10.01.2007

Don't Fear the Reaper, Chuck

If you took recent hits Heroes and Alias, mashed them together and sprinkled some Supernatural sauce on top, you'd get the one-two punch of Reaper and Chuck. On The CW and NBC, respectively, they're both iterations on the "geeks save the world" theme. While it's not a surprise that different networks execute shows along a similar theme (see Singing Bee vs. Don't Forget the Lyrics), it's a shocker that they're both killer.

Reaper's about a slacker who works at a big box supply store who finds out that his parents sold his soul to the devil and is forced to work for him as a bounty hunter. Chuck's about a slacker who works at a big box supply store who finds out that his friend emailed him all the government's secrets and is forced to work for them as a spy. They share wacky best friends, hot potential love interests and terrifically smart scripts. They also benefited from big-time directors at the helm - Kevin Smith knocked out the Reaper pilot while McG made Chuck better than either of the Charlie's Angels.

Also, Chuck's a great companion piece to Heroes and Reaper matches well with... America's Next Top Model? Ok, well, the similarities had to end somewhere. Chuck drew bigger ratings, too, so if Reaper flounders, here's hoping it shifts to Thursday, where it'd slot in nicely with Smallville and Supernatural.

Regardless, they're both absolutely worth a watch - tune in and geek out.

6 comments:

McGone said...

Both shows are added into the rotation for me this season, mostly because I like all the talent involved. Especially Adam Baldwin, who hopefully has found his hit.

On a tangential note... how in hell is Smallville still on? That show is beyond awful. It actually angers me.

Geo said...

mcgone: I've got a love-hate with Smallville. Eps that are leading up to the fact that Clark is, you know, Superman are usually fun (like last year's Justice League Jr. arc). However, those are often reserved for season premieres/finales and sweeps - the rest often feel like filler.

Valerie said...

I'm a "Chuck" fan...I wasn't aware of "Reaper," but I'll look for it now.

tangent question: are those your wrists in the profile picture?

nice cuff links.

Frank Sirmarco said...

Chuck's won me over in two eps. I've already got two shows recording at 7pm and 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I've yet to check out Reaper. Really want to though. Not in the iTunes store either. Bummer.

Anonymous said...

I haven't watched Chuck but I love Reaper. The premise of the show is something my parents would've done. Or maybe they have.

Geo said...

Frank: what're your conflicts?

Suzel: welcome. And good luck in Hell ;)