Stan Against Evil

Stan Against Evil is an American comedy-horror television series that debuted on IFC (Independent Film Channel) on October 31, 2016, and ended on November 21, 2018. Created by Dana Gould, a stand-up comedian and acclaimed comedy writer who's worked on "The Simpsons", this series perfectly encapsulates Gould's unique sense of humor and keen vision.

The show revolves around Stanley Miller, a gruff, no-nonsense retired sheriff from the seemingly tranquil small town of Willard's Mill in New Hampshire. Potrayed by actor John C. McGinley, known for his role as Dr Cox in the medical sitcom Scrubs, Stan is a curmudgeonly man who would be quite content to spend his retirement fishing and watching sports. However, his retirement is disrupted by a sudden onslaught of demonic creatures and witch-related supernatural occurrences.

Stan's character is complex. He is gruff and tough on the outside, but also shows a softer, protective side especially when it comes to his family. Mourning the loss of his wife, who died under mysterious circumstances, Stan is shown to grapple with his grief while also combating demonic forces. He is also known for his intolerance for all things supernatural, which thickens the plot since 'supernatural' is exactly what he gets for his retirement.

His newly appointed replacement as sheriff is Evie Barrett, played by actress Janet Varney, who herself has had an encounter with the evil forces that lurk in the town. The strong-minded and practical Evie is a sharper contrast to Stan's character. As the series continues, an unlikely yet fruitful partnership develops between Stan and Evie as they join forces to battle the supernatural beings and discover the dark secrets behind their appearances.

Part of the charm of Stan Against Evil is the manner in which it humorously plays with the horror genre, while using conventional horror scenarios and throwing in comedy elements effectively, cleverly subverting cliches and expectations. The series also frequently takes inspiration from the dark, iconic horror films of the '70s and '80s to which Dana Gould is a self-proclaimed fan. This is a brilliant homage to classic horror with a comedic twist. It also offers viewers a nice balance of plot continuity and self-contained episodic stories.

The rest of the cast is rounded out by Deborah Baker Jr., who plays Stan's grown-up eccentric daughter Denise, and Nate Mooney as Deputy Leon Drinkwater, both of whom provide additional comic relief. The writing, along with the expert acting from the cast, results in a delightful blend of witty dialogue and slapstick humor.

Stan Against Evil is a series filled with charm and creativity that caters to viewers who enjoy both comedy and horror. It's filled with cleverly written dialogue, unique character dynamics, and an array of evil creatures for the heroes to vanquish. Over three seasons, the series has evolved from a quirky horror-comedy into a show that intelligently combines a rich mythology with a rapid-fire comedic chorus and great performances by its talented cast.

The visual effects, while not Hollywood blockbuster quality due to the limited budget of a cable series, are incredibly well done and sufficient to create a believably spooky atmosphere for the town of Willard's Mill. Horror purists and comedy lovers alike should definitely enjoy the innovative concoction of the two genres in Stan Against Evil.

In conclusion, Stan Against Evil is a fantastic series that offers an entertaining mash-up of comedy and horror. Its fusion of vintage horror references and hilarious comedic elements has given rise to a show that sends chills down your spine one moment and makes you laugh the next. Featuring a lovable, deeply-flawed hero in Stan, the show evolves into a thoughtful probe into how individuals handle grief and loss, all while fighting the undead.