Reaper

Reaper is a distinctive comedy-drama television show that aired on The CW network from 2007 to 2009. Reaper offers a unique blend of humor, thrills, drama, romance, and supernatural elements. Conceived by Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters, the series follows an unconventional storyline that revolves around the life of its protagonist, Sam Oliver, portrayed by the talented Bret Harrison.

Sam Oliver is your average twenty-something living a humdrum life, caught in the monotony of a dead-end job at a home improvement store "The Work Bench". His life takes an unforgettable turn when he learns on his 21st birthday that his parents had sold his soul to the Devil before his birth. Suddenly, Sam’s life mission evolves to being an unofficial bounty hunter for Hell, reaping lost souls and returning them to the fires of damnation, hence the title 'Reaper'.

The devil, played brilliantly by Ray Wise, constantly arrives out of nowhere, usually at the most inopportune times with a new assignment for Sam. To aid him in his hellish tasks, Sam is given otherworldly tools that may seem mundane but hold great power - these ‘vessels’ range from a dirt-devil vacuum to a hand-carved wooden stake.

In this uneasy journey, Sam is not alone. Accompanying him are his best friends and co-workers, Bert ‘Sock’ Wysocki, played by Tyler Labine, and Ben, portrayed by Rick Gonzalez. The squad of slackers embarks on frequently dangerous, if not outright bizarre, adventures, struggling to balance their personal lives with the supernatural responsibilities thrust upon them.

The show also features a complex romantic element due to Sam's relationship with Andi Prendergast (Missy Peregrym), one of his co-workers. This romantic subplot further complicates Sam's life. Sam's inability to reveal his double life to Andi due to his deal with the devil creates an interesting dynamic and adds emotional depth to the story. The series also takes occasional dives into the parental relationships Sam has, with deep-seated resentment toward his parents for signing his life away before he even existed.

In addition to the main cast, the series features several recurring characters that enhance the show's supernatural angle. This includes characters such as the devil's advocate, portrayed by Ken Marino, and demons Ted and Nina, played by Donavon Stinson and Jenny Wade, respectively.

Reaper distinguishes itself with its perfect blend of hilarity and seriousness. The humor part of the show emerges from the banter and camaraderie among Sam, Sock, and Ben. On the other hand, the seriousness refers to the grim task Sam is compelled to perform - that of tracking down and capturing lost souls. The character development is good, with Sam's transformation as a reluctant hero, and the interplay between Ray Wise's devil character and the trio is both entertaining and engaging.

Further bolstering the show's appeal is its sharp, witty writing, and well-crafted plot that deftly balances comedy, drama, and supernatural elements. The scripts regularly present a fresh approach to an episodic format, balancing overarching plots with 'soul of the week' escapades. Visually, the show provides appealing, well-staged supernatural elements without losing within the realm of plausibility or allowing its technical feats to overshadow its character development.

In a nutshell, Reaper is an underrated, surprisingly engrossing series that mixes good fun with darkly comedic undertones and supernatural thrills. Its irreverent plot and heartfelt performances make it an entertaining show, and the progression of the hero's journey keeps audiences hooked throughout the two seasons. An innovative mix of workplace comedy and supernatural drama, Reaper is a truly unique show that pushes the boundaries of genre television.