The Twisted Metal video game series has been around since the 90s and is one of the longest running franchises in PlayStation’s library. The chaotic car combat has been loved by fans from all over, and some of the characters have left a massive imprint on the gaming world. There are many gamers who grew up playing the Twisted Metal games, which is why fans were a mix of excited and concerned when the live action TV series was first announced. The first season of that show has finished, so let’s take a look at whether that concern was justified or if it offers just as much mayhem as the iconic games.

The Good

With something as high-octane and exhilarating as the gameplay of Twisted Metal, the TV adaptation needs to be just as action-packed. This show captures the blood-pumping action of the games, which says a lot. The car combat is a ton of fun, and the hand-to-hand battles are shockingly well-choreographed. On top of that, the gore is delightfully twisted. It’s overall a fun time for the action itself.

Twisted Metal serves as a fantastic action-comedy. It’s surprisingly hilarious. The show has a rather dark sense of humor that works quite well. From funny one-liners to extremely violent slapstick, fans are sure to get big laughs out of each episode.

The production design of the series is especially phenomenal. The sets of the post apocalyptic wasteland as well as the creative vehicle designs are all incredible. The rust on the cars and the decimated buildings feel completely real. It’s a truly immersive experience because of it. 

Perhaps the most surprising part of the show is how emotional it can be at times. Who knew Twisted Metal could have so much heart? It’s hard not to feel for John and Quiet as we witness their traumatic backstories and see them bond over time. Shockingly, the show even gets you to feel for Sweet Tooth at times. It’s not quite enough to make one sob, but it definitely allows the audience to relate to and care about the characters, especially since quite a few of them have fantastic arcs throughout the season.

Part of the driving force behind that heart offered by the series is the dynamic between John and Quiet. Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz have great chemistry together. As they grow as individuals and grow together, there are plenty of incredible moments between the two. Whether it’s in a heartfelt scene or if they’re bickering, this pair escalates the series to its highest heights.

The whole season is chock full of Easter eggs that fans of the source material would instantly recognize. These references never interrupt the story or feel out of place, but they offer a lot of excitement for those who recognize them. From obscure characters from the games to the actual gameplay controls being referenced, eagle-eyed fans have a lot to keep an eye out for in this scavenger hunt of fan service.

The Bad

The two main characters, John and Quiet, are great and they do have outstanding chemistry and development. However, they argue and go their separate ways only to make up again a lot. That may not sound like too much of an issue, but it feels gratuitous for just a ten-episode season. After a few times, it starts to feel a bit eye roll-worthy.

While the car combat scenes are spectacular, there isn’t quite enough of them. This is likely due to budget reasons, which is understandable, but this is Twisted Metal. Give us as much vehicle-based mayhem as possible. The characters spend an awful lot of time out of their cars, which is fine for story purposes, but they still need to return to being behind the wheel a bit more often. There are even characters from the games who appear who are never seen in their vehicles. That’s the exciting part that fans want to see most. Hopefully this is remedied in future seasons.

Even though the series is all about battling it out in cars in a post apocalyptic setting, the story is a fairly safe one. It uses plot formulas and tropes that we’ve seen time and time again in the past. After the reveal at the end of the season finale, it’s clear that this is just to attract a more casual and broader audience before diving into the more niche side of the source material. Still, it does feel a bit trite in some areas because of it.

Conclusion

Honestly, Twisted Metal is better than it has any right to be for a TV series based on something that didn’t have tons of story in the first place. Its action, humor, heart, Easter eggs, and worldbuilding make it an extremely fun ride, and it sets up more to come that fans are sure to be excited for. It doesn’t feel like the “next big thing,” but it’s also not trying to be. Regardless if you’re a long-time fan of the video game series or someone just looking for an entertaining action-comedy, you’re bound to get some enjoyment out of Twisted Metal.

Rating: 7.5/10

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