The CW Network recently announced it wasn’t bringing back its cult series Reaper back for another season much to the dismay of many loyal viewers. It can hardly come as a surprise though, as season two of the terrific series almost never saw the light of day. The CW started airing season two at midseason and then aired all 13 episodes in a row. It ended just a few weeks ago and now season two is already on DVD in this attractive package.

Fans know what to expect from Reaper. A sharp slacker comedy mixed with supernatural elements. Sam (affable Bret Harrison) works with two pals and his girlfriend at “The Work Bench” but has a second job working as a bounty hunter for The Devil. Satan is played with a creepy sneer and a wicked sense of humor by Ray Wise. Wise is the standout on the show. This season the series concerned Sam trying to find a way out of the deal his parents made with The Devil for his soul. His friend Ben got an attractive demon girlfriend and his other friend Sock had to deal with a pretty stepsister. The series looks excellent on DVD and the transfers are sharp and clear. It’s a treat to watch this series minus The CW’s frequent and intrusive commercial breaks. The 4 DVD set also includes a few nifty extras for fans including a short making of featurette, a gag reel, and some deleted scenes.

Reaper is one of the best and most consistently funny and inventive television shows of past years and did not deserve to be cancelled. As fans wait for a definitive answer on its future (rumors that season 3 might move to another network for syndication are still floating around), they can enjoy season 2 on DVD. The fact the the series had an open ending lacking closure is the only mark against this set. Ray Wise owns this hilarious show, but the entire cast makes this a devilish good time. Sometimes smart, sometimes supremely silly, and always a great time, Reaper was a lot of fun.

Grade: A-

• Tweet