TV Review: ‘Ash vs Evil Dead’

Posted on November 18, 2015 by

Ash vs Evil Dead - Ash with chainsaw

Ash vs Evil Dead is here and it’s groovy, baby! This is the return of Evil Dead that we Deadites have been waiting for. Don’t get me wrong, the 2013 reboot of Evil Dead was incredible, but I need my chainsaw wielding, boomstick slinging Ash Williams.

Due to the fact that the directors and writers vary in between episodes, I felt it necessary to wait a few weeks before reviewing. Well, that and the fact that I didn’t have Starz when the first episode premiered. The show doesn’t seem to be available through Apple TV or Amazon Prime either. I’m not sure what the plans are to make the show more accessible, but hopefully there are a few media outlets in consideration.

Back to the blood and guts. All aspects of the show are right on point. The suspense, gore, and humor are everything that you hoped it would be. The first episode was written and directed by Sam Rami. The second episode was written by Dominic Dierkes and the third by Sean Clements. Michael J. Bassett directed both the second and third episodes. Although the writing and directing roles will shift, fear not. Had the information been kept secret, I would have assumed that all episodes were written and directed by Sam Rami.

Bruce Campbell resumes his role of Ash, without skipping a single beat. Not to feed his ego or sound like a giddy fanboy, but Campbell dominates the show. Ash Williams belongs to Bruce Campbell, and it is as simple as that. There are a few new faces in the Evil Dead world. My second favorite character slot would have to go to Pablo Simon Bolivar, played by Ray Santiago. The chemistry between Ash and Pablo works very well. Both characters are funny and play off each other, tossing the jokes back and forth. Kelly Maxwell, played by Dana Delorenzo, hasn’t really had a chance to shine through yet, but I feel that her role will amplify as the show progresses.

What about the music? Wonderful! The composer of the original Evil Dead films, Joseph LoDuca, returned to create the music for Ash vs Evil Dead. In fact, the score for Ash vs Evil Dead is set to be released December 11, 2015.

Everything about Ash vs Evil Dead is great. Everything except for the episode length. The first episode was 45 minutes long, which wasn’t bad. The second episode kicked off the standard length of 30 minutes. Although there are no commercials, 30 minutes is way too short. Right when the episode starts to really ramp up and put you on the edge of your seat, bam it’s over! In my opinion, I feel each episode should be an hour. Other than that, I have no complaints.

If you haven’t seen the first episode yet, you’re in luck, because the first hit is free! Head on over to Starz to stream episode 101.

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