Those of you who own Starz are in for a treat this Halloween, when the network debuts Ash vs Evil Dead; I’ve seen the first episode and can confirm that the positive early buzz is spot-on: Ash vs Evil Dead is a truly enjoyable return to Ash and the franchise. Whether or not it’s able to keep the momentum going forward remains to be seen (the fact Sam Raimi directed the pilot certainly contributed to its effectiveness), but I’m more than willing to follow Ashley J. Williams and his new friends into the bowels of hell at the moment.
Before the official premiere of the horror-comedy, Starz will be airing a marathon of the EVIL DEAD horror franchise on Friday, October 30 beginning at 8:00pm ET/PT hosted by Bruce Campbell himself. THE EVIL DEAD airs at 8, EVIL DEAD 2 at 9:30, ARMY OF DARKNESS at 10:55. The marathon will conclude with a sneak peek of the first episode of Ash vs Evil Dead at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT. The show officially premieres on Halloween night at 9pm ET.
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 of 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.
Keep your eyes open next week for exclusive interviews with AvED stars Campbell, Lucy Lawless, Dana DeLorenzo, Ray Santiago and Jill Marie Jones, as well as executive producer/series creator Sam Raimi!