Review: ‘Reaper’ - Acid Queen
The following contains MAJOR SPOILERS for “Acid Queen,†an episode of the CW series, “Reaper.â€Â  ÂÂ
Sam: “Of course, you swing both ways."
The Devil: “Hey, at least I swing, baby."
Sam’s (Bret Harrison) problems with women seem to be turning around. Instead of a dry spell, he’s now faced with an embarrassment of riches when Andi (Missy Peregrym) finally reveals her true feelings for him.
The following contains MAJOR SPOILERS for “Acid Queen,†an episode of the CW series, “Reaper.â€Â  ÂÂ
Sam: “Of course, you swing both ways."
The Devil: “Hey, at least I swing, baby."
Sam’s (Bret Harrison) problems with women seem to be turning around. Instead of a dry spell, he’s now faced with an embarrassment of riches when Andi (Missy Peregrym) finally reveals her true feelings for him. Unfortunately, he is still technically dating Cady (Jessica Stroup), even though she’s left town for a while and isn’t returning his calls.
Sam is unable to dwell on his good fortune, however, once demon bounty hunting duty calls. That, and he, Sock (Tyler Labine) and Ben (Rick Gonzalez) are awkwardly trying to avoid their demon neighbors.
The soul he is sent to trap is a beautiful model named Nicole Manders (Erica Cerra) who likes to eradicate her competition by spraying them with acid. So, difficult as it may be, the boys have to hang with some gorgeous gals in order to trap the vindictive vixen. Their connection with neighbors Tony (Ken Marino) and Steve (Michael Ian Black) helps them get into a party where her next target is scheduled to be and helps Sam score some points with Andi.
Things go wrong, though, when the Acid Queen attacks Andi. Sam manages to trap the soul with bubbles (yes, bubbles), but only after a car crash that injures Andi. He decides to put some distance between them in order to protect her, but she’s not buying the story that she was imagining things due to a concussion.
Meanwhile, Tony and Steve have a renewed interest in Sam after they learn that the Devil speaks with him personally. Seems that makes Sam special, and they’d like to know why.
What Worked
I love that they seem to be moving things along now, with a larger mythology involving other demons and their relationship †or lack thereof †with the Prince of Darkness. Once the show starts delving into some conspiracies and subterfuge, things could get really interesting.
Finally, Sam and Andi went on a date and kissed. And it was a nice change to see her do something other than show up for him to pine after. Okay, so she just showed up for him to gawk at and kiss, but maybe it’s a first step to her further involvement in storylines.
As always, the acting was spot on. And I particularly enjoyed the demon neighbors and the Devil. Also, it was great to see Erica Cerra who plays Deputy Jo Lupo on SciFi Channel’s “Eureka.â€Â
What Didn’t Work
The soul catching seems to be getting a little too easy. Sure, he’s gotten some practice, and since he’s not an idiot, he would get better at it. However, there is a danger in losing the suspense.
And, I fear, the Andi/Sam relationship that almost was will be reset right back to the frustrating place from which it began. Surely there’s something this girl can do in the show, and as far as Sam’s concern for her safety, I’m a little confused why he doesn’t harbor those same fears for his two best friends. Whether or not she wants to get involved should be her choice. Besides, their Reaper Scooby Gang might benefit from the addition of their very own Daphne.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
“Acid Queen†was written by Alan Cross (“Get Realâ€Â) and directed by James Head(“Blood Tiesâ€Â). “Reaper†airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. on The CW.
Julie Pyle is a staff writer and reviewer for Rabid Doll, contributing from her home in Vancouver, Canada. She can be reached at any time by leaving a comment below.
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