I'm not sure if there's room for two shows about a geek who's thrust into the role of anonymous hero after developing special powers, but I've been enjoying both Chuck (Monday nights on NBC) and Reaper (Tuesday nights on The CW) regardless of their similarities (and low ratings). While Chuck is The Office meets Alias, Reaper is The Office meets Buffy The Vampire Slayer, as the two creators cut their teeth on that cult show. Reaper relies less on music, for the most part, but this week's episode had some exceptional choices.

Near the end (again, like Chuck), Reaper has a moment of reflection, this time with Andi revealing to Sam that she's staying at their McJob (the Home Depot-like Work Bench) for at least another semester (thanks to Satanic intervention -- Ray Wise's devilish smile on full display). For the scene, Reaper employs the use of the great Grizzly Bear track "On a Neck, On a Spit," focusing on the song's haunting second half. The lyrics -- "Each day I spend it with you now" -- escalate in volume as Sam realizes he's got another chance to get his act together and ask Andi out. The devil and I both are wondering why Sam's feet are in cement on the issue. Andi (Missy Peregrym) is hot and is obviously into him. Yeah, I know... dark secret, the devil's in the details, yada yada yada. Back to second chances, consider this yours on the Grizzly Bear front: their Yellow House album was in my top 10 from last year, and it won't be long before more people catch on to their brilliance.

Earlier in the episode, The Decemberists' "The Perfect Crime #2" blares its Talking Heads-like rhythm from the bar jukebox. I'd love an excuse to quote the song's eloquent lyrics, but they really have nothing to do with the scene. An unfortunate placement, but hearing the song put a smile on my face regardless.

Reaper - Episode 103
1. "New Day's Dawning" - Saturn Missiles (MySpace) - Sam repeatedly finds a cockroach on his toothbrush.
2. "Perfect Crime #2" - The Decemberists - The gang celebrates Andi's decision to go back to school at a bar.
3. "On a Neck, On a Spit" - Grizzly Bear [mp3] - Andi reveals to Sam that she's not going back to school just yet.

drake lelane
all kinds of second chances at the music/soundtrack blog thus spake drake

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