At first glance, Stan Against Evil might not seem like much more than IFC’s answer to Starz’s Ash vs Evil Dead, and while there are many similarities to support this idea, further inspection makes it clear that these two totally separate beasts only happen to dwell in similar spooky kooky territory. The typical Stan fan will likely resent the seemingly constant comparison between these two half-hour horror comedies that feature snarky, aging “heroes” and strong female counterparts with which they combat supernatural threats, but it’s my argument that Stan very obviously serves its own purposes and in doing so rightfully earned its second season, which begins tomorrow night.
Stanley “Stan” Miller (John C. McGinley, pictured at top) was the sheriff of a middle-of-nowhere New Hampshire town called Willard’s Mill, and like most city folk would correctly assume upon passing through, this place has been cursed as f**k for a very long time. Unbeknownst to then-Sheriff Stan, his wife was hunting the paranormal on a nightly basis in an attempt to pacify a curse that kills every sheriff of this unassuming American town. Unfortunately she dies, causing Stan to resign and ultimately be replaced by his polar opposite, now-Sheriff Evie Barret (Janet Varney, below right).