Ash vs Evil Dead: Bruce Campbell explains season three hold up yet again
Bruce Campbell in a recent chat with the Oregonian has a definite opinion on why there is a hold up with a start date on Ash vs Evil Dead season three. Some people might not be pleased.
“Sometimes the truth hurts. And sometimes it feels real good.” – Henry Rollins
Déjà vu
For several months at 1428 Elm we have been reporting on Ash vs Evil Dead and keeping everyone up to date on any developments. Recently in our article, Bruce Campbell talks about possibly hanging up the chainsaw, we discussed the pain points on the future of this awesome show.
In a recent interview with Kristi Turnquist of the Oregonian, Campbell gave his thoughts on what the holdup is with the start date for season three of Ash vs Evil Dead. He was also quite candid about what the cause is for the downfall of the show meaning non-renewal.
Truthfully, I was reluctant to even approach my editors with a pitch for this piece because it seems like no one can get the point across to some of the fan base. We have interviewed the stars of the show. Dana DeLorenzo had a fabulous suggestion on how to pay for this terrific series. Even one of the producers and the star of AVED, Bruce Campbell has been quite vocal about downloading the STARZ app for the FREE trial.
Yet, I am continuously seeing link postings for pirated versions of AVED. At 1428 Elm, we even did a cost analysis on purchasing STARZ as opposed to other cable outfits like HBO and Showtime. Trust me, I get it. Life is a constant surprise and there are unexpected twists and turns that come up. Everyone is on a budget.
The funny part of all this is that if Ash vs Evil Dead should get canceled, then fans will start clamoring for a movie. Which makes absolutely no sense because if the show couldn’t survive past three seasons and Army of Darkness was a box office failure how are you going to pitch that idea to a studio?
Evil Dead 4, Seriously?
Ash vs Evil Dead – Bruce Campbell in DUI – Courtesy of Lionsgate
Yes, it has been done before with shows such as Firefly and the movie Serenity. AVED IS the fourth movie. This was that all important second chance. Now, if it comes to a crashing halt do we really think Bruce Campbell is going to play this character for the rest of his life?
Let’s be realistic and I am willing to take the hit for saying this but I will do so respectfully. Bruce is fifty-nine years old. AVED is a rough show. Even though he keeps in shape, he is not a young man anymore.
He has even pointed this fact out numerous times. There is an entire chapter devoted to his torn hamstring in Hail to the Chin. In season two, he wrecked his hammy again. Now I can hear some of you out there, “but Tom Cruise……” right, sure.
Even though Bruce has a very stalwart and capable stunt man, harnesses, blood apparatuses, sitting around all day with coagulating Karo syrup takes its toll. I will never say never but if this show does get canceled, I don’t see ED4 happening.
From the Mouth of Bruce
Ash vs Evil Dead – Bruce Campbell 2 – Courtesy of Lionsgate
According to Bruce, nothing has really changed with season three. “We’re searching for an air date right now. We think it’s going to be the first quarter of 2018.” However, the future of the show is still uncertain.
For a myriad of reasons, the most salient one being, “Our bosses have new bosses now,” he says referring to the Lionsgate entertainment company’s acquisition of the Starz cable network. “‘Ash vs. Evil Dead” has done very well in DVD sales, and is distributed overseas.” Now, wait for it, wait for it…. the man who breathes life into Ash had something very important to say next.
“We’re also one of the most illegally downloaded shows. What does that say about our fans? They’re a bunch of jerks — ‘We want it, we like it, we just don’t want to pay for it.'” Bruce has been excessively vocal about this at most of his question and answer sessions for his Hail to the Chin book signings.
It sounds harsh but maybe it’s the time for “tough love.” Unfortunately, corporations look at the bottom line. They don’t take fan passion into account. After all, Lionsgate is a business. If they can’t see true numbers on a show, be it Nielsen’s or from merchandising, they have no PROOF that anyone is watching the show.
You don’t have to take my word for it, take Bruce’s. He knows.
It Takes a Village
Do you want the show to continue? Then QUIT pirating it through ILLEGAL downloads. Continue to purchase the DVDs and Blu-rays. Get the FREE STARZ app and watch the shows and then delete it at no cost.
Pitch in, like Dana suggested with nine friends and for a dollar a piece, get the fricking app. Have Ash vs Evil Dead viewing parties with your buddies. Where there is a will, there is a way. The cast is up for continuing this show but YOU have to decide if YOU want it to continue.
You can even bombard STARZ, LionsgateTV and #bringbackboomstick on all social media platforms. Let your voices be heard. The needs of the many do outweigh the needs of the few. Shows have been saved from the brink in the past.
It is never too late. All anyone can do is TRY. Bruce responds that season three is “Very solid,” and if it should prove to be the final one for “Ash vs. Evil Dead,” “we made sure our storyline was wrapped up in a good way.”
The future of AVED is in the fans’ hands……
Next: Bruce Campbell Interview: Evil Dead hero more than blood and boomsticks
What do you think about Bruce’s comments? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below. We WANT to hear from you!