Evil- How to Build – Review: Leland Makes A Comeback

Evil always tells a lesson within a lesson within a lesson. Today’s lesson: do not trust AI. I think there are a few people that probably need to hear that lesson. As always, another week and another top notch episode from Evil. 

I do enjoy Father Frank Ignatius as he reminds me of a kooky grandfather. If the text messages were bothering him so much why didn’t he just put the phone on silent or turn it off? Simple solution to the problem but we had to get to the discovery of the AI website somehow. So I guess he and Sister Andrea served their purpose for the episode. 

The trio investigate a company that lets you speak to loved ones (using AI) that have passed or that you are no longer in contact with. The issue with the software is that after a while it AI becomes demonic using three words. They each decided to test the website on their own. Ben, with the help of his sister, speaks to his mother. The strange issue here is that she tells him to visit a doctor for his headaches, a doctor she would not have known about because she passed. David talks to Julia and it is just a little too on the nose for him; especially when using the camera on his phone, the AI made it seem like Julia was lying next to him. Kristen at first tries to talk to Andy but instead switches to David and the AI tries to get intimate with Kristen but then becomes demonic unlike Ben and David’s AI.

Kristen and David share this with the company and they play Kristen’s recording of AI David in a humorous scene. Ben is recording himself during his blackouts and goes to see the doctor his AI mother recommended and the doctor advises Ben to wear a tin foil hat and sleep wrapped in tin. This actually works and keeps the Jin away who is not happy with this development. Unfortunately, they did not stop the company from launching and just ended up deleting their accounts. 

“How to Build” – EVIL, Pictured: Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shakir, Mike Colter as Father David Acosta and Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard. Photo: Elizabeth Fisher/Paramount+ ©2024. All Rights Reserved

Elsewhere, Sheryl seemed to outsmart Leland at every turn. She bought bullet and knife proof outfits because she knew Leland would attempt to kill her. The scene was funny when he goes to stab her and his knife is broken. She booby trapped the floor above her office and called a meeting so all the men would fall through the floor and blames Leland or perhaps Leland did it himself in an attempt to wound her with the glass, I’m still unclear on that. She even tells the manager that Leland baptized Timothy. She got her demands met and Leland was fired only for him to come back during a televised meeting and say that the manager had Timothy baptized, kills him and eats his heart while Sheryl realizes she’s in trouble and leaves. 

Leland makes his comeback and is now most likely in charge of the whole operation with Kristen being the key.

I loved this episode as it moved some story along with Leland and Sheryl. It feels like Leland has been missing a lot of this season. Another great episode that mixes horror and humor. What did you think of the episode Evil fans? Leave a comment and remember to connect with me on X @jereereviews to talk more.