By Nick Nitkowski

“Twisted Metal” is based on the video game of the same name, a game that I never had the chance to play. However, I did watch Season One of the Series on Peacock, and without any knowledge of the source material, I actually enjoyed the series very much. So much so that I knew that if they made more, I’d be more than willing to watch it. Now we have Season Two, and I was very excited to continue the series. So, how is the new season of “Twisted Metal”?

“Twisted Metal” season two continues the story of John Doe and Quiet, both played once again by Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz, as they find themselves in a game of life and death in the Twisted Metal Tournament hosted by Calypso, played by Anthony Carrigan. They find themselves in competition with some familiar faces including Sweet Tooth, embodied again by Joe Seanoa and voiced again by Will Arnett, and his sidekick Stu, played again by Mike Mitchell, as well as some new faces. The prize for the last man standing is a single wish fulfilling their deepest desire. 

This season was so much fun! I can easily say that I enjoyed it more than Season One, and I really enjoyed Season One. This season had a lot more action and intense racing scenes that kept my attention the whole way through. I watched the entire season in one setting. I did not want to stop watching, and once one episode ended, I couldn’t wait to start the next episode. It was a fun-filled ride from start to finish. 

Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz were both great once again in this new season. Their chemistry and dynamic were still great, and they provided plenty of laughs. Sweet Tooth was my absolute favorite in Season One, and he’s still my favorite in Season Two. His insanity and unpredictable chaotic nature are still so entertaining to watch. We’re introduced to some new characters in this season. The most notable and memorable of the new characters is Axel, played by Michael James Shaw. I really liked this character, and he is the most badass vehicle in the show. 

The only person who doesn’t return this season is Neve Campbell as Raven. I can only assume that the reason why she doesn’t return this season is because she’s filming the new “Scream” movie. Instead, they show that she is just one of many “Ravens” who work under the main Raven played by Patty Guggenheim, who did a good job in the series. She understood her role and played it well, but I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like if it was Neve Campbell in the driver’s seat. It didn’t retract my enjoyment of the show. It was just something on my mind as I was watching.

If there’s one thing in this show that I didn’t like, it was the character Vermin played by Lisa Gilroy. Nothing against the actress herself as I’m sure she was just taking direction and making the most of what she’s given, but this character got on my nerves after a while. It was a combination of the voice and manic behavior along with the dialogue and constant reference about bugs. I couldn’t help but want her to be one of the first ones to be eliminated, but alas, she had a lot of screen time throughout the show.

Overall, I really enjoyed this new season of “Twisted Metal” a lot. All the racing segments were spectacular. The high-octane action kept me fully engaged, and each episode was interesting and held my attention. Despite going into the late-night hours watching it, the show made me want to keep watching each episode as soon as the last one was over. Sure, there was one annoying character in the show and there was one episode that did slow down a bit, but if you enjoyed Season One of “Twisted Metal”, then I think you’re going to really enjoy Season Two. I just might binge watch this season again just like I did with Season One. To me, it’s that much fun. I don’t know how the show compares to the video game, but I think this series stands very tall all on its own.

41/2 stars