The Gore Spotlight
Ash vs Evil Dead
Review of Episode 6:
The Killer of Killers
Directed by: Michael Hurst
Air date: 12/06/15
Editor’s Note: P.J.'s Ash vs Evil Dead reviews are done on a weekly basis and are for watchers of the show. Therefore, it's worth mentioning that there will be spoilers and heavy speculation in all of the reviews. For those of you, who wish to not be spoiled, please stop reading.
Things are only getting more intense for Ash and company as Ash vs Evil Dead makes its way into the sixth episode. We've previously seen Ruby and Amanda join forces against Ash and the Deadites and are not exactly easing up on their quest to take out our chainsaw handed hero down. If anything, they are becoming more hostile towards him and more violent and aggressive against our world and kind.
The Killer of Killers continues the journey as Ash decides that the key to stopping the Deadite's attack rests back at the cabin where the whole thing began thirty years ago. It's great to see the mythos of the original movie series brought into the mix, as the show itself is such a satisfying treat for fans of the canon. This episode shows Ruby appearing to be forceful brought into the Deadite's world but I doubt we've seen anywhere near the last of her. Amanda is on her own again for the moment, but with Ash in her sights.
The sixth episode primarily concerns our characters taking a moment at a diner only to have chaos unfold. Our group is affected by lack of money, Deadite action and Amanda Fisher busting up their plans and it all plays out so well. It must be said that the diner Deadite attack sequence in the third act of King of Killers is not only my favorite action sequence but also may just be my favorite scene in the show in general. The battle reminds the audience that this is horror first and foremost with blood and brain matter flying and both Deadites and innocent bystanders alike getting ripped apart. Meat slicers, ceiling fans, meat mallets and of course Ash's chainsaw and boomstick are all brought into the equation and it's just a joy to watch.
This episode may in fact be my favorite episode so far. I've loved everything I've seen up until this point, but I can see looking back at The Killer of Killers as a personal fan favorite. Ash does what he does best and the episode takes a wonderful “no holds barred” approach that is so awesome and oh so horror. The show is working its way into dark waters, while still retraining its wit and humor and I love it.
The Killer of Killers also features more with Pablo and Kelly's disjointed relationship. The show avoids stereotype and finds solidarity in both characters genuinely caring for one another, even if some feelings are one sided. It still isn't officially stated that Kelly knows how Pablo feels about her, but it is clear that she sees him as someone that she wants to keep around. Where this will all head is anyone's guess as the show stays clear of expected routines and concepts, deciding instead to find its own way. Pablo and Kelly are also fantastically three dimensional characters by themselves and compliment the rest of the show so well.
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This episode finally allows Ash to be revealed as a good guy to Fisher. This comes from a no-contest situation in which Ash and his friends must defend Amanda and themselves against the baddie attack at the diner. Unlike before, Ash is clearly on the right side in Fisher's eyes and it's great to see her join the crew. As I've stated before, there's no way in Deadite hell that Ruby is gone for good and she should serve as a more than capable human foe for Ash and company. Fisher will make a fine addition to the team and Ash and his friends need all the help they can get.
Another key fact leaves us with Lem, a man from Ash's past, being attacked by Deadites in the woods. The promo for episode 7, entitled Fire in the Hole, seems to show more with him - bringing new flavor by Deadite involvement. The use of the demon POV camera shot in this episode, including the part with Lem really brought more life into the concept and the Deadite assault on the diner being preceded by such movement shows that it's more than just a camera trick. When you see the camera moving in that way, Deadite's are about to mess some stuff up.
All in all, The Killer of Killers managed to show that perfect can get even better and I am more pumped than ever to see this swiftly moving train barreling into even deeper territory. First time director (for the series) Michael Hurst continues the tradition of the previous directors of having a masterful understanding of the tone and flow of the series and nails it with this phenomenal episode.
Check out the promo for episode 7, Fire in the Hole below:
P.J. Griffin, HMS
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