As we’ve noted recently, one of television’s standout shows, Evil, has come to an end. Despite not providing a clear conclusion for its characters or resolving all its storylines from four remarkable seasons, this is exactly what the show has always done.
Now that the series has concluded, it’s time to reflect on it as a whole. Where does Evil fit in television history? It doesn’t fit neatly into any category. Evil is not just a great show; it is exceptionally unique, and there may never be another show like it.
‘Evil’ Is a Remarkable Horror Show
At its core, Evil is firmly rooted in the horror genre and excels at it. From its very first episode, “Genesis 1,” the show introduces two different yet similar evil figures. The first is Michael Emerson’s Leland Townsend, the series’ main antagonist.
Darkly humorous, unsettling, and horrifying, Leland, though human, is portrayed in a way that makes him seem anything but. The second is George, a demon played by Marti Matulis. He introduces the series’ array of demons, and his first appearance, with his dark, leather-like skin and glowing orange eyes, is a standout scary moment in Evil.
The horror in Evil extends beyond its demons and humans to its storylines. The series features some of television’s most terrifying scenes. The episode “Rose390,” from Season 1, is a prime example. This episode is horrific not only on the surface but also on a deeper, emotional level, which is a strength of the show.
The episode features a disturbing VR character that frightens the Bouchard girls. The real horror, however, comes from investigating 9-year-old Eric (Luke Judy), who displays psychopathic traits and violently attacks his family. Judy’s performance as Eric adds a chilling edge to the show.
When Eric nearly drowns his sister, the team is authorized to perform an exorcism. However, Eric goes missing, and it’s implied that his parents may have killed him to protect their newborn daughter. The true horror lies in this grim act, which is somewhat justified by the prevention of an even worse scenario.
‘Evil’ Encourages Thoughtful Reflection
Another aspect that sets Evil apart is its encouragement for viewers to think critically. The show avoids providing easy answers or satisfying resolutions. For instance, were Eric’s parents ever held accountable?
Did Sheryl (Christine Lahti) always plan to remove Leland from his organization, or did she only act when her granddaughters were threatened? Is young Timothy still the Antichrist? Evil refuses to spoon-feed the audience, challenging viewers to form their own conclusions.
The show also tackles themes without offering definitive answers. It shows the debate between nature and nurture, examines faith through various characters, and provides a nuanced view of the Catholic Church. Evil presents evidence but leaves the judgment to its viewers.
‘Evil’ Pushes the Boundaries of Horror
What makes Evil unique among other horror shows like Hannibal or The Exorcist? The show mixes elements that push the boundaries of horror on television. Despite its horror roots, Evil can be as funny as any sitcom.
Leland delivers some of the best lines, and Andrea Martin’s comedic talent shines through her role as Sister Andrea. The Bouchard girls turning Leland’s plan against him in an online game is one of the funniest moments in the series.
Evil also critiques social media, highlighting dangerous online trends and apps that exploit children. The show addresses clickbait, deep fakes, and VR’s role in tapping into evil.
Lastly, the strength of the characters and their relationships adds depth to the show. The cast’s genuine care for one another is evident both on and off-screen. The Bouchard girls interact as real sisters, and the main trio of characters forms a close-knit family.
Even the absurd elements, like a cloven-hoofed demon as CEO, are handled with enough realism to make them believable within the show’s context. The series finale leaves room for potential future projects, but for now, a show like Evil is unlikely to be replicated. And that is, ironically, quite fitting for Evil.
Evil is available to stream in the U.S. on Paramount+.
