TV Corner Notes: Twisted Returns, Truths Revealed, and a Fond Farewell

Ready to catch up on the week's most significant TV moments? Let's dive into the latest edition of TV Corner Notes!

Welcome back to another edition of TV Corner Notes, your go-to column for weekly thoughts on what’s hot in the TV world. From chaotic tournaments and supernatural kids to tense investigations and one very sharp chair, here’s what stood out to me this week.

Twisted Metal Season 2 Premieres with a Bang

Peacock’s Twisted Metal is back, and the chaos is better than ever! Season 2 premiered with its first three episodes, and it’s a wild, fun ride that reintroduces fan favorites and brings in compelling new faces like Raven (Patty Guggenheim) and Krista aka Dollface (Tiana Okoye)—John Doe’s long-lost sister, whom he doesn’t even remember.

This premiere really focuses on sibling reconnection, the complicated spark still lingering between John and Quiet, and the growing madness of the Tournament. But the real breakout is Mayhem (Saylor Bell Surda), who steals every scene with hilarious charm alongside Stephanie Beatriz’s Quiet. And of course, Sweet Tooth is up to his usual mayhem, brilliantly gunning for Big Baby and his mama in his absurd quest for the #1 killer spot.

With action, absurdity, and heart, this premiere hits just right. I’m giving it a solid 9/10.

The Institute: "The Box" & "Back Half" Recap

I’m catching up on MGM+’s The Institute, and both “The Box” (Episode 4, aired July 27) and “Back Half” (Episode 5, aired August 3) delivered some intense psychological thrills this week.

In “The Box” (Episode 4), Luke resists pushing his TK powers to the max during testing, even as tensions rise among new recruits—a set of twin sisters and a volatile jock. Luke ultimately uses his abilities to prevent a near-fatal barbell attack, showcasing his burgeoning abilities. Meanwhile, Tim begins probing Annie’s mysterious death, sensing The Institute’s fingerprints all over it.

In “Back Half” (Episode 5), the pressure intensifies significantly. Tony and Hendricks attempt to break Luke by locking him in an oxygen-deprivation chamber—chilling stuff. Just as he holds firm, Ms. Sigsby drops devastating news: his parents are dead. Luke finally breaks and admits he has powers. Nick, now promoted, participates in a mind-control mission that ends in assassination. But he also secretly helps Luke escape with Maureen’s assistance. It’s creepy, it’s twisted, and while still a bit slow narratively, it’s definitely picking up heat. With just three episodes left in this eight-episode season, I’m hoping for a true mini-series conclusion that wraps things up effectively.

Both episodes: 8/10.

Code of Silence, Episode 3 — Tension and Trust

BritBox’s Code of Silence keeps delivering. This week, Episode 3 (which premiered on July 31, 2025, in the US) saw Alison and her mother face eviction while Alison juggles her increasing involvement in a high-stakes police case. One edge-of-your-seat moment? When Alison drops her phone mid-surveillance, Liam comes looking, only to find no one there. Their budding relationship is also teetering—will Alison let him in, or shut him out?

Rose Ayling-Ellis remains phenomenal, expertly balancing vulnerability and intelligence in her performance. Her portrayal continues to be a highlight of the series. If you’re not watching yet, you absolutely should be. This episode earns a 9/10 from me.

Countdown: “The Nail in the Chair”

This week’s Countdown, titled “The Nail in the Chair”, gave us bombs, betrayal, and one very sharp stabbing.

Meachum and Oliveras continue to grow closer (that almost sleepover moment? Adorable). Meanwhile, Eric Dane’s Blythe commands every scene with gravitas, especially when giving firm orders in the face of danger. Then came that ending—Blythe getting stabbed and left for dead was a gut punch that left me reeling.

We’re also finally learning more about Volchek’s motives. He’s not just some stock villain—he’s a man scorned by his country, striking back after a bribery scandal derailed him. This added depth makes him a far more compelling antagonist.

This series blends old-school cop drama with modern action in a really satisfying way. It’s like your grown-up version of Saturday morning cartoons—only with bullets and backstabbing.

Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

RIP Loni Anderson

Sad news on Sunday as we learned that Loni Anderson passed away at 79 after battling a prolonged illness. She is remembered for her guest roles in S.W.A.T. and Police Woman, but her big break came in 1978 when she starred as receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on CBS' WKRP in Cincinnati. Jennifer was not only beautiful but also smart, confidently using her sex appeal to her advantage.

WKRP in Cincinnati enjoyed four seasons and received three Emmy nominations for Best Comedy Series. Unfortunately, various time slot changes caused ratings to drop, leading CBS to cancel the show in 1982. Nevertheless, it found new life and became a popular syndicated hit.

Anderson received two Emmy nominations for WKRP. After the series, she continued acting, including co-starring in the 1983 film Stroker Ace with Burt Reynolds, whom she later married. She reprised her role as Jennifer in The New WKRP in Cincinnati (1991-1993). She joined NBC's Nurses in 1993 and appeared on Melrose Place and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.  

That’s it for this edition of TV Corner Notes!

What shows have you been watching this week?

Are you watching Twisted Metal, The Institute, or Code of Silence? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social on Instagram or X. I'd love to hear what's been keeping you glued to the screen!