Ep 1. Family

Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 1, titled "Family," continues the story of Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell), the chainsaw-wielding, wise-cracking demon hunter who has been battling the undead for over 30 years. In this season premiere, Ash finds himself facing his greatest challenge yet: his own family.

The episode opens with Ash living in a trailer park and working as a stock boy at a local hardware store. He is still haunted by the events of the previous season, where he unwittingly unleashed the demon known as Baal (Joel Tobeck) onto the world. Ash is also dealing with the fallout from his last encounter with his long-lost daughter, Brandy (Arielle Carver-O'Neill), who is still struggling to come to terms with his true identity.

Despite all of this, Ash is determined to move on with his life and put his past behind him. But fate has other plans for him when he receives a visit from two unlikely visitors: his estranged brother, Chet (Ted Raimi), and his high school sweetheart, Candy Barr (Katrina Hobbs). Ash is initially skeptical of their motives and is hesitant to welcome them back into his life. But after a few drinks and some old memories, Ash soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous new mission to save his family from the demonic forces that seek to destroy them.

As Ash, Chet, and Candy set out on their perilous journey, they encounter a host of new threats and obstacles, including demonic puppetry, zombie hordes, and possessed objects. Along the way, Ash also has to confront some of his deepest fears and insecurities, as he grapples with his complicated relationships with his brother and his daughter.

One of the standout aspects of "Family" is its embrace of the show's trademark humor and gore. The episode is packed with over-the-top action sequences, visceral special effects, and a healthy dose of puns and one-liners from Ash. But the show also manages to balance its campy tone with some genuinely emotional moments, particularly in the scenes between Ash and Brandy.

Overall, "Family" is a strong start to Ash vs Evil Dead's third season, serving up a satisfying mix of horror, comedy, and heart. While the episode does suffer from some pacing issues and a lack of focus at times, it sets up some intriguing storylines and character arcs that promise to pay off in the episodes to come. Fans of the show will no doubt be pleased to see Ash back in action, and newcomers may find themselves drawn in by its unique blend of genres and irreverent charm.