TV Review: ‘Twisted Metal’ Season 1, Episode 6
by Frank Martin
It’s no surprise that the best Twisted Metal episodes are the ones that feature its vehicles and ridiculous characters. The ones that do not seem to fall flat. It’s obvious why some lack for mass amounts of murder and action. Shows need to build up character, too, but the trick is to do this without sacrificing the things that make a story great. As a video game series, Twisted Metal is not known for its character drama. It’s known for its ridiculous shenanigans and outrageous gun battles. And that’s when the show is at its highest point. To see its two main characters, both of which are original for the show, bond over a night stuck inside a fast food restaurant is not what fans tune in to see.
After escaping Agent Stone’s headquarters in Topeka, John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) lay low in a quick service joint that was previously occupied by a cult who all killed themselves. When Quiet tries to leave, they both get caught in something called a “Watson Storm” — which is essentially a giant lightning strike that they would best avoid. Over the course of the night, the two of them fight and bond until ultimately forming a meaningful partnership. This scene plays out over several flashbacks showing Quiet’s past.
There is something awesome about seeing not one but two sex scenes inside a ball pit. That’s the kind of ridiculousness that Twisted Metal does best. The flashbacks also highlight just how this dystopian future operates. But even though it is a dystopian show, this isn’t where Twisted Metal shines. There are tons of different post-apocalyptic movies and shows that have covered this ground over and over. What Twisted Metal does is populate this world with crazy characters and a culture obsessed with being on the road. The remaining episodes of the season would benefit from remembering that.
Twisted Metal is now streaming on Peacock.
