Ash vs Evil Dead Season 2 Episode 7 Review: Delusion
Steve Ford
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Paging Dr. Groovy, please report back to reality!
Going into Ash vs Evil Dead Season 2 Episode 7, I wasn't quite sure what Baal had in store for our pal Ash. Unless Baal needs a new meat suit, he doesn't typically kill for the fun of it. His enjoyment seems to come from toying with people, planting that seed and eventually driving them bananas.
Last week I had mentioned how I loved the song choice for the closing credits on Ash vs Evil Dead Season 2 Episode 6. What made it even better was how it clued us in to where the next episode would take us.
The psychiatric ward was a great setting. The dilapidated hospital set the tone for the episode along with the introduction of Ash's psychiatrist, Dr. Peacock.
Baal cleans up nicely doesn't he?
There is something genuinely off putting about insane asylum's in general, so choosing to go this route for this episode was a great choice.
We knew that this whole situation Ash was thrown into was all just a ruse. Although, that didn't prevent me from feeling as if I was beginning to lose my mind on a few occasions.
You know, Ruby said this would be hard. Buddy, I've had harder turds. You are a joke of a demon!
Ash
Until the closing moments of the episode, I kept wondering what Baal's ultimate goal was with Ash. Was he simply trying to drive him insane by forcing him to accept a reality that wasn't real or was this all part of a bigger plan?
I have to take a moment and mention the Ashy Slashy puppet. That thing was absolutely adorable. I'm not ashamed to say that I actually hit up Amazon and a few other places after watching the episode to see if that was even available for purchase.
Sadly it isn't, but I'm still holding out hope.
Ash's interactions with Ashy Slashy were arguably the best parts of the episode. Any ideas on who was voicing the puppet? That was definitely not Campbell's voice.
The escape attempt from the asylum was entertaining to say the least. I couldn't help but chuckle when Ash and the puppet both nodded at each other, signaling that the coast was clear.
Crazy Kelly's reaction to Ashy Slashy had me in stitches.
What the Fraggle Rock is THAT thing?
Kelly
Speaking of Crazy Kelly, I almost didn't recognize her at first since she was without her typical eye makeup and covered in dirt. I couldn't help but wince as she was breaking her fingers while counting the days that she'd been incarcerated.
Also, Ash zoning in and out of seeing Kelly, Pablo and Ruby being replaced by other people was trippy. That itself is enough to drive even the most sane person loopy.
Hey, after we get out, how about role playing? Maybe nurse Ratchet needs a little injection from Dr. Groovy, whattaya say?
Ash
It was nice to see Chet again, even if it was all in Ash's head. Then they had to go and kill him again! Stop toying with my emotions Baal...or is it Bill?
The whole mind screw was entertaining to watch unfold, but I couldn't help but feel that Ash broke too easily in the end. Perhaps he is playing along and telling Baal what he wants to hear at this point, but I doubt that's the case. Ash may be the only one who can snap himself out of this.
Baal wants to use Ash to seek out and destroy the Necronomicon. Since the actual book was sent to hell at the end of Ash vs Evil Dead Season 2 Episode 4, that leaves Pablo as Ash's target, since he is the next best thing.
It is interesting to think that everything that Ash went through during this episode, is likely what happens to everyone who falls under Baal's control. Everyone gets stuck in their own personal and elaborate hell. Until their will eventually breaks and Baal is free to completely manipulate them.
This episode was actually quite toned back with the gore we're accustomed to seeing with this show, but it wasn't really necessary anyway. I'm looking forward to seeing how Ruby, Kelly and the gang defend themselves against Ash, as he's sure to be gunning for Pablo.
Also, what was up with the drawing of Pablo and hearing his voice call out "Jefe"? Was Pablo somehow seeing what was unfolding in Ash's mind? It could likely be one of the perks from becoming a walking Book of the Dead.
What did you think of Baal's mind games? Where you surprised Ash gave in so easily in the end? Is the only person who can break Ash free from Baal's spell, Ash himself? Sound off below and let me know what you think!
You can always watch Ash vs Evil Dead online and catch up on previous episodes anytime!
Ash vs Evil Dead returns with a new episode Sunday, November 19th at 8/7C on Starz!
