Evil Review: 3 Stars (Season 1 Episode 3)
Alexa, make it stop. Alexa, self-destruct. Seriously. SERIOUSLY!
I will never even consider having a “personal assistant” robot after Evil Season 1 Episode 3, “3 Stars.”
The episode handily earns more than three stars with its progressively frightful story.
At the top of the episode, it feels like Evil is settling into a procedural style with cases that are not quite as scary as the pilot.
What a fake-out!
By the end of the episode, I am flailing my arms and shouting at my screen, and my spouse is leaving the room because he can’t get this scared before bed.
I absolutely adore the choice to make the first case without a science-based explanation the most innocuous. Who hasn’t had an irate and unstable boss?
The revelation of the disgruntled IT employee puts us at ease and then Ben comes home to find his sister with Joe, talking about a baby.
A BABY!!
The show has already set up the sweet and close relationship between the siblings on Evil Season 1 Episode 2, “177 Minutes.” Therefore, the impact of the harm done to the family by Joe entering their lives feel incredibly depraved.
They are cute! We haven’t even met dad yet, but I guarantee he’s the cutest! Evil has violated the sanctity of their home and it feels very personal.
It’s not possible to say enough good things about Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shakir. The character allows Mandvi to show his range. Even sitting in a chair next to Kristen, he is bringing something extra and compelling to the scene.
Speaking of Kristen, the chemistry between Mandvi and Herbers is fire. There is a definite attraction between them, even though it is clearly not as sexual as between David and Kristen.
It is not really sexual at all at this point. But, there is a connection and it’s not friendly either. It’s hotter than that.
Yes, I ship it.
Even though Evil is giving us lovely and interesting Kristen and David content, I actually am more interested in Kristen and Ben.
Plus, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mandvi in a hot love scene and I think it’s past time!
Both are nonbelievers placed in situations that are constantly testing their disbelief. The vulnerability of faith, especially when you’ve dug your heels into science or anger, is a great source of romantic tension and relationship building.
It could be great, but at this point, I trust Evil to take its time with all of the stories. We just get to sit back and scream watching them.
The final sequences on “3 Stars” linger and choke us with fear. Evil wins one soul, even as it is outplayed by Kristen in the courtroom.
The episode examines the different ways evil tries to take hold of people. For David, it rudely persists in taunting him with his own vices.
For the Broadway Blowhard, evil convinces him that he can never escape and that he is not in control.
Evil, it seems, is everywhere.
It is a scary episode and evil gets some wins. But, it is also hopeful.
Kristen Bouchard is such an enigmatic, fearless character. I grow more and more fond of her each episode.
She brings a curiosity and innocence to the ghost hunting that helps it stay light. She’s goofy. It’s a hard thing to pull off, but Herbers does it splendidly.
The case of the week, once again, is used to illuminate the journeys and vulnerabilities in the lives of the three main characters. The case is secondary and in service to the character and thematic development.
This consistent resistance to be pulled into the drama of possessions or miracles is what makes Evil a must-watch program.
Like Fox’s The Resident, Evil takes the drama a step further into an examination of ethics and evil. It’s a philosophy class wrapped up in horror stories and a Super Hot Priest.
We can’t wait for another class to begin.
Confessional
- The recap graphics are strange and don’t fit the tone. I’m not a fan.
- Dascha Polanco is absolutely marvelous as Patti. I want to give her all the hugs.
- I don’t quite get the three stars references and David’s revalation. Still, the way that it is filmed is very cool and visually appealing.
- Much improved lighting on the episode!
- The baby crying on Alexa is a no for me. Hard pass.
- I don’t miss George.
What did you think of this episode of Evil? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Evil airs Thursdays at 10/9c on CBS.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Janelle Ureta
Janelle Ureta is equal parts Veronica Mars, Raven Reyes, and Rebecca Bunch, but she aspires to add some Tammy Taylor to the mix. An attorney turned teacher, Janelle believes in the power of a well-told story. She is currently exploring how to tell short stories, 140 characters or less, on twitter. She loves to talk about TV, and right now she can't shut up about Timeless, Dear White People, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The 100, or Younger.
3 comments
Agree about the recap graphics. Reminds me of the shows in the 80’s that used to give a preview of the show right before it “Tonight, on Magnum PI”
Yes! Totally!
I liked the puzzle of the stars and the map but I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, the size of the map just happened to fit the size needed to make the stars line up.” I know,….. I ruin it for myself.
Comments are closed.