When you think The CW, you most likely think of One Tree Hill and other 13 year old girl favorites. The network currently has huge ratings with the 90210 revisited and the PG-porn Gossip Girl, but there is something else on there for those not into all the 'drama'.

Reaper is the tale of Sam, a chronic under-achiever who finds out on his 21rst birthday that his parents sold his soul to the devil when they were younger. Thanks Mom! With the help of his two equally under-achieving and hilarious friends, Sam works as the Devil's bounty hunter – tracking down escaped souls and sending them back to hell. While the premise might be a little out there, especially for a network known for Primetime J-High Soaps, we guarantee you'll become a fan.

Show has a strong cast lead by Bret Harrison, a regular to the sitcom scene. Other highlights include Ray Wise's awesome Devil character and the witty comic relief of Sam's friend/coworker Tyler Labine.

We had the opportunity to speak with the show's star, Bret Harrison, while prepping for filming of the second season in Vancouver.


BOOSH: Let's talk about the show reaper. The whole concept is sort of crazy. How did you feel about it when you were first approached?

BRET: I certainly wasn't sold right away. I was confused. When you're literally saying so I'm a hitman for the devil you immediately think of, I don't know, it sounded wierd. But they sort of pitched it as Ghostbusters meets Shaun of the Dead. It made more sense after that. Then when Kevin Smith became attached, it was obviously more enticing. Biggest problem, and by far the hardest thing in first season, was finding the right tone. It can go in so many different directions. We finally have it.


BOOSH: From The Loop to Grounded With Life, you've done a lot with comedies. I know a lot of actor's feel the funny is more entertaining. Is that what attracts you to those projects?

BRET: Absolutely. For me, I was up for a law show, sort of CSI style, but to do a CSI type program week in week out isn't my thing. I freaked out a bit [when I was up for casting], because I saw myself 8 years older, had a mini heart attack. Reaper is just more fun.


BOOSH: In its first season, the show sort of got derailed like so many new shows with the writer's strike. What was the mentality like in Hollywood during that time on the set of a new program?

BRET: It was kind of a blessing in disguise. We were one of the few shows that did come back and those last 6 episodes are my favorite from the first season. After the writer's strike, the network backed off and let the writers do what they wanted to do. Gave them more time to sit down and figure out what the show was about.

BOOSH: You were green lit for a second season, now there are talks of an actor's strike. How is the outlook from what you can see?

BRET: Yeah, I don't even know. I'm a bad actor because I know there's talk but it's the last thing on my mind. Everyone on the set is worried, asking "do you think we're going to come back?" It's all political shit, and I learned a long time ago to throw that out.



BOOSH: The show is really not like all the other teen drama stuff on the CW. I mean, it's funny. What is it like being on the lineup with those types of shows?

BRET: Oh man, it's so hard. It's hard being on a show that no one necessarily gives a shit about. From the beginning I don't understand how we got picked up with a strong male following, with a company that wants to brand it's demo as a strong strong female demographic. Every show on there is a soap opera. Josh Shwartz is doing well with Gossip Girl, I can see why people are into that. The biggest problem is people don't know what the CW is. If 90210 brings people to the network, it's all in good for Reaper. People see it and tune in, keep watching it.

The first drafts are 10 times darker than what ends up on TV. I wish they could make the cut. Because there's an inherent talking about religion, the writers have to make Sam such a good guy or it might be seen as pissing on religion.


BOOSH: What kind of stuff can fans expect from the next season?

BRET: This next season so much has to do with Sam trying to get out of his contract with the Devil. He meets Sean Patrick Harris, who has gotten out of his deal. Has to be on consecrated ground at all times, so they try to send Sean to Vatican City and then he'll help Sam. It also explores Sock and Ben's characters more. Ben's dating a demon girlfriend so that adds some drama and Sam's big dilemma comes when he finds out he has a half brother.
 

BOOSH: The cast seems to have a great time together on screen, is that just for show?

BRET: [Laugh] Not at all. It's a great time. We shoot in Vancouver and we're really into 5 pin bowling. The whole crew went out last weekend and played. It's like chucking a baseball at a bunch of bottles.

Ken Marino and Michael Ian Black play a gay couple that lives next door. They're great to hang out with. Ken has a karaoke room in his house. I didn't think I would ever really get into it, but I went one time and it was a lot of fun. Ken's favorite is Michael McDonald.



BOOSH: You're in a band with Adam Brody, Big Japan – but I see there hasn't been much updating on that page. Is that still going on?

BRET: I always get hit up on that. I feel like such a nerd, it's something we never took too seriously. We've jammed around, but acting/writing is my first priority. I'm in Vancouver, so the band is on hold. But it was certainly something I got to have for myself. Do something on the side and not worry if I'm gonna get paid.



The second season of Reaper is set for a mid-season release later this Spring, but if you need to catch up on the action first time around Reaper: Season One is now available on DVD. You can get all the insider info here at CWTV.com