Reviewers from noted that the episode acts as a solid "building block," managing to expand the world without losing steam. While the plot of the "baiting" Deadite is somewhat predictable, it effectively clears the deck for Kelly's hero arc by removing her family ties in a spectacularly bloody fashion.
: We see the team start to solidify. Kelly Maxwell is established as a feisty, capable survivor who is diametrically opposed to Ash's "nutbag" personality but is forced into his orbit after her world is torn apart. Ash_vs_evil_dead_1x02
"Bait" is an exhilarating follow-up that confirms the show's identity. It manages to balance the "Ash shtick" with a developing police investigation subplot that adds a new layer of pressure to our chainsaw-handed hero. Reviewers from noted that the episode acts as
: The climax in the Maxwell household features a brutal fight sequence that leaves the characters literally covered in blood. It serves as a "pass/fail" test for the series' ability to maintain its momentum without Sam Raimi in the director's chair for every episode. Critical Reception Kelly Maxwell is established as a feisty, capable
Review: Ash vs Evil Dead Episode 2, 'Bait' - Bloody Disgusting