Directed by Caleb Deschanel and written by Scott Frost, the eighth episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled Drive with a Dead Girl revels in the aftermath of not just Benjamin Horne’s arrest but also in the revelation into who really killed Laura Palmer. With Jerry Horne arriving to represent his brother where it is clear that the two are in trouble over their connection with One Eyed Jack’s, it is clear that Horne is in big trouble while Leland Palmer is in total disbelief over the fact that Horne is a suspect as he starts to act very odd during a following meeting with Special Agent Cooper and Sheriff Truman on the way to the country club.
It’s an episode where there are many revelations about the identity of Laura Palmer’s killers but also into the things about Benjamin Horne as he is major suspect but isn’t the man that killed her. When Pete Martell arrived at the station to talk about Truman about Josie’s recent departure, he would also meet Horne with a message that proved to be just as shocking. What happens would be a bad day for Horne as he is then examined by the possessed Philip Gerard who believes that killer is close. While Truman thinks Horne did it, Cooper doesn’t think so as he thinks there is more that is happening.
It’s an episode where the audiences know who is the killer but also into the strange events that is happening in the town following the return of one of its residents. Still, there are a few subplots that occur as it relates to a few residents such as Norma Jennings who receives a visit from her mother (Jane Greer) who reveals she is married as she introduces her husband (James Booth) to Norma as Hank knows the man from prison which Norma doesn’t know. Another subplot involves Lucy as she returns home with her sister Gwen (Kathleen Wilhoite) as it causes more baffling questions about who could’ve impregnated Lucy along with a quick-rich scheme from Bobby Briggs who discovers the content from Leo's tape recorder. It’s among some of the humorous moments of the episode yet it is largely about the mystery involving the killer.
Especially in the final minutes where a body is found as it becomes clear the killer is loose where Cooper just as he was talking to Audrey Horne who asks him about her father. It’s an episode that is more simplistic and less plot-driven where Caleb Deschanel maintains certain visuals that is hallmarks of the series as well as a quirky flashback sequence with offbeat edits as it relate to Ben and Jerry Horne’s childhood past.
Drive with a Dead Girl is a spectacular episode of Twin Peaks from Caleb Deschanel. Not only does it create a lot of intrigue into the mystery of Laura Palmer’s death but also play into the person who killed her and those who are suspected into her death. Even as it becomes clear that just as everyone thinks they’re closer to solving the mystery, there’s more bumps ahead. In the end, Drive with a Dead Girl is an exhilarating episode of Twin Peaks from Caleb Deschanel.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by David Lynch and written by Mark Frost, the fifteenth episode of Twin Peaks entitled Lonely Souls revolves around the break that Special Agent Cooper and Sheriff Truman have been looking for as it relates to who might’ve killed Laura Palmer. While Cooper and Truman take the possessed Philip Gerard to the hotel, it is clear that the suspect is definitely near as Benjamin Horne becomes the major suspect after being asked by Audrey about One-Eyed Jack’s and secrets he had about Laura. Deputy Hawk would go to Harold Smith’s apartment to retrieve Laura’s diary where a discovery is made about Smith and the diary where Cooper looks into its contents where he and Truman conclude that Benjamin Horne might have some involvement in Laura’s death.
It’s an episode where the long-awaited outcome of who might’ve killed Laura Palmer finally emerges but also leaves a lot of questions into what is going on. While Benjamin Horne is a definite suspect for the fact that he had Laura work in his store and got her involved at One-Eyed Jack’s. His confession to Audrey reveal that as bad as a man that he is, he didn’t kill Laura as credit should go to Richard Beymer for unveiling some of Horne’s vulnerability though the scene where’s arrested during a meeting with Tojamura reveal that he is a coward. It’s among some of the intriguing aspects of the episode as it would continue for its multi-layered climax where Cooper, Truman, and the Log Lady go to the Roadhouse where Cooper would have a vision.
Also at the Roadhouse are James Hurley and Donna Hayward as they both deal with some of the drawbacks over what happened at Smith’s home as they learn that Maddy Ferguson is going on home. Bobby Briggs meanwhile, makes a discovery in a boot that Leo Johnson owned in the hopes that it could get him and Shelly out of the financial dire straits they’re in. Especially as Shelly is forced to resign from her work as a waitress for the Double R Diner to take care of Leo full time. While it’s an episode that is quite dramatic and ends some storylines while opening new ones. There are elements of humor where Norma Jennings gets a first-hand look at the new Nadine Hurley who still think she’s in high school and has super-strength as Ed is still baffled. Another funny moments play into Leo Johnson’s outbursts in his comatose state that provide some scares for Bobby and Shelly but it is among these quirks that make it so irresistible to watch. Even as Tojamura makes an appearance to meet Pete Martell where he reveals his true identity.
Yet, it’s the climax where many of the characters converge at the Roadhouse where Julee Cruise performs two songs where a major event is revealed into not just the character BOB but also who is Laura’s killer as seen by Maddy Ferguson. The reveal is definitely an odd one as it only raises more questions than answers as well as some of the mysterious elements that relate to the contents in Laura’s diary with claims of molestation and abuse.
Lonely Souls is a phenomenal episode of Twin Peaks from David Lynch and writer Mark Frost. It’s an episode that closes some things but also opens to some newer questions about Laura Palmer’s death and the revelations to who killed her. Featuring some top-notch performances from Richard Beymer, Sheryl Lee, and Kyle MacLachlan, the episode isn’t just one of the show’s key episodes but also one that would mark some serious changes to the series. In the end, Lonely Souls is a remarkable episode of Twin Peaks from David Lynch.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Graeme Clifford and written by Barry Pullman, the fifth episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled The Orchid’s Curse revolves around Special Agent Cooper’s attempt to rescue Audrey Horne from the hands of Jean Renault as he makes a discovery about the note she wrote to him which he hadn’t received while he watches over Leland Palmer’s trial and the decision over the now comatose Leo Johnson as the latter is coming home with Shelly and Bobby Briggs watching over him. It’s an episode where different paths start to emerge for the central characters where Cooper makes a plan to save Audrey as well as a plot by Donna Hayward and Maddy Ferguson to retrieve Laura Palmer’s diary from Harold Smith.
In the latter, it’s Donna’s attempt to try and make-up with Maddy after their issues over Maddy’s feelings for James Hurley as Donna tries to woo Smith in order to get the diary which she thinks is key to the mystery of her death. Yet, things become very complicated as Donna learns the severity of Smith’s agoraphobia as well as how plans can go wrong. The plan for Audrey’s rescue would be less complicated though both Benjamin Horne and Jean Renault would have different ideas of how to handle things with Horne hiring Hank Jennings to take care of some things including the money. Renault meanwhile has plans of his own where it’s more about getting leverage on Horne’s finances as well as complete control of One-Eyed Jack’s.
While it is a largely serious episode, there are elements of humor as it relates to Shelly Johnson and Bobby Briggs getting ready for Leo’s homecoming as well as Nadine Hurley returning from the hospital as it is one of the funniest moments of the episode. With Andy filling for Lucy and learning about his own sperm count, it’s one of the finest episodes of the second season as there’s also some intriguing moments that goes on. Most notably the arrival of the Japanese businessman Mr. Tojamura (Fumio Yamaguchi) who has a big business proposition for Benjamin Horne with money that is quite funny. It’s an episode that has this unique balance of intrigue, drama, and humor where a lot of things are coming together as well as some elements of the story that is starting to have some closure.
The Orchid’s Curse is a sensational episode of Twin Peaks from Graeme Clifford and writer Barry Pullman. It’s an episode that manages to make some closure on a few subplots but also pave the way for other things to happen as the mystery over who killed Laura Palmer continues. Even as it has this nice mix of chaos, mystery, and drama that makes the show so exciting. In the end, The Orchid’s Curse is a phenomenal episode of Twin Peaks by Graeme Clifford.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Todd Holland and written by Robert Engels, Mark Frost, Harley Peyton, and Jerry Stahl, the fourth episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled Laura’s Secret Diary relates to the mysterious diary of Laura Palmer that Harold Smith had been holding for some time as he reveals its contents to Donna Hayward. After meeting Maddy Ferguson to talk about the diary, Donna decides to call a truce with Maddy in order to work together while things in the town of Twin Peaks are starting to get strange. Notably as Leland Palmer has been arrested for Jacques Renault’s murder which he’s confessed to as he is later met by a judge (Royal Dano) to discuss what will happen to Palmer. Meanwhile, Andy talks to Dr. Hayward to see if he’s the father of Lucy’s baby while Dick Tremaine makes an offer to Lucy in one of the episode’s funniest subplots.
Yet, it’s an episode that balances the strange mix of humor, drama, and suspense where Josie Packard finally returns from Seattle as she meets with Pete Martell and Sheriff Truman as no one knows about whether Catherine is dead or alive. Still, Packard’s return would raise a lot of eyebrows as it relates to not just the land where the saw mill used to be and something more. Benjamin Horne would learn about Audrey’s whereabouts from Jean Renault as he turns to Special Agent Cooper for help in retrieving Audrey as he deals with the upcoming arrival of a famous hotel/food critic which also has Norma and Hank Jennings ready to get the diner to be in top shape. Yet, no one knows the identity of who this critic is while a mysterious Japanese businessman makes an arrival at the hotel.
The sense of mystery becomes prominent as Agent Cooper is calling on the town’s secret society to help him retrieve Audrey while there’s a lot going on as it relates to Leland Palmer as Ray Wise’s performance is definitely his best so far. The darker elements of the series do come to ahead when the power of Jean Renault is finally shown when he does something in front of an intoxicated Audrey as it reveals that as evil as he is. He’s also a man that can be reasonable and knows what to do in the world of business as Michael Parks bring a lot of charm to the performance. One aspect of the series that is revealed is the appearance of an Asian man who is revealed to be a relative of Packard as she orders him to take care of some loose ends.
Laura’s Secret Diary is a brilliant episode of Twin Peaks from Todd Holland as it maintains that sense of intrigue as well as introducing a lot more characters and motivations of some of the regulars. Especially as some action is taking place in relation to some of the stories and subplots as it is written with wit and mystery by its writers. In the end, Laura’s Secret Diary is an amazing episode in the second season of Twin Peaks.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter and written by Robert Engels, the third episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled The Man Behind Glass plays to not just Agent Cooper trying to find the whereabouts of Audrey Horne but also a clue that relates to a letter found underneath Ronette Pulaski’s fingernail. With the ongoing investigation continuing where Cooper and Sheriff Truman find some answers during a hypnosis session with Dr. Jacoby about who killed Jacques Renault. Emotions start to run very high in the small town of Twin Peaks as it relates to the various characters in the story.
With James Hurley and Maddy Ferguson getting closer, Donna Hayward starts to feel left out as her investigation on the Meals on Wheels program lead her to the reclusive Harold Smith (Lenny von Dohlen) who knew Laura Palmer through the program. Donna gets to know Harold as she starts to become frustrated with James’ feelings towards Maddy as it eventually starts to fall apart. Other notable small stories involve Nadine Hurley waking up from her coma thinking she is in high school much to Ed’s surprise while Lucy has a lunch-date with the very smug and pretentious Dick Tremayne (Ian Buchanan) where she reveals to him that he might be the father of her baby.
The episode would also play into the underworld of the town as it relate to One-Eyed Jack’s where Audrey remains captured as Jean Renault (Michael Parks) arrives with a plan to extort her father. At the same time, Renault wants revenge for his brothers as he is targeting Cooper while a mysterious Asian man is also watching over Cooper. The character of Phillip Michael Gerard would make an appearance over a shoe that Leo Johnson is wearing during an investigation over the mill arson as a glimpse into the mysterious picture of BOB would trigger something. Yet, it would become another break in the investigation about Laura’s death while Donna would make a discovery of her own at the end of the episode.
It’s not just the script that allows characters to be fleshed out more but also in the way everyone is starting to get emotional. Notably another confrontation between Truman and Agent Rosenfeld where the latter reveals what kind of man he is as it would baffle the former. Lesli Linka Glatter would maintain that sense of balance of offbeat and suspense to play into not just a town that is starting to become undone slowly. It’s also showcasing that things are changing where not everything will be great as alliances start to shatter and there are those that will try to create new alliances for darker reasons.
The Man Behind Glass is a superb episode of Twin Peaks by Lesli Linka Glatter and writer Robert Engels. With its cast once again on the top of its game and the story becoming more compelling, it is clear that more questions are being raised rather than answers being revealed. In the end, The Man Behind Glass is a fantastic episode of Twin Peaks.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by David Lynch and teleplay by Mark Frost from a story by Lynch and Frost, the first episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled May the Giant Be With You picks up where the first season finale ended as Special Agent Dale Cooper is found in his hotel room wounded by a gunshot from a mysterious man. There, he would meet a mysterious giant (Carel Struycken) who would give him some clues that Cooper would listen to as he would later recover from his wounds. After learning about what happened Jacques Renault and Leo Johnson as the latter is in a coma, Special Agent Rosenfield returns to Twin Peaks to aid in the investigation despite his disdain for Sheriff Truman and his staff. The episode also plays into the aftermath of the Martell sawmill fire where Shelley Johnson and Pete Martell would survive while Catherine Martell’s fate remains unknown.
The events in aftermath would also mark some changes in the behaviors of a few while James Hurley would spend time in jail for drug possession as he confesses to Sheriff Truman what he was doing in Dr. Jacoby’s office. Dr. Jacoby would talk to Truman, Cooper, and Rosenfield about how he had gotten possession of the other half of Laura Palmer’s necklace as well as insight into things about Leo Johnson as Cooper learns that, despite still being a suspect, didn’t kill the other girl who had been killed a year earlier. Mark Frost’s script is very complex as it has a lot that is happening as Ed Hurley watches over Nadine who had attempted suicide and is now in a comatose state. Other subplots involve Audrey secretly working at One Eyed Jack’s where she gets herself in danger as she nearly has a sexual encounter with her father who doesn’t know what she is doing there.
Things do get stranger as David Lynch would create elements of surrealism as it relates to Cooper’s meeting with this mysterious giant as well as the ending which involves Ronette Pulaski finally awaken from her coma. Another moment of surrealism is when Maddy saw blood stains appearing in a carpet as if they were saying something to her. A later meeting with Donna Hayward where the two would wear Laura’s sunglasses would bring a change into their behaviors as it is among some of the new and strange things that is happening. Most notably Leland Palmer whose hair had suddenly turned white and is acting oddly happy for some reason that baffles everyone. Especially in a dinner where the Haywards invited the Palmers where Leland would sing for some odd reason.
There are characters whose fates remain unknown aside from Catherine Martell as Josie Packard had suddenly disappeared while Bobby Briggs would have a heart-to-heart with his father about Bobby’s future. It is among these moments that occur in the series as it plays into Lynch’s idea of small town life and its sense of peace and tranquility but there is darkness underneath. Especially as it only leaves more questions than answers over who killed Laura Palmer as the search is one for a mysterious third figure who might be the one that killed Palmer.
May the Giant Be With You is an incredible episode of Twin Peaks from David Lynch that doesn’t just open the second season with a bang but also maintains the sense of mystery and humor in the series. Especially as the cast is once again at the top of their game while bringing much more to their characters. In the end, May the Giant Be With You is a spectacular episode of Twin Peaks from David Lynch.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Written and directed by Mark Frost, the eighth and final episode of the first season of Twin Peaks entitled The Last Evening plays into the night Special Agent Cooper and Sheriff Truman finally arrest Jacques Renault for the attempted murder on Ronette Pulaski and the death of Laura Palmer. Yet, things become more complicated where James Hurley, Donna Hayward, and Maddy Ferguson find the missing tape of Palmer’s last session with Dr. Jacoby as it only raised more questions into who killed her. Even as all of the clues and suspects that lead towards who is Laura Palmer’s killer would only raise more questions and more intrigue into the underworld of Twin Peaks.
It’s an episode where everyone tries to find out who killed Laura Palmer where everyone thinks they’re getting closer. Instead, things become more complicated though two men are major suspects in Jacques Renault and Leo Johnson as the latter finds out about Shelley’s affair with Bobby Briggs. Upon capturing Renault and getting some answers from him, Cooper and Truman believe they have a lead while there is more that happens in the course of the entire night. Mark Frost’s script sets the entire episode in the span of an entire night where it is about nabbing Renault as well as find clues into Laura’s death. Meanwhile, a lot of other things happen where James Hurley would eventually get into trouble where he learns he’s been set up after Truman finds a bag of cocaine in his motorcycle gas tank.
Other subplots involve Benjamin Horne’s deal with some Icelandic businessman at One Eyed Jack’s as he is unaware that Audrey is there posing as the new girl at the brothel as she is doing undercover work of her own. Dr. Jacoby who was lured into a scheme by Donna, James, and Maddy would be attacked by a mysterious figure as he would end up in the hospital where it becomes clear that he might’ve known something about Palmer but wasn’t involved with her murder. Then there’s the feud between Catherine Martell and Josie Packard over the control of the sawmill where it’s clear that Martell has been fooled by Benjamin Horne who isn’t just in cahoots with Packard over the ownership of the mill but also it’s plans. Even as there are more revelations into what Hank Jennings did that put him in jail and his connection with Packard.
Frost’s direction is quite eerie where it does maintain its sense of intrigue and suspense along with elements of drama and terror. Most notably in the way Ed Hurley and Norma Jennings’ own respective relationships with their spouses are handled as the former in his wife Nadine goes into depression following the failure of her invention. The compositions that Frost makes are intriguing while he lets the episode end on a cliffhanger which only adds more to who is behind all of this and who is the one trying to stop the authorities and others from revealing who is killing Laura Palmer.
The performances of its cast is amazing where Kyle MacLachlan is the star of the season as Agent Cooper as he brings in that mixture of witty humor and determination as his character does seem like he is about to get closer only for something happen in its ending that would change everything. The performances of Sherilyn Fenn, Madchen Amick, Jack Nance, Piper Laurie, Michael Ontkean, Ray Wise, Lara Flynn Boyle, Everett McGill, and Dana Ashbrook are in top form as they all bring some unique complexities into their characters.
The Last Evening is a brilliant season finale for Twin Peaks which not only engages the audience into the mystery but also has them wanting for more with its cliffhanger in the end. Thanks to the work of Mark Frost and its air of suspense and dark humor, the episode isn’t just one of the series’ finest moments but also television at its most compelling. In the end, The Last Evening is a phenomenal episode of Twin Peaks from Mark Frost.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter and written by Mark Frost, the fifth episode of Twin Peaks entitled Cooper’s Dream revolves around the discovery of Leo Johnson’s blood-stained shirt that Bobby Briggs put in the apartment home of Jacques Renault. Special Agent Cooper, Sheriff Truman, Deputy Hawk, and Dr. Hayward all check out what is in Renault’s apartment where they find some clues into the work that Renault and Johnson are up to. It’s an episode where it is not just about a series of investigations where Audrey Horne, James Hurley, and Donna Hayward trek into their own journeys to find out what is going on where Hurley and Hayward ask Laura’s cousin Maddy for help.
The episode does find a balance of quirky humor with some suspense and drama as there’s also some looming tension as it relates to Hank Jennings’ return to society as he promises Norma to do right though it is clear he might have a history with Josie Packard. Hank’s return would put Norma’s affair with Ed Hurley on hold while Benjamin Horne’s attempt to buy the Martell saw mill is getting closer with Catherine Martell wanting to ruin Packard. It’s an episode that plays into a lot of elements in the underworld as Mark Frost would write events and little subplots that play into not just how Laura Palmer’s death would unravel some of the things in the town but also how things become more complicated as it relates to her own activities.
One major subplot involves Bobby Briggs and his affair with Shelley Johnson as the latter reveals she had bought a gun as the two pretend to play with it while Briggs would finally unveil a more tormented side of himself during a session with Dr. Jacoby as it relates to Laura. It’s a moment where Dana Ashbrook’s performance definitely shows a lot of layers as someone who has some depth and makes Briggs a character who isn’t just some good-looking bad boy but one who is very troubled. Sherilyn Fenn’s performance as Audrey Horne is another standout not just due to the script but also in Audrey’s motivations as she would blackmail her father’s department store boss to get her a job where she would work to investigate what Laura and Ronette would do. Even as it showcased more of her attraction towards Agent Cooper.
Lesli Linka Glatter’s direction is very mesmerizing in the compositions as well as matching the elements of suspense and humor such as a scene where Cooper, Truman, Hawk, and Dr. Hayward meet with the log lady who would reveal some things that her log claims to have seen. It would be a key break into the story while the episode would also feature moments of humor as Cooper is annoyed by visiting Icelanders for a business convention held by Benjamin and Jerry Horne. A business meeting and later a party that would set the course for some of the elements of greed that looms over Benjamin but also a moment that shows Leland Palmer losing it. Yet, it’s one of the final scenes of the episode that involves the Johnsons that becomes a major turning point as their story ends in a cliffhanger.
Cooper’s Dream is a phenomenal episode of Twin Peaks thanks in large part to Mark Frost’s script and Lesli Linka Glatter’s direction. It’s an episode that ends on a high note into what will happen next while keeping this mysterious about what happened and what is going on. In the end, Cooper’s Dream is a dazzling and riveting episode from Lesli Linka Glatter.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by David Lynch and written by Lynch and Mark Frost, the third episode of Twin Peaks entitled Zen, or the Skill to Catch a Killer is an episode which picks up from the previous episode as many cope with Laura’s death as well as the things that are happening in the town. Special Agent Cooper and Sheriff Truman continue the case where Cooper’s fellow FBI agent Albert Rosenfield (Miguel Ferrer) would come in to aid in the case much to Truman’s dismay. Meanwhile, certain events and such would play into the investigation as well as the town of Twin Peaks becoming more ominous.
It’s an episode that starts off with its mixture of cheesy soap-opera dramatics and its offbeat yet quirky humor that would play into not just the charms of the small town but also into some of its darker elements. Notably the business that Leo Johnson is running as he would confront Bobby Briggs and Mike Nelson about the money they owe him where the former would make a secret vow to Johnson’s wife Shelley to kill him just several hours after meeting Leo. Other dark elements include a world that is outside of Twin Peaks where Benjamin Horne gets a visit from his younger brother Jerry (David Patrick Kelly) as the two go to the Canadian border to a brothel/casino called One Eyed Jacks where the two flip a coin to see who can sleep with the new prostitute.
The comedic elements would include not just the Hayward family witnessing Audrey Horne dancing to a jazz tune at the diner but also in Cooper’s approach in the investigation inspired by Tibetan ideals. It’s a scene where it is quite playful but allows Cooper to have Truman and the other people in the sheriff department be part of this as equals. It’s among one of the finer moments of the episode where Cooper seems to enjoy himself in the town and is happy to work with Truman and the staff as he would smile when he saw Truman chew out Rosenfield. It is a moment where Rosenfield thinks he is in charge and accuses the people of Twin Peaks as amateurs where the receptionist Lucy would make a face at him.
Another funny moment that plays into David Lynch’s warped sense of humor is the opening scene where the Horne family are eating dinner as they’re interrupted by Jerry who brings in baguettes with brie as Benjamin goes nuts over it. It is part of Lynch’s own idea of a world where kind of makes fun of family dramas but also add an element of danger. Then there’s the surreal dream sequence towards the end of the episode that becomes part of the series’ trademark. It’s where Agent Cooper finds himself in a mysterious room with a woman that looks like Laura Palmer as he meets this strange little midget talking backwards that is known as The Man from Another Place (Michael J. Anderson). It is part of the surrealistic elements that Lynch is known for yet is very effective to its sense of intrigue and offbeat tone where this mysterious being would also dance to the jazzy score by Angelo Badalamenti.
Zen, or the Skill to Catch a Killer is one of the finest episodes of the series as it manages to balance the strange mix of humor, drama, and surrealism. Notably as the entire cast including the appearances of David Patrick Kelly and Miguel Ferrer all bring in their game and more. Even as David Lynch manages to bring in some unique visuals and compelling stories for audiences to be engaged by. In the end, Zen, or the Skill to Catch a Killer is a riveting episode of Twin Peaks.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Duwayne Dunham and written by David Lynch and Mark Frost, the second episode of Twin Peaks entitled Traces to Nowhere continues Special Agent Cooper and Sheriff Truman’s investigation into Laura Palmer’s murder. Upon questioning suspect and Palmer’s secret boyfriend James Hurley, more suspicions arises in the course of the episode as more questions into Palmer’s final days and the events that probably led to her death. Notably as characters who had bit parts in the pilot suddenly become more prominent as it also raised questions about who could the killer be.
It’s an episode where it reveals more of the dark aspects of the small town of Twin Peaks where it doesn’t relate to some of things that goes on behind the scenes. It also plays into individuals who all have something to hide or have something that could relate to Laura Palmer’s death. Among the things that is happening involves this feud between Josie Packard and Catherine Martell over the control of the logging factory mill where Martell is in cahoots with Benjamin Horne into buying the land as it is revealed that Packard really wants to run it. One character that was seen briefly in the pilot but has a bigger role in this episode is Leo Johnson (Eric Da Rae) who is a truck driver that had returned home as he is very abusive to his young wife Shelley while it is revealed that he is part of a shady deal that Bobby and Mike are in as the two owe Leo money.
While the episode does continue to focus on the mystery of Laura’s murder as it features a very eerie moment where Donna Hayward visit the Palmers where Susan Palmer gets a glimpse of a mysterious man (Frank Silva) as it plays into the series of nightmares she is having. The air of suspense as well as the growing mystery that includes an ending involving Laura’s psychiatrist Laurence Jacoby (Russ Tamblyn) who would listen to a tape where some of its contents wouldn’t be revealed. Adding to the mystery is a scene where James’ uncle Ed would tell Cooper and Truman something he heard of as it relates to the bar fight he had been in as it plays into an underworld that Leo Johnson, Bobby, and Mike might be involved in that also plays into what Laura might’ve encountered.
The episode would also feature elements of quirks as it relates to Cooper’s love of coffee as well as Audrey Horne’s two scenes where she tried to flirt with Cooper and later dance to some music that she is listening to as she’s being confronted by her father. Duwayne Dunham’s direction definitely adds that mixture of humor and drama with elements of cheesy soap opera aesthetics that relates to a flashback sequence between Laura and James which is intentional to play into the sense of quirkiness of the show. The darker moments would include one of the most terrifying scenes where Shelley returns home as she is about to beaten by Leo over a shirt she had hidden as it plays into an air of suspense with Dunham’s camera being key into the sense of terror.
Much of the episode’s look does remain the same with an exception of one very chilling scene where a one-armed man walks into the morgue followed by a sheriff as it would feature this very eerie look in blue filters as it is among one of the highlights of the episode as is the music of Angelo Badalamenti which is played on location and also through post-production tricks with its mix of jazz and eerie ambient music. The banter between Kyle McLachlan and Michael Ontkean in their roles as Cooper and Truman becomes more lively and humorous with MacLachlan being the funny one and Ontkean being the straight man. Other central performances from Sherilyn Fenn as Audrey Horne, Lara Flynn Boyle as Donna Hayward, James Marshall as James Hurley, and Dana Ashbrook as Bobby Briggs do stand out.
Most notably Ashbrook as his character is finally shown what his home life is like with his parents as his father Major Garland Briggs (Don S. Davis) chastises him for being rebellious. The episode’s real standout is Eric Da Rae as the mysterious Leo Johnson as he is a force of terror that makes him a man that is very likely to be involved with Laura’s death.
Traces to Nowhere is a phenomenal follow-up to the pilot episode of Twin Peaks which allows the audience to get to know more of its characters as well as the mixture of quirkiness and terror of the town and its locals. Even as it manages to border the line between something that is offbeat but also something that is sinister thanks in part to Duwayne Dunham’s direction as it helps maintain the momentum of its ominous pilot.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by David Lynch and written by Lynch and Mark Frost, the pilot episode of Twin Peaks entitled Northwest Passage revolves around the mysterious murder of a high school beauty queen in a small town as a FBI agent begins the investigation leading to a series of strange events during the case. Along the way, the small town of Twin Peaks, Washington begins to unravel where locals try to figure out who killed this beauty queen named Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). It’s an episode that not only sets up the tone of the entire series with its mixture of small town charm with elements of dark humor and mystery. It’s an episode that plays into a town that may seem quaint on a superficial level but Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) would realize that Twin Peaks is anything but a small logging town.
There are many things that goes on as it is all told in the course of a day where it begins when Pete Martell (Jack Nance) is about to go fishing where he would find a woman’s body wrapped in a plastic bag as he calls the police. Though Sheriff Harry S. Truman (Michael Ontkean) would lead the investigation initially, it is until Cooper comes in where Truman would aid him in the course of the entire day. Upon the news that Laura Palmer was found dead near the lake, the town would lose their mind as her boyfriend Bobby Briggs (Dana Ashbrook) is initially a suspect though Cooper thinks he didn’t do it. Affected by the news is Laura’s best friend Donna Hayward (Lara Flynn Boyle) as well as a classmate named James Hurley (James Marshall) who is later revealed to be Laura’s secret lover and later a suspect.
With Laura’s parents Leland and Sarah (Ray Wise and Grace Zabriskie, respectively) in shock, there are other elements in the episode that happens as it relates to its offbeat tone. The town’s wealthy businessman Ben Horne (Richard Beymer) is in cahoots with the logging factory’s owner Josie Packard (Joan Chen) into buying the land much to the dismay of her sister-in-law Catherine (Piper Laurie). Meanwhile, Ben’s daughter Audrey (Sherilyn Fenn) is another of Laura’s classmate who likes to cause trouble as she would ruin one of her father’s business deals. Another thing that happens which definitely forces Cooper to stay is when a young woman named Ronette Pulaski (Phoebe Augustine) was seen walking on a bridge half-naked as Cooper would later find a piece of evidence under Laura’s fingernail.
What the episode does is essentially set a tone for the entire series where it has this strange mix of mystery and romance with elements of offbeat humor. The teleplay by David Lynch and Mark Frost manages to find a balance with the tone where it has something that feels like an idyllic small town in the Pacific Northwest where everyone knows each other. Once the whole town learns that Laura Palmer is dead, it become clear that everything they thought they knew about not just her but themselves isn’t very real. Even as there is also this sense of looming tension that is happening where Palmer’s death is a catalyst for characters to finally unravel. Most notably Briggs who thinks Hurley is the one who killed Palmer even though Briggs is having an affair with a diner waitress in Shelly Johnson (Madchen Amick). While the episode does have a lot of romantic entanglements that includes James’ uncle Ed (Everett McGill) who has feelings for the diner owner Norma Jennings (Peggy Lipton).
Lynch’s direction is very mesmerizing for the way he captures the life of a small town as it is a character in the film from its waterfalls, its lake, the streetlight, the biker restaurant, and other things. Among the aspects that is very offbeat is the way Cooper is entranced by the trees in the town and its surroundings as well as talking the coffee he drinks which he always says “damn good coffee”. It’s among the many quirks that Lynch would provide into the story as it also includes a few locals such as the log lady (Catherine E. Coulson). Still, Lynch would maintain something does play into traditional elements of suspense such some of the interrogation and scenes where characters try to recount what happened and where were they the night before.
With its low-key yet evocative cinematography, intricate sound design, Patricia Norris’ costumes, its colorful art direction, and a methodical yet low-key approach to the editing. Lynch creates a pilot that doesn’t play by the rules nor is it afraid to be weird. Even as it’s not afraid to make fun of soap opera elements that are often over-dramatic where Lynch knows where to spin that and find either something funny or very dark into these elements. Lynch’s compositions as a director do maintain something that is more akin to classic television rather than something cinematic where it maintains an intimacy in its close-ups and medium shots. Adding to its sense of humor and melancholia is Angelo Badalamenti’s score where it uses jazz for its humor while going for ambient textures in its electronics for the dramatic moments. Overall, Lynch creates a very eerie yet thrilling episode that plays into a town unraveled by the death of a beauty queen.
The episode’s cast is incredible as its standouts include Sherilyn Fenn as the poor little rich girl Audrey Horne, Madchen Amick as the young married waitress Shelly Johnson, Joan Chen as the logging factory owner Josie Packard, Jack Nance as Pete Martell, Piper Laurie as Catherine Martell who hates Josie, Peggy Lipton as the diner owner Norma Jennings, Everett McGill as James’ uncle Ed who runs a gas station and is married to a one-eyed woman, Dana Ashbrook as the rebellious Bobby Briggs, Michael Ontkean as Sheriff Truman, Ray Wise as Leland Palmer, and Grace Zabriskie as Susan Palmer. The best performance of the episode is Kyle MacLachlan as Special Agent Dale Cooper who brings a lot of offbeat humor as he constantly talks to a tape recorder and talks about trees where it adds to the quirkiness. Lara Flynn Boyle and James Marshall are terrific in their respective roles as Donna Hayward and James Briggs who both cope with Laura’s death.
The pilot episode of Twin Peaks is a phenomenal one in terms of establishing what is happening and who the characters are. Especially as it creates something where it is a mystery but it’s also something more where it is engaging on a dramatic level while also being very funny. It’s a reason why the pilot is definitely thrilling as a great way to start the series that is Twin Peaks.
Twin Peaks: Season 1: Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7
Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)
Season 3: (Coming Soon)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)
© thevoid99 2015
In 2016, the show that captivated audiences in the early 90s will finally make its return for a new season under the direction and supervision of its creators David Lynch and Mark Frost. For years, this was a show that I have been wanting to see as I've only watched the film Fire Walk with Me several years ago. For anyone that has no idea what Twin Peaks is, it's essentially a TV show from 1990 to 1991 that lasted two seasons which revolved around the mysterious death of a high school prom queen named Laura Palmer as the FBI led by Special Agent Dale Cooper leading the investigation. It was a show that is Lynch at its purest in its fascination with the superficiality of small-town America mixed in with the element of darkness from within that also includes strange elements of surrealism.
It was considered a groundbreaking show though its second and final season was very controversial largely due to the interference of ABC executives that forced Lynch away from the show as it would suffer creatively where Lynch would eventually make the 1992 prequel/epilogue film of the series entitled Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. With the show still talked about in the world of pop culture which ultimately led to its upcoming return on Showtime.
While I have reviewed TV before, it is a very different beast than the world of film. It's continuous as well as evolving with each episode. It's definitely not an easy thing to do but I'm willing to take the challenge. I will review each episode individually rather than review the series as a whole thing. The marathon won't just include the 30 episodes in both seasons but also Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and the Missing Pieces collection of deleted scenes from the film. This will be a strange marathon that I will do in the summer but it is a challenge that I'm willing to take.
© thevoid99 2015
