TWISTED METAL: SEASON ONE
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Seanoa, Thomas Haden Church, and Will Arnett
Creators: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Michael Jonathan Smith
QUENTIN
Considering the premise of the video game on which it’s based, it’s impressive that Twisted Metal works as well as it does. That does not mean, however, that it’s a great show in the grand scheme of things. While there is some fun to be had with the motor-mouthed and quippy John (the best version of Anthony Mackie) and Sweet Tooth (voiced by Will Arnett), the overall story and inconsequential villain offer diminishing returns as the season goes on. That said, with half-hour episodes, it’s not a huge time investment, and it’s good enough to be a time-killing distraction, especially with the bangin’ 90s soundtrack.
NICK
I can't pinpoint exactly why Twisted Metal didn't work for me because it's got a killer soundtrack, a fun 90s throwback vibe, and a smartass Anthony Mackie; yet I really struggled to stay interested. If it had turned the wackiness and edginess up a couple notches (think a mix of Preacher and Dead Rising), it would have served the story better as things feel slightly watered down. Also, for as entertaining as Mackie is, something about Stephanie Beatriz's character just irked me. This series may have had the roadmap for success, but unfortunately, it took a wrong turn along the way.