The live action Twisted Metal TV show will finally release in the Philippines through Lionsgate Play and we got exclusive access to watch it in advance. This Twisted Metal review will only focus on the first 2 episodes to give you an impression of whether or not it’s worth driving into. It’s a whole lot of crazy, for better and worse.
The Twisted Metal franchise has a special place in the hearts of many gamers, known for its blend of chaotic vehicular combat, dark humor, and a dystopian world filled with deranged characters. The series, which debuted on the PlayStation in 1995, became a cult classic, offering a twisted version of demolition derby. The games reveled in a gritty, Mad Max-esque atmosphere that was both unsettling and oddly endearing. Adapting this chaotic energy into a TV show is no small feat, especially when the IP has been dormant for over a decade. With the recent surge in quality video game adaptations, expectations were high. But does the Twisted Metal TV series manage to capture the essence of its source material, or does it crash and burn?
From the outset, Twisted Metal faces a daunting task: translating a game known for its over-the-top action and pitch-black humor into a narrative-driven television show. Video game adaptations have been a mixed bag, with some successfully capturing the spirit of their source material and others failing miserably. The original games are beloved for their intense action, unforgettable characters, and a world so grim and bizarre that it’s hard not to be drawn into it. The show has the challenge of maintaining this balance while introducing a new audience to a world that has been out of the spotlight for years.
The first two episodes of any series are crucial, setting the tone and pace for what’s to come. Twisted Metal kicks off by establishing the rules of its world—a post-apocalyptic wasteland where sanity is a luxury few can afford. All it takes is for one bug to wipe out technology and online capabilities and the whole world falls apart. Who would’ve thought? The characters, each more unhinged than the last, navigate this chaotic landscape, just trying to survive. The show’s protagonist, John Doe, played by Anthony Mackie, acts more as a vehicle for the audience to place themselves in. Mackie’s performance won’t win any awards, but he brings a certain charm to the role, clearly having the time of his life.
John is what the people call a “milkman,” someone who delivers essential items from one settlement to another. He has a more humorous aspect to him, cracking jokes and making light of every scenario with every chance he gets. For some, this might be off-putting, especially those who have had more than enough with the so-called “Marvel-style” comedy. There’s a lot of quips and attempts to make the audience laugh here. Not all of it hits. And I’d go as far as to say that the writing isn’t even all that impressive to begin with. But it’s a show that knows it’s cheesy and it fully commits to the bit rather than trying to take itself seriously.
The lighter tone does sacrifice moments of drama and suspense. On paper, some scenes may have some incredibly dark implications to them, but they’ll be completely overshadowed because a character will make a joke or two about it. This is all the more apparent in the introduction of Stephanie Beatriz’s Quiet. I won’t be spoiling much but let’s just say if you’re a fan of her nonchalant character from Brooklyn 99, Quiet will feel right at home for you here.
One of the standout elements of the show is undoubtedly Sweet Tooth, the iconic killer clown who is basically the icon of the Twisted Metal franchise. In the TV adaptation, Sweet Tooth serves as both a formidable antagonist and a wild card—a neutral force of chaos whose motivations are as unpredictable as his actions. The character’s presence is one of the few aspects that truly feels ripped straight from the games, maintaining that blend of horror and humor that fans have come to expect. The flamboyant and threatening physical acting from Samoa Joe combined with excellent voice work from Will Arnett really brings the character to life. For those who know, Sweet Tooth has an insanely dark backstory to him, and it’ll be interesting to see how the later episodes will handle it.
Visually, the show is competent, if not particularly groundbreaking. The action scenes, while not abundant in the early episodes, are serviceable enough to be enjoyable for what they are. Clearly, the show is saving the ultimate carnage the games are known for to be featured at the latter half of the season. The cinematography and direction won’t blow you away, but they get the job done.
While it’s too early to say if the show will resonate with longtime fans or attract new ones, the first two episodes lay a decent foundation. The show’s success will likely hinge on its ability to balance the chaos and dark humor of the games with a compelling narrative that can sustain interest over multiple episodes. The games were never known for award-winning narratives. The Twisted Metal TV show doesn’t have the luxury of having gameplay to carry itself. It has its moments. Definitely could tighten up the tone and presentation but at the end of the road, it’s Twisted Metal. Just strap on for a wild ride. I definitely felt like the creators have a love for the source material and they’re just happy to be making the series itself and I can’t fault them for that.
If you’re a fan of the games or just looking for something different, it might be worth sticking around to see where this twisted ride takes you.