On October 31st, Bruce Campbell will be making his triumphant return as iconic hero Ash in the premiere episode of ASH VS. EVIL DEAD, the Starz television series continuation of the EVIL DEAD franchise.
Campbell reprises his role as Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario, and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity, and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons – personal and literal. Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its "Evil" grip.
Co-starring Ray Santiago, Dana Delorenzo, Lucy Lawless, Jill Marie Jones, and Mimi Rogers, the first season of ASH VS. EVIL DEAD is set to run for ten half-hour episodes, and thanks to the website of Starz's sister channel Encore we now know the titles and plot synopses of nine of those ten episodes.
If you want to go into the show knowing absolutely nothing, turn away now. The spoilers are mild and vague, but you can still piece some things together from what has been revealed.
If you want to tease yourself a bit, here we go:
EP 101 – EL JEFE
Ash is baaack! 30 years after his last Deadite fight, badass blowhard Ash Williams unleashes the Evil in an act of stoned stupidity, bringing Deadite mayhem into his life again.
EP 102 – BAIT
Special Agent Fisher is tracking Ash. Pablo gets his first taste of blood in a manic battle, and a revelation changes Kelly’s life forever.
EP 103 – BOOKS FROM BEYOND
A mysterious woman finds the destruction at Kelly’s parents’ farm. Meanwhile, Ash, Pablo and Kelly reach Books from Beyond with the Necronomicon and Fisher finds herself in another terrifying, inexplicable situation.
EP 104 – BRUJO
Ruby helps Fisher and reveals her family’s connection to the Evil Dead. Ash and team follow a clue from the demon Eligos, but Kelly pays a price.
EP 105 – THE HOST
Kelly’s current state puts others in jeopardy. This forces Pablo to make a brave move and Ash to reveal a new side to his character. Ruby and Fisher join forces in pursuit of Ash.
EP 106 – THE KILLER OF KILLERS
Thanks to his drug-induced vision, Ash knows what to do with the Necronomicon. Pablo and Kelly notice something ominous. Ash promises to visit Lem, but Fisher shows up for an almighty showdown with her former boss.
EP 107 – FIRE IN THE HOLE
Ash, Pablo and Kelly, now joined by Fisher, arrive at the survivalist camp in the midst of chaos and must go to extreme measures to escape. Meanwhile, more is revealed of Ruby’s mission.
EP 108 – ASHES TO ASHES
Ash attempts to bury the book to end the Evil, but first he must contend with other, more physical things from his past. Fisher faces a horrific change in Ash.
EP 109 – BOUND IN THE FLESH
Ash battles someone all too familiar, and later hears a message from the Necronomicon. Meanwhile, the deadliest Deadite attacks.
The first episode, El Jefe, was directed by Sam Raimi from a script he wrote with Ivan Raimi and Tom Spezialy. Sam Raimi is also executive producer on the series with Campbell, Rob Tapert, and showrunner Craig DiGregorio.
It all sounds good to me. Bring on Halloween, I can't wait to start watching this show!