Robert Kojder reviews the fourth episode of Ash vs. Evil Dead…
Until now, Ash vs. Evil Dead has settled into the template of hack Deadites to pieces and ask questions later. Well, this week’s episode titled “Brujo” is where the show-runners have decided to slow things down a bit, focusing on the psychological state of Ash while also revealing some background information on new characters, such as Lucy Lawless running around with a special ceremonial dagger in hot pursuit of Ash.
This shift in tone most likely has something to do with directors being swapped around again, with “Brujo” being helmed by a first-time director (IMDB tells me he was previously a cinematographer on various other Starz television series until now) David Frazee. So when you see that name pop up from now on, I’m assuming you could expect the bloodshed to be dialed back a notch in order for the show to take a few minutes in grabbing its bearings and focus. It may not seem it for something as frenetic and fast-paced as Evil Dead, but this turns out to be a wise decision, considering every form of storytelling needs characters with definitions and goals defined.
“Brujo” largely deals with Ash, Pablo, and Kelly hitting the road once again after royally screwing everything up further back at the bookstore, to seek out a relative of Pablo who is essentially a witch doctor. Reason being is that the one thing that Ash did learn regarding how to undo the hell he has unleashed is that the answer lies inside him. Also, nothing beats a good existential look into the soul like an old-fashioned psychedelic drug trip.
For the first time, we actually get to see how the mind of our favorite broomstick and chainsaw wielding self-centered hero operates; apparently his fantasy vacation is Jacksonville, Florida, he has an obsession with television, and for someone who has endured quite a bit of trauma over the years, he’s relatively strong-willed and uneasily broken. One of the more awesome scenes of the series comes when he realizes that he is in direct control of everything that occurs in this dreamlike fantasy, as he turns the tables on Eligos with his mind.
We also quickly realize that something isn’t right with Kelly, and that the previously mentioned new demon Eligos was not transported back inside the Necronomicon after having it closed shut in his face, but has rather invaded the consciousness of Kelly. Obviously, that sucks for her, but I’m actually glad. Last week, I mentioned that one of my only gripes with the show so far was that an intimidating new creature was introduced only to seemingly be quickly defeated within one episode. Fortunately for the show, that complaint has been rendered null and void.
Many fans of the Evil Dead franchise will also love some of the nostalgic touches added to this particular episode, namely with a genius twist being revealed regarding who the Lucy Lawless character is and how she is miraculously tracking Ash’s every move. There’s also a fun little entertaining chase sequence between Ash’s classic vehicle and the ultimate evil capable of possessing any living being.
Rating: If you hadn’t realized, there isn’t much violence or gore in this episode, but that doesn’t mean it’s a stinker at all. It’s purely a 25 minute lapse in the action to expand on the personalities of characters, both old and new. There are startling revelations, a unique look inside Ash’s mind, and a nice cliffhanger ending to keep us salivating as we anxiously await next week’s episode. 7/10
Grooviest Moment: It was actually a bit challenging this week to choose a specific moment, particularly because I like to choose a creatively bloody piece of action that epitomizes the very nature of the franchise. I wasn’t expecting this series to have a solely story driven episode at all, but don’t mistake that for something I’m complaining about. It’s really hard not to fan-gasm at the sight of Ash’s lopped off hand still alive and kicking however, and I greatly can’t wait to see how it becomes further utilized aside from being a tracking device. You just know this will lead to another showdown similar to the classic battle in Evil Dead 2.
Robert Kojder – An aficionado of film, wrestling, and gaming. Follow me on Twitter or friend me on Facebook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=ROisAvdW5SY
Originally published November 22, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
