Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 505 of ‘Slasher’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There is one very good reason as to why law enforcement makes an intense effort to catch killers when they are on the loose and murdering people with impunity. In that, a prolonged assault on any town… sows’ chaos within the community. Because just like that, its citizenry no longer feels safe and that can motivate them to panic and do things they normally would not. For if a monster can roam free, then they too can indulge. Which is something we’ve seen hints of throughout the years, via communities that are gripped with fear when monsters emerge, and thankfully… we’ve never seen just how far the chaos could go. Since the police and/or the feds get their man in the eleventh hour. 
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Which is why the world of fiction is the perfect place to explore just how bad things could get if a killer inspired continued chaos in the city they chose as their hunting grounds, and it just so happens that the next episode of Slasher: Ripper on Shudder explores just that. For when we returned to this broken city in ‘Everybody’s Darling’, fear was everywhere to be found and rightfully so. Because Isaac’s body was discovered in the streets and seeing a high-ranking police officer fall to the Widow, first inspired panic in his very officers. Since they were quick to cause harm and escalate any simple situation and the collapse of civility didn’t end with peace officers kicking kids in the streets. It also inspired an emotionally broken individual to indulge their inner demons.

For Salomé was at their lowest here. In part because the killings left Salomé wondering if the Widow was coming for them. Since they took the time to make life hell for Margaret as well because of standing and stature concerns back in the day but also because… life was no longer what Salomé expected. For Georges and Terrance were deeply immersed in passion for one another, and that wounded Salomé since they were hoping for a chance to be near Terrance since he offered so much kindness and gentleness to Salomé, and of course… some of Salomé’s life choices were coming into question all of a sudden. Mainly because they were taking part in trying to sell Verdi to the highest bidder. 

Which Terrance did not approve of and well, with there being no law on the streets and with fear and chaos and worry surrounding Salomé, we came to learn what that does to people, and it truly inspires the worst in them. As evidenced by what Salomé did to Terrance with a simple steak knife, and their desire to attach their crime to the Widow. All of which brought forth a tragic tale for certain, one that ended in a brutal manner for Salomé. For eventually, the Widow did come calling and took her time with Salomé. Going so far as to sever limbs while Salomé was conscious, hammering home the power the Widow now held over everyone, and how that power collapsed the moral center of this city.

All of which made, for one incredibly bleak and unsettling episode. One that explored the darkness we are capable of, and how pushing the right buttons can indeed motivate people to take part in acts they likely never would otherwise. And this episode also deserves a round of applause for showing us a dystopia in the making. One created through fear and sorrow and outright terror, and well, it will indeed be interesting to see what comes next for this story. For the Widow at this point, is unstoppable, and the chaos and fear that Rijkers has to deal with, will make his quest for justice all the more complicated and that does indeed motivate one to continue the journey. To see how bad things are going to get in this town as the Widow, continues her bloody reign of terror. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Halfway to Halloween TV Special’.
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There was a time where network television put on quite the show. The kind that prompted families to huddle around the family television with drinks and snacks or maybe even a hot and fresh T.V. dinner in front of them… to be completely and utterly entertained by… the Variety Show. A special episode of television where a big-time celebrity host would guide the audience through an hour’s worth of carefully curated entertainment. Such as toe-tapping musical numbers, epic laughs courtesy of a hot-shot comedian, or sketches that would put a smile on faces by way of some big-time celebrity cameos, and this type of show dominated the television landscape for a very long time. In fact, they were commonly found on the airwaves from the 1940s through the 1980s. 
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But changing landscapes and changing tastes from television viewers, alongside the format being played out, basically put an end to them and they have in essence, been forgotten. Or rather… they were. Because last night, the Variety Show made a grand comeback in a very grandiose manner on Shudder, courtesy of two of the biggest entertainers and celebrities around… the Boulet Brothers. For as part of their development deal with Shudder, they opted to resurrect this type of show and update it to fit into the twenty-first century, and that makes The Boulet Brothers’ Halfway to Halloween TV Special an utterly brilliant and delightful experience for a variety of reasons. Such as the fact, that this special made this type of show fun once again.

For this writer grew up in the 1980s and can attest to the fact that those final Variety Hours were a touch stale to say the least. But not this particular special. Oh no, this one is a delight through and through. Largely because it embodies the spirit of the classic Variety Hour, courtesy of some slam bang celebrity cameos from across all genres of storytelling, including Dragula, and much like was the case back in the day, there’s a real joy that accompanies seeing them pop up in the various sketches, and the fact that the Boulet Brothers landed some massive icons in this… only adds to the majesty of this special. Plus, the material in and of itself adds to the fun factor, since everyone just revels in the writing and has a great time with it and you in turn, feed off of that energy. 

But while it is wonderful to sit back and enjoy a fun-filled vibe, another reason this special is so supremely amazing, is the sheer fact that the Boulet Brothers let loose when it comes to their tributes to horror. Something we’ve seen often in Dragula, but here… they take it to a whole new level. Since the sketches present here not only offer a wondrous history lesson in pop-culture, courtesy of a wild Seinfeld send-up, but they tip their cap to horror from every corner of the genre. From EC comics to the slashers of yore, and there are even some deep cuts present, via a delightful sketch involving Barbara Crampton that evokes echoes of the cult classic Parents, and there’s even a wonderful shout out to the magnificent Sleepaway Camp series, complete with Felissa Rose herself. Yet, the wonder of the writing doesn’t end there. Since there just so happens to be commentary present in these sketches, and beautiful twists and turns that genuinely take you by surprise.

Giving rise to some perfectly encapsulated horror stories, the kind that titillate and terrify and tickle your funny bone, and well, it is just wonderful to see horror receive such a tribute within the framework of a style of a show that was long regarded as pure, mindless entertainment. But clearly, the Queens of Darkness were eager to truly elevate this type of show and it is definitely mission accomplished when it comes to that, and if by chance you haven’t seen this special yet, you need to… right away. For this really is a ghoulish delight, one that truly informs us of Drac and Swan’s utter brilliance as writers and directors, and of course… you can never go wrong with enjoying a Halloween themed special in the middle of the year. One that properly pays tribute to the genre we so love, courtesy of some magnificent writing, some hearty laughs and all the guts and gore your pillowcase can handle.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Dead Ringers’.
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We are taught from a very young age, that nothing is as sacred as childbirth. For it is the beginning of a new generation, one that could very well change the world for the better from top to bottom. So, we cherish motherhood and those expectant mothers preparing to bring a life into the world, and we firmly believe that the day they give birth, is a moment of true beauty. Wherein majesty and wonder take place as that child arrives and gasps forth a powerful breath. One that signals the cycle begins anew, and reminds women everywhere that this is something they should all take part in. But alas, while there is some magic to be found in childbirth and the reality that a new life has arrived… there’s actually quite a lot that isn’t all that pretty about the process. For it is, violent in nature and there is indeed pain and there is a business side to it, one that fits in with modern medicine’s mantra of churn and burn. 
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But we don’t talk about that… so as to not disrupt the mantra surrounding the magic of childbirth. But it wouldn’t be a bad thing to start removing that mystique. Not for negative reasons mind you, or to ruin the hope that children bring. But to enact change. So that people, understand what this decision means and its physical sacrifices and so that the choice to not have children isn’t seen as something ludicrous, and above all… so it’s less about business and more about care and oddly enough… there is a new show on television that works to do just that. For the new Prime Video series, Dead Ringers, speaks to those points in a supremely creative manner. First, by updating the story that David Cronenberg brought to life on the silver screen in 1988, and that Bari Wood and Jack Geasland brought to life in novelized form in 1977 under the title of Twins.

First… by flipping the gender of Beverly and Elliot Mantle to female from male in this story. Giving the story a true female perspective and since the Mantle twins work in the maternity wing of a bustling hospital… the story allows for us to see the horrors and darker side of childbirth through their eyes. Such as how the miracle only applies to the patient since Beverly and Elliot are forced to crank through deliveries all day long and see endless babies, and sometimes sit through the ugly stuff we don’t talk about. Such as how not every baby makes it through the birthing process or how violent the process can be via C-section and instruments needed to swiftly bring a baby into the world. Or how mothers don’t always survive childbirth in this day and age, alongside featuring some fascinating observations about how we view childbirth in our modern world.

Such as how the expectation for a woman to give birth, regardless of whether or not they want to, is alive and well in the progressive second decade of the twenty-first century, and how hard that is for a woman to navigate. Not to mention, how women who cannot conceive are perceived and the pressure that too creates. All of which makes this a powerful opening chapter to a grand and sweeping story, that holds a mirror up to the realities of childbirth in our world and how women do need more care and nurturing regarding this process if we do indeed want this to be a miracle of sorts. Which is why the Mantle twins are eager to open their own facility, to make that happen. Provided of course, they can get out of the way of their own neuroses, and that… is where this story sticks close to the original source material regarding these enigmatic twins.

For they have seen a lot of horrors in the hospital, a lot of loss and a lot of suffering and that, and their standing has allowed for both of them to detach from the real world and its ugliness in many ways. Which in turn pushes them to do things that aren’t normal to feel some level of emotion, and it has also given rise to an unhealthy codependency between the two of them. One that could undo them if the inferences at the end of this episode play out as truth. Which means… we are going to be in for one unsettling ride. One that will say plenty about modern healthcare and modern childbirth, all while offering up a psychological thriller about a pair of broken twins that mean well, and it will be fascinating to see where both of those components take us in future episodes, and what they teach us, as this brilliant and poignant… and unsettling… story continues along. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 504 of ‘Slasher’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It’s rare in this day and age to truly be led astray in a good way by a television show. After all, viewers are savvy and have seen a lot of the tricks and twists that most shows use to throw people off guard… or they are cued into the plot and have figured out what’s coming. But being surprised every single step of the way by a television show is indeed still possible, and for proof… look no further than this new season of the Shudder series, Slasher. For Slasher: Ripper keeps finding new ways to stun us and make us believe that the story is heading a bold new direction, and this week’s dynamic episode was a fine example of that. Since ‘Left Handed Justice’ really did make it seem as though, the Widow was close to capture.
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But not before she screwed with the minds of the elite. For while Basil and his little coven of chaos sat down for lunch to discuss what was to be done about the Widow and whom the Widow might be, they came to discover that their Meat Pies were quite special in nature. In that, they contained trace elements of something quite horrifying and shocking… Soylent Eddie. For Eddie’s teeth were present in their meals and a search of the local butcher’s workshop revealed a bevy of Eddie parts present within the place. And well, since Isaac had a slice of Eddie, he quickly empowered Rijkers to do whatever needed to be done to bring the Widow to justice and well… that’s when this story took that incredible turn.

Because all signs pointed to Georges being the Widow. A reality that was further compounded by the fact that he had not been back to the theater or his own camper since the fight with Eddie and Kenneth. And of course, there was that dress present within his camper, and he was also left-handed. Just like the killer. So, Rijkers had no choice but to chase him hard and believe it or not… he was able to get hold of Georges. For he showed up at Regina’s place, and Rijkers was able to learn he was there. So, without giving it a second thought, Kenneth placed the man under arrest and brought him back to the precinct and for a time… it really seemed as though Georges was the villain of this story. Especially since he was still defiant and flippant regarding the murder charges and well… just like that it appeared we were heading toward resolution.

However, Isaac and Basil’s plans to get a confession, period, without evidence, allowed for Kenneth to earn enough time to confirm the alibi. Where it turned out that Georges was simply having a love affair with a man on the night in question. Something that he wanted to keep a secret because this is the 19th Century, where such matters were problematic through and through. But that reveal and the freedom it afforded Georges, shifted this story away from surprise and put us back on a path of mystery and intrigue and blood and guts, and really made it clear that this story can indeed find new ways to surprise us and misdirect us. For it went all out in convincing us that Georges was the killer, and that this season had some vastly different surprises up its sleeve.

But instead, the Widow is still on the streets, and she is still eager to satiate her bloodlust. Since she did eventually encounter Isaac late at night, after Kenneth tossed him from the precinct for being high and physically harming a suspect, and she uh… she did her thing. This time around by tying Isaac to a horse that she sent into a frenzy, so that it would painfully bruise and batter Isaac’s body to the point of death as it tore through the streets. Making it clear that the nightmare will continue, and the police are no closer to finding a killer. But while we wait to learn the truth, we can revel in another brilliant chapter in this tale. One that really did subvert our expectations and surprised us every step of the way and now that the carnage has resumed, it will be interesting to see what other twists and turns and deflections await us as this incredibly refreshing slasher story continues along. Until next time.  

It is definitely safe to say that the Evil Dead franchise is one of the most subtle horror franchises out there. Which might seem like a misnomer, since tuning into those stories often includes epic gore and some wild moments of hilarity, especially when one gets to Army of Darkness. But make no mistake about it, there is subtlety to be found in this saga, primarily through its storytelling. Because behind the gore and the best one liners this side of the Netherworld, are some powerful themes for certain. After all, this is a series that has taken the time to deeply explore our fears of the unknown courtesy of the Necronomicon and the Deadites that roam the darkness and it also has taken the time to explore topics regarding the human condition that other stories simply will not touch upon.
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For this is also a saga that has explored the nature and the genesis of trauma and the impact that the sudden death of those we love can have upon us. Not to mention, it has also explored the nature of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the realities of Survivor’s Guilt. Plus, this saga has also featured the most unique hero’s journey imaginable, and it even goes deeper than that. Since the 2013 iteration of this franchise pondered upon the real-world horrors of addiction and what that evil that brings to the table and clearly… this saga has no plans anytime soon to abandon its powerful examinations on the toughest parts of the human condition, as evidenced by the latest entry in this storied and gory saga, Evil Dead Rise.

Which is fascinating, because at first glance, this too is a story that appears to be eager to only exhibit the best parts of the franchise. Since we are introduced to a family in Los Angeles that is dealing with some tough days, courtesy of an eviction notice and other divides grounded in the everyday stuff we all take part in. Only for them to discover that these hallowed halls are host to a great evil. For this building is also the final resting place of the Book of the Dead, and its discovery brings forth a night of terror for this family and their neighbors. One that will shatter relationships and re-open old wounds alongside creating new ones and now it will be up to Beth to figure out how to combat this evil and save what’s left her family… before it consumes every last soul in this lonesome building.

Which is indeed a plot that fits the mold of the franchise perfectly. After all, everyone is isolated as is often the case in this saga, and of course, the Book does its thing and brings forth mayhem and madness and make no mistake about it, those moments are worth the price of admission. Since the film features plenty of spooky scares and some fresh ideas when it comes to the Deadites and how they function. Which brings forth some unsettling visuals as well and such storytelling choices present us with the finest Deadite to ever grace the franchise in Ellie. Since she harbors a twisted sense of pleasure in bringing harm that changes the dynamic for the Deadite going forward. Courtesy of a stellar performance from Alyssa Sutherland, who goes from driven mother to driven nightmare seamlessly, and her special brand of evil is wonderfully counterbalanced by Lily Sullivan as Beth.
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But once we get past the raw terror she instills, and the horrors of seeing the Deadites claim an urban entity for a change, do we find the deeper stuff. For at its core, this is a story about our fears when it comes to watching family members suffer through any kind of illness since that in many ways transforms them into people that are unrecognizable to us. Not to mention, in many ways… this is a horror film that reflects the recent events of the world. Since the Deadites represent a sickness from the outside world, one that wreaks havoc internally, giving rise to perhaps the first real contemporary allegory in the franchise and the story handles it well. Since such commentary is never overpowering, thanks to the splatter and a poignant moment involving a cheese grater.

In the end however, this is just… a flawless horror film. Because it preys on our darkest fears, reminds of us the ones we’ve recently overcome and of course, it features everything we love about this franchise and the genre. Since there are buckets of blood and gore galore, creative kills and twisted moments that make you look away. Which makes this a phenomenal addition to the franchise, one that fans will hotly debate as to where it ranks in the pantheon of this storied saga. But what matters more, is that this is a film that is accessible to all, so that those who don’t know the meaning of ‘Groovy’, can enjoy the morbid wonder the Deadites produce, and explore this franchise at their own leisure without having to worry about knowing every detail about the Necronomicon and the timeline that preceded this film. Which is a testament to writer/director Lee Cronin’s amazing work in assembling this terrifying feature, one that horror fans no longer have to wait to watch… since Evil Dead Rise is now in theaters.

The hero’s journey is one that we celebrate often in storytelling and with good reason. For it represents a journey that reflects the best of who we are. Wherein we see a humble person rise above the odds and understand the needs of the many to perform incredible acts that save lives and keep the world safe, and there is little more noble in this life than sacrificing for others or risking our lives for others. Since it speaks to the wonder of humanity over the wonder of the ego, and that’s why we love stories that feature this journey and why the industry continues to churn them out. Because they just plain make us feel good and they give us hope for tomorrow. 
 
But like so many stories out there, they don’t paint the real picture of what heroism looks like in the world. For so many heroic and noble moments aren’t grounded in journeys of discovery that are both brooding and beautiful. Sometimes heroism comes out of a quick, spur of the moment decision, and sometimes the people we don’t think would ever be a hero step into that role because of what’s good and what’s just, and realize that no one else in that moment can do what they can do. And sometimes, people that don’t think they are worthy of the title or the burden, come to discover the importance of being that beacon of hope and step into the role, and all of those journeys… should be celebrated as well and it just so happens that one of those journeys was, in the most unlikely of stories.
 
For the series finale of the STARZ series, Ash vs Evil Dead, is a story that explored the off-beat journey toward heroism in ‘The Mettle of Man’, and that made for one powerful story. One that completed a decades long journey for Ashley J. Williams. One where he went from everyday kid plunged into a nightmare that few would ever recover from… to the Chosen One the Book of the Dead spoke of. The one that would fight the Dark Ones and save all of humanity from evil and well… how it accomplished that was quite incredible. For a vast majority of this story, saw Ash do everything he could to avoid being the hero. In fact, he was ready to run again, with his family and he hoped to high heaven this would end as it had before, with a quick and ugly fight against evil. 

​But witnessing the raw power the Dark Ones put on display, through a giant Kandarian Demon no less, and coming to realize how many people needed a savior from this evil, combined with the love he had in his heart for his daughter Brandy, and his chosen family of Pablo and Kelly… changed a great deal for Ash. For he knew he had the skills and knew that only he could stand tall and end this and save the world, and the ones he loved, and that allowed for that powerful transformation to come forth via a stunning performance from Bruce Campbell. One where Ash found value in life, found value in society, and found value… in sacrifice… and in heroism. Which brought forth that alternate journey in question and some powerful and moving moments before finally giving us… one of the most satisfying hero’s journeys to ever grace the small screen. For this one felt organic and raw, and honest for that matter. And watching that come to fruition is one of the many reasons that this was the finest episode of season three of this series.
 
But we’d be foolish to not point out the others reason this episode rocks, which are vast in scope. Because let’s be honest… from a fan perspective, this was also the moment so many had been waiting for. Wherein the evil actually got loose and did its thing. Which led to that amazing demon effect and chaos in the streets of Ash’s hometown, complete with a military battle royale in the streets. Plus, this episode also in many ways, restored Sam Raimi’s vision for how he wanted this saga to wrap up. Since the original ending of Army of Darkness, where Ash found himself in a wasteland because of the book, was put on display here in an updated and epic manner. All of which brought forth a shockingly complete feeling to the end of the series, one that left us comfortable with the fact that Ash was going to kick some demon butt hard in his new ride. 
 
Which really did make for one epic finale and the perfect ending to what we could consider to be… the fourth Evil Dead movie. One that ended up being hours upon hours long and featured really some of the best writing on the show since the pilot episode and some of the best acting of Bruce Campbell’s career. Because that farewell speech absolutely makes one tear up with pride and sorrow and well, all of those elements are what make this the best episode that season three of the series had to offer and it also means… we’ve reached the end of our journey when it comes to this show. Which is a little sorrowful in a way, since coming back to this series was quite the treat, as was revisiting a powerful ending that offered a proper and sweeping farewell to one of the finest heroes to ever grace the genre. Hail to the king, baby.

It is definitely safe to say that season two of the STARZ series, Ash vs Evil Dead, was quite the bold venture. After all, it offered up quite the different type of story. One that progressed problems with the evil, sure, and took the time to introduce us to another monster from the realm of the Necronomicon in Baal. But it also… took the time to really explore the life and times of Ashley J. Williams. After all, we returned to his hometown in season two. We met his pop, Brock Williams, played brilliantly by screen legend Lee Majors, and we also came to learn just what kind of a lasting impact that weekend in the cabin had upon Ash’s family and the people of his town. Which, spoiler alert… wasn’t all that great. In fact, Ash was a pariah because of what happened back then.
 
To the point where he was called ‘Ashy Slashy’ and driven the hell out of town, and well… going this route allowed for a bevy of big moments to happen. Such as the surprise return of Ellen Sandweiss, who reprised her role from The Evil Dead here, and Ted Raimi found his way into the series regular lineup as the loveable Chet. And the return of two ED alums, alongside incredible storytelling that took our understanding of Ash to new heights, alongside some evil and ugly surprises from the book, such as Pablo’s unfortunate journey in this tale… made it difficult to really single out one particular episode that one could declare as the absolute best of season two. For everything here was carefully crafted to seamlessly tie together in a great big ten-hour Act 2 if you will. But upon deep consideration, one story met those criteria after all… one that actually managed to one-up the boldness present here.
 
Specifically… ‘Delusion’. For this was a story that wowed us by having Ash be separated from his friends and his quest to fight evil, to battle his own demons in a place he never thought he would find himself, a psychiatric hospital. Where apparently, he had spent the last thirty years following the Cabin Incident and was being treating for a psychotic break. One that ended the lives of everyone in the cabin and where he was never healed in the slightest in the wake of that slaughter. Which allowed for a vastly different type of tale to come into play. One where the audience was kept guessing as to whether or not everything, we’d seen so far in this saga was a lie, courtesy of some wonderful surprises from a casting standpoint. Since everyone we’d met in the show from a Ghostbeaters standpoint, were here, in different roles. Hammering home madness and removing hope from our hearts that Ash was indeed a flawed hero. 

​That in turn, led to a juicy story that slowly revealed that this was nothing more than a long game on Baal’s part to break Ash. And his desire to do so led to some wild moments. Some of which were supremely dark in nature, such as when Ash was forced to try and fight his way out at the end, making it seem once again that he was nothing more than a cold-blooded murderer that knew no bounds, and his final scene with Linda in the hospital, was both devastating and hopeless, since it seemed in that moment, Baal had won. But this story also allowed for some great comedy to come into play and for Bruce Campbell to just enjoy the playground he’d been given and let’s be honest… who didn’t want an Ashy Slashy puppet after this particular tale came to a close? 
 
But what matters more here, is that this episode offered so much more than a bold ‘what if?’ type of tale. For it also… (SPOILER ALERT FOR SEASON 3) laid the groundwork down for the series finale. Because this is a show that was always about Ash’s journey into becoming a true hero, and in order to do that… certain things have to happen. Such as facing obstacles from the past and that is in many ways what Ash does here. Sure, one could argue the entire season does that since he returns home. But it is here, in this out of the way ‘asylum’ where Ash really reflects upon the past thirty years, because of the horrors that Baal puts him through. Allowing for him to process the survivor’s guilt he’s felt for ages on end and confront the hard truth that he was left with no choice on that dark and dastardly night. And while we don’t see what comes out of the work until later on, what happens here makes more sense when watching the series, a second time through.
 
If anything, all the elements we’ve discussed, make this a brilliant episode when all is said and done. Because it’s just rare to see an established franchise such as this one, take risks in the middle of the season to deal with something as heavy and as important as mental health and PTSD. But this story understood the need of addressing such matters and was perhaps, ahead of the curve and potentially influenced the arrival of the elevated horror stories that explored such matters in the years following this episode. Which is why this was the best episode that season two of this storied saga had to offer and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this magnificently fun and cerebral journey, the time has come to explore the last stop on our ‘best of’ tour… the moment when Ashley J. Williams… finally decided to embrace heroism and the sacrifices it requires. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that horror fans everywhere rejoiced when it was announced that the Boulet Brothers opted to sign a mega development deal with Shudder. Because it meant that a pair of horror icons and experts, were about to bring forth all kinds of incredible programming and it didn’t take long for us to reap the benefits. For The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans, put quite the unique spin on the very show that the Boulet Brothers made popular, and set a precedent for fashion competition shows everywhere. By making it clear that second chances in a type of show that rarely gives them, can pay off in spades. But of course, that was merely the beginning of the benefits of unleashing the Boulet Brothers, for these tireless titans of terror have so much more to send our way.
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For we recently came to learn that Dracmorda and Swanthula are resurrecting a long-lost staple of classic television… the variety show. Which truly were popular for decades on end, but to make it genuinely interesting, the ‘Queens of Darkness’ announced that their variety show would be horror themed and filled to the brim with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and horror around and well… as we near the release of The Boulet Brothers’ Halfway to Halloween TV Special, we are finally coming to learn how epic this variety show is going to be. Courtesy of a teaser, trailer, and key art that Shudder was nice enough to release today and well, here are those gory goodies for all of you to partake in as we count down to a night of total terror and enthralling entertainment.

‘Shudder released today the trailer, teaser and key art for The Boulet Brothers’ Halfway to Halloween TV Special, which will air Tuesday, April 25 on Shudder and AMC+. Hosted by modern day horror hosts and “queens of darkness” The Boulet Brothers, The Boulet Brothers’ Halfway to Halloween TV Special is a mid-year variety show celebrating the “Halfway to Halloween” season for fans who just can’t wait until October 31 to get a good dose of the dark side. 
 
Calling to mind the era of classic retro holiday variety shows, the program will be hosted from The Boulet's haunted manor set and will feature scripted skits, musical performances, and guest appearances from an impressive lineup of stars including David Dastmalchian (Dune, Suicide Squad) who co-produced the special, Kevin Smith (Clerks, Tusk), Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s Creek), Taran Killam (SNL), Matthew Lillard (Scream film series), Jorge Garcia (Lost), Steve Agee (Peacemaker), Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, Chopping Mall), Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), Katya (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Derek Mears (Friday the 13th, Swamp Thing), Satanic doo wop band Twin Temple, and Kendra Onixx, Koco Caine & Melissa Befierce (The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula).
 
“As spring arrives and people start planning for fun times in the sun, we feel it’s our duty to bring a storm cloud filled with witches, goblins, and jack-o-lanterns and put it right over their beach day, and that’s exactly what we’re doing with our Halfway to Halloween TV Special,” said The Boulet Brothers. “For those of you who love darkness, blood, thrills and chills all year round, this special is a love letter to you, and is a reminder that Halloween & horror is in style all year round. So many stars from the world of horror came together to put this variety show together, and we can’t wait for everyone to sink their fangs into it!”

The Boulet Brothers’ Halfway to Halloween TV Special is produced by The Boulet Brothers, through their production company Boulet Brothers’ Productions, in association with David Dastmalchian’s newly formed production company Good Fiend Films. The Boulets are also joined by writer Steve Agee, as well as segment directors Nathan Noyes and Michael Varrati.

About Shudder 
AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit www.shudder.com.  
 
About AMC+  
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For a very long time in the horror world, fans of the Evil Dead franchise wanted one thing, and one thing alone… a fourth Evil Dead movie. One that would take Ashley J. Williams and his fight against the never-ending evil to new heights. But alas, the ho-hum box office success of Army of Darkness and the ever-changing horror landscape of the early aughts… never allowed for that happen. Making it seem as though such hopes would only come to fruition in the minds of the fans. But the wild success of the 2013 Evil Dead remake/reimagining, made it clear that the market was hot for horror again and well… while a true fourth film never came to light, renewed interest in the franchise brought forth the next best thing.
 
Specifically, a television series entitled, Ash vs Evil Dead. Which premiered on STARZ in 2015 and brought forth three glorious seasons of gore and guffaws and a long and winding arc that grew Ashley J. Williams like never before. Giving us in essence a massive fourth film via long-from, serialized storytelling and well… with Evil Dead Rise on the horizon, we thought it would be fun to look back at the absolute best stories from those three seasons and for season one, the choice was obvious. For the series premiere of this magnificent saga was quite special to say the least, and the best that the season had to offer for several reasons. 
 
First and foremost, ‘El Jefe’ was… the beginning of a new chapter in this story. One that was in many ways… a flawless sequel to Army of Darkness. For it leaned into the fact that it had been a few years since Ash battled Deadites in a castle long ago while dropping some amazing one-liners, and it really took its time to set the stage as to what he’d been up to since that incredible weekend at the cabin and in ancient England. Which in turn presented us with a fascinating character that had grown deeply since those days and was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress and depression and held onto his youthful impishness and ignorance to reclaim lost innocence. Letting us know that this chapter of the story was going to be deeper than the rest and the wonder of this episode didn’t end there.

​Because it brought forth a juicy and compelling story. One set in motion by man that couldn’t face his past or his pain and was forced to battle old demons and new ones to stop the mess he’d made, and that allowed for new and dynamic characters to come into the fold via Pablo and Kelly, and Ruby for that matter, and it also allowed… for everything we love about the franchise to come to life again. Such as the Ramo-Cam, and the horrific Deadites and all the gore we love and adore from this franchise. Plus, it featured more amazing one-liners from Ash and even his chainsaw hand, and it also blended together the comedic timing that we loved in the previous two films, alongside the terrifying elements present in the original film and the reimagining as well. And all of that came together seamlessly, largely thanks to the fact that most of the original crew and writers from the original Evil Dead stories signed up to work on this show.
 
In fact, one of the big reasons this premiere is so incredible, is the sheer fact that Sam Raimi himself directed it. And he returned to his roots with glee in this story and let years of experience working on big blockbusters seep into what made him famous, and the end result is a well-acted, slick premiere that features some bombastic moments that make your skin crawl. Such as the scene with Amanda and her newly possessed partner, and other moments that leave you gasping for air from laughing so hard. Such as the opening sequence where Ash spruces up to go out and get some in a manner that only Ash would, complete with the types of quirky failures that only he would deal with… and an unholy surprise that really sets the story in motion. 
 
If anything, this is just a perfect premiere. And while there are other great episodes in season one, and while the season finale delivers… this is the gem of season one. Because it set the tone for how this series was going to play out, it established everything the show was going to stand for from a thematic and character development standpoint and well… it was the first time in twenty-three years that Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi played their respective and established roles within the franchise. And that’s special and that is why this premiere is getting fawned over today, and this series as well. For Ash vs Evil Dead really was the stuff of legend and told some powerful tales and now that we’ve properly explored the episode that stood out above the rest in season one, it’s onto season two. And the story that could be debated as the genesis of Ash’s transformation in a true hero. Until next time.

​Scott's Review
When trying to escape your vices that life has put around you, is there a better way to do it without having your friends around? I have watched a couple of those intervention shows and it is always the family and friends that are trying to help their loved one overcome their evils. I am sure that this helps out, especially when the individual sees how they are pulling their family and friends apart. I wonder if this would work with evil possessions? I don’t know if the demons will think the same way about this practice, they would probably just want to eat everyone’s souls that were involved.

David and Natalie arrive late to his family’s cabin and are greeted by Olivia and Eric. With a plan in place to take care of David’s sister Mia, the group has decided a getaway to the woods will be the best way to help Mia follow through on a big promise, this time at least. Mia has had problems with drugs for many years and with the help from her friends, she should be able to finally kick the habit, but only time will tell. Upon entering the cabin, the group sees that the door has been broken open and even though they cannot find anyone squatting there, there is a strange smell coming from the basement.

Cleaning up the cabin, the group finds dead cats in the cellar and will move them out, but Mia is not comfortable in the cabin at all and wants to leave. Not being able to convince her brother David to take her away, she takes the car and tries to drive back into town. But it has been raining non-stop for several hours and the creek has flooded and will not allow anyone to cross until it is ready. Trying to get back to the cabin, Mia is confronted by a young woman in the woods that gives her a taste of what real evil is. Rushing back to the cabin while the trees are coming alive around her, she has to prove that there is something alive and evil in the woods that means them harm.

Dead cats are not the only thing the group finds in the basement as one of the support beams has been burned to a crisp. On a table in the back of the cellar the group finds a shotgun and a book that is wrapped in wire. Taking their new finds upstairs, Eric opens the book and starts investigating the scribblings inside of it. Finding incantations in the book, Eric colors over the top of them with a pencil and paper and recites the words. Not knowing what these words are, he awakens something evil in the woods that wants to take over the bodies of the living and feast on their souls. Watching as Mia becomes worse, the group thinks that she is just suffering withdrawal, but they quickly find out that she is being possessed by something not of this earth.

Locking her in the cellar, one by one the rest of the group suffers the same fate. When Olivia tries to kill Eric in the bathroom, Eric is strong enough to keep her at bay and destroy her brain, but that is not enough when Natalie becomes the next victim. Eric deciphers what needs to be done to release the demons from the bodies of the living; fire, decapitation and being buried alive. Although David does not truly understand what is happening around him, he will do anything to save his friends and his sister, but when the sun is down, the demons are more powerful than ever and he needs to find a way to get any sort of help before all is lost.

I am not a huge fan of remakes, especially when the original movie was just fine, but this reincarnation of Evil Dead has changed my mind. I was blown away by the imagery that was brought to the screen, and I even liked the characters, even though there was no Ash involved. The strength that everyone had to show to survive was outstanding, along with Mia's kicking of her drug habit. With all of the blood that bubbled up during this movie, you finally get to see what Duct Tape is really good for, especially when traveling in the woods. I really liked how the story came around full circle and if more remakes used this same formula, I would be more apt to watch them. A great movie and I hope that they are able to make a second one and I'm not gonna lie I would love to see Mia pop up on Ash vs Evil Dead for a crossover story. Stay Scared!

​John's Review
Normally, the instant a remake of one of my favorite films is announced, I cringe inside and ponder the greatest question one can ponder when it comes to a remake...will it stink? But that was not the case with today's review, because of two names; Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi. 

They were involved every step of the way when it came to revitalizing this franchise and these two men care dearly for the saga they brought to life, and the chances of them letting their fans down were slim to none, and my trust in both of them was well rewarded with an incredible horror film that stands up to the classic. In fact, let's get it out of the way now, expect the unexpected with this film, because to put it bluntly, this ain't your daddy's Evil Dead.  

​Now when it comes to this remake, the basic core of the plot holds true. We have college kids in a remote cabin, we have the Necronomicon, complete with new name and design, and of course the ever-evil Deadites, but that is where the comparisons to the original disappear. Because Director Fede Alvarez has put his unique stamp on the Evil Dead saga with his incredible take on this classic storyline. But there is one question I think we all want answered when it comes to this movie, is it scary? 

The answer is a resounding hell yes. There is a painful tension that builds in this film as it lulls you into a sense of security before unleashing utter terror and the scares just keep coming. If the proper word to describe Sam Raimi's original was simplicity, the appropriate word to describe this version is disturbing. I say that because I can guarantee you will squirm in your seat and cringe from the horrible things that happen before your eyes. Don't believe me? Well, we all know how much I watch horror movies and how they rarely get under my skin, but shortly after this story kicked off, I found myself constantly squirming about in my seat. 

If anything, this movie is a proud addition to the saga, and it pleases me to no end that the wonderful quality and subsequent success of this film, brought for an Evil Dead renaissance. One that gave rise to three wondrous seasons of Ash vs Evil Dead, and that kept the momentum going to bring us Evil Dead Rise, and after that who knows… but clearly this movie introduced the Deadites to a whole new generation, whose appetite for gore and terror is as voracious as the monsters that walk-through Ash and Mia’s ugly world.