The Collector

The Collector, a captivating supernatural drama television series, ran from 2004 to 2006. The series is a Canadian production released by Fireworks International and featured a compelling ensemble cast including Chris Kramer, Carly Pope, Sonya Salomaa, Ellen Dubin, and Christine Chatelain.

The show follows the intriguing journey of the main character, Morgan Pym, played by Chris Kramer. Morgan is no ordinary man, but a 600-year-old former monk who made a Faustian bargain for immortality. After his lover succumbed to the black plague, Pym bargained with the devil to spend 10 more years with her. When his lover dies again, he is condemned to serve as a "collector" for the devil, gathering souls who are 'in default' on their pact with the devil. Over the centuries, he realizes that the devil tricks most of those who make these bargains, and Pym empathizes with them. He negotiates with the devil to allow him to aid these individuals, providing they have truly repented their sins.

This complex and tortured character faces a variety of challenges and moral dilemmas as he navigates his paradoxical situation. His mission takes a turn as he decides to not just collect the doomed souls but help them rectify their pasts and habits, hoping they can escape the fate they've doomed themselves to. Helping these individuals proves a turbulent task as it interferes with the devil’s plans, climaxing into nail-biting suspense.

His struggles are complicated by other characters in the series, providing further depth and intrigue. Carly Pope plays Maya Kandinski, a medical student and heroin addict who later becomes Pym's love interest. Sonya Salomaa is cast as the devil's new collector, and her character presents Pym with an ongoing opposition.

Ellen Dubin plays Jeri Slate, a dead radio talk show host who becomes sort of an ally to Pym while maintaining her own secret agenda. Christine Chatelain plays Taylor Slate, Jeri Slate’s niece, who unknowingly finds herself entwined in Pym's world, hightening the element of intrigue and suspense.

The show sets itself apart with its unique story arcs. Each episode focuses on a different person who, like Pym, has sold their soul to the devil in exchange for a better earthly life. The narrative then delves into detailed character studies, highlighting the human tendency to crave more, without understanding the potential implications. These narratives play out like morality tales, often filled with heartbreaking stories of lost dreams, unfulfilled desires, and the consequential costs of greed.

Fluidly blending genres, The Collector goes beyond being just a supernatural drama. It weaves threads of mystery, suspense, romance, and moral philosophy into a rich narrative tapestry that resonates with diverse audiences.

The visual aesthetics of The Collector also deserve special mention. The series is known for its atmospheric, moody cinematography that often employs striking compositional tactics and lighting to evoke a specific ambiance befitting of its dramatic and supernatural elements.

The performances by the lead cast elevate the series, with Chris Kramer particularly impressing with his portrayal of the complex character, Morgan Pym. His nuanced performance makes it both easy to sympathize with his character's struggles yet intrigued by the mysteries surrounding him. The rest of the lead ensemble adds gravitas to the show with their equally exceptional performances

On the dialogue front, the script balances philosophical musings about morality and the consequences of one's actions with clever wit and occasional humor, preventing the show from descending into a grim, one-note exposition on punishment and redemption.

In summary, The Collector is a thought-provoking, supernatural drama series that dives deep into the human ethos through compelling character-driven stories. It examines life’s challenges, human desires, and moral complexities through the prism of a never-ending struggle between good and evil. For viewers seeking a blend of supernatural themes, philosophical undercurrents, and emotionally gripping storylines, The Collector provides a beautifully dark, yet enlightening viewing experience.