In the world of game-to-screen adaptations, HBO’s The Last of Us has set a new standard of greatness. With rave reviews, a three-month window of cultural supremacy, and 24 Emmy nominations, the series has proven that video game adaptations can be more than just decent — they can be exceptional. But now, with this new level of credibility established, it’s become fully acceptable for a video game adaptation to simply be “decent.” And that’s where Peacock’s new series Twisted Metal comes in.
Based on the venerable and versatile Twisted Metal franchise, the series is, for lack of a better word, decent. It may not have the budget or ingenuity to match the game’s sense of unrelenting mayhem, but it offers a solid character-based story centered around stars Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz. The series deviates from the game’s glorified demolition derby concept, opting for a deeper narrative set against an apocalyptic backdrop.
Twisted Metal takes place 20 years after a computer bug has divided the country into blockaded urban centers under martial law and an “outside” populated by criminals, desperate survivors, and their descendants. Our protagonist, John Doe (played by Mackie), is a milkman who lives on the outside and travels from city to city making deliveries. When the mayor of New San Francisco, Raven (played by Neve Campbell), offers him an opportunity to earn citizenship and a secure place within the city, John accepts the dangerous mission. Along the way, he meets Quiet (played by Beatriz), a scrappy scavenger seeking revenge against a sadistic lawman. They form an unlikely partnership and encounter various eccentric characters, including a sadistic Vegas-loving clown named Sweet Tooth.
While the series occasionally features elaborate car-based stunts and DIY artillery, it relies more heavily on banal outposts of the bygone civilization to create a sense of menace. The show explores themes like the creepiness of clowns, religious fundamentalists, and bureaucracy, but it lacks the satirical heft to delve deeper. This surface-level snark is likely a result of Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick’s involvement as executive producers and developers, known for their work on Deadpool. Director Kitao Sakurai brings the necessary energy to the series, but it quickly becomes wearying, relying too heavily on gory action scenes and torturous situations paired with witty rejoinders.
Related Post
However, Twisted Metal starts to show promise around the fourth episode when Quiet and John Doe encounter a very queer-friendly convoy of survivors. This episode and the subsequent one, both directed by Maggie Carey, focus on character development and give the series a much-needed emotional grounding. Mackie delivers a loose and funny performance, reminding audiences of his comedic range, while Beatriz shines in her dynamic role. Their relationship, though initially unconvincing, adds heart to the show as it progresses.
The rest of the cast, including Thomas Haden Church, Neve Campbell, Jason Mantzoukas, and Chloe Fineman, delivers strong performances, though their appearances feel more like guest spots. The series sets up a seemingly less expansive but more expensive second season, which may satisfy fans of the Twisted Metal brand. Overall, Twisted Metal is a fast and fun series that may not be Emmy-worthy, but it doesn’t need to be. It proves that being decent can be enough.
In conclusion, the era of video game adaptations has reached a new level of acceptance, thanks to the exceptional success of shows like The Last of Us. However, not every adaptation needs to be a groundbreaking masterpiece. Twisted Metal demonstrates that being decent can still be entertaining and enjoyable. While it may lack the budget and ingenuity to match the game’s intensity, it makes up for it with solid character development and a compelling narrative. Fans of the Twisted Metal franchise and those seeking a fun, fast-paced series will find enjoyment in Twisted Metal, even if it’s not destined for Emmy greatness.
