Twisted Metal, the latest video game adaptation to hit the small screen, is a high-octane, post-apocalyptic romp that is as chaotic as it is entertaining. The show, which premiered on Peacock, is a wild ride that takes viewers through a dystopian America filled with eccentric factions, vehicular combat, and a barrage of jokes that hit as often as they miss.
While you will see many familiar characters from the Twisted Metal game series here, the show’s creators have chosen not to use the game as gospel, creating a unique universe that feels grounded despite the madness. The game is set in a world where a computer virus has wiped out all electronics, causing complete chaos for everyone on Earth, with only a few cities surviving the disorder by kicking out anyone deemed a criminal and walling off access. It is a premise that does not hold water if you put any thought into it, but that is okay. I am here for over-the-top action, and that is what I got.
The series follows John Doe, a courier portrayed by Anthony Mackie, who is offered a chance to escape his dangerous life in the wastelands for a safe haven in New San Francisco. All he has to do is pick up a package in Chicago and deliver it on schedule. Alongside him is his reluctant partner, Quiet, played by Stephanie Beatriz, who brings a balance to the incessant comedic attempts of Mackie’s character.
Twisted Metal‘s tone is as wild as the game series it is based on, veering wildly between pitch-black comedy, high-speed action thriller and occasionally dark meditation on man’s inhumanity. It’s a mixture that doesn’t always work, with the show often struggling to find its footing, especially as the series progresses. However, the performances, especially Mackie’s, manage to keep the show’s disparate impulses from tearing it apart.
Mackie—best known for his role as Sam Wilson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—shines as the fast-talking, wisecracking John Doe. His performance is a refreshing departure from his more serious roles, like The Hurt Locker, and he does a commendable job of navigating the show’s tonal shifts. The range he brings to his character makes the Madcap story feel grounded and was just incredibly fun to watch. His chemistry with Beatriz is one of the show’s highlights, with their bickering and banter providing some of the most memorable moments.
The supporting cast of Twisted Metal is a motley crew of characters that add colour and chaos to the dystopian landscape. Thomas Haden Church plays Agent Stone, a former mall cop turned tyrannical law enforcer who is obsessed with imposing his brand of deadly justice on the broken world. Church’s performance is commendable, bringing a sense of menace and authority to his character. His presence as a roaming antagonist adds tension and conflict to the narrative.
“Twisted Metal‘s tone is as wild as the game series it is based on, veering wildly between pitch-black comedy, high-speed action thriller and occasionally dark meditation on man’s inhumanity.”
The most iconic character from the original game series, Sweet Tooth, is brought to life by wrestler Samoa Joe and voiced by Will Arnett. But honestly, despite some fantastic lines, the character doesn’t quite hit the mark. Instead, he often feels like an unnecessary distraction, included only to stay true to the source material. Still, his presence is one of the strongest links to the game, and despite being tonally all over the place, he oddly fits the concept of the game better than anyone else.
Guest star Neve Campbell makes an appearance as town boss Raven, who offers John Doe the chance of a lifetime. Her character adds a layer of intrigue and ambition to the story. Other game characters, played by Chloe Fineman and Jason Mantzoukas, make appearances throughout the series. While these actors are talented, their characters sometimes feel less organic and more like forced nods to the game’s fans.
Frankly, it is this attempt to strike a balance between being a faithful adaptation of the original Twisted Metal video game series and a show in its own right where things fall apart. This often results in forced references and plot points that feel less organic and more like a nod to the game’s fans. However, these moments are not so distracting as to detract from the overall enjoyment of the series.
“Twisted Metal is filled with absurd humour, violent action, and a surprising amount of heart.”
The first season feels like a long build-up to the actual tournament we all know from the game, with the final act as a lead-up to what anyone who’s heard about the show might have expected, but it’s a build-up that’s enjoyable in its own right. It’s a show that’s neither twisted nor metal, but it’s a wild ride that will leave you wanting a new game in the franchise.
Despite its flaws, this is a fun, if somewhat messy, show. Twisted Metal is filled with absurd humour, violent action, and a surprising amount of heart. It’s a series that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and while not all of its jokes land, its energy and commitment to its premise make it a compelling watch.
Twisted Metal is a chaotic, entertaining journey through a post-apocalyptic America. It’s a show that is as absurd as it is fun, and while it may not be for everyone, those who give in to its vulgar insanity will find it a rewarding watch.
