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Stan Against Evil
Episode 1.7 “Spider-Walk With Me”
Directed by Justin Njim & Jack Bishop
Written by Dana Gould & Sam Boyd
Starring John C. McGinley, Deborah Baker Jr., Janet Varney, Nate Mooney
IFC
Air date: Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016, 10pm

Here we are”¦ the double dose of finality to the Stan Against Evil premiere season. Stan (John C. McGinley) has unwantedly taken over the reins of demon slaying from his deceased wife. His hometown of Willard’s Mill, New Hampshire is beset by a curse dating back to the time of Salem and now demons and witches want all law enforcement dead. That means him and new sheriff, Evie Barret (Janet Varney). Using his demon hunting wife’s spellbook and weapons, they’ve managed to do a decent job of keeping evil from taking over Willard’s Mill. Let’s see how things end for Stan and friends as we conclude the inaugural season on IFC”¦

Spoilers below for Episode 7, the first part of the Season 1 finale of Stan Against Evil:

Back in 1919, a priest is killed by some spidery monster. Fast forward to present day and Stan is at the point when an empty bottle of mayonnaise prompts an, “I wish I was dead” quip. A historian shows up claiming to know about Claire and her pursuit to kill demons, but he’s soon attacked by an unseen monster. I need to point out how effortlessly hilarious Deborah Baker Jr. is as Stan’s daughter Denise. She makes carrying puzzles look laugh out loud funny. And reading “Adventures in Cake”…

Turns out the historian IS the spider-demon and those are some gnarly makeup effects. He drags both Stan and Evie into the Shadow World, but spends far too long revealing his evil plan and the ghost of Constable Eccles (Randall Newsome), the sheriff whose “witch” burning started the whole curse sneaks up from behind with a Reaper-esque scythe and slices his head off. It needs to be said, the scythe is just the coolest weapon ever! Back in the real world, Stan and Evie have a nice bonding moment over the remote control.

This show effortlessly flies by and the three leads are just fantastic. McGinley is sarcastic and crass but tortured and lovelorn. In the Shadow World, he assumes first it’s Heaven and gets a toothy grin thinking he may see Claire. There’s no unnecessary sexual tension and everyone can just be themselves. One more episode to go”¦