Ash vs Evil Dead: Season 2 (2016)

4 Stars (out of 4)

He Came, He Sawed

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Even without Sam Raimi directing anything in this second season, Ash vs Evil Dead continues to be one of the most flat-out entertaining shows I've seen in recent years. It helps that I'm already a huge fan of the Evil Dead films, but this series takes things in new directions, with bizarre, hilarious jokes, lovable characters, inventive gore scenes, and crazy plot twists, all done with a healthy dash of fun and a sprinkle of joy.

Consisting of ten, roughly half-hour episodes, Season 2 starts with Ash (Bruce Campbell), Pablo (Ray Santiago), and Kelly (Dana DeLorenzo) living it up in Jacksonville, when the deadites attack again. Ruby (Lucy Lawless) shows up and explains that her "children" have gone out of control, and that they need to stop them. The Oldsmobile Delta becomes possessed, and our heroes throw a party (it's all part of the plan).

None other than Lee Majors shows up as Ash's dad. Things get crazier when Pablo disposes of the Book of the Dead, leaving the evil Baal in our world. One episode takes place entirely in an asylum, as Baal tries to convince Ash that this whole thing has been in his head (and there are creepy puppets). And even after that threat is handled, the crew travels back in time to 1983 to try to undo some of the damage done.

The climax features many references for longtime fans like myself (could this show have been created especially for me?). The songs choices are incredible, and even include Geddy Lee singing "Take Off," from his guest appearance on Bob & Doug McKenzie's 1981 comedy album. Ted Raimi joins the cast as the hilarious "Chet" and reprises his heavily-costumed role as "Henrietta" from Evil Dead 2. The two-disc Blu-ray release from Anchor Bay/Starz includes commentary tracks for most episodes, and ten mini-featurettes.