'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQH/8QAIBAAAgIBBAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAAGEiExERQiof/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUG/8QAHBEAAQQDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACAxEEISMz/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDO9HQUb1Ix1afqTlljMiyF9zbT476HfX7kc2qFrzSQvSjLxsUJUIASOOPnGMM9Jnh26VZk8Y2GM1a//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The second season of Twisted Metal concluded on Peacock on August 28 with a finale that delivered several shocking turns. Showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith, together with Michael James Shaw, Anthony Carrigan, and Joe Seanoa, discussed the main elements of the ending in an exclusive interview with Screen Rant. According to them, the finale was designed less as a conclusion and more as a setup for what could come next.
The timing of the finale stands out, maybe more than expected. Twisted Metal, based on the video game that has been around for decades, first came out on Peacock in July 2023. It was noticed right away. Part of the reason was simple: it had the action, the car battles, but it also slowed down to focus on the people inside the chaos. Season 2 pushed deeper into the world of the games. At the same time, it reshaped things so they worked for television. And when the team behind it spoke about the new episodes, it came across that none of it was random. The season had always been built with something bigger waiting ahead.
Axel’s fate and his final choice
One of the most discussed moments of the finale involved Axel. The character’s arc was presented with strong emotional weight. Michael James Shaw explained that Axel’s final act represented the only truly free choice he had in the story. After being enslaved and manipulated, the character found in that moment a way to reconnect with his humanity. His connection with Mayhem, even if never fully explored, was central to that action. Shaw noted that the ending could be seen as a farewell, but left open the possibility that Axel might continue, adding that he hoped it would not be a permanent death.
Calypso and the nature of chaos
The finale also highlighted Calypso’s role. In the interview, Anthony Carrigan described the character as someone who operates with both chaos and calculation, keeping everyone around him uncertain. The scene involving the destruction of the crowd showed how far Calypso was willing to go to accomplish his long-developed plans. His choices also underscored the growing conflict with John Doe, who made it clear in the episode that he was determined to eliminate him.
Sweet Tooth and the introduction of Charlie Kane
Another thread of the finale focused on Sweet Tooth. Joe Seanoa pointed out that the character has entered his own journey, now tied directly to his father, Charlie Kane. The introduction of Kane sets the stage for further exploration of Sweet Tooth’s backstory. According to Seanoa, this opens the door to reveal more about what shaped the character and how that history affects his current path. The connection between father and son was presented as a key element for episodes that could follow.
Dollface and a revealing moment
The closing moments of the season included a striking image of Dollface. A brief look at her eyes suggested that some humanity might still be present. Michael Jonathan Smith confirmed that this choice was intentional and designed to generate discussion about the direction of the character. With Dollface now linked to Minion, her transformation was left as one of the open threads that may develop further in the story. Speaking about the ending, he says,
"I think now we’re looking into what season three looks like and I think episode 12, which I’m really happy with, I love where episode 12 ends. That is totally setting up. Look, I want there to be a lot of discussion about where we end 12 and what does that mean for next season with the war and with John and Mayhem and Minion and Quiet and where we’re setting everything up going into next season. I think there’s a lot to pay off. I think there’s a lot to play with. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun. I think we’ve got some cars to find."
Plans already mapped for the future
Even though Twisted Metal has not yet been renewed for a third season, Smith revealed that planning has already advanced. He said that season 2 was built to set up future storylines, including the introduction of new characters. Smith also confirmed that he has ideas not only for season 3 but also for season 4. As per Screenrant, he says:
"I have a lot of ideas for next season. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I have a lot of ideas for season three. I have an awesome idea for where it goes in season four, but I don’t want to spoil anything for where we go with John Doe’s story and where it goes with Calypso. But I have a really, really cool idea for where things will go."
The connection between Twisted Metal and the game material
The interview also touched on how the show deals with the game’s original material. In the source, John Doe ends up killing Calypso. Whether that happens here or not is still left open. Smith pointed out that the team chooses carefully which parts of the lore to keep as they are and which parts to bend or reshape. It gives the series room to nod to the old story while still moving characters into places that feel new, sometimes even surprising.
What the finale represents
The last episode of season 2 left multiple elements unresolved. Axel’s uncertain fate, Calypso’s destructive actions, the introduction of Charlie Kane in Sweet Tooth’s storyline, and Dollface’s transformation all stood out as foundations for what could follow. Each of these threads was confirmed by the creative team as part of the setup that season 2 intended to build.
Trending
Looking ahead
So far, Peacock has not announced a renewal for season 3. The interview with Smith and the cast, however, confirmed that the structure is already in place for the story to continue. The second season served to expand the world of Twisted Metal and prepare for future developments. If renewal arrives, the elements highlighted in the finale will be the starting point for the next stage of the adaptation.
Reply
