The Evil Dead franchise has always been a bit of a loose cannon, with its continuity often feeling more like a patchwork quilt than a cohesive whole. But with the release of Evil Dead Burn, all that may be changing. This latest installment in the series takes a bold step forward, establishing a direct line of continuity between the past and future of the franchise in a way that has never been done before.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Evil Dead Burn is its treatment of the Deadites. In previous installments, the Deadites have been portrayed as mindless agents of chaos, awakened by the Book of the Dead and given license to possess the living. But in Evil Dead Burn, the Deadites have a motive beyond random murder and mayhem. They're stirred by the discovery of a Kandarian dagger, an object which can de-possess someone taken by the Deadites. This adds a layer of complexity to the franchise, suggesting that the Deadites may not be as mindless as they appear.
The reappearance of Deadite Jessica is another significant development in the franchise. While every previous Evil Dead film has ended with the reveal that the Evil has not been completely quelled, Jessica is the first Deadite to return in a sequel, however briefly. Her resurrection by two hapless fishermen in the lake where she was taken even feels reminiscent of how slasher sequels connect to previous installments, adding a sense of continuity and depth to the franchise.
But Evil Dead Burn is not just about continuity. It's also about building a new mythology for the series. The Kandarian dagger and its powers were last seen in the first two Evil Dead films, and the Deadites' mission in Evil Dead Burn is highly reminiscent of the plot of Army of Darkness. This suggests that the franchise may be moving towards a more cohesive and interconnected narrative, with each installment building upon the last.
Of course, the question remains as to whether the Ash saga is canon in these three new films. The jury is still out on this one, but the post-credits scene in Evil Dead Burn reveals that Deadite Ellie from Evil Dead Rise is still around for sure. This suggests that the franchise may be moving towards a more direct and interconnected narrative, with each installment building upon the last.
Overall, Evil Dead Burn is a significant development for the franchise. It takes a bold step forward, establishing a direct line of continuity between the past and future of the series in a way that has never been done before. And while the jury is still out on whether the Ash saga is canon in these three new films, the franchise appears to be moving towards a more cohesive and interconnected narrative, with each installment building upon the last. So, if you're a fan of the Evil Dead franchise, be sure to check out Evil Dead Burn. It's a thrilling and thought-provoking addition to the series that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
