Many Evil Dead fans rejoiced with the new game's release this May. As players get to play as the iconic Ash Williams, the game has given lovers of the franchise what they wanted: a chance to insert themselves into the world of the Evil Dead. With Bruce Campbell reprising his iconic role as Ash Williams, the quotes from the game are sure to be added to the roster of iconic lines of the character.
When fans think of Evil Dead, Ash Williams will almost always be the first thing that comes to mind. After the first film, the sequels would go on to have a comedy-horror genre, completely solidifying Ash's reputation. With his personality, mannerisms, and overall attitude, he has captured the hearts of many, and so have his quotes.
The Biggest Question Is Why
"You Bastards! Why are you torturing me like this?! Why?!"
The first film, known for being one of Eli Roth’s favorites and before the series took on the comedy-horror genre, Evil Dead, had plenty of tension. It also had some of the more logical characters who asked the right questions and had a better sense of when to get out than most characters in a horror film. And Ash had a great question that he asked the demons.
When being haunted by demons, your friends and girlfriend possessed, and tormenting you with chanting and maniacal laughter, asking why they are doing so seems like a great question. But most of the time, they don’t answer. With his possessed girlfriend tormenting him, telling them to shut up is an appropriate response.
Hand To Gun Combat
“Old double barrel here...blow your butts to kingdom come - See if we don't..”
Losing a limb is bad enough, but imagine having one of the limbs attacking the host. This scene is an excellent example of comedy-horror and was one of the funniest scenes that Bruce Campbell has played in aside from his cameos and other projects. And while it was fun for audiences, Ash would beg to differ.
In Evil Dead 2, the audience sees poor Ash's hand turn against him, smashing plates against his head and laughing at his expense until it's cut off. Grabbing the shotgun, Ash ends up playing a game with his now severed hand that would later result in him receiving a blood shower.
A Man With A Plan
“Then let's head down into that cellar and carve ourselves a witch.”
Upon audiences returning to the horrors of the Evil Dead realm, it's apparent that there's much more than just the woods that are alive alongside evil spirits and demons. There is also a witch in the basement looking for fresh souls.
It is later revealed that Professory Knowby's wife, Henrietta was possessed and buried in the cellar. Henrietta is called the witch and has become part of it all. And when it takes someone, that person has little to no chance of coming back. And since Henrietta has been in the ground for a while and came back, it's safe to say it was time to put her down.
The Iconic Phrase
“Groovy.”
When one loses a limb, a prosthetic is often used to replace the missing part. It's a perfectly normal procedure. Not for Ash, nothing remains normal, and in the cabin of horrors, the typical prosthetic is not readily available.
Fighting off evil with one hand is challenging, and even though he had Annie at the time, there was only so much that Annie could do in terms of fighting. The next best thing was helping Ash put together his own prosthetic, and a chainsaw hand worked well in his favor.
Weapon Of Choice
“Alright you Primitive Screwheads, listen up! You see this? This... is my boomstick! The twelve-gauge double-barreled Remington. S-Mart's top of the line. You can find this in the sporting goods department. That's right, this sweet baby was made in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Retails for about a hundred and nine, ninety-five. It's got a walnut stock, cobalt blue steel, and a hair-trigger. That's right. Shopsmart. Shop S-Mart. You got that?”
Evil Dead 2 was left open for a sequel, giving Sam Raimi the opportunity to produce the infamous comedy-horror movie, Army of Darkness. When poor Ash flew through the portal at the end of the second film, he didn't end up being sent home. Instead, he ended up medieval times as the most advanced person there, having to lead people with swords into battle.
The boomstick became iconic in this film, showcasing how Ash tries to communicate the effectiveness of his weapon in terms the people at the time could understand. The quote and short description of the boomstick remain a true fan favorite. It also showcases the trademark Ash wit while also getting down to business before having to use his weapon against the Deadites.
Getting Familiar With The Locals
“Well hello, Mister Fancypants. Well, I've got news for you pal, you ain't leadin' but two things, right now: Jack and s***... and Jack left town.”
In both the movies and the comics that star Ash, one thing is for sure; Ash has an attitude that fans love. And in the Army of Darkness, that attitude really shows after being in the heat for so long and dealing with hell on Earth when approached by the nobles.
After losing his friends, his girlfriend, his hand, and now being thrown into a different dimension being dragged into the town in a stock, Ash was not exactly in a pleasant mood. So the snark that he shows the noble, who asked the question at the worst possible time, really showcases how much Ash doesn't care at this point.
Double Trouble
“Good. Bad. I'm the guy with the gun.”
Even in the medieval era, Ash is not safe from evil. Even evil can be hilarious, however, and this form of evil had a grand old time tormenting Ash. Granted, by the third film, it appears like tormenting Ash seems to have become something of a hobby for the Deadites.
After being forced to swallow one of his mini-mes, Ash tries to get it out by drinking scolding hot water. Alas, it did not get rid of it. He only sprouted a second head that would disconnect from him, which made two of him. However, double the Ash doesn't necessarily double the fun, except Evil Ash was absolutely hilarious. It may have been awful for Ash, but it was fun for the audience.
Ladies Man
“Gimme some sugar, baby.”
If there was one person who caught Ash's attention in a more positive light, it was Sheila. And she was enamored by Ash and his "charm."
While Sheila treated Ash with kindness and brought him a gift, Ash was rude and dismissive. That was until he got smacked across the face, and then his mood changed quickly. This change in attitude led to the infamous quote and a passionate kiss. It also was a weirdly romantic comedy moment in the film horror-comedy films, which definitely shows how the series is able to blend so seamlessly between the genres.
Sweet Nothings
“Oh that's just what we call pillow talk, baby, that's all.”
Before winning the battle against the evil in the medieval era, Ash had retrieved the book and recited the words that the wise old man had told him to say. However, he said these words poorly and not how they were supposed to be recited.
Upon returning and admitting to what he had done and explaining what he expected was to happen, everyone said he failed them except for Sheila, who would rush to his side and try to keep his spirits up. This was until he admitted that the sweet nothings he said were nothing. Of course, this would later be settled with his charisma and saving everyone, which probably helped heal any broken hearts.
He's Still The King
“Hail to the King, baby.”
Things eventually would look up for Ash as he returned home to tell his story. However, a normal life wasn't in the works for Ash, even after the challenges he faced.
Upon hearing him mention being a king, a woman would compliment him, and a demon attacked. The hero of the story, Ash, destroys the demon and ends the trilogy with a fantastic quote and stealing a kiss. Not only does it end strong, but it gives Ash something close to a happy ending within the films. Which, after everything that he went through, he definitely deserved.