Twisted Metal (2023-): Season 1 – TV Review

By
Darren J Tyson
-

PlayStation have shown themselves to be the kings of video game adaptions over the past year or two. With movies Grand Turismo & Uncharted as well as TV Shows Twisted Metal & The Last of Us. While the movies have been hit and miss the TV adaptation have done remarkably well. So, let’s take a look at the vehicular combat game turned TV show as we review Twisted Metal Season 1…

Details of Twisted Metal

Twisted Metal review: Peacock's PlayStation adaptation isn't so twisted - Polygon
Image Source: Polygon

Network Release: Peacock

Production Companies: Reese Wernick Productions, Wicked Deed, Make It with Gracy, Electric Avenue, Inspire Entertainment, Artists First, PlayStation Productions, Universal Television, & Sony Pictures Television Studios

Executive Producers:  Michael Jonathon Smith, Rhett Reese, Paul Wenick, Anthony Mackie, Will Arnett, Marc Forman, Jason Spire, Kitao Sakurai, Peter Principato, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, & Hermen Hulst

Developed By: Rhett Reese, Paul Wenick, & Michael Jonathon Smith

Main Cast: Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Seanoa (Samoa Joe), Will Arnett, & Thomas Haden Church  
Released: 2023 (10 Episodes)

Story of Twisted Metal

Twisted Metal (TV Series 2023– ) - IMDb
Image Source: IMDB

Set in a post-apocalyptic America, the series follows John Doe played by Antony Mackie. John is a milkman, someone tasked with making deliveries. Somewhat similar to the transporter films. Well one day John comes across an extra special job. One that promises his retirement if he delivers on time. With this goal in mind, John sets out across desolate America encountering all sorts of personalities on the way, including some notable names from the video games.

Analysis of Twisted Metal

The Cars

Here's Your First Look at Anthony Mackie's Twisted Metal TV Show | Push Square
Image Source: Push Square

Of course, as a vehicular combat series of games the TV adaption would have to follow through on providing aesthetically pleasing and well edited vehicles. This is something the series does deliver on. John’s car is a staple of the series until it is sadly blown up. Showing us a different side of John as he mourns for the car, the little family he did actually have.  

We also saw a few designs from the games, such as Sweet Tooth’s ice cream van. The weapons and the effects has to be where the series excelled though. As the was more than enough explosions to make Fallout jealous. The creatively choreographed car combat was enthralling to watch. It has Death Race beat, which was my best vehicular combat media. It makes me excited thinking about what they may do in Season 2 with an increased budget. As there was a few times the show seemed to edit poorly or just not care about continuity. These did take you out of the story but usually only for seconds as you are quickly given something else to focus on as you get enveloped by the story again.

The Cast

Twisted Metal Cast, Characters & Actors | The Direct
Image Source: The Direct

Beatriz and Mackie shine throughout the season, bringing depth to both roles as they dip through emotions. Both of their backstories are tragic, and this is something the two do eventually bond over, after initially being quite hostile. Comedy, action, drama, suspense, and sadness- these two can do it all. Samoa Joe and Will Arnet join performing as Sweet Tooth is another highlight. Arnet’s expert voice acting experience really shows as he compliments Joe’s physical performance perfectly. The character was teased to be dead at the end of the season but with Arnet being an executive producer I seriously doubt we have seen the end of Sweet Tooth.

Summary of Twisted Metal

Twisted Metal: 56 Easter Eggs And References You Missed In The New Peacock Series - GameSpot
Image Source: GameSpot

To conclude Twisted Metal is an explosive action-comedy in which you will find yourself laughing often. The effects sometimes dip in quality but for the most part are better than what Disney+ are churning out. With several action scenes being perfect examples of phenomenal entertainment. Beatriz and Mackie bring their all to the show as well. With their performances and amazing chemistry together being the absolute best thing of the show, and with quite a few positives that’s saying something! You also don’t have to be familiar with the games or the lore as a whole. I enjoyed it with my Fiancée, who had never heard of the games, and we both enjoyed it. I definitely recommend it for any action/comedy fan!

With the finale setting up the video game’s iconic tournament I for one can’t wait to see who will come out victorious! Season 2 got confirmed back in December 2023.

Overall Rating: 8.5 – Excellent!

Recommendation: YES!

Latest Articles

Post Views: 489

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR