I know a lot of people on Reddit have a hate boner for Anthony Mackie because of Altered Carbon s2, and it had a pretty terrible teaser trailer, but I just spent my weekend watching the whole show and, to my surprise, I’ve had a lot of fun.
Now, don’t come looking for deep philosophical questions or high art, this is no HBO drama like the Last of Us. Twisted Metal (up to Black, never played that one or past it) has never really been about the world-building or story, it’s always been about the characters and cars, each with over the top nicknames and gimmicks.
If you can accept that and want a crazy road trip romp littered with violence, comedy, as well as some surprising chemistry and heart from the leads, Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz; or if you ever wanted to see the Twisted Metal mascot Sweet Tooth brought to life in the best way possible (an insane murderous clown that manages to separate himself from the Joker or Pennywise thanks to the surprisingly effective combo of Samoa Joe’s physicality and Will Arnett’s voice) then this show is for you.
I hope others had a good time, too, or will if they watch it after this. I’m sure some people hated it, but if you go in knowing what you’re watching, or have a fondness of the atmosphere of the original games, where it was violent but still funny and light, you can just strap in and enjoy the ride.
Twisted Metal Black was the peak of the series. The 2012 reboot was pretty bad.
The TV series could have borrowed from the games a little more and explored the history of a character per episode and kept the arena based content.
The invented post-apocalyptic world and “milkman” plot goes against what the original games was about. Sadly the series will be left as a one season wonder.