Peacock's live-action adaptation of Twisted Metal is defying all odds. The half-hour comedy series, a high-octane blend of Mad Max and Death Race 2000, has dropped in its entirety on the streaming platform. Much to the shock of critics and fans alike, the show is quite good.
The initial trailer might have struck many as bizarre, but it's clear now the show is absurd and hilarious in exactly the ways a dystopian Cannonball Run should be. It's a wacky, unrepentant joyride, brimming with flair and cleverer than anyone would dare give it credit.
Twisted Metal carries a delightful tapestry of dark and warped sensibilities, which is a testament to its successful adaptation from its video game roots to the small screen. While the humor might be divisive, the action and pacing are proven crowd-pleasers, evoking fun and excitement in a landscape of vehicular combat and apocalyptic shenanigans.
Story-wise, Twisted Metal centers around Anthony Mackie's John Doe, a "milkman" or courier who places his future on the delivery of a single mysterious package. With his dreams of a better life hanging by a thread, John has to befriend an axe-wielding car thief named Quiet (played by Stephanie Beatriz) while surviving the onslaught of murderous marauders like the unhinged clown, Sweet Tooth (Joe Seanoa body, Will Arnett voice). The interactions among this motley crew provide a powder keg of violence and humor on the open road, creating an atmosphere of chaos and anticipation that makes the viewing experience genuinely enjoyable.