Spoiler-Free Review of “Evil Dead Rise” in Theaters: Blood-Drenched Terror At Its Finest!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“It’s called the Book of the Dead for a reason…”

Evil Dead Rise released in theaters on April 21st 2023. The latest entry to the Evil Dead franchise stars Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Nell Fisher, Gabrielle Echols, and Morgan Davies.

Beth goes to visit her sister and her family when a sinister evil is unleashed upon them, threatening to kill them all off one by one.

Here is the trailer:

Evil Dead Rise brings one of the greatest horror franchises back to life again with shocking gore and truly disturbing moments. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Does the franchise proud!

The Evil Dead franchise is one of my favorites of all time and I think it successfully launched a remake in 2013 that kept fans satisfied while creating something new and terrifying in the process. Well, the latest 2023 entry goes even further and presents us with a chilling and sinister film that flawlessly channels the original films while unleashing a new evil upon us that was an absolute joy to watch on the big screen.

The gore was out of this world, the scenes were each more terrifying than the next, and that title card will probably haunt me for years to come…

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Electrifying performances.

Our two main leads were bad-ass and then some! Alyssa Sutherland was so shockingly amazing as a deadite and may be the most terrifying one of all time…

I absolutely loved the character of Beth as well and thought she really rocked the blood-soaked look with flair. There was pure magic between these characters and I was rooting for all of them in different ways.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

I don’t have any…

A flawless masterpiece!!!

Seriously, the pacing was on point, the scenes were all so captivating and stunning to watch unfold, and the terrifying moments were truly extraordinary.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

I’m in 1000 percent!!!

Chilling, gory, and wickedly entertaining!

I’ve been so incredibly excited to watch this film and it did not disappoint! What are you waiting for? See this on the big screen if you can!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Evil Dead Rise in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Ranking my top 5 Horror TV Shows: “Well good news I found a piece of pie with no blood on it. Anybody want a bite?”

Greetings TV Fans!  With all of the excitement centered on the release of the trailer for the upcoming Halloween film, I started to really think about some of my favorite horror films of all time and then I realized that there are quite a few TV shows that fit the bill as well.  Whether you enjoy campy horror, slasher suspense, or zombies galore, horror TV shows have been around for quite a while and still stand the test of time.  For today, I am going to be ranking my absolute favorite horror TV shows.  Please note that for this list I have decided not to include TV shows that overlap in fantasy, supernatural, and sci-fi.  For example, shows like Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, and True Blood will not be included because I think they have so many other layers with elements of horror.  That being said, if you have read my blog before, you know that I am a huge fan of these shows, but I wanted the chance to let some other horror TV shows take the spotlight.   Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch any of the series below yet. My top 5 horror TV shows are:

5

Slasher

I recently got the chance to binge-watch the first two seasons of Slasher on Netflix and I have to say that the show pulled me in right away.  If you are a fan of slasher films like Scream, this is the show for you.  The first season centers around the character, Sarah who finds herself caught in the middle of a series of murders that are very similar to the murder of her own parents.  The opening episode is beyond terrifying featuring the killer, The Executioner, who will give you nightmares for sure.  The second season follows a completely different story-line and has more of an Agatha Christie type feel, as we learn about a group of friends who were responsible for killing a girl many years ago and try to put together the missing pieces when they later return.  Each season brings different elements to the table, but has a healthy dose of gore, mystery, and twists that are not that easy to guess, which is refreshing.

4

Scream Queens

I am a huge fan of campy horror and I thoroughly enjoy films like Shaun of the Dead, Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, The Evil Dead franchise, and The Cabin in the Woods.  I think there is something to be said about the perfect blend of horror and comedy that is just pure genius.  Even though Scream Queens only lasted two seasons, this show had me laughing out loud and screaming whenever the Red Devil made an appearance.  The show follows a sorority who is targeted by the killer, but I have to say that Niecy Nash playing the security guard, Denise is the absolute best part of the show.  While you may think you have seen a million movies like this before, Scream Queens really delivers and I was beyond disappointed when the show was cancelled.

3

Bates Motel

Have you ever wondered what turned Norman Bates into the infamous killer in Psycho?  Bates Motel gave us the chance to really dive into the dark and creepy world of Norman Bates.  The show is a prequel and we get a glimpse into Norman’s life as a teenager.  The acting on this show is outstanding and the characters really draw you in, as you almost feel sympathy for Norman as you see the events that lead to his breakdown.  The show has an eerie and mysterious feel, drawing the viewer in seamlessly.  While we don’t see as much blood and gore in this particular show, Norman’s actions are bone-chilling and beyond creepy, which scare us in an entirely different way.  When Norman dresses up as his mother, it’s scary how he is able to emulate her mannerisms and words to perfection.  While the show answers many questions from Psycho, it also does a great job of paving its own identity, causing you to be on the edge of your seat at all times, never knowing what to truly expect from the Bates family.

2

Ash vs Evil Dead

Ash vs Evil Dead is another show that is the epitome of campy horror.  Bruce Campbell is a genius and I have been a fan of the Evil Dead franchise for a long time.  The show gave fans the chance to fall in love with Ash Williams, or “Ashy Slashy,” all over again, accepting that the only person who can stand in the way of evil is not afraid to deliver a well thought out pun just before destroying a deadite in grotesque and creative ways.  The show also allows fans to get to know the Ghost Beaters, Kelly and Pablo, who team up with Ash against the she-devil, Ruby, played by the absolutely fabulous Lucy Lawless.  The show recently aired its series finale, but provided fans with three seasons of fun, gore, comedy, and great music.  You are seriously missing out if you do not check this show out.  “Groovy.”   

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one pick are:

  • Scream
  • It
  • Are You Afraid of the Dark?
  • Twin Peaks
  • The Twilight Zone
  • Goosebumps
  • The Strain
  • Hannibal
  • The Walking Dead franchise

1

American Horror Story

It should be no surprise that my favorite horror TV show is FX’s American Horror Story.  The show is created by Ryan Murphy and does an amazing job of covering every element of horror.  Each season features a different premise with a new type of evil never lurking too far away.  While each season is unique in its own way, my absolute favorites are Coven, Hotel, and Murder House.  The show is not afraid to test boundaries and will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time.  There have been some moments on the show that have been so frightening that I was not able to sleep without seeing Twisty the Clown appear in my nightmares.  The show does a great job of bringing one’s fears to the surface, but it also really looks into the darkness that exists within society as well, which really elevates the show.  The most recent season focused on a cult, proving that humanity can be just as capable of performing evil as spirits and vampires.  I was also very intrigued by the comparison of each season to a circle of hell from Dante’s Inferno Dante’s journey through each circle exposes him to different types of sin and evil that exist in the world and within society, which adds even more complexity to American Horror Story.  I am beyond excited to see what the next season brings and what sins it will explore next.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to share some of your own thoughts and comments on your favorite horror TV shows. 

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Ash vs Evil Dead” season 3 episode 10 Series Finale: “The Mettle of Man”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Starz’s Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 10 series finale last night, there is something bitter sweet about the end of one the most brilliant and entertaining shows on television.  While the series may be over, the many adventures of Ash, Kelly, Pablo, and Brandy will always remain “groovy” for us fans.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Mettle of Man,” Ash has doubts about accepting his destiny, but receives a motivational speech from his loving daughter, Brandy.  Meanwhile, Pablo goes into the rift to save Kelly and the military arrives, as evil spreads all over the world.  My top 5 moments from the Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 10 series finale are:

5

“You taught me to believe in you and I do.”

In the beginning of the episode, we learn that Kandar the Destroyer has been unleashed on the world to test the “Mettle of Man.”  While Pablo tries to explain that “it’s the final test Jefe,” Ash is having some doubts about his role in all of this.  Brandy refuses to let Ash take a seat on the sidelines and I have to say that Brandy has transformed into quite the bad-ass at the end of the series, refusing to let anyone get in her way.  After all, she is a Williams, just like Ash.  Brandy motivates Ash and tells him, “I don’t know much about this evil dead crap…you’re the savior of humanity so get on your damn feet and own up to who you are.  You taught me to believe in you and I do so please don’t let me down now.”  Even though we have witnessed Brandy kicking some serious deadite ass, this speech to Ash is what truly makes her stand out and is the inspiration that Ash needs to go after Kandar.  Well right after he gets “baked” of course.  In a heart-warming gesture, Ash gives Brandy the necklace he has been carrying around with him since the beginning, passing on his legacy to her, which is beautiful and genuine.  While Brandy tells him that they are in this together, Ash intends on protecting her no matter what.  It looks like Ash finally got the hang of this fatherhood thing after all.

4

Pablo goes through the rift to save Kelly.

Pablo is still being shielded from evil, as they think he is one of them because he is “El Brujo Especial.”  Ash is amused by this and comments that he is just like Kane the wrestler.  Pablo realizes that since the rift is open, he can go in himself and be alright because of his new abilities.  Ash trusts him and Pablo takes the plunge.  He quickly jumps out, but is heartbroken when Kelly doesn’t wake up.  After a few nail-biting moments, Kelly wakes up and Pablo kisses her passionately, causing fans everywhere to cheer.  It’s about time you two!  Kelly keeps her sense of humor alive when she sees her reflection and says, “I look like Keith Richards.”  Whether she is ghostly pale or not, Kelly still looks fabulous and is ready to unleash her fury on the deadites.  Welcome back to the land of the living Kelly!

3

“I’m not running from this one.”

After the Ghost Beaters begin fighting off evil with the military, they jump in a van to get to safety.  Ash comes to the realization that this is the moment where he needs to say goodbye and go at it alone.  He tells Kelly to be the leader now and says, “Pablo, you’re the Jefe now.”  Brandy is begging him not to leave her but he reminds her, “Brandy, I’m doing this for you.”  Ash finally accepts his destiny as “The Savior” and turns to face Kandar, leaving his friends and family behind to protect them.

2

“Ok big boy.  Ashley J. Williams is coming for you!”

Ash quickly makes the decision to jump in one of the military tanks to take on Kandar and comments, “Just like Battle Zone the arcade game.”  After all, how hard could it be to operate a tank?  Ash gets creative with his attack and is locked and loaded with the Kandarian Dagger, using duct tape for good measure.  While I’m not sure this could ever work, we cheer on Ash just the same, hoping that he will be able to take down evil and make it back to his friends.  Ash fires away and takes Kandar down, but not before he lands on top of the tank with Ash still inside.

1

“It’s all gone…”

After the tank is crushed, Ash is dragged away and we see the blurred image of a Knights of Sumeria ring.  Ash is put into some type of chamber and wakes up with white sprinkled through his hair and an upgraded hand, suggesting that he has been asleep for quite some time and is now in a futuristic world.  Ash is greeted by some type of female android who refers to him as “The Savior” and tells him they need to get moving.  After revealing Ash’s beloved car with some upgrades of its own, he begins asking about where Brandy is.  The android explains that she’ll explain on the way and when she asks Ash how he feels, he gives fans a response we can all be satisfied with when he simply says, “Groovy.”  While there are still a lot of questions unanswered about what happened to the world and how far into the future they are, one thing is for certain.  Ash is still alive and kicking and is ready to take on evil once again.  After all, Ash is a “Ghost Beater for life” and so are we.  While the series ends open enough to perhaps take on another movie one day, fans can take comfort in knowing that Ash is still fighting the good fight with his humor intact.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on Ash vs Evil Dead in the comments section below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Ash vs Evil Dead” season 3 episode 8: “Ghost Beaters Never Leave a Man Behind”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Starz’s Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 8 last night, I felt a familiar shudder, bringing back old nightmares from the 2009 film “Drag Me to Hell,” which happens to be directed by the wonderful, Sam Raimi.  I wonder if he was on the same page here too because I was just as equally frightened by the demon in the rift, refusing to let any soul escape unclaimed.  Too bad Ash is not playing by its rules.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Rifting Apart,” Ash and Pablo work together to open the rift, Brandy runs into an old friend, and Kaya brings Ruby something or someone that can potentially change their destiny.  My top 5 moments from Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 8 are:

5

“Just like old times.”

Ash refuses to sit around and feel sorry for himself after his daughter is stabbed in front of him.  Pablo and him decide to work together to make things right.  Ash lets Pablo know that “to save those two I would submit to a prostate exam,” which proves he means business.  After all, he was just reunited with his daughter and Kelly is like family as well.  Pablo and Ash steal Brandy’s body from the coroner, as they need to make sure she is intact when her spirit comes back through the rift.  Only, perhaps they should have checked the body bag next to her as well.  When they get to the cellar, Pablo and Ash look at each other, expecting the other one to have a plan.  After all, Pablo is “Cuervo Especial,” according to Ash.  After politely reminding him that he is “El Brujo Especial,” Pablo thinks that Ash will need to stab himself with the Kandarian dagger in order to get to Brandy and Kelly.  Seems like it makes sense, but Ash can’t do it.  The two decide to work together to stab Ash on the count of 3, only Ash throws in 2 and a half, which throws off the count.  “Was that 3?”  Ash wakes up in the rift and is off to find Brandy, depending on Pablo to be there to open the rift once they are ready.

4

Kaya brings Ruby a present.

Even though we don’t see Ruby for most of the episode, we know that she is off plotting somewhere.  Kaya decides to take matters into her own hands and captures Zoe, one of the Knights of Sumeria.  When Ruby discovers that she can speak Latin, she is more than pleased, as she realizes that Zoe may be the key to their victory.  She ominously tells her that “you’re going to help us re-write our destiny.”  Of course that only leaves us with more questions, but we will need to stay tuned to find out.

3

Pablo vs a deadite.

After one of the deceased high school students wakes up in the body bag next to Brandy’s, she is not about to let an opportunity go by without attacking Pablo.  Pablo needs to be at the rift to help open it for Ash, but gets distracted when he has to defend himself in the hardware store.  After strategically using his surroundings to his advantage, Pablo is able to defeat the deadite who was mocking his new title.  In victory, he reminds her and everyone who is watching that “It’s Brujo Especial…bitch!” 

2

“Save Kelly and your daughter Ash Williams.”

Brandy is frightened when she wakes up in the rift and is running from the beyond creepy demon.  After witnessing one of her classmates dragged beneath the surface, she is rescued by a familiar face.  Dalton shows up and the two run toward the abandoned “Cinema,” where they meet up with Kelly.  While they are unsure about what to do next, they are not going to go down without a fight.  After Ash arrives, the mission is to get to the opening of the rift, but this will not be so easy.  Dalton is aware of the stakes and distracts the demon so that Ash can get Kelly and Brandy to their destination.  Dalton tells Ash that he only asks that he tell Ruby that he’ll be waiting for her in hell.  He passionately kisses Kelly and rushes off to carry out his mission.  After successfully distracting the monster, Dalton sacrifices himself and is brutally dragged to hell, but his good deed gave Ash the time he needed to turn his “idea of a plan” into an actual plan.

1

“Ghost beaters never leave a man behind.”

Ash explains that he is not about to let evil mess with his family.  After Dalton’s sacrifice, Ash, Brandy, and Kelly take cover in Ash’s car.  Kelly explains that nothing works in the rift, but Ash is able to get “baby” started.  After all, “Evil is not the boss of us.  Buckle up!”  The other souls stuck in the rift are more than pleased to see Ash run over the demon, as the three head to their destination.  Pablo is able to open the rift in the nick of time, but only Brandy and Ash can go through.  Something is preventing Kelly from passing through, which we know is Kaya occupying her body.  The rift closes, but Ash refuses to leave her behind.  At least Brandy and Ash are alive and well, but the threat is not even close to being over.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on Ash vs Evil Dead below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

 

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Ash vs Evil Dead” season 3 episode 6: “Tales From the Rift”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Starz’s Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 6 last night, I think it’s important that you never judge a book from its cover.  That is unless we are talking about “The Book of the Dead,” which contains the most unimaginable evil, including evil sorceresses who should really just stay put.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Tales From the Rift,” Kelly sees her mission through and brings the fight to Ruby, refusing to give up until she destroys her once and for all.  Meanwhile, Ash is visited by the Knights of Sumeria, Pablo begins tapping into his powers as “El Brujo Especial,” and the rift opens, which proves to be extremely dangerous.   My top 5 moments from Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 6 are:

5

“Like daughter, like Dad.”

After last week’s episode, Brandy makes the brave decision to trust her heart and her father in the process.  Brandy is surprisingly handling everything thrown her way pretty well so far and continues to grow closer to her dad, Ash.  She even makes him breakfast, which consists of actually toasting a pop tart, but Ash is beyond impressed.  Brandy is still not able to truly believe that Ms. Prevett, otherwise known as Ruby, is evil, however.  Ash continues to try and make her see it, but it looks like she will need to witness the Queen of Hell in action in order to fully understand it.  Either way, it’s good to see Brandy and Ash finally growing closer and bonding.

4

The Knights of Sumeria show up on Ash’s doorstep.

A group of the Knights of Sumeria shows up when they don’t hear back from Dalton.  They claim they can stop evil for good, which seems promising.  Ash is skeptical of this but is more than willing to give it a shot, especially since he has a daughter to protect.  They head off to the hardware store to find the body of Gary, who left them clues on the wall in Sumerian.  They believe that Gary had figured out a way to open the rift to the Netherworld and believe that could be the key to triggering the final battle.

3

“I think these guys flunked Sumerian 101.”

After determining that opening the rift could be the key to stopping evil, the group of Knights is determined to figure this out.  However, they are having a little bit of trouble reading the Sumerian on the wall.  When Pablo arrives at the store, he can surprisingly decode the text and opens the rift as a result.  The rift proves to be quite dangerous as one of the Knights goes through and returns as a deadite.  Ash is able to stop the threat, but it’s important that they figure out a way to close the rift in the meantime before anything else happens.

2

“I got a bad feeling about this.”

After Pablo became “El Brujo Especial,” his powers are now surfacing, surprising him and those around him.  He gets a sort of vision and realizes that Ash is in trouble at the hardware store.  After he arrives, his powers allow him to translate the Sumerian and open the rift, which the Knights of Sumeria explained was a task that was not so easily done.  After Ash manages to destroy the deadite, he tells Pablo that he needs to figure out a way to close the rift for good.  While Pablo’s abilities seem to be quite powerful, he will need to get a handle on them very quickly so that he can help Ash with the fight against evil.

1

“Don’t start a fight you can’t finish.”

Kelly makes good on her promise to stop Ruby and attacks her in her home.  She shoots her over and over, but Ruby tries to playfully remind her that she’s immortal.  Kelly reveals that she has the Kandarian Dagger and puts her best effort forward to try and stop Ruby once and for all.  She warns her that, “It’s Gladiator time, bitch,” and she means business.  Kelly’s fight against Ruby is commendable.  Even though she is mortal, she packs quite the punch and refuses to let Ruby escape.  While fans everywhere are rooting for Kelly, it seems unlikely that she will be able to finish the job.  Ruby turns the tables on her and uses the Kandarian Dagger to stab Kelly.  As her life pours out of her, Ruby tells her, “I hated you least of all Kelly.”  While characters don’t typically last too long on Ash vs Evil Dead, Kelly Maxwell has touched us all and is an irreplaceable member of the Ghost Beaters.  The important thing to remember is that dead doesn’t stay dead for very long on this show.  Ruby conveniently uses Kelly’s body as a vessel and allows her sorceress friend, Kaya to settle in there, freeing her from “The Book of the Dead.”  When Kaya sees Ash later on, she delivers him the dagger, continuing to pretend to be Kelly in the meantime.  While it breaks my heart to see Kelly’s mortal life over, I’m hoping that somehow Pablo’s new powers can bring her back from the dead and swap her soul with Kaya’s.  While it may seem far-fetched, the show desperately needs Kelly’s kick-ass attitude and commitment to bringing down evil.  The idea of Kelly being gone forever is heart-breaking.  My fingers are crossed that there is some kind of loop hole to help bring her back.  However, in the meantime, now that we know that Kaya is free, what is she capable of?  Will she and Ruby become an unstoppable force?  Stay tuned to find out!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on Ash vs Evil Dead below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Ash vs Evil Dead” season 3 episode 5: “El Brujo Especial”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Starz’s Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 5 last night, I think it’s sometimes necessary to find your destiny by closing your eyes and trusting your instincts.  Although this decision seems pretty important when it involves ensuring you choose good over evil with no do-overs.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Baby Proof,” Kelly and Brandy continue to get attacked by demon Pablo, which causes Pablo’s spirit to enter into another realm.  Meanwhile, Ash makes the connection that the evil baby is his son and tries to give him a time out that ends in one of them being stuffed into a trunk.  My top 5 moments from Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 5 are:

5

“Don’t make me get my leg waxed.” 

Kelly and Brandy are still under attack from demon Pablo and Kelly quickly learns that the miniature Pablo torturing her wound is connected to the demon Pablo.  She strategically uses fire to severely hurt Pablo and screams out “hot tamale!”  While it seems like this can hold him off temporarily, Brandy takes matters into her own hands when she stabs Pablo to Kelly’s horror.  While Pablo does not die, Kelly does not want to face a world without him.  At the end of the episode, Kelly says that she is “done being fucked with,” and decides to go after Ruby herself.  While Kelly is not one to be messed with, is she any match for Ruby?

4

“You keep your hands off of my boomstick.”

In case you are not familiar, the “boomstick” is Ash’s shotgun which he has used in Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness.  It rarely leaves Ash’s side and when Heidi attempts to use it to attack the demon baby, Ash has to put her in check.  She clearly does not understand the history and sentimental value of this weapon, but we sure do!

3

Pablo becomes “El Brujo Especial.”

After Brandy stabs Pablo, Pablo’s spirit wakes up in a void between realms and he comes face to face with the naked lady who we now know is named Maritza, along with his dead uncle.  Pablo has brought the Kandarian dagger and his uncle explains that he can now become “El Brujo Especial,” which Pablo innocently confuses with the name of a beer.  The task is not an easy one, however; as Pablo must choose between darkness and light.  Pablo trusts his instincts and says he’s got this and successfully chooses the right path.  When he wakes up, Kelly is so happy to see him and kisses him, which leads to a very interesting reaction on Pablo’s part, “where’s Ash?”  Pablo has embraced his new destiny and knows that he needs to help Ash with his fight against evil.  It’s great to have Pablo back, but what powers and responsibilities come along with being “El Brujo Especial?”  We’ll have to stay tuned to find out, but perhaps Ruby is not the most powerful one of all anymore.

2

“Here I come!”

After seeing that the baby demon has a miniature chainsaw arm, Ash quickly puts two and two together and realizes that this must be his son.  “That’s a little me!”  While the baby demon has got the smiling and giggling down pat, his idea of fun and games is a little bit more than Ash can handle.  Each time the baby yells out “Here I come,” a duck toy with a beyond creepy laugh almost surrounds them.  As a side note, I’m still having nightmares about this duck.  In a panic, Heidi destroys the ducky toy which was a big mistake, causing her to lose her life and her head…not sure where that went.  The baby demon takes things to the next level by playing a game of hide and seek like no other, as he literally crawls into the body of dead Heidi using different body orifices, which will have your skin crawling.  Ash tries to tell him that he is “way too young to be going up there” but the baby demon refuses to listen, leaving Ash with only one choice:  to utilize a bowling ball to plug up one orifice to trap “Tiny Tim” there until he can get to the bottom of this.

1

Brandy makes the right decision.

After surviving the attack from demon Pablo, Brandy is still not sure what to believe.  Ash and Ruby both show up trying to get her to come with them and even after Ash reveals that he has the baby demon, which now looks like an ordinary baby, locked up in his trunk, she makes the right call.  Brandy trusts her gut and goes with Ash.  Ash is more than pleased and says, “This is the first time you ever called me Dad,” which at least gives him hope and a future with one of his children.  Now that Brandy has chosen her father over Ruby, will she be in even more danger?  While it seems likely, it looks like Ash is building up quite the miniature army against Ruby, but will it be enough to stop her for good?

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on Ash vs Evil Dead below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

 

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Ash vs Evil Dead” season 3 episode 4: No Boys Allowed

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Starz’s Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 4 last night, I think it’s about time that Brandy bonded with someone other than Ash, her dead grandpa, or the queen of hell.  After all, this poor girl needs a break.  While Kelly is an excellent choice for this, it’s clear that they will not be braiding each other’s hair anytime soon.  Rather, they will need to team up to keep the forces of evil from ripping them to shreds.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Unfinished Business,” Ash’s dad returns from the dead…again, but this time there are some good intentions behind it.  Meanwhile, Kelly and Brandy get attacked by a demon Pablo, Ruby learns that the Knights of Sumeria have surfaced again, and Ash finds out about the lost pages from “The Book of the Dead” before stumbling upon an unexpected bundle of…well maybe not joy.  My top 5 moments from Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 4 are:

5

Ash’s dad is back…again.

After using his chainsaw to rip his already dead dad to pieces in front of poor Brandy, Ash’s dad returns again, but this time as a ghost.  Ash is more tolerable this time since the ghost is not influenced by Ruby and tells his dad “it’s nice to see you even though I’m looking through you.”  Ash’s dad always wanted to be a ghost and it looks like his dream has finally come true.  He reveals that he has returned to show Ash something important and proceeds to take him on a journey to his past memories.  Ash seems confused at first and his dad comically asks, “haven’t you seen It’s a Wonderful Life?”  While the memory reveals that his dad had the best intentions to protect Ash from harm, it shows him something even more important:  a Knight of Sumeria who possessed the lost pages of “The Book of the Dead,” which could be the key to Ash destroying all evil.

4

Ruby tries to get Dalton to talk.

Ruby is not pleased to learn that the Knights of Sumeria have re-surfaced and immediately recognizes the threat that they could bring.  She tracks down Dalton who is a deadite now and temporarily pushes away the evil so that she can get information from him.  Ruby demands to know where the rift is that contains the lost pages, but Dalton is not about to betray his calling or his friends.  He lets her know that they have the Kandarian dagger and will use it against her, right before blowing off his own head in a valiant, but really gruesome way to protect his friends.  Farewell new guy. 

3

“If you’re a deadite I’m in no fucking mood.”

Kelly proves once again why she is so bad-ass and amazing when she comes across Brandy, who is in desperate need of some female guidance.  After Brandy begins to whine about everything that has happened, Kelly cuts her off and says “hold up Daria.”  Kelly provides Brandy with a much needed reality check and tries to set her straight on Ash and Ruby.  While Kelly is a little rough around the edges at first, she does confide in Brandy about her own loss and tries to help her through it.  Unfortunately their female bonding is cut short when a demon Pablo jumps on the truck to attack them.  What’s the perfect background music for this violent attack?  You guessed it…Air Supply’s “All Out Of Love,” which really sets the mood for some serious ass-kicking.  Brandy and Kelly lock themselves up in Ash’s trailer, but Pablo continues to try and get in to retrieve the Kandarian dagger.  Pablo will stop at nothing to get in, which includes trying to wedge his way through Kelly’s open gash on her leg.  Talk about thinking outside of the box.

2

Ash learns about the lost pages from “The Book of the Dead.”

After re-visiting the past with his ghost dad, Ash decides that they need to return to the hardware cellar in present time to see if the lost pages are still there.  They discover a corpse that has been down there for way too long surrounded by empty cans of spam.  Ash’s ghost dad seems displeased by this, but Ash tries to remind him that the Knight of Sumeria was literally trying to survive since his dad locked him in a basement.  Ash comes across some type of hidden portal or rift in the wall and even sees Brandy’s friend Rachel.  While Ash desperately tries to put the pieces together, he gets attacked through the rift and has to put his chainsaw to work.  Ash’s dad has served his purpose and somewhat attempts to have a heart-to-heart moment with his son when he tells him that he will be a good father.  However, this moment is short-lived when Ash questions it and he admits “well not really.”  Either way, it appears that his dad has proven to be quite helpful, revealing the lost pages to Ash that could ultimately save the day.

1

Ash comes face to face with his demon offspring.

Ash tries to bring the fight right to Ruby and is surprised to find a woman chained up singing a lullaby in overwhelming fear.  Ash comes face to face with his demon offspring, although he doesn’t realize this just yet.  The woman begins to freak out and Ash tries to calm her down by telling her that he’s just sucking his thumb.  He quickly realizes that he is sucking someone else’s thumb and says, “ok that’s a choking hazard.”  Ash tries to get the woman out of there and tells her that he’s dealt with kids like this before just as the demon baby opens his mouth full of razor sharp teeth and the lights go out.  Even Ash is out of ideas here when he asks “what’s Norway for up shit creek?”  Will Ash be able to escape unharmed?  Is there still hope for Pablo?  Stay tuned for some more Ashy Slashy fun!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on Ash vs Evil Dead below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Ash vs Evil Dead” season 3 episode 3: “Never get between a papa bear and his cub”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Starz’s Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 3 last night, I agree that it’s important for Brandy to connect with her father, Ash and really get to know the relatives she has never met.  That being said, perhaps we need to specify that these relatives should actually be alive.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Apparently Dead,” it seems like Ash is finally getting through to his daughter, Brandy.  However, showing up late for the funeral is not really the best way to show his support, especially when he arrives out of the coffin her mother is about to be buried in.  Meanwhile, Ruby and Ash finally come face to face, Pablo asks the naked lady out for coffee, and it looks like the new guy, Dalton is out of luck.  At least we get a chance to listen to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts song, “Crimson & Clover” which seems more than appropriate after Ash referred to Ruby as a “black-hearted hell beast.”  My top 5 moments from Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 3 are:

5

Brandy is willing to give Ash a second chance.

Poor Brandy has been through so much and it’s hard not to blame her for initially shying away from her father, Ash.  Ash is not giving up, however; and shows up to support her at her mother’s funeral.  Sure he takes the flowers from the funeral parlor to give to Brandy, but it’s the thought that counts.  When asked if he was Candy’s husband, Ash quickly replies with “yea for like an hour and a half…but lovingly.”  While Ash is not about to filter himself in front of Brandy, it’s clear that he wants to protect her and is trying to be there for her in the best way he can.

4

“We all grieve in our own way.”

Just when it seems like things are going unexpectedly well at the funeral, Ash learns that Candy’s head has been reattached to her body.  He sneaks out undetected to make sure that she is not a deadite and confesses to Candy that “you were cursed with a dumb name but I’ll always remember you or never forget you again.”  While the sentiment is there, it’s short-lived, as Ash gets tossed into the coffin with the demon who has taken over Candy.  Being stuck in tight quarters leads to some unwanted grabbing and fondling and Ash tries to protect his dignity by saying “no means no!”  He successfully detaches her head again, ending the threat and asks “how was that for you?”  It seems like Ash has protected his daughter from seeing her undead mother, but heads will roll…literally when Ash arrives to the funeral late by stepping out of the coffin.  As if this wasn’t bad enough, Candy’s head is stuck between his legs and rolls out to the floor to the shock and horror of Brandy and all of the guests.

3

“If it ain’t the she devil herself.”

In episode 2, we learned that Ruby was passing herself off as Brandy’s guidance counselor, Ms. Prevett.  Ruby finally reveals herself to Ash at the funeral parlor and tries to tell him she’s sorry for his loss, but Ash is not buying this act for one second.  Brandy tries to get him to see reason and explains that Ms. Prevett has always been there for her, but Ash explains that “little Miss Muffet here is a black-hearted hell beast.”  He tries to get Brandy to understand that she is the one responsible for turning her mother and best friend into demons, but clearly this is too much for Brandy to handle, as she decides she wants to go live with Ms. Prevett.  Ash is not about to let Ruby win this battle however; and warns Ruby that you “never get between a papa bear and his cub.”

2

“Naked lady, I think there is a dress code.”

Pablo, Kelly, and Dalton arrive late to the funeral and Pablo begins hallucinating again.  The naked lady gives more warnings and tells him that he needs to retrieve the Kandarian Dagger, which is the key to his salvation.  Pablo appreciates the warning but is looking to get to know the naked lady a little better.  He suggests that they go out for coffee sometime and doesn’t get a complete denial I suppose.  While she doesn’t accept his invitation, she does remind him to accept his destiny so I guess there is some hope there.  Kelly, Pablo, and Dalton head off on a road trip to the start of all of the evil…the cabin in the woods.  Only, the cabin isn’t there anymore.  After they find the dagger, evil surrounds them and Dalton is brutally stabbed.  He tries to tell Kelly that it was Pablo to her disbelief before revealing that he is now a deadite.  Pablo rushes in to the save the day by striking Dalton with his truck.  After all, “no one fucks with the ghost beaters.”

1

“Brandy, you know your grandpa is dead right?”

Ruby will stop at nothing to place a divide between Ash and his daughter, Brandy and decides that a distraction is necessary to really seal the deal.  She brings back Ash’s dad from the dead who shows up at the house for a quick shower and to get to know his granddaughter, Brandy.  Seems harmless enough, right?  Ash does not see it this way, however; trying to delicately explain to his daughter that her grandpa’s “head was squashed like a fucking watermelon.”  Brandy refuses to listen and Ash and his dad begin a violent fight that almost leads to Ash’s face being burned off by the stove burner.  After his dad tells him he “likes his kids cooked medium rare,” Ash turns the tables on him and says, “I love the smell of old man in the morning.”  The chainsaw arm is back and he brutally destroys his dad…right in front of poor Brandy who is now caked in blood.  This drives Brandy even further away, even though Ash tries to tell her that he was already dead.  Oh well…”kids!”  While it seems like Ruby’s plan is working right now, Ash will need to step it up on a notch so that Brandy can give him a second…or wait maybe a third chance.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on Ash vs Evil Dead below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

You can now follow me on Twitter as well! https://twitter.com/TV_Fanatic_Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Ash vs Evil Dead” season 3 episode 1 season premiere: “Evil…we’re coming for you!”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Starz’s Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 1 season premiere last night, I think it’s important to stick to what you’re good at.  In Ash’s case, this means fighting the good fight against evil while keeping a good sense of humor about it all.  In case you have never watched Ash vs Evil Dead before, you should immediately watch the films: Evil Dead 1 & 2 followed by Army of Darkness.  Actually, you can even skip Evil Dead if in a rush and go straight to Army of Darkness for some campy horror fun with outrageous laugh out loud moments.  Seriously, Bruce Campbell is a genius.  Many years later, Ash is back with his chain-saw arm and is pretty much the only thing standing in the way of “The Book of Dead.”  Now that you are all caught up, please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the season 3 premiere yet.  In last night’s episode, “Family,” Ash is living well in his hometown, Elk Grove, slashing high prices left and right with his new business venture.  He gets an unexpected surprise, however; when he learns that he has a daughter named…wait what was it?  Don’t worry Ash, you’ll get the hang of fatherhood soon enough.  Meanwhile, Ruby is back and is unleashing some sort of hell, Kelly is rocking some serious leather, and Pablo’s not out of the woods just yet when the words of the dead resurface on his body.  My top 5 moments from Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 1 are:

5

Ashy Slashy’s.

In the beginning of the episode, it seems that Elk Grove has finally settled down and put evil in its rear view mirror.  What’s next for Ash?  I guess the only thing that makes sense is for him to open up a “hardware store/sex toy emporium” named “Ashy Slashy’s.”  I mean he is slashing high prices with his legendary chainsaw arm which really gives it the dramatic effect that proves he means business.  Plus, he’s getting to work with Pablo again and enjoying some well deserved margaritas along the way.  Unfortunately for Ash, “The Book of Dead” has resurfaced and is coming for Elk Grove.

4

Ruby is back.

Ruby, played by the absolutely gorgeous, Lucy Lawless is back and sporting some fierce platinum blonde hair.  Every time it seems like she may be dead for good, she resurfaces, causing trouble wherever she goes.  While we see her chanting from the “Book of the Dead” and getting ready to give birth to something we can only assume is pure evil, where does she stand with Ash and the gang?  Is Ruby out for revenge or is she scheming something new?  We’ll have to stay tuned to find out, but it’s great to have one of our fan-favorites back for season 3.

3

Kelly shows up with a new friend.

As the episode went on, a mysterious guy dressed in leather seemed to be hanging around Elk Grove quite a lot, keeping a close eye on Ash and Pablo.  Later, when Ash and the gang are under attack by a deadite, he shows up with Kelly to help fight the good fight.  We learn that his name is Dalton and he is a “Knight of Sumeria,” which according to Kelly means he is a big fan, but it seems like we have a lot to learn about him.  Either way, it looks like he’s on the side of good for now.

2

Ash has a wife…and a daughter.

When a woman claims to be Ash’s wife, he reminds her that he “never forgets a rack but faces are a little fuzzy.”  Seems like a valid point, until his wife snaps him back to reality reminding him about a drunken night long ago where he met “Candy Bar,” otherwise known as Candace Barr.  While the memories come rushing back, Ash insists that he can’t have a daughter because he was using his “lucky rubber.”   Ash’s daughter, Brandy Barr is in high school and is literally about to be attacked by forces of evil.  As Brandy and her friend, Rachel quickly realize that the Cougar school mascot has moved way past creepy into something full on terrifying, it’s up to Ash and his former wife, Candace to step in and save the day.

1

“Sorry jailbait my dance card is a little full.”

When Brandy’s friend, Rachel gets possessed by a deadite, she puts on quite the musical performance, even bringing out an old favorite, “Ashy Slashy.”  Ash is not distracted by this in the slightest however, knocking her out with a trombone and telling her to “blow.”  Unfortunately for Ash’s former wife, Candace, she gets decapitated with a cymbal to the horror of her daughter.  After the deadite taunts Ash about destroying him and his seed, he puts her in her place and cleverly uses a harp as an interesting choice of weapon.  After all, his dance card is full.  This now leaves Ash to pick up the pieces and help his daughter; Sandy…wait was it…Mandy?  I’m sure Ash will learn that her name is Brandy in time, but it’s good to have some fresh faces join the cast to add for some more campy horror fun.  Either way, the family is back together again and they’re coming for evil…right after Ash smokes a jay.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on Ash vs Evil Dead below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl