The Mettle of Man

The episode was written and directed by executive producer Rick Jacobson. It was Jacobson's second writing credit and sixth directorial credit.[3]

Bruce Campbell felt satistified with the ending, saying "Ash's destiny has been fulfilled. He's not just a guy who lives in a trailer home with a lot of bad habits. There's something else to the guy, and you know what? Let him go on his next great adventure."[4]

In its original American broadcast, "The Mettle of Man" was seen by an estimated 0.174 million household viewers and gained a 0.09 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research. This means that 0.09 percent of all households with televisions watched the episode.[5] This was a 33% increase in viewership from the previous episode, which was watched by 0.130 million viewers with a 0.05 in the 18-49 demographics.[6]

"The Mettle of Man" received critical acclaim. IGN gave the episode a "great" 8.8 out of 10 rating and wrote in its verdict, "If you were looking for closure as Ash vs. Evil Dead left the air for good, 'The Mettle of Man' wasn't going to fully fulfill your desires. Despite its massive time jump/Dark Ones cliffhanger, however, it did wrap up Ash's present day deadite saga while delivering some impressive large-scale action and some even more impressive small-scale emotion."[7]

Michael Roffman of The A.V. Club gave the episode a "B–" grade and wrote, "That focus has never wavered; this has always been Ash's story — hence the title — and really, that's what we got from the very beginning to the very end of Ash Vs. Evil Dead. Not all of it's been perfect, but when it did hit that sweet, groovy spot... we all wanted some. Probably always will."[8]

Stephen Harber of Den of Geek gave the episode a perfect 5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "And so Ash vs Evil Dead comes to a close, stripping away the side-characters we've grown to know and love as well as the setting of Elk Grove. Ash is on his own again just as he was at the beginning of the series. He's back to being a dangerous (and dangerously funny) man of mystery once more. Even though I will miss Ash vs Evil Dead's presence on the airwaves, as well as a weekly dose of Bruce Campbell in his most recognizable role, I can't think of a better send-off for his character."[9] Steve Ford of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4.8 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "Sadly, all things must come to an end. And while I'm disappointed that this is the end of the road for Bruce Campbell's iconic role as Ash, the last three seasons of Ash vs Evil Dead have been one hell of a fun ride, and I'm damn grateful to have been a part of it."[10]

Kayla Cobb of Decider wrote, "The last episode of Ash vs. Evil Dead answers very few of the questions it set out to answer. We still don't know exactly why Ash was chosen or what this means for his daughter or his future. But in a way, that's OK. Ash's charms as a hero have always stemmed from knowing half of what he was supposed to do and making up the rest."[11] Sean Aitchison of TV Overmind wrote, "Though the finale was still a fitting end to the franchise (for now), the ambitious teaser for a post-apocalyptic future felt bittersweet. On the one hand, going out in a blaze of glory only to learn that the adventure continues is a fitting end to the franchise and character, but on the other hand, seeing Ash run around this Mad Max-looking future ravaged by The Dark Ones would make for one hell of a final season, or perhaps another film."[12]