Ash vs Evil 1 Review: A Spinning Ride Filled with Action-Packed Fun

The highly anticipated return of Ash Williams, the iconic hero from Sam Raimi's classic horror-comedy franchise The Evil Dead, finally arrived on Starz earlier this year. Created by Evan Goldberg, Ben Mezrich and series star Bruce Campbell in collaboration with the mastermind behind the original films themselves - Sam Raimi, Fede Alvarez (who also directed the first episode), and Ray Pacala (executive producer) - Ash vs Evil Dead promises more of what made its predecessor so beloved: over-the-top gore effects; dark humor that borders on crassness at times but never feels forced or contrived enough to detract from overall viewing pleasure; plus plenty other nostalgic references thrown into mix for good measure.

The first season wastes no time getting down business as we rejoin our grizzled hero Ash (Bruce Campbell) living a quiet life in modern-day New Zealand. However, peace doesn't last long when his old nemesis Evil Dead's titular force begins terrorizing small towns once again - this time with even greater ferocity than ever before thanks largely due to introduction of new cast members Kelly Maxwell (Dana Delorenzo), Pablo Simon Bolivar (Ray Santiago) who join forces alongside Ash in their quest against evil.

Throughout its eight episode run, Ash vs Evil Dead expertly balances action-packed sequences filled with plenty gore and blood splatter - often bordering on excessive at times but always done so cleverly that it never feels gratuitous or tacked-on for shock value alone. These intense set pieces are perfectly counterbalanced by more lighter-hearted moments of humor which range from slapstick physical comedy to witty one-liners delivered mainly through Ash himself.

Speaking speaking of our hero, Bruce Campbell once again proves why he remains so closely associated with the role that was effectively created just for him back in 1981's The Evil Dead. His chemistry with his co-stars is undeniable and their banter provides some of the show's most enjoyable moments - particularly when they're trading barbs at each other or bemoaning their misfortunes.

Of course, no review would be complete without mentioning Ash's trusty sidekick: his iconic 12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotgun affectionately known as 'Boomstick'. This piece of hardware has become almost an integral part of the franchise itself and its presence is always guaranteed to elicit a knowing smile from fans. And yes - it still gets plenty of use throughout these eight episodes.

Overall, Ash vs Evil Dead Season 1 delivers on nearly every front with more action-packed sequences than you can shake stick at (pun intended), plenty of gore-soaked gross-out moments that will keep horror fans in stitches and a healthy dose of dark humor thrown into the mix for good measure. While it does occasionally struggle to find its footing - mainly during some weaker episodes that feel like filler material designed solely to pad out runtime rather than contribute anything meaningful towards overall narrative arc.

Despite these minor quibbles however, Ash vs Evil Dead remains an entertaining addition to both Starz's growing roster of premium cable offerings as well a must-see for diehard fans of The Evil Dead franchise looking for more over-the-top fun and gore galore. With its talented cast led by the incomparable Bruce Campbell at the helm alongside plenty of Easter eggs thrown in for good measure - Ash vs Evil Dead is sure to please even those who may not have seen any of the original films before.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Ash vs evil dead season 1