10 Most Underappreciated Performances On TV Right Now
9. Ray Santiago - Ash Vs Evil Dead
Ash vs Evil Dead is celebrated for its ability to faithfully recapture the violent, hilarious, trippy spirit of the original saga, but consequently, the more subtle facets of its success tend to go unnoticed.
Never before in the Evil Dead franchise has any other character but Ash been worth a damn, but Ray Santiago's endearing loser Pablo has slowly evolved into the show's beating heart over the course of two seasons.
Pablo is easily the most likable character in the show, due in part to Santiago's game, perfectly pitched performance. As Bruce Campbell has aged, Santiago has in many ways taken over his crucial role in making the Evil Dead what it is - now he is the intentionally over-acting, mugging, delirious physical comedian caught in the middle of all the gory stunts that power the action.
The nastier elements of the programme only hold water if they seem horrific enough, and Santiago's wide-eyed terror and hoarse screaming manage to effectively sell it as the original "experience in gruelling terror" without ever compromising the comedic tone of the series. The modern incarnation of Raimi's madness wouldn't be possible without its strong, powerful vagina, Pablo.