Twisted Metal Is Welcomed Streaming Surprise

Video game adaptations rarely stick around when they cross over into other media. Resident Evil was great as a movie series but flopped as a streaming offering from Netflix. More animated properties like Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario make waves because they appeal to audiences of all ages. So when it comes to Peacock’s latest crossover Twisted Metal, there were little expectations that it was going to be a good show. Alas, I was wrong.

Sure it had a good cast like Anthony Mackie from the Captain America franchise in the MCU and Stephanie Beatriz from Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Disney’s Encanto. And we can’t forget Neve Campbell of Scream fame was a key driving point in the story. However, a good cast won’t always overcome a stale plot. Luckily Twisted Metal was an interesting take on a popular game whose early episodes were just fun enough until they got to the bulk of the story.

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The strength of this 10-episode series in the early episodes was just how serious the show wasn’t. It had the perfect storm of stability to keep you just interested enough. The early episodes were too over the top in terms of just how goofy the show was and it wasn’t overly dramatic trying to be something it wasn’t. The video game was just a wreck-’em-up demolition derby mixed with a shooting game. It was always meant to be just a fun game with energy and excitement about it.

That’s where the series borrows from the most. Anthony Mackie shows off more of his humor in it and as the main character, he’s someone fans can root for, which is where they get you. Not only does he draw the audience in as the main character, but the on-screen chemistry between him and Stephanie Beatriz also keeps you invested in their success.

Yet it’s not all fun and games. While it is an action/comedy by the end of the series there are enough twists and turns along the way that by the end of it, you really want a season 2. Even when the story shifts to resolution and things get a bit more serious, the tone never shifts away from the energy of the show. Twisted Metal isn’t one of those shows that tries to be something it’s not but still does enough to keep audiences watching. Too much goofiness and it’ll turn people off. Too much drama and it’ll alienate audiences who probably don’t want that out of an old PlayStation game converted to a tv series. Twisted Metal toes that in spectacularly and Peacock should pick it up for a second season.