Ash vs Evil Dead S01E08: Ashes to Ashes Discussion [SPOILERS]

[Hurley]

RE: Ash vs Evil Dead S01 E08: Ashes to Ashes Discussion [SPOILERS]

I believe everything that can be said about this episode has been already said, but I feel an obligation to really share my thoughts about it after all the complaints I addressed here during the last few weeks. There is basically nothing I could complain about Ashes to Ashes. Sure, Amanda was really sue-horned into the story, but I think that it's the fault of the seventh episode which wasn't able to set up her relationship with Ash in a believable way.

But this episode? Oh boy. Sure, it's a bit of a shame that Sam Raimi didn't return to the cabin, but nevertheless, the directing was beautiful, the script was amazing (more this show has of Michael J Bassett the better!), the development of Ash was fantastic. I loved how they suppressed all the jokes and made him truly scared and emotional. All the nods to the films were subtle and briliant, the scene where Amanda tries to open the cellar and Ash remembered Cheryl was fantastic and OH MY FUCKING GOD. Linda. I absolutely loved Linda.

Also the music was beautiful (used some of the songs I already fell in love with when I was listening to the soundtrack last week) and they actually waited with the new rock song for the credits, so that it wouldn't spoil the atmosphere. I also kinda liked the scenes with Pablo and Kelly. Sure, the Barbie and the young Hugh Jackman were only there so that they could turn into deatites in the fallowing episodes (or at least I thing) and the blond girl is there only so that Kelly would realise how she likes Pablo, but it was very subtle, it didn't take too much time and was kinda fun.

But if I had to mention the one thing I loved the most about this episode, that would have to be BRUCE FUCKING CAMPBELL. They could have turned Evil Ash into a deadite and I think they will in the future, but this was much more scarier and I don't think I ever saw such a great performance out of Bruce. Every scene with Evil Ash was absolutely fantastic and the scene where Amanda dies... It just blew me away.

So far I really enjoyed Ash vs Evil Dead as a TV show, but I always felt that it could be better. That it could be more professional, more thought out, and more Evil Dead. But this. This was exactly what I had in mind when they first announce the show. This was pure Evil Dead, this was what I wanted and more. And my only worry now is that they won't be able to top this episode in the future. But if they do? Then we are going for a ride, boys and girls.

 

[eViL DeAdiTe]

RE: Ash vs Evil Dead S01 E08: Ashes to Ashes Discussion [SPOILERS]

As soon as he entered the workshed, the only thing my eyes focused on was the door, or rather, what was above the door. It was too dark though and I couldn't see anything. Was the glove there? I hope so...

 

[Joem1k]

RE: Ash vs Evil Dead S01 E08: Ashes to Ashes Discussion [SPOILERS]

As soon as he entered the workshed, the only thing my eyes focused on was the door, or rather, what was above the door. It was too dark though and I couldn't see anything. Was the glove there? I hope so...

From i could tell from the shot's were it showed the top of the door, it was sadly not there from what i could tell.

 

[KingRob]

RE: Ash vs Evil Dead S01 E08: Ashes to Ashes Discussion [SPOILERS]

This was my new Star Wars. I just wish it had happened sooner. It really seems like we could have gone from episode two straight to this episode with only a couple of changes. So in retrospect, maybe a four/five episode mini-series would have been better - tighter script, more money for effects, and all the beats we want are still there.

Anyway, on to the episode -

Everyone else pretty much has be covered. The cabin was great (I knew we were golden when I noticed the two shotgun blast holes in the front door), the music was well-done, and I think the show did a good job of hitting all of the emotional notes we'd expect from a return (resignation, fear, sadness, etc).

Big ups to offing Amanda. I almost wish she had gone from saying she was hunting Ash to showing up an dying immediately. I'm okay with a "sorry, no development for you - die!" sort of mentality, but I'm with several of you folks - they didn't develop her as much as they needed to for it to pay off the way they wanted to.

Highlights for me - Amanda fighting Evil Ash ("now that's what I call cleavage" was terrific since it was coming from EVIL Ash) and Ash vs Evil Ash ("Well... then that means you've got a trick knee!" *Bash* "AHH! My trick knee!" - this is the sort of camp I want - its violent, it's funny, and it results in a great Bruce performance).

Hikers - While part of me is okay with us getting some Deadite fodder, their presence inevitably means the safety of Pablo and Kelly. So downside there.

I really don't think I have anything else that hasn't been said - I also noticed some of the bad writing and other usual issues this time around, but overall I think that if the next few episodes fit the originals this well, we'll call the rest of the season a wash and say that we're finally happy as fans (beyond just being happy that some sort of sequel material exists).

And hey - if you kids are on Twitter, I'm there too, though I rarely post - @Knowby

 

[Mardeadite]

A really good episode. Possibly the best... although I think Killer of Killers is on par with me, largely for that fight scene.

I have mixed feelings concerning Amanda's demise. I like the fact it showed even the central characters (with the exception of Ash) can be killed off. (And I hope they don't bring her back as anything than a deadite next episode) And the death itself worked well in this episode. But I really wish they had done more with her character in previous episodes.

Mainly, Amanda and Ruby should have done more together. I understand that may be largely due to the limited time Lucy could devote to the show, but I think the two ladies having some major adventures of their own (maybe even the main part of a whole episode with the 'Ghost Beaters' having a small role. Just that one episode, mind), would have been great.

Now Amanda's been killed off she can't be developed further (unless they resurrect her.. which they should not do, apart from the usual form of resurrection that occurs in this series), but purely for this episode, it worked.

And... Evil Ash. I know it was theorised by someone that this would occur, but it still surprised me. Even when the Hand suddenly developed an eye, I thought it was just a freaky critter thing.

I guessed that the Ash that approached Amanda, tempting her away, would be a wrong 'un but I thought it was our Ash, possessed, or an illusion. So that little twist was welcome.

I kinda wish he'd turned at some point with the white eyes and deformation , like ED 2 but the subtle thing works too. He is certainly akin to the Evil Ash of AoD, before he was cut up and resurrected. I suspect Bruce wouldn't be keen on the deadite makeup again.

Linda, certainly seemed spot on with the previous versions.

Those hikers- is this the first time we've heard the New Zealand accent (not including Lucy's) on this show? Even the waitress in Killer of... faked an American accent. (From the little I heard. She didn't say much.)

I'm not complaining. I figured the characters moved there or are there on holiday. It's better they speak their own accent than put on another poorly.

 

[Smee]

Well, I think killing off Amanda was...uncalled for in a way. I mean, why even bring the character into the story at all, if she had no purpose, other than wearing tight shirts and be generally stunningly beautiful (I dream about those lips)

She never got the chance to become something in the way she was used. Oh well. Maybe she will be a three-episode deadite, at least. That could be fun.

I, like someone before here, also think that the "Honey, I'm home" line was poorly delivered. Suprised me a lot.

 

[Robo Rider]

I was guessing about Amanda turning into a deadite based on what's happened to pretty much anyone who died at the cabin and along the road got turned into a deadite who died so far except for the case of Ashe's neighbor lady who he asked to really get into those corners cleaning out the trailers sceptic tank and clean up his trailer. She got turned into a deadite without being killed. In the case of the woman he picked up at the bar, she didn't get turned into a full deadite but did warn Ash that they were near. I feel that force we see through that has been chasing them can turn people into deadites once it forces it's targets to die like Ashe's militia friend Lem. He was stalked by the force in the forest and next week he's been attacking his own militia.

 

[Bertimix]

RE: Ash vs Evil Dead S01 E08: Ashes to Ashes Discussion [SPOILERS]

SStarting to feel like those who are overly critical of the how are deadites themselves torturing those of us who legitimately enjoy the series for what it is.

This episode was not only the best thus far but legitimately awesome. Lots of stuff fans have been yearning to see/experience happened in this ep. 


Everything was top-notch, the mood, the atmosphere, the pacing, the action, the lines. This is shaping up to be one incredible season finale.

I just wish I wasn't so geeky that I spoiled stuff for myself by listening to Joe's amazing score. 

Am I the only one who got hit with a wave of emotions? Nostalgia,  fear, excitement, sadness, etc?

Chills were sent up and down my spine.

I feel exactly the same as you. I'm so happy Ash is back.

 

[MaidOfKandar]

@Sutter Cane:

I like that idea. At least it's original.

Going back to Evil Ash, now that I had some more time to assimilate it, the clothes don't bother me nearly as much as the dentures. Evil Ash in AoD had both of his hands after sprouting from Ash's shoulder. Wouldn't Evil Ash on the show have his real teeth then? I can think of reasons for him to have clothes, but I really can't think of a reason he would have dentures. How would the hand even know that Ash doesn't have his original teeth anymore? That detail could even be used as a way to tell Evil Ash apart from the original Ash. Like I said, it's a minor issue, but it still feels weird to me.

@MaidOfKandar:

As usual, we're on the same page about nearly everything.

Concerning what you said about Ash acting too sleazy and how dismissive he was about his feelings towards Linda, I guess that's part of the problem I had with him kissing Amanda while she was dying. Specially after the unusually honest moment (and kiss) she shared with Evil Ash just minutes before and the fact that Ash had just finished dealing with his unresolved feelings for Linda. It really seemed more like something Ash wanted to do rather than something both of them were yearning for. Due to a very messy development of their relationship, characters and motivations throughout the season, it felt a little like Ash was taking advantage of her. Can we also talk about that little moment that has Linda talking about sucking Ash and he actually takes a few seconds to consider it? That was a little too pervy even for this portrayal of Ash. It certainly doesn't help in making Ash's and Amanda's final moments look any more wholesome. They really tried to sell honest love and emotion with that final kiss, but there was simply nothing to back it up with. It just felt weird. I also really hope they don't try to pull a "true love saves" schtick when it comes to Amanda in the following episodes, cause I'm not buying it.

I feel like Sam and co have been forever trying to downplay Ash's feelings about Linda.  We got an "I just wanted to get laid" in the Evil Dead comic books retelling and I hated the hell out of that one too.  It's okay to have him feel stuff, Sam and co!

Yeah, I still feel like they're pushing the perv button too hard just for the reasons you pointed out - I actually tuned out the skull-fucking part because I was too busy being annoyed about her whole skull still being in the vise when it shouldn't be.  And what makes it worse is that Evil Ash felt a little too Freddy Kruger-ey with those one-liners.  

I just realized something in the kitchen scene when amanda's cut's off  evil ash hand, isn't it kind of ironic that Ash's hand basically get's chopped up by the same meat cleaver that he tried to almost kill ash with in ed 2 ?

Yep, and it was a nice moment of delicious irony.  RIP righty.

I've not come down from this episode at all ~ That Cabin ~ MY GOD!!!! What a work of Art!!! :heart:

Welcome to the board!

It's really got the best Evil Dead feel to it over all the previous episodes.

1. Amanda, which is as close to a girlfriend as Ash as we get, dies. You would think after Linda #1 and Linda #2 he would learn to drag them kicking and screaming away from the cabin if he loved her.

2. Demonic severed head on a vice talking dripping with blood torturing Ash like the first 2 films.

3. Buzz saws flying at Ash'es head like many items in the first 3 films.

4. An evil version of Ash like the second film trying to kill him.

5. The Hand crawling through the walls again.

6. Lets not forget that mouse that was on the stairs of the cellar from Evil Dead 2. I think it must be his grandson.

7. Loved how they got so many details spot on like the swing knocking against the wall just before Ash gets to the door.

---

I think whoever said that the book's mouth is what we see through in the end of next weeks clip is right because that would mean Pablos necklace would be pointing towards it like the book is aiming right for it again.

---

I wonder what the book wants to do at this point

Spoiler

I presume that if it consumes the necklace and the dagger then it can take the world over.

Apparently the finale is going to be 40 min's long, can anyone with a cable, direct tv or dish subscription confirm this ?

EDIT

 dana pretty much confirm's our suspicions about what that little scene with kelly was really all about. 

"[font=Arial, sans-serif]Yes. Kelly was jelly. But to be fair, the Cabin isn't what you'd call a romantic getaway.  [/font]

https://twitter.com/ImDanaDeLorenzo/status/678667595667677190

Can confirm, it's listed at 40 on my end.

As soon as he entered the workshed, the only thing my eyes focused on was the door, or rather, what was above the door. It was too dark though and I couldn't see anything. Was the glove there? I hope so...

From i could tell from the shot's were it showed the top of the door, it was sadly not there from what i could tell.

It's definitely not there, likely due to Rights Issue related things.

This was my new Star Wars. I just wish it had happened sooner. It really seems like we could have gone from episode two straight to this episode with only a couple of changes. So in retrospect, maybe a four/five episode mini-series would have been better - tighter script, more money for effects, and all the beats we want are still there.

Anyway, on to the episode -

Everyone else pretty much has be covered. The cabin was great (I knew we were golden when I noticed the two shotgun blast holes in the front door), the music was well-done, and I think the show did a good job of hitting all of the emotional notes we'd expect from a return (resignation, fear, sadness, etc).

Big ups to offing Amanda. I almost wish she had gone from saying she was hunting Ash to showing up an dying immediately. I'm okay with a "sorry, no development for you - die!" sort of mentality, but I'm with several of you folks - they didn't develop her as much as they needed to for it to pay off the way they wanted to.

Highlights for me - Amanda fighting Evil Ash ("now that's what I call cleavage" was terrific since it was coming from EVIL Ash) and Ash vs Evil Ash ("Well... then that means you've got a trick knee!" *Bash* "AHH! My trick knee!" - this is the sort of camp I want - its violent, it's funny, and it results in a great Bruce performance).

Hikers - While part of me is okay with us getting some Deadite fodder, their presence inevitably means the safety of Pablo and Kelly. So downside there.

I really don't think I have anything else that hasn't been said - I also noticed some of the bad writing and other usual issues this time around, but overall I think that if the next few episodes fit the originals this well, we'll call the rest of the season a wash and say that we're finally happy as fans (beyond just being happy that some sort of sequel material exists).

And hey - if you kids are on Twitter, I'm there too, though I rarely post - @Knowby

Feel free to follow me over @missyvsevildead, which is my general Evil Dead main and will probably outlast the series.

 

[Ash Williams Forever]

Concerning Ash getting his face scar in this ep, which I also posted in the ep 9 thread:


I rewatched ep 8, and it seems Good Ash is first shown with the scar the next time we see his face after the third sawblade comes at him, which he ducked to avoid. Not sure how it could have touched him, given how he ducked, but...

 

[stevildead]

Episode 8

In Episode 8Ash goes back to the cabin and in the shed speaks to his long dead girlfriends head that he says is still in there. How can this be when in Evil Dead 2 Ash chainsaws the head in half, also how did Ash get back from an appoclyptic London that is at the end of Army of Darkness and manage to bring the book back when the book was left back in the past ?

 

[Mardeadite]

RE: Episode 8

If you look at her skull when he first enters the shed, you will see a big gap in the top where he cut into her head.
When it had regenerated (or did it really? I tend to interpret that bit as an illusion) she looked normal to start with, then you see the blood oozing from her scalp, where the wound was inflicted. A bit of emotional blackmail in the Evil's case I guess.

I think he cut into her head, but he didn't cut it completely in half.

 

[Its_Auto]

RE: Episode 8

In Episode 8Ash goes back to the cabin and in the shed speaks to his long dead girlfriends head that he says is still in there. How can this be when in Evil Dead 2 Ash chainsaws the head in half, also how did Ash get back from an appoclyptic London that is at the end of Army of Darkness and manage to bring the book back when the book was left back in the past ?

In regards to Linda, Mardeadite's reply is spot on!

As for your Army of darkness question, for me, unless these issues are addressed in season 2, there are two possibilities;

1, There are TWO endings to Army of darkness... you must ignore the original apocalypse ending of AoD director's cut / european cut and roll with the theatrical ending originally shown in US cinemas, here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEKN-NHg6Rk (this only serves as an explaination of Ash being back in present day, and doesn't explain the book...though future episodes in season 2 might iron out that plot hole)

or;

2, The tv series takes place after Evil Dead 2, Army of Darkness never happened in this timeline, and Ash retained the book (which he told Pablo wouldnt burn) from his first experience in the cabin 30 years ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quoJOsYWMFY