Never underestimate the power of goofy energy, which elevates this pilot a cut above most recent “nerd as hero” concepts. Learning that your parents sold your soul to the Devil makes for a bummer of a 21st birthday, but it’s a clever series set-up, albeit one that risks becoming “Buddy the Vampire Slayer” on an episodic basis. Still, “Reaper” enjoys terrific satanic support from Ray Wise as You Know Who and, if it can keep conjuring up a broth of humor and action, could become a new cult hit for CW, which would probably sell its corporate soul for one.

With a perfect mix of humor, action, romance, and drama, we’re picking “Reaper” as our favorite new show of the Fall TV season. It’s hitting the CW’s airwaves this Tuesday at 9 PM.

Alright, alright…Can’t wait until Tuesday? Yahoo is presenting the show’s complete first act, streaming live via their website. Just look for the little grid of white boxes in the lower right corner of the page’s splash graphic. You’ll see a preview of “Reaper” but then below will notice you can click an option to play the entire first act. You’ll be hooked.