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Ash vs Evil Dead and Stan Against Evil: Fans unite to renew shows

By Susan Leighton

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For months at 1428 Elm, we have been front and center at the #bringbackboomstick campaign to get Ash vs Evil Dead a renewal for Season 4. Meanwhile at IFC, Stan Against Evil is also hoping to be picked up for Season 3. What would happen if we joined forces? Let’s find out!

“The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better.” – Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Two Tribes

Sometimes allies come from unlikely sources. For months, we here at 1428 Elm have been leading the charge with #bringbacksboomstick to get Bruce Campbell’s show Ash vs Evil Dead a renewal for season four.

At IFC, John C. McGinley and Stan Against Evil were hoping to be picked up for season three. It seems like the planets were ready to align because the fans of that show approached us to join forces to see that both shows get renewals. This was definitely a unique proposition.

It has been pointed out many times that SAE is very similar to AVED. That truth is undeniable. However, there are genuine differences between the shows.

Yes, at the heart of both series are two men who are just regular Joes. Stan and Ash want to be left alone but instead they are routinely sucked into battles with demons.

However, SAE while rooted in horror and pop culture references, is definitely a humorous show. Sure, there are monsters like the Werepony, witches and demons. The gore factor is definitely not as prevalent as it is with AVED.

On the other hand, while AVED is known for Ash’s snappy one liners it is definitely a hardcore splatter fest because that is how the fans like it.  Plus, it is steeped in mythos with Ash being foretold in the Necronomicon as El Jefe, the savior of the world.

The Wizards Behind the Curtains

Dana Gould, the man behind Stan is a horror geek of the first order. He is that young kid that was a little off in high school that became a standup comedian and a first-class comedy writer on the Simpsons.

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His love of the genre comes shining through with his homages to various frightening films like An American Werewolf in London and the Fly. Then of course, his guest stars like Jeffrey Combs one of the OG’s of horror and Patty McCormick from the Bad Seed further cement his credibility as a horror nerd.

The Evil Dead franchise on the other hand has been around for almost four decades. Born in 1979 from the minds of Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Rob Tapert, this series quickly became a cult favorite. It is the progenitor of “splatstick” and the origin point for shows like Stan Against Evil.

What the two shows definitely have in common is that they have devoted fan bases comprised of those Comic Con, cosplaying folks who are still kids at heart. They are also very passionate about the characters in both series.

John C. McGinley is a versatile and talented actor. A familiar face from movies such as Platoon, Office Space and recently The Belko Experiment to television with his turn as Dr. Perry Cox on Scrubs for nine seasons.

Bruce Campbell, the king of the B movies like McGinley has numerous movies under his belt. An icon in the horror genre, he transitions easily from film to television. A fun fact, Bruce and John actually shared the small screen in Burn Notice!

Justice League of Horror Fans Unite!

In a previous article that I did on Bruce he mentioned, “I will never be in competition with Ash vs Evil Dead. We are brothers in horror.” That being said as it turns out, McGinley is a fan of Campbell.

Look, there is a place for both of these awesome shows. With the demise of Chiller, let’s face it, there isn’t a lot of horror programming out there. That is why it is important to preserve SAE and AVED by seeing that they get renewals!

If both fan bases unite, think of how many voices will be heard. IFC and STARZ will definitely not be able to ignore the groundswell. The Bruce Campbell Fan Club is embracing the idea as is John C. McGinley.

What’s the Plan?

Since SAE’s season finale is this Wednesday and AVED’s season three doesn’t premiere until February, fans need to ensure that both shows stay in front of IFC and STARZ. From my article at That’s My Entertainment, here is the game plan:

On social media, (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google Plus and whatever other platforms you can think of) tell IFC and STARZ that you want to see SAE and AVED get renewed. Be creative and use gifs or memes. If you have any memorabilia, show that as well.

Most importantly, both networks are focused on who launches their apps. I cannot stress how vital this is to the campaign. Tell them that you have the app or that you subscribe to their channels. IFC and STARZ need to know that there are viewers out there to justify renewal.

The Details

Use the following hashtag for AVED #bringbackboomstick.

For SAE, #keepstankilling and #shovelsupseason3. Let’s start trending! If you love these shows, let the networks know it!

Also, follow the shows and the cast on social media. If you are on Twitter, follow @IFC, @StanAgainstEvil, @JohnCMcGinley, @janetvarney, @Deborahbakerjr, @danagould, @AshvsEvilDead, @STARZ, @GroovyBruce, @ImDanaDeLorenzo, @RealRaySantiago, @RealLucyLawless, and @robtapert.

Make sure that you also interact with fan clubs and sites (if you aren’t doing so already) like @jcmfanclub, @stanagstevlfan, and @BOTLpodcast (Bruce on the Loose podcast). On Facebook, Bruce Campbell Fan Club, Bring Back Boomstick, Stan Against Evil and Stan Against Evil Fan Club.

Finally, everyone must be in it to win it. This is going to be a monumental effort but fans can triumph. Case in point, look at the returns of The X-Files and Twin Peaks.

Ask and ye shall receive if the voices are loud enough. Remember determination and perseverance can yield results!

Next: Bruce Campbell on horror brothers, trends and reboots

Are you a fan of Ash vs Evil Dead? Do you watch Stan Against Evil? Why do you like both shows? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. We want to hear from you!

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