Review: Peacock’s “Twisted Metal”: Season 2, Episodes 1-3

Twisted Metal: Season 2, Episodes 1-3: An Explosive Start to a High-Octane Love Letter

Introduction

Television series are a unique breed of screen productions. With some shows amassing significant success and blossoming into monumental works, others failing to get far and falling into obscurity and those that stay around the middle, TV can often be a sort of litmus test to gauge the success of any given release. Peacock’s Twisted Metal, the work based on the eponymous video game franchise that has just released the first three episodes of its second season, has become a fan favorite with its story of survival, hope and despair in the post-apocalyptic Divided States of America. Through its zany characters, suspenseful situations and emphasis on keeping all its details faithful to the source material, this series is an exemplar of box office-level cinematography on a smaller scale, pleasing existing fans while garnering new ones.

**A Brief History of the Twisted Metal Universe**

Before diving into the wacky world of Twisted Metal, it is important to underscore some key bits of its history, starting with the original game. This frisson-inducing franchise began in 1995, when the original Twisted Metal released on the PS One, making it one of Sony’s longest-running first-party IPs. Three other games released within the next five years, all of which were titled sequentially. Twisted Metal: Black in 2001 marked a major shift in tone for the franchise as it became exceptionally darker, as evidenced by its Mature ESRB rating. This particular entry has since been considered one of, if not the, best of them all because of the strong thematic content as well as the psychological horror that courses through it. To this day, references to Black remain exponential compared to the other games.

After Black, several additional titles released, all varying to a certain extent in terms of story, gameplay and mechanics. There was then a hiatus from around the mid-2000s to 2012, when the PS3 reboot released, focusing on a destructive experience that stayed true to its roots while offering some appreciated additions. This game remains the newest in this franchise.

Come 2023, it was time for Twisted Metal to make its live action debut. That July, Season 1 released on Peacock, with a talented cast propagating a unique plot involving milkman John Doe (Anthony Mackie) being tasked with delivering a mysterious package from the even more enigmatic Calypso (Anthony Carrigan) in New Chicago across the country to Raven (Neve Campbell) in New San Francisco. Along the way, he meets a cast of colorful characters who alter his quest in unforeseen ways, including Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz), a runaway with an increasingly pronounced amount of sass to give John, and Sweet Tooth, a former ice cream server turned insane, clown mask-wearing psychopath who wreaks havoc wherever he goes — and who happens to be this franchise’s mascot. The former steals his heart, and the latter becomes something of a wild card at John’s disposal. By the end of the first season, John succeeds in his delivery but does not attain the life he had envisioned for himself. To magnify the pain, Quiet is not with him, and Sweet Tooth is again on the loose. It is in this state of affairs the first part of this adventure ends and the new season continues.

Released 31 July 2025, Season 2 picks up from the first’s end. John is shown training in New San Francisco for the forthcoming Twisted Metal tournament. Meanwhile, Krista, the woman who is both known as Dollface and his sister, patrols nearby areas, raiding outposts and encampments to steal goods to share with her own people, the Dolls gang. Quiet, having left off last season doing similar work, has since joined the Dolls to support the cause, even going as far as having her own white doll mask. These three characters eventually meet, forming an alliance going into the tournament. What happens next remains to be seen, although with mavericks like Sweet Tooth in the open, there is no question what will follow will likely be explosive at minimum.

Unlike Season 1, however, all episodes are scheduled to be released in batches through 28 August 2025, with the first three available at launch, rather than being available to binge from day one. As such, this review is the first in a weekly series that will be published in tandem with each episode batch until the 28th.

Story Overview: Amnesia, Challenges and Tournament Preparation for a Better Life

Season 2 continues the story from where it ended in the previous season. Consequently, John is in the midst of his Twisted Metal tournament competition training when this series opens. There is a montage replete with franchise references and a stellar soundtrack, and he wishes to escape New San Francisco to find Quiet, the woman he loves. Concurrently, Dollface, his sister, works with her Dolls gang to stop the “insiders,” or members of communities and groups that prevent others from accessing their survival resources from hoarding their goods, leaving more for the “outsiders,” or individuals in need but are often neglected by wider society. Quiet, having believed in this mission since the end of the first season, serves as a Doll to help make it a reality for everyone in need. These characters, who can be considered heroes the loose sense of the word, attempt to achieve their ends to make life at least slightly more liveable for the majority as opposed to the minority. In contrast, characters like killer clown Sweet Tooth and accomplice Stu act in more comparatively sinister ways — well, mostly Sweet Tooth — such as when he insists on hunting down those who challenge him for the title of most feared psychopath around.

John eventually reunites with Quiet — and, by extension, his sister, whom he does not remember due to his amnesia. From then onward, these three characters work cooperatively to further the Dolls’ mission for the greater good as they see it. Then, Calypso, the man responsible for the titular tournament, broadcasts himself around the country, informing viewers and listeners they can enter if they deem themselves worthy. Although John and Dollface have little interest in competing, Quiet is, ironically, vocally adamant she participate. Despite John’s resistance to this idea, the two race to determine who will represent the Dolls, and Quiet wins. John comes to support her, even accompanying her along with his sister and two of her Dolls associates. They then set out to the tournament.

Simultaneously, other competitors prepare for the tournament. Sweet Tooth, for example, drives with Stu after killing Big Baby on the road to claim his place as the greatest, most fearsome killer around. Mr. Grimm accepts the invitation he receives while serving a stint in Blackfield Asylum, escaping and taking his motorcycle along for the ride. Axel, not necessarily of his own will, also heads toward the tournament after John and Krista free him from Dr. Zemu’s control. Mayhem, who had stowed away in Roadkill while Quiet was driving, aims to compete for the chance to live a better life, to which Quiet and the other convoy Dolls agree. All these characters hope to achieve something either deeply personal or beneficial to society at large. Regardless, though, viewers will need to wait until next week to find out what happens when they enter the much-mentioned Diesel City in what looks to be the cast-lauded heist episode.

Strengths: Enthralling Story and Characters, Beneficial Action-Comedy Balance and Unique, Faithful Takes on this Franchise

This series is full of strengths. For instance, all the characters are developed throughly, each with his or her own motivations, desires and goals. As such, it is difficult to rank them because they all are multifaceted as well as outstanding. John’s interactions with Dollface are as enjoyable to watch as Sweet Tooth’s antics and the skirmish between Mr. Grimm and Axel. All these characters shine so in no small part due to the precise balance of action and comedy. One does not supersede the other, making this show that much more fun. Then, there are the unique takes on this franchise that only enhance the viewing experience.

One of the consistent threads in the Twisted Metal games is the introduction and reintroduction of certain characters. In doing so, new stories were created, giving new life to individuals who had already been cherished, making for an even greater story at large. This show does the same, providing several characters with certain strands independent of the games that improve further upon the overall enjoyment factor. The first that stands out, for example, is that of Raven and Kelly. Specifically, the fact Kelly is technically alive, albeit held together by machines in a comatose state, instead of dead, a la Black. Kelly not dying provides numerous story opportunities that raise even more questions, and it will be interesting to see where it leads. Another, and perhaps the most moving given its presence so far, is the Dolls’ mission of helping those who most need it. Started initially by Krista’s dissatisfaction with the status quo of women be subservient to men, even post-apocalypse, the power of women leading not only the community but the direction society in general takes is a clear message to mind. Moreover, it is freshing to see a larger female presence, especially one that tends to be in charge often. Whereas Season 1 showed some women, like Campbell’s Raven and Watts, in leadership roles, Agent Stone, Sweet Tooth and others tended to shift the focus frequently back to the craziness of the setting. Here, strong leaders such as Dollface, Quiet and the true Raven demonstrate a more egalitarian approach that lends female sensibilities and sense to a world so often without it. The result is a production made even more enjoyable.

Weaknesses: None (But a Binge Option Would Be Nice!)

There are no real weaknesses in the traditional sense of this word. Rather, the one change that would be appreciated is having the option to binge this entire season instead of waiting for the episodes to release weekly. Granted, the anticipation and excitement the chosen approach cultivates is conducive to this series’ life, so as much is understandable. In terms of other suggestions for improvement, there are none.

Conclusion and Score

These first three episodes start this new season with suspense and thrills to the max. Following John and the Dolls, Sweet Tooth and Stu and Mr. Grimm and Axel as they make their way to the tournament is an exceptional experience. The excellent story with pleasing characters, amount of action and comedy and unique plot devices and decisions bolster an already engrossing show. Waiting for the weekly episodes to release can be difficult given the immense anticipation, but doing so will likely be worthwhile.

Pros:

Gripping story with captivating characters
Perfect balance of action and comedy
Intriguing takes on established franchise details that tell a somewhat different yet faithful tale

Con:

Having to wait for the remaining episodes to air instead of being able to binge them!

Score: 10/10

Standout Quote

“If my mouth’s a butt hole, then so is yours. That’s how genes work.” — John to Dollface, Episode 3: “T3STDRV”

Series Information

Title: Twisted Metal
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Seanoa, Will Arnett, Anthony Carrigan
Directors: Various
Studios: PlayStation Productions, Sony Pictures Television, Universal Television
Network/Platform: Peacock (NBC)
Release Date: 31 July 2025
Series: Twisted Metal

References/Further Reading

To learn more about the Twisted Metal series as well as this franchise at large, please visit the following links:

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this review as well as throughout this blog belong solely to Lord Trichechus Rosmarus of Premier Polygon Productions. Consequently, they represent the perspectives only of these entities and in no way aim to disparage the artists’ works cited.