Episode One of Twisted Metal embarks on an immersive journey into its dystopian cinematic landscape, painting a vivid picture of a future ravaged by an enigmatic computer-plaguing bug that crippled all technology two decades prior. This technological cataclysm, a cruel reminder of humanity's profound reliance on machines, plunged the world into chaos. Power grids crumbled, societal structures dissolved, and cities fortified themselves with towering walls, segregating the huddled masses within from the lawless hordes outside—a nefarious blend of criminals and thugs that prowled the desolate landscape.
Yet, amidst this bleak backdrop, emerged a unique breed of individuals: the Milkmen, daring couriers like our charismatic protagonist, John Doe (Anthony Mackie), who dared to traverse the perilous paths between these fortified havens, risking life and limb to deliver packages in exchange for meager rewards. Their greatest peril lay in the lurking shadows of the vultures—outsiders thirsting for plunder and mayhem at every turn.
John Doe's fate took a fateful turn when he ventured into New San Francisco, where he was summoned by Raven, the colony's formidable Chief Operating Officer. The invitation, an unprecedented honor, left John perplexed and skeptical, his doubts only fueled when he discovered Raven's true intent. She entrusted him with a perilous mission: to transport a package from the distant and treacherous New Chicago.
Recognizing the gravity of the task and the solitary dangers it posed, Raven offered John a glimpse of hope—a tantalizing glimpse into a life beyond mere survival. She unveiled a sanctuary within the walls, a haven where he could find solace and belonging, a place he could truly call home. These walled enclaves, though under the watchful eye of heightened security, mirrored a semblance of normalcy, a fleeting echo of the world before the fall.
Moved by this promise of redemption and a semblance of normality, John accepted the challenge, agreeing to brave the treacherous journey to New Chicago and return with the precious cargo, sealing his fate as an official citizen of New San Francisco under Raven's benevolent rule.
Before bidding farewell, John shares a heartwarming dinner with Raven's family, a tableau that unexpectedly resonates deeply within him. Noah, whom he assumes to be Raven's husband, gently carries in their newborn, Dove, a sight so unusual to John that it captivates him. Never having laid eyes on an infant before, the sight of this family warmth inadvertently stirs memories of his own, long lost in the wake of the apocalypse. His parents, whose absence haunts him, are but a cherished photograph he gazes at wistfully.
With a mere ten days to fulfill his mission, the clock ticks relentlessly for John. Each passing second brings him closer to the brink of a deal's expiration, a deadline that hangs precariously over his head. Embarking on this perilous journey, John embraces the unknown, for the contents of the package he carries remain a mystery, promising a future filled with unpredictable twists and turns.
Yet, little does he realize that the very room he's about to leave harbors a secret as profound as the ones he's about to uncover. The truth is, Noah is not Raven's true spouse, and Dove, their apparent offspring, a mere deception woven to entice John into delivering that enigmatic package. The stage is set for a game of deception, where every encounter and smile masks a deeper, more sinister motive.
Our focus shifts to the other pivotal character, Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz), who finds herself trapped alongside her brother, Loud, in the grasp of law enforcement officers in Nevada. Agent Stone, a disciple of the Bratton School of Thinking, looms over them. Despite the siblings' infractions being mere trifles, Stone believes that these small sparks must be extinguished lest they ignite into raging conflagrations. He presents them with a stark ultimatum: either he terminates them both, or one of them must take their own life to spare the other. In a heart-wrenching decision, Loud sacrifices himself to save Quiet.
John, driven by purpose, stops by Tommy's, a relic of camaraderie from his past, to secure a vital map. However, Tommy's demeanor turns somber upon hearing John's intention to journey eastwards. He cautions John that the path to New Chicago is a treacherous odyssey, unlike any he has ever traversed, and the risks involved are perilous beyond measure. Yet, John, fueled by the promise of the rewards that await him, embarks on his perilous quest.
The episode crescendos with a fateful encounter between John and Quiet. As he ventures into the desolate landscape of "Lost" Vegas, Quiet confronts him, a gun trained on him. Subtle hints—her severed finger and the borrowed warmth of Loud's jacket draped over her shoulders—whisper to John of her silent suffering. Just as tensions escalate, the ominous figure of Sweet Tooth, the tyrant of Vegas, emerges from his van, closing in on the duo. Amidst this tense standoff, John strives to persuade Quiet to forge an alliance, at least for the present, as they confront the looming shadow of Sweet Tooth together.
