I knew I'd like it when I heard that Kevin Smith would be directing the pilot. There are those that dismiss him as being overly verbose, but I think it's part of his charm. A lot of his characters seem to talk their way through circumstances either out of insecurity or a like their just trying to figure it all out, and it appeals to me.

Reaper is about a guy, Sam, who's parents sold his soul (payable on his 21st birthday) to the Devil before he was born. The Devil is well played by Ray Wise (remember Twin Peaks). Instead of taking his life, he becomes a bit of an indentured servant and is given the task of capturing escaped souls and returning them to Hell.

Sam works at one of those hardware superstores, like a Menards or Lowes, which seems like it's own special Hell.

There's a lot of cheesiness to it, and more than a bit of cliche. For instance, he returns these lost souls to the BMV (Hell on Earth). But it's completely enjoyable television.

One of the interesting aspects is how the Devil seems to be on Sam's side, and pretty much replaces his virtually ineffective father.

It airs Tuesday nights at 9pm on the CW, channel 4. For those of you without cable, like myself currently, that's the grainy fuzzy channel that never comes in very well. But I find the enjoyment factor worth the minor hassle.