TV Review: ‘Twisted Metal’ Season 1, Episode 9
by Frank Martin
Penultimate episodes are typically calms before the storm. Episode 9 of Twisted Metal is no different. The previous installment was pretty traumatic on an action level as well as an emotional one. It revealed John Doe’s (Anthony Mackie) relationship with his car, Evelyn, a bond stretching decades all the way back to his childhood. Then it cut back to the present, where Evelyn was destroyed right in front of his eyes. It was a heartbreaking scene made all the worst by the fact that he ditched Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) in order to rescue his vehicle. Both of the main characters were left in a fairly vulnerable state, and it was Part 9’s job to pick up the pieces.
While on the road by herself, Quiet runs into someone trying to rob her. But she’s rescued by the Convoy she met earlier. When she comes aboard, she is surprised to find John (Anthony Mackie) also there. Together, the pair try to mend their relationship while also putting together a car for the road, which they name Roadkill. As they make their way back to New San Francisco, they run into agent Stone’s (Thomas Haden Church) forces. And just as the battle is about to kick off, Sweet Tooth (Will Arnett and Samoa Joe) arrives to join the fray.
There are a couple of highlights in this episode — the most notable of which being the tremendous cliffhanger at the end, promising a true Twisted Metal type of battle in the finale. Other than that, the episode did a decent job repairing John and Quiet’s relationship. It’s strange because this isn’t really a character study show. It’s about wild and crazy characters and intense vehicular action. Yet, it still tries to give its characters some emotional depth. It might not be as strong and captivating as other dramas, but it’s just enough to give the audience something to care about.
Twisted Metal is now streaming on Peacock.