Clarifying the Timeline of The Evil Dead Films
The age-old question about the The Evil Dead series and the exact year in which the Evil Dead and Evil Dead 2 take place continues to intrigue fans. While many believe these movies are set in 1982, this perception stems from an episode in the Ash vs Evil Dead series. In this episode, it is explicitly stated that the movies are set in 1981, which was the year Sam Raimi’s trilogy began. Let’s delve into the details and explore the timeline.
Sam Raimi’s Trilogy: A Trilogy That Defines Entertainment
Sam Raimi, the visionary director behind the The Evil Dead trilogy, has left an indelible mark on the horror genre. The trilogy, comprising of Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Ash vs. Evil Dead: Army of Darkness, is often cited as one of the finest horror trilogies in cinema history. This legacy is even more significant when considering the impact of the third film, The Quick and the Dead, released in 1995.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of The Quick and the Dead is the opportunity it provided for actors such as Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio. Both actors gained significant recognition and career opportunities through their involvement in this film. Additionally, the movie helped solidify Sam Raimi’s status as a versatile director capable of handling various genres.
The Timeline of The Evil Dead Films
The timeline of the entire The Evil Dead series is meticulously constructed. The first installment, Evil Dead, is set in 1981, while Evil Dead 2, released in 1987, takes place almost immediately after the events of the first film. The time gap between the two movies does not affect the internal chronology of the films, making the earlier setting of 1981 canon.
For those familiar with the Ash vs Evil Dead series, the second season’s ninth episode, "Ash's Origin Story," further solidifies the 1981 setting. In this episode, Ash and Ruby travel back in time to the exact day the original group first discovered the cabin. This sequence explicitly states that the entire Evil Dead series takes place in 1982, highlighting a critical event in that year—the Detroit Lions’ playoff appearance with a losing record.
However, the finale of Ash vs Evil Dead: Army of Darkness features a scene set a hundred years into the future, depicting an apocalypse. This future event is meant to be a representation of the broader impact of Ash’s actions. The alternate ending, which is popular among viewers, presents a more immediate post-apocalyptic scenario taking place weeks after the events of Evil Dead 2.
The Significance of Time Travel in The Evil Dead Films
The inclusion of time travel elements in some of these films adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. While the Ash vs Evil Dead series provides definitive answers to the timeline, the inconsistencies between the films themselves can be attributed to the intentional ambiguity created by the filmmakers.
Understanding the timeline of the The Evil Dead films is crucial for appreciating the interconnected narrative. From Evil Dead to Ash vs Evil Dead, each film builds upon the events of the previous one, creating a cohesive and compelling storyline. The precise year in which these movies take place is a testament to the careful planning and consistency within the series.
Conclusion: The The Evil Dead series, from Sam Raimi’s original trilogy to the Ash vs Evil Dead spin-off, is a rich and deeply interconnected set of films. The timeline is firmly established as 1981, which aligns with the events depicted in the movies and further detailed in the supporting series. Understanding this timeline enhances the viewing experience and provides a greater appreciation of the intricate storytelling in these horror classics.