Kevin Smith
The Show: Reaper
The Key Episode: Pilot (Season One, September 2007)
Film might be a director's medium, but TV belongs to writer/producers, so it's unusual for a helmer so used to control over his own output to switch back.
But Kevin Smith was tempted by the chance to direct someone else's work as he began to branch out (he's just made A Couple Of Dicks) based on a script he didn't write and also to try his hand at more effects work.
Reaper also spoke to his yappy slacker talents too - while it does follow a young man who discovers his parents have sold his soul to satan and now he must work for the devil, it's loaded with snappy dialogue.
He'd made one shot at TV before, too - the cancelled-too-soon Clerks cartoon series.
The Trademark Flourishes: Smith himself admits he hasn't been the world's most visual director, so this was another example of him stretching himself a little.
And co-star Tyler Labine was the perfect foil for his attention to comedy detail. Smith liked working with him so much, he scored him a small role in Zack & Miri Make A Porno.
But while he pulled off the required demonic events and stunts, it was still his ear for well-chewed chat that shone through and helped the show to land successfully on the air.
For two seasons, at least.
Like This? Then try...
Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here.
Follow us on Twitter here.
Comments