By: Ica Hontiveros-Cheng

I have no previous knowledge of the games, so I’m entering the series without any information about the story, or characters. So this is my first encounter with the franchise.
The series opens with the line: “Twenty years ago, the world turned to sh-t.” Simple, straightforward, and very candid. Another on the violent, post-apocalyptic game adaptation series, ‘Twisted Metal’ (2023) has a more comedic tone than other series from the same genre. Granted, that it is also very, very violent, like severed limbs, decapitated heads, blood, there’s a lot of swearing, and yes, even sex scenes.
Twisted Metal is an easy binge, especially with Anthony Mackie’s charm and natural comedic chops, it was nice to see Stephanie Beatriz step up to a bigger role, and she and Mackie have a likeable chemistry that will make you cheer for them.
Special shout-out to Sweet Tooth’s performance, which was a combination of wrestler Samoa Joe’s live acting on screen, and Will Arnet’s voice. Kind of like how they portrayed Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, (David Prowse was the actor in the Vader suit, while James Earl Jones lent his telling booming voice). Even if Sweet Tooth was terrifying, he was one of my favorite things about the show.

Another thing I liked about ‘Twisted Metal?’ The song choices were all chef’s kiss. And I suppose, in a series about cross country driving, having a playlist for the road is a must. And we’re about Millennial favorites such as Hanson’s ‘MMMBop’ Sisqo’s ‘Thong Song’, to Oasis’ ‘Champagne Supernova.’
A second season has already been confirmed and they start shooting in the fall of this year. So, it’s okay to invest time enjoying the show, since you know that there will be more to come. The series sets up the second season to have more action, and has definitely set up the excitement up a notch.
Now, the first season was not perfect-some of the CGI isn’t as good as you’d hope but hopefully they can work on that in the next season, maybe a little less drama and crying too, and more car chases and action scenes!
Amidst the postapocalyptic wasteland, violence, chaos, and uncertainty, the first season of ‘Twisted Metal’ was also about finding a partner you can trust, who can ride shotgun with you at the driver’s seat, as you drive through this crazy thing called life. It is also about learning to let go of your past, no matter how painful and allowing yourself to move on.