The "cabin in the woods" trope has long been a horror staple, but few have done it as memorably as Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell with the Evil Dead franchise. What started as a scrappy indie project that few believed in has grown into a blockbuster phenomenon, spanning decades and multiple films. Yet, for all its success, the recent movies—like Evil Dead Rise and the upcoming Evil Dead Burn—have drifted toward grim, gore-heavy territory, leaving behind the wild, comedic energy that made the original trilogy so beloved.
Enter Ash vs. the Evil Dead, the Starz series that premiered in 2015 and quietly became one of the best things to happen to the franchise. Despite earning a stellar 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains criminally underrated. For fans who grew up with Ash Williams—the chainsaw-wielding, boomstick-toting everyman—this show was a triumphant return to form, and it gave Bruce Campbell the perfect farewell to his most iconic role.
A Return to the Franchise's Comedy Roots
After the 2013 Evil Dead reboot took itself far too seriously, Ash vs. the Evil Dead brought back the slapstick humor and over-the-top violence that defined the original films. The series picks up 30 years after Ash's last encounter with the Deadites. Now a washed-up, middle-aged loser, Ash accidentally resurrects his old enemies while trying to impress a woman in his trailer—by reading from the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, the very book he knows is evil. It's a classic Ash move: reckless, selfish, and utterly hilarious.
This setup is a brilliant solution to the franchise's recurring problem. Modern Evil Dead movies often frustrate viewers by having characters read from the cursed book despite explicit warnings. But Ash's decision feels perfectly in character. He's not a hero; he's a guy who makes terrible choices, and that's what makes him so endearing. The show leans into this, delivering the campy, gory fun that fans had been craving.
Ash Williams: The Hero Who Never Grew Up
One of the show's greatest strengths is its portrayal of Ash as a man stuck in the past. He's still driving the same Oldsmobile, still wearing the same style, and still refusing to mature. This isn't just a joke—it's a poignant reflection of his trauma. Ash never moved on from the horrors he faced, and the series uses this to explore his character in a way the films never did.
Over three seasons, Ash vs. the Evil Dead delivered the sequel to Army of Darkness that fans always wanted. It was a love letter to the franchise, packed with references, cameos, and the kind of practical effects that made the originals so charming. And while the show ended with Campbell hanging up his chainsaw, it was a send-off worthy of the legend.
For those tired of the current wave of bleak horror, Ash vs. the Evil Dead is a refreshing reminder of what made the genre so fun in the first place. It's a shame more people didn't watch it when it aired, but it's never too late to discover this gem. If you're looking for more underrated horror gems, check out our list of horror films that nail it from the very first frame or dive into the most legendary horror movie scores to set the mood.
So, grab some popcorn, fire up the streaming service, and give Ash one last ride. You won't regret it.
