I hesitate to call this a series finale because the talk of a move to syndication is still out there. It remains a long shot, but let’s hold off calling it done until there is official word. That unknown fate of the show obviously factored into how this season finale played out. The dominoes were all lined up to wrap the whole thing up in a nice little bow, but it didn’t quite go down like that.
We did get to see the expected showdown between Sam and Jerry, but it lacked a certain finality. Doors were left open and the transition to a season three would be an easy one. Along the way, more good stuff with Ben, Nina, and Granny Gonzalez. And one last crazed rampage, complete with an exorcism, for Sock. It was a good way for Reaper to go out, season or series.
So, let’s start right there at the end. What did you think? Good? Bad? A little of both? You have to think that if it had been clear that this was the last episode, Sam would have defeated Jerry in the rematch and everyone would live happily ever after. Unfortunately, not knowing for sure meant there had to be something left for bringing the show back. I thought the stuff with Steve felt a bit off from the get go (as it should have), and was, actually, considering that it wasn’t Steve at all. Once again, Jerry was a step ahead of Sam and was setting him up. Of course, it was Steve, and what was really going on was even more confusing.
Someone upstairs has a much grander plan for Sam. So much so that they are actively sabotaging his attempts to get out of his deal, and throwing Andi’s soul out with the bathwater. That was an unexpected turn, but one that I think works well for the series going forward. It’s not ideal if this is the last we see of Reaper, but at least it offered some closure for Sam and Andi. Finally, after all the ups and downs, I think this time they really are together, and it’s going to work out.
Elsewhere, it was a nice last look at Ben and Nina, as well. I liked that they tied up the story with Grandma, and Nina’s sacrifice to fix things with Ben and his family was sweet. If the show doesn’t come back, I hope some casting director has the good sense to snap up Jenny Wade and get her back on our TVs on a weekly basis. The whole thing was topped off rather nicely by Sock, whacked out of his mind on toad excretions, trying valiantly to save the day. They even managed one last off-the-wall discussion with the shark attack. Good stuff.
So, that might be all she wrote. Or might not. If by some strange Dollhousian miracle the show does come back, you can be sure that we’ll be talking about it here. And if it doesn’t, well what can you say? It was a great, and all too short, run for the gang down at the ‘Bench. Reaper will be added to the list of those shows that went away far too early.
Clacked by Brett Love 
on May 27, 2009 @ 09:00 EST5EDT
Some of the timing of the most inane lines make me laugh. When Sock was talking about that gum, with the stuff that comes out when you chew it, and Ben says “flavor?” – It still makes me laugh to type it out and say it in my head.
The finale made it almost a partner show with Supernatural, but on the humorous side of the spectrum. I liked the ending, confusing though it was, and that Andi lost her soul trying to save Sam from losing his. Seems to me the gods would definitely find that to be well-played, if not in her best interest.
BTW – Jenny Wade was supposed to be Body Politic, which was not picked up. It was disappointing that CW didn’t go with it; not even a mention of a possible mid-season pick up during the up fronts.
What the he99, literally??? How did this resolve anything???.. Sam didn’t beat the devil, Andy lost her soul as well and now we’ll never know if they get their souls back or not. BAD way to go out. Ray Wise said it would leave you with a happy feeling that Sam could go on with his life now. WHATTT?? Nothings changed!!! They should at least have a show where Sam and Andy get their souls back.