TV Review: ‘Twisted Metal’ Season 1, Episode 2
by Frank Martin
It’s hard to argue that Sweet Tooth isn’t the unofficial mascot of Twisted Metal. The thought of a serial killer clown driving an ice cream truck decked out with machine guns is just the type of image that Twisted Metal wants to convey. He was featured prominently the cover art of the video games and also played a major role in the show’s marketing, even if he wasn’t a major character in the first episode. The second episode, however, was all about Sweet Tooth and really put him on full display. It did not disappoint. While the character itself is hard to adapt because he’s more of an image than a personality, the combination of body and voice acting created a truly menacing figure.
While John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) argue with each other, Sweet Tooth quickly approaches them. They immediately think he’s an enemy and start firing, which triggers a gunfight between them. In reality, Sweet Tooth just wanted them to watch a show that he was going to put on inside the casino he calls home. Of course, things aren’t that simple with a psychopathic clown. If they don’t have the right response to his show he would undoubtedly kill them. As tt turns out, Quiet spoke her mind and gave an honest review, which Sweet Tooth respected and ultimately allowed the pair to go on their way.
Sweet Tooth is portrayed by Samoa Joe in a very creepy clown mask. Will Arnett provides the voice and does and even creepier job making him out to be far chipper than what his outwardly appearance would suggest. The combination is a truly horrifying creation that honors the character well. Of course, Sweet Tooth is known for his killer ice cream truck, which the episode smartly started off with in an incredible action sequence. What followed was a bizarre game of cat and mouse the culminated in ridiculous fashion. Twisted Metal is really proving to be a bonkers adventure that fans shouldn’t take too seriously and should just enjoy for the ride it is.
Twisted Metal is now streaming on Peacock.
