The Mettle of Man
Series finale of Ash vs Evil Dead.
"The Mettle of Man" is the final episode of the comedy horror series *Ash vs Evil Dead*, itself a continuation of the *Evil Dead* film trilogy. It serves as the tenth episode of the third season and the thirtieth episode overall. Executive producer Rick Jacobson both wrote and directed the installment, which premiered on the premium channel Starz on April 29, 2018. The series had been cancelled by Starz nine days before the episode aired, making this the show's conclusion.
The series takes place three decades after the *Evil Dead* trilogy, following Ash Williams, now a stock boy at a store called Value Stop. Having accomplished little since his earlier adventures, Ash must abandon his ordinary life and take up arms again to confront the Evil Dead. In this episode, Ash faces his greatest challenge when the creature Kandar arrives in town, threatening to let the Evil Dead conquer the world.
Nielsen Media Research estimated that 0.174 million households watched the episode, with a 0.09 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. Critics and fans praised the episode as a fitting conclusion for Ash Williams, highlighting the performances, action sequences, and emotional depth. A few days before the broadcast, Bruce Campbell announced his retirement from the role, meaning this episode marks his final physical portrayal of Ash.
**Plot** The giant monster Kandar arrives in Elk Grove to "test the mettle of man." Ash, along with Pablo and Brandy, sees news reports that evil has overtaken the world and the military is responding. Ash hesitates to fight, feeling outmatched. Brandy criticizes his reluctance, saying she looked to him for heroism. Pablo, undetected by evil, takes Kelly's body to the hardware store, while Ash and Brandy travel through the sewers. At the store, Pablo finds Kandar growing stronger from the weapons used against it. Ash and Brandy are ambushed by Deadites but escape to the store, reuniting with Pablo. As more Deadites attack, Pablo enters the Rift and returns with Kelly's soul, resurrecting her. Outside, the military deploys tanks against Kandar, but the demon attacks, forcing a retreat. Learning the military plans to nuke the town—which would empower Kandar—Ash decides to face the creature alone.
- Series
- Ash vs Evil Dead
- Season
- 3
- Episode
- 10
- Overall episode
- 30
- Air date
- April 29, 2018
- Network
- Starz
- Writer and director
- Rick Jacobson
Lore & Background
The episode is set 30 years after the events of the Evil Dead trilogy. Ash Williams, now a stock boy at Value Stop, must renounce his routine existence and face the Evil Dead once more. In the episode, the gigantic creature Kandar arrives in town, and Ash must stop the Evil Dead from taking over the world. The plot involves Ash, Pablo, Kelly, and Brandy battling Deadites and military forces, culminating in Ash using a modified Delta with a mounted weapon and a chainsaw to kill Kandar. After the battle, Ash is recovered by Knights of Sumeria, placed in a casket, and later wakes up in a future where the world has fallen into chaos, guided by a robotic woman named Lexx and given a modified Delta vehicle.
Reader's Guide
The episode serves as the final appearance of Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams, as he announced his retirement from the role a few days before airing. According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.174 million household viewers and gained a 0.09 ratings share among adults 18–49, a 33% increase from the previous episode. The episode received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising it as a fitting end for the character, the performances, action sequences, and emotional weight. Critics noted that while the episode did not answer all questions, it provided closure for Ash's present-day story and set up a post-apocalyptic future. Bruce Campbell expressed satisfaction with the ending, stating that Ash's destiny had been fulfilled.
Did You Know?
- The episode was written and directed by executive producer Rick Jacobson, his second writing credit and sixth directorial credit for the series.
- Nine days before the episode aired, Starz cancelled the series, making this the series finale.
- Bruce Campbell announced his retirement from the role of Ash Williams a few days before the episode aired.
- The episode features a post-credits scene where Ash wakes up in a future world guided by a robotic woman named Lexx.
More in Ash vs Evil Dead episodes 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced