Ashes to Ashes (Ash vs Evil Dead)

Lore & Background

The episode is set 30 years after the events of the Evil Dead trilogy. Ash Williams, now working as a stock boy at Value Stop, returns to the cabin where the original horrors began. He is followed by Amanda, who insists on accompanying him. Inside the cabin, Ash is locked in a shed and taunted by the severed head of his sister Cheryl, while Amanda discovers a tape recorder and a book on the Necronomicon. A doppelgänger Ash attacks and kills Amanda, and the episode ends with both versions of Ash choking each other.

Reader's Guide

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.465 million household viewers and gained a 0.18 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances, references to the movies, and emotional weight, although the pacing received criticism. Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode a 7.8 out of 10, noting it delivered on nostalgia and action but suffered from momentum killers. Michael Roffman of The A.V. Club gave it an A–, calling it an intriguing reunion. The episode marked the first writing credit for Michael J. Bassett and the first directorial credit for Tony Tilse.

Did You Know?

• The episode was written by Michael J. Bassett and directed by Tony Tilse, though both had prior credits in their respective roles.
• The episode was seen by an estimated 0.465 million household viewers, a slight increase from the previous episode's 0.452 million.
• The episode features a doppelgänger Ash who kills Amanda by impaling her on the antlers of a dead head.
• The episode received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the performances and emotional weight but criticizing the pacing.

The Birth of a Chainsaw-Wielding Legend

Sam Raimi's Evil Dead franchise began with a modest 1979 shoot that became the 1981 release of The Evil Dead, introducing audiences to the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, the Deadites, and the unforgettable Ash Williams, played by Bruce Campbell. That first entry set the template: a group of characters confronted by demonic forces unleashed through an ancient grimoire. Evil Dead II, released in 1987, picked up directly where its predecessor left off after a brief recap, deepening Ash's battle with the Book of the Dead while injecting the over-the-top slapstick comedy that would become the series' signature flavor. Army of Darkness, filmed in 1991 and reaching U.S. theaters in 1993, sent Ash tumbling through time to medieval England in 1300 AD, leaning further into action-comedy while retaining enough horror to honor the franchise's roots. All three films were written and directed by Raimi, produced by Rob Tapert, and anchored by Campbell's larger-than-life performance, establishing a trilogy that would cultivate a devoted cult following and lay the groundwork for decades of expansion.

From Cable Television to Franchise Crossover

The Evil Dead universe grew well beyond its original theatrical run, spreading into video games, comic books, and even a musical. The most significant expansion came in 2013 with a standalone sequel directed by Fede Álvarez and co-written with Rodo Sayagues. Produced by Raimi, Campbell, and Tapert, this entry introduced a fresh protagonist, Mia Allen played by Jane Levy, while Ash Williams appeared only in a brief post-credits cameo. Discussions emerged about weaving both Ash and Mia into future installments. That vision found its fullest expression on the small screen: Ash vs Evil Dead premiered on the Starz cable network in 2015 and ran for three seasons before concluding in 2018. Campbell returned to the role that defined his career, with Raimi and Tapert alongside him as executive producers. The series gave Ash a modern, serialized arc that fans had long wanted, and its eventual cancellation would later become a turning point in Campbell's relationship with the character, as he briefly declared himself retired from the part before reconsidering.

The Modern Renaissance: Rise, Burn, and Wrath

The franchise entered a new creative era in October 2019 when Raimi announced at New York Comic Con that a new film was officially green-lit. Lee Cronin was selected in June 2020 from a shortlist of directors to helm Evil Dead Rise, a project he also wrote. Developed under the Ghost House Pictures banner with Tapert producing and Raimi and Campbell as executive producers, the film was developed by New Line Cinema and released on HBO Max. Principal photography took place in New Zealand from June to late October 2021, with Cronin noting the production consumed over 6,500 liters of fake blood. Starring sisters Ellie and Beth Bixler, played by Alyssa Sutherland and Lily Sullivan, the film hit theaters on April 21, 2023. Momentum continued with Evil Dead Burn, directed by Sébastien Vaniček with a script co-written with Florent Bernard, released July 10, 2026, and starring Hunter Doohan, Luciane Buchanan, Souheila Yacoub, Tandi Wright, and George Pullar. A third installment, Evil Dead Wrath, written and directed by Francis Galluppi, began principal photography in Auckland in February 2026 and is slated for an April 7, 2028 theatrical release, featuring a cast that includes Charlotte Hope, Jessica McNamee, and Zach Gilford.

Cult Legacy and the Road Ahead

Across its entire run, the Evil Dead franchise has earned generally positive critical reception, with the original trilogy in particular building a passionate cult following that has sustained the brand for over four decades. The six feature films have collectively grossed $374 million worldwide, a testament to the franchise's enduring appeal. The future looks equally ambitious. In March 2023, Raimi voiced his desire to develop multiple sequels featuring Campbell reprising Ash in a starring role, while also expressing hope that Mia Allen could appear in future entries. Campbell, who had declared himself retired from the role after the cancellation of Ash vs Evil Dead, reversed course after positive experiences serving as a producer on Evil Dead Rise, saying he would consider returning if Raimi stepped back behind the camera as director. By April 2023, Cronin revealed he had ideas for a series of direct sequels to Rise, and Campbell confirmed that Sam and Ivan Raimi were co-writing a creative bible to outline the franchise's long-term direction, ensuring that upcoming films would adhere to a cohesive overarching vision.