The Ultimate Guide to Unveiling Twisted Metal's Mind-Blowing Easter Eggs & Secret References!

Summary

The first season of Twisted Metal ingeniously incorporates a plethora of Easter eggs from the video game series, seamlessly incorporating references to cars, plot twists, and characters.

The season departs from the usual tournament format but serves as a precursor to season 2, delving into different elements of the video games. In anticipation of their role in the intense tournament of season 2, recognizable vehicles such as Roadkill, Sweet Tooth's truck, and Outlaw make notable appearances.

The Twisted Metal series, based on a video game series with the same name, cleverly incorporates numerous Easter eggs that reference the games' cars, future plot developments, and characters. It follows the story of John Doe, played by Anthony Mackie, as he undertakes the task of delivering a package across the post-apocalyptic landscape to secure residency in New San Francisco. Throughout the series, various Easter eggs are dropped that highlight specific elements directly from the video game.

The first Twisted Metal video game was released on November 5, 1995, and has since expanded into a 10-game franchise, with each installment adding unique elements to the overarching story. Although Twisted Metal season 1 deviates from the traditional Twisted Metal tournament featured in the games, it serves as a crucial foundation for the narrative to explore the competition in season 2. Throughout the season, Easter eggs subtly showcase various aspects of the video games while also setting the stage for important plot points and significant characters expected to appear in Twisted Metal season 2. Below are 13 Easter eggs featured in Twisted Metal season 1.

13 Copy Of Twisted Metal Hit John Doe's Car

In episode 1 of Twisted Metal, John Doe engages in a thrilling battle against the determined Vultures as they attempt to steal the packages he's delivering. With skillful precision, John utilizes various missiles and guns installed in his car, Evelyn, successfully defending himself from the attackers. In the midst of the intense pursuit, he creates a pile of video games, one of which notably smashes into the windshield, revealing itself to be a copy of the original Twisted Metal game for PlayStation.

This clever inclusion of a hidden Easter egg serves as a fitting tribute to the show's source material, paying homage to the video game series that inspired the television adaptation. By featuring the video game at the onset of the series during the adrenaline-fueled chase, it reinforces the connection between the show and its roots in the gaming world. Furthermore, it assures long-time fans that the show is cognizant of and respects the legacy of the games.

12 RoadKill

After Evelyn is destroyed at the Holy Men's camp, John Doe and Quiet find themselves without a means of transportation. They decide to work together and repair a new vehicle at the truck commune. In an ironic twist, they choose to name the car Roadkill, referencing the name on the license plate of their previous vehicle. This nod to the iconic car from the video games holds significance for them both.

Roadkill is a well-known fixture in nearly every Twisted Metal video game, characterized as a muscular and dilapidated car constructed from salvaged scraps of metal. Described in the manual for Twisted Metal: Black, it is said that the origins of Roadkill, as well as its driver, remain shrouded in mystery. John Doe is aware that Roadkill is meant for his use and is equipped to ensure victory.

Undoubtedly, Roadkill will make its anticipated appearance in Twisted Metal season 2 as John's chosen vehicle in the thrilling tournament, adding an element of excitement and familiarity for avid fans of the video game series.

11 Flower Power

Flower Power makes its debut in episode 4 of Twisted Metal, where Miranda contacts Amber, reigniting their relationship. Amber, a skilled botanist in the TV show, cleverly utilizes flowers to shield herself from the Holy Men. Furthermore, she employs flowers to aid Granny Dread in her peaceful passing, which strengthens the car's symbolic connection to its name. Flower Power and Amber Rose are exclusively showcased in Twisted Metal III. As we approach season 2 of the tournament, it is highly probable that Flower Power and Amber will emerge as fierce competitors in the upcoming competition.

10 Sweet Tooth

In episode 1, Sweet Tooth's truck makes its grand entrance when he charges at John and Quiet in his territory of Las Vegas. Throughout the season, this iconic truck continues to be featured, as Sweet Tooth takes his show on the road and participates in the epic car battle in the final episode. The vehicle itself is a charming old-fashioned ice cream truck, with a white-painted chassis adorned with pink polka dots. This distinctive vehicle has been a staple in every Twisted Metal video game, driven by the infamous Needles Kane, who is sometimes known as Sweet Tooth. Given that Sweet Tooth's picture was shown on the tournament bracket at the end of the season, it's safe to assume that this truck will definitely make a thrilling appearance in the upcoming Twisted Metal tournament.

9 Outlaw

8 Twister

In episode 10 of Twisted Metal, the law enforcement faces off against John, Quiet, Sweet Tooth, and the truck community, with Outlaw driven by Agent Stone determined to put an end to John and Quiet once and for all. Described in the Twisted Metal III instruction manual, Outlaw is an impressive vehicle with a roof-mounted Omni Taser that unleashes its power, zapping any troublemakers who dare come within range. Outlaw, being one of the original vehicles in the Twisted Metal series, has made appearances in almost all of the video games.

The Twister vehicle makes its debut in episode 4 of Twisted Metal when Miranda Watts utilizes its radio system to reconnect with her former lover, Amber. In a climactic car battle against the law enforcement, Miranda once again takes the wheel of the Twister, showcasing its capabilities. Originally introduced in Twisted Metal 2, this vehicle has made subsequent appearances in two other installments of the series. Though the Twister is known for its impressive speed in the game, it is also one of the most vulnerable due to its limited armor. As Miranda's participation in the tournament is confirmed by her appearance on the end-of-season bracket, it's likely that she and her trusty Twister will continue to be a significant part of the competition.

7 Backfield Asylum

6 Sweet Tooth Lights His Head On Fire

Blackfield Asylum makes an appearance in episode 7 of Twisted Metal, revealing crucial elements of Sweet Tooth's backstory. During a conversation with Stu, Sweet Tooth cryptically mentions their purpose for being there - to attain closure. Leading Stu to his old cell, Sweet Tooth uncovers the grim reality of his past: the dead bodies of his parents, whom he had imprisoned and left to die of starvation. Blackfield Asylum reemerges in Twisted Metal: Black as a formidable setting, with speculation surrounding its existence as either a representation of Sweet Tooth's diverse personalities or a physical institution where he was once confined.

In episode 10 of Twisted Metal, Sweet Tooth collaborates with Mike and Stu to confront the law enforcement. To provoke fear, Sweet Tooth douses himself in gasoline and instructs Stu to ignite his head. The video game version of Sweet Tooth, as depicted in Twisted Metal: Black, had flames on his head due to a curse from the character Preacher, which symbolized the fires of Hell. These eternal flames inflicted immense agony upon him. By setting Sweet Tooth's head on fire in the series, it serves as a tribute to the character and lore of the video game.

5 Twisted Metal Tournament

At the conclusion of season 1 of Twisted Metal, Raven informs John Doe that he has been chosen as her driver for the thrilling new high-octane competition organized by Calypso. The stakes are high as Calypso promises to grant the champion their deepest desires. Raven reveals, "There will be a groundbreaking tournament, unlike anything seen before, where the finest drivers from all walks of life across the country will be invited to compete." This reference to the tournament introduces an exciting new element to the series, setting the stage for Twisted Metal season 2. In essence, this Easter egg serves as a pivotal homage to the game's rich legacy and enduring influence.

4 Mr. Grimm

At the conclusion of season 1, Calypso displays a series of driver pictures on a bracket, revealing Mr. Grimm as one of the competitors. This undoubtedly signifies his appearance in season 2's Twisted Metal contest. Described in the Twisted Metal 2 instruction manual, Mr. Grimm is portrayed as a nocturnal and insatiable being, feeding off unsuspecting souls. With a fervent desire to bring about the end of the world, he actively participates in the tournament to expedite Armageddon. In the revamped version of Twisted Metal 2012, Mr. Grimm undergoes a complete reinvention, delving deeper into his backstory, which is certain to influence his character in Twisted Metal season 2.

3 Axel

Axel, a prominent character from the video game, had his picture displayed on the tournament bracket at the conclusion of season 1. In the popular Twisted Metal series, Axel is recognized for his association with a unique two-wheeled contraption that bears his name. During Twisted Metal III, Axel revealed, "My father coerced me into this dreadful contraption many years ago. Even after my eventual escape, the physical scars remained permanent. Despite my torment, I am compelled to once again enter this machine. Upon emerging victorious, I shall finally attain liberation!" Given his inclusion on the bracket of drivers for the upcoming tournament, it can be inferred that Axel will feature in Twisted Metal season 2, offering an opportunity to delve deeper into his haunting backstory.

2 Dollface

In the final scene of the season, Quiet's car is surrounded by multiple women wearing doll masks. The leader, armed with a gun, confronts her and reveals that she is searching for her brother, John Doe. This woman's appearance is reminiscent of Dollface from the video game, who also wore a similar mask. Furthermore, in Twisted Metal: Black, Dollface formed a gang consisting of women with a similar mindset. The introduction of the character Dollface inquiring about her brother John Doe suggests a divergence from her original storyline. It will certainly be intriguing to witness the development of Dollface's character in the upcoming second season of Twisted Metal.

1 Calypso

When Raven informs John about the upcoming drivers' tournament, she mentions Calypso, the game's creator. A shot reveals Calypso placing pictures of both the show's existing characters and those that viewers haven't met yet onto a bracket. In the Twisted Metal video games, Calypso is the mastermind behind the Twisted Metal competition, promising any wish to the victorious participant, regardless of its nature. Given Calypso's introduction towards the end of Twisted Metal's first season, it's highly likely that he will emerge as the primary antagonist in the show's second season, finally bringing about the long-awaited tournament featured in the video games.