Tag: Starz

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Couple Next Door” on Starz: A Guilty Pleasure Thriller with Potential!

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

“What do you think of the new neighbors?”

The Couple Next Door is a British drama-thriller series that premiered in the US on January 17th 2025. There will be six episodes in total that will release weekly on Starz. The series (based on the book of the same name) stars Eleanor Tomlinson, Alfred Enoch, Jessica De Gouw, and Sam Heughan. Each episode is approximately 50-52 minutes.

A young couple becomes friends with their neighbors after trying to cope with a tragic event, but their friendship takes an unexpected and sinister turn.

Here is the trailer:

The Couple Next Door is a soapy thriller with nods at Desperate Housewives and The Affair, but does it have enough dangerous and juicy secrets to keep us coming back for more? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Starz

Gorgeous cast.

Everything about this show is aesthetically pleasing so far. The suburban setting is picturesque and every member of the cast is breathtakingly beautiful. I think this works well because they are all clearly hiding something beneath the seemingly perfect surface. I’m curious to see it all unfold. I did read the book, but it’s been some time so I feel like I’m going into this one with fresh eyes.

Images courtesy of Starz

Enough secretive and seductive moments to keep you coming back for more.

The premiere episode had enough of a hook for me. Personally, I wish they would release all of the episodes at once because I think this would be fun to binge-watch, but I’m intrigued enough to stick around. There’s already some dangerous secrets lurking between our characters and that opening suggests it’s going to continue to get even more chaotic and destructive. I can’t wait!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Starz

Needs to dig a little deeper.

Television series based on books always seem to struggle with this. I thought the premiere episode jam-packed in a lot, but it also glossed over certain moments that needed to be fleshed out more so that the audience could truly understand what’s at stake here.

There were also some ridiculously silly moments of intense staring going on. Honestly, I laughed out loud at the end of the first episode, but this is a guilty pleasure soapy series and I understand that.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Starz

I’m in!!!

The Couple Next Door is my latest addiction!

It has everything I could possibly want in a guilty pleasure thriller and more. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Couple Next Door 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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Spoiler-Free Review of “Sweetpea” on Starz: Don’t Mess with Ella Purnell!

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

“People I’d love to kill…”

Sweetpea released on Starz on October 10th 2024 with its first episode. The dark comedy drama series stars Ella Purnell, Calam Lynch, Leah Harvey, and Nicôle Lecky. There will be six episodes in total that will air weekly. Each episode is approximately 42-45 minutes.

Rhiannon is tired of people constantly dismissing her and acting like she doesn’t exist, but after going through a family trauma, she decides that she’s done being pushed around, leading her down a path of revenge and murder.

Here is the trailer:

Sweetpea starts off with killer potential, bringing us some dark humor that actually lands and an electric lead to root for. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Starz

Ella Purnell shines!

I’m already a fan of hers and she takes things to the next level with this new role. In a lot of ways, this series sort of reminds me of a female spin on Dexter or You. Her character is at a breaking point, but she’s also really relatable. I actually found her voice-over narration funny and fresh, which is not easy to nail so early in a series. I’m looking forward to seeing her spiral down a darker path in the next episodes, but so far I am already adoring her character!

Images courtesy of Starz

Easy to watch.

Lately, it seems like I have to put a lot of effort into new shows. This isn’t always the case, but I love it when a series starts out with effortless fun. I’m hooked already and I can’t wait to tune in to the next episodes. There is a nice balance here of dark humor, drama, and some bloody violence for good measure. This series is checking off everything I look for in a series nicely, which is fantastic to see!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Starz

One scene I could do without…

There will be no spoilers in this review, but there was one scene that didn’t sit well with me. Other than that, I’m in with no other cons to note.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Starz

I’m in!!!

Sweetpea has everything I want from a series and more! Ella Purnell is bloody charming and so exciting to watch in this.

I can’t wait to watch the next episodes!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Shining Vale” Season 2 on Starz: Courteney Cox is in Control!

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

“I am no longer a danger to society…”

Shining Vale season two premiered on Starz on October 13th 2023 with the first episode. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The horror comedy series stars Courteney Cox, Greg Kinnear, Mira Sorvino, Gus Birney and Judith Light. Each episode runs for approximately 30-34 minutes.

After being checked into a mental hospital by her family, Pat attempts to change her outlook on life and banish her demons for good…but are they really gone?

Here is the trailer:

Shining Vale season one flew under the radar, but it was quirky, creepy, and absolutely delightful. Is season two worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Starz

Courteney Cox is back and better than ever!

She was absolutely brilliant in season one and had me laughing out loud quite a few times. Pat may have toned down her cursing with her new “rehabilitation,” but Courteney is still commanding the screen in the best way possible.

It took me a little while to warm up to the rest of the cast in season one, but already I am liking the new character dynamics and the ending of episode one left us  with a lot of ghostly potential already. More please!

The fun is only just beginning…

I was slightly worried about the direction for season two, but I think the season two premiere did enough to present us with some familiar plots while leaving the door open for more. I’m hopeful that we can explore more behind the actual hauntings this season and maybe even meet a few new creepy characters to keep us invested. Either way, I’m intrigued and I’m happy that the shorter episodes are here to stay because they work very nicely with the overall pacing of this show.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Starz

I needed a refresher course…

I definitely recommend watching the recap in the beginning. I probably should have binge-watched the first season again because I felt a little lost at first. Now that we’ve gotten through the initial set-up for season two, I’m hoping that we kick things into high gear because season one took a little while to hit its peak. I’m confident we’ll get there though.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Starz

I’m in!

The Phelps family is back…quirks and all!

Shining Vale was one of my favorite horror comedy series of last year and I’m excited to see where season two goes. 

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Shining Vale” on Starz: Courteney Cox Moves into a Haunted House

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

“Women are also twice as likely to be possessed by a demon…”

Shining Vale premiered on Starz on March 6th 2022 with the first two episodes. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The horror comedy series stars Courteney Cox, Greg Kinnear, Mira Sorvino, Gus Birney and Judith Light. Each episode runs for approximately 30 minutes.

To save her marriage, a writer moves into a house in Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers that it may actually be haunted.

Here is the trailer:

Shining Vale is a delightful mashup between Santa Clarita Diet and Ghosts, creating its own story along the way with lots of ghostly potential. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Starz

Courteney Cox shines!

It’s fantastic seeing Courteney Cox back on television and after just watching her in the latest Scream movie, I’m all for a series centered around her moving into a haunted house. So far she is a lot of fun to watch and I think that once the show really kicks into high gear, she will really embrace this role with flair.

The rest of the cast are likable enough and so far I’m most intrigued by the potential spirits roaming around the property.

Plus, the dog is a scene stealer!

Clever use of female authors…

Courteney Cox plays a writer but there are also several nods at Sylvia Plath and Charlotte Perkins Gilman. These female authors wrote stories surrounding women suffering from some kind of mental illness while being driven mad by the walls surrounding them so I’m curious to see this theme portrayed in the modern world. I think that this will be way more than your typical ghost story. It looks like it will also be taking on the female role in society, which gives this story a unique edge already.

The episodes are also super short which makes this easy to binge-watch and the dry dark humor is a nice touch.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Starz

Slow start…

The opening episode felt a little unsure of itself. I was intrigued, but not really sold until the very end. Episode two was a big improvement and I thought the humor landed better as well. I think that once we get to episode three or four, this show will really find its way. I’m remaining positive that we’ll get there.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Starz

I’m in!

I think this show already has a lot of potential and I’m curious to see some of the other themes really take off because I think we could witness pure magic!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

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 9: “Judgement Day”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Starz’s Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 9 last night, we are getting extremely close to the finish line.  Starz recently announced that this season will be the last for Ash vs Evil dead which means anything goes.  Main characters can die, the world can collapse, and “boomstick” could be left behind.  That being said, this episode is filled with shocking moments so who knows what we can expect in the series finale next week.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Judgement Day,” Ash goes after Ruby to end this once and for all, Zoe suffers an unsightly end, and the Dark Ones arrive in Elk Grove.  Meanwhile, Pablo’s powers advance and Brandy gets an incoming call from her dead mother.  My top 5 moments from Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 9 are:

5

The Dark Ones arrive.

In the beginning of the episode, poor Zoe is tortured while Ruby cuts off her skin to make a new page for the Book of the Dead.  Kaya gauges out her eyes and kills her once they get what they want, but they’ll get what they deserve later on.  You know Karma and all that.  Meanwhile, the Dark Ones have already arrived and come through the rift, so it looks like Ruby is out of time.  The Dark Ones are cloaked shadowy figures, sort of resembling the “Dementors” from Harry Potter.  They begin wreaking havoc on Elk Grove, spreading evil everywhere they go.  While the town declares Martial Law, it’s unlikely that anyone will be able to stop this threat except for the prophesied one.

4

“I’m coming for you Ruby.  Time to die.”

Ash gives Pablo and his daughter, Brandy a pep talk and then heads out to Ms. Prevett’s home to destroy Ruby once and for all.  Even though we have heard this speech from Ash numerous times before, we are rooting for him all the same.  Ash begins pounding beers on the ride over to psych himself up, not realizing that the town is currently under attack.  When he comes face to face with Ruby, he demands that she release Kelly’s body so that he can save his friend.  After all, “who the fuck is Kaya?”  Ash demands that she evict her so that he can have the “no vacancy” sign removed for Kelly once she comes through the rift.  It’s actually a spot on analogy if you think about it.  Ash and Ruby face off and Ruby even destroys his beloved chainsaw right before his eyes, but no one is ready for what comes next.

3

“I’m Ashy Slashy’s daughter!”

Poor Brandy is left alone in Ash’s home but he makes sure to leave her with his trusty weapon, “boomstick.”  She tries to thank him and ends up vomiting on him as a side effect from coming back from the dead, but Ash is OK with this.  After all, he loves his daughter and is happy to have her back safe and sound.  Once the Dark Ones arrive, evil is around pretty much every corner, putting Brandy in immediate danger.  Brandy proves to be quite resourceful and tries to escape the evil.  This is no easy task, however; as she begins to get incoming calls and unwanted voicemails from her dead mother.  Brandy tells herself it is not real and stays strong.  She cuts off part of her thumb and for a moment, sees herself cutting off her own hand to truly become Ash Williams’s daughter, but it is only a hallucination.  With her hand intact, Brandy destroys the evil and reminds it who she is.  Our little Brandy has grown up so fast and has embraced her true calling.  Go Brandy!

2

“I don’t get a manual with being El Brujo Especial.”

Pablo begins getting more intense visions that literally blind him while they occur, as he can actually see into Ruby’s place through the eyes of the Necronomicon.  He quickly realizes that poor Zoe is dead and that Ruby is trying to find the rift.  Pablo gets down to the rift, but the Dark Ones have already come through it.  They obtain the lost pages, but evil suddenly has no interest in Pablo.  It’s like his new powers have cloaked him from them, allowing him to sneak through town undetected.  Pablo explains to Ash that if the lost pages are reunited with the Necronomicon, all hell will break loose and there may be no stopping it.  Pablo’s powers are advancing quickly, but will he be able to help Ash stop this threat?

1

“Poor Ruby.  I’m melting.  Fuck off bitch.”

After Ruby destroys Ash’s chainsaw, it seems like he may not be winning this battle.  However, the Dark Ones interrupt before their fight can go any further.  The Dark Ones eject Kaya from Kelly’s body and burn her alive.  While this is happening, Ash grabs Kelly’s body and the book and sneaks out of there.  Ash doesn’t shed any tears when Ruby is killed by the Dark Ones, but it’s clear that their powers are far greater than anything we have seen before.  Either way, so long Ruby.  You were a worthy opponent for sure.  Ash heads to the hardware store to meet up with Brandy and Pablo.  The Dark Ones obtain the book and connect it with the lost pages and open up the ground.  An overwhelmingly large monster begins to surface and it looks like the final battle has finally come.  Who will win the battle?  Will the Ghost Beaters be able to save Kelly?  Who will survive?  Stay tuned for the series finale next week! 

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

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 7: “Ding Dong…you’re dead”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Starz’s Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 7 last night, I’m wondering why the Elk Grove police department has not instated some type of curfew yet.  After all, two local people are dead and a lot of weird things continue to happen, but I guess the best thing for everyone to do is to gather all in one place at the school dance.  Seriously I don’t know what this town would do without Ashy Slashy.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Twist and Shout,” Brandy puts on her sequins and heads to the school dance with some chaperones, Pablo sees an unexpected guest in the rift, and Ruby tries to steal the show.  My top 5 moments from Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 7 are:

5

“I’m not sure this is the time to be playing Barbie dress up.”

And you know what…Ash has got a valid point.  Not to say that I want to take away Brandy’s chance to shine on the dance floor, especially since she is wearing her mother’s favorite dress, but it seems like this is just bringing evil exactly what it wants.  Brandy explains that this is her chance to lure Ms. Prevett out in the open and to finally see her for what she truly is.  Ash accepts but is clearly hesitant about this plan, explaining that “from now on you’re rubber and we’re glue.”  After all, “that’s what super cool dads do right?”

4

Ruby takes her plan to the next level.

Ruby’s new and improved demon Ash is born or hatched?  Not sure which is really correct, but either way this identical version of Ash calls her “mother.”  Ruby explains that his role is to make Brandy truly believe he is her father.  This includes cutting off his own arm so that all of the details are just right.  Talk about commitment.  Ruby tells Brandy that her father, Ash is a demon and tries to get her to turn on him.  If Brandy kills her own father, Ruby’s heir will become the true prophesied one and then she will be able to pretty much bring all hell to earth…literally.

3

“The real Kelly and I did kiss and it was freakin awesome!”

While Pablo is still in the cellar at the hardware store, he hears a voice calling his name through the rift.  Pablo is shocked to see Kelly trapped inside and she tries to explain that she must be dead.  Pablo is clearly heart-broken by this news but recognizes that Kelly’s soul is in immediate danger and knows that it is his responsibility to do something to help her.  When Pablo arrives at the school dance, he is even more confused to see Kelly there alive and well.  Only, he begins to see through this impossibility and tests her by claiming they never shared a kiss.  When Kaya fails the test miserably, Pablo lets her know that the kiss they shared was “freakin awesome” and the two begin attacking each other.  Pablo cannot kill the vessel and escapes in just the nick of time, but it’s clear these two are not done just yet.

2

“There’s a very handsome but demented version of me running around here.”

Ash is shocked when he sees the demon version of himself running around the school hallway, leaving a pile of messy dead bodies behind him.  It is clear that Ash is being framed for this, but he is not about to let Ruby’s plan be a success.  Ash says, “I’m going to save my daughter.”  When he comes face to face with Brandy, she is beyond angry and waves the dagger around to show that she is not messing around.  Ash tries to explain that “it wasn’t me…it was the other me,” which isn’t as convincing as it sounds.  Ash fights off the demon version of him, explaining that “Ruby went to Kandarian Kinkos and this asshole popped out.”  After destroying the demon, he looks to Brandy, hoping that she will believe him.

1

“You were right.”

Brandy has flashes about her recent memories with her father and she cannot end his life, ruining Ruby’s plan.  After the demon Ash is eliminated, Brandy sees Ruby for what she truly is and says, “you were right.”  Ruby’s anger comes screeching to the surface and she throws the Kandarian dagger at Ash, only Brandy jumps in front of it to save him.  Brandy dies in Ash’s arms, breaking his heart completely and it seems like all hope is lost.  Or is it?  Brandy wakes up in the rift and sees the same monster that seemed to be after Kelly.  After watching the preview from next week, it appears that Ash and Pablo are ready to go into the rift to save them.  While it seems like the first step is to save their souls, is it possible that Brandy and Kelly can be brought back to life?  I’m hoping so because it seems like our favorite characters are dropping like flies.  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 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