been longer.
I thought about Sam's team as the new "Scoobies" (gosh, I think I'll ALWAYS miss Buffy, don't you?). I think BigD doesn't mind it b/c I think he realizes that Sam needs them... their support and he's learning a lot about being responsible from their involvement (like when he told Ben to hang back a bit b/c he didn't want him to get hurt).
I'm just really loving this show... And now I got Pushing Daisies tonight... my other favorite new show... which I tape and watch later b/c I HATE having to wait for the commercials to get over... I need to be able to speed right thru them! I did it with Reaper last night, too!
I'm nuts, I know.
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Oct 10, 2007 2:24 PM
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