“Twin Peaks” is a groundbreaking television series touching the genres of horror, mystery, drama, and comedy while swallowed in surrealism. Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, the original run included thirty episodes over two seasons. It spawned a prequel movie and a reboot nearly three decades after its abrupt cancellation in 1991.
This review covers the original two seasons, which I was too young to enjoy when they aired on ABC from April 1990 – June 1991. We’ll touch on the movie(s) and 2017 reboot in future Octobers. As of now, I have only watched the initial two seasons.
We toss around the term groundbreaking too casually. Here, its deserved praise. “Twin Peaks” was like nothing ever before seen at its time, and nothing has come close since. It was weird, edgy, and amazing to think that it aired on primetime network television. It ended almost as soon as it began. In the years since, it has garnered a cult following but still remains something of an enigma.
Welcome to Twin Peaks
The series is set in the titular mountain town in the Pacific Northwest. The opening minutes include the body of a high school girl named Laura Palmer washing up on shore, the lynchpin (pun intended) for the entire series.
FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) arrives in Twin Peaks to investigate the slaying. The crime relates to a previous murder in a nearby state, and Cooper suspects a serial killer is at large. Working with the Twin Peaks Sheriff (Michael Ontkean), Cooper must navigate the strange characters and public relations of the small town in order to find out who killed Laura Palmer.
It’s a standard murder mystery on its surface. But the viewer will also be presented with the surrealism that David Lynch is known for. Uncanny horror. Supernatural elements. Straight up ridiculous comedy. All woven within the fabric of excellent cinematography. It’s not a TV show. It’s a film on television.
Lots of Characters
Too many to list. In fact, the show is somewhat confusing at times as new faces are constantly introduced, and old ones return. Kyle MacLachlan is the main guy. He’s worked with Lynch on other projects and is magnificent as Agent Cooper. He appears to be a normal person, and he is. But one with strange quirks and habits. He sleeps suspended by his feet. He has a penchant for cherry pie and pastries. And he has an unearthly intuition for criminal investigation.
“Twin Peaks” was known for its beauties. Mädchen Amick, Lara Flynn Boyle, Sherilyn Fenn, Peggy Lipton, and Sheryl Lee keep the cameras blushing.
Grace Zabriskie and Warren Frost are here, several years before their careers in Seinfeld. Ray Wise, who I recognized from 24 plays Laura Palmer’s distraught father. Horror icon Piper Laurie and Lynch pal Jack Nance lend support. The hysterical Kimmy Robertson co-stars as Lucy, the police secretary and my personal favorite character.
The Atmosphere
David Lynch and Mark Frost turn the fictitious town of Twin Peaks into a real place. The Pacific Northwest setting is perfect, with its overcast skies and beautiful gloomy feel. The forests are green, and the mountains engulf the hamlet like a dystopian paradise. At first glance, you’ll doubtless want to relocate to its charming streets. The town itself becomes a character, in a way that reminded me of Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls or Cicely, Alaska in Northern Exposure.
Lynch perfected the art of dread with films “Eraserhead” and “Mullholland Drive” and brings that talent to the show. The unique way with which scenes switch from humor to horror is underrated.
One of the best true horror moments I have ever watched occurs in the first season, but the scene begins with the cartoonish death of a Myna bird, its last words captured on a microtape. “Don’t go there. Don’t go there. Hurting me. Hurting me.” The creepy elements were an obvious inspiration to another horror series, The X Files.
Angelo Badalamenti
Another element to the show that deserves high credit is the sound. Composer Angelo Badalamenti crafted a gem, a breathtaking haunting score that plays throughout most scenes makes the flesh on your arms go numb. It’s an opening credit you’ll never want to skip. Singer Julee Cruise lends support with iconic and mesmerizing vocals. Downloads will happen.
Twin Peaks
The series opens with a 90-minute pilot that introduces the cast, characters, and surface of the story – the murder of Laura Palmer – itself an iconic phrase. Sitcoms reigned in April of 1990. Cheers, Murphy Brown, and America’s Funniest Home Videos were high in the ratings. I can’t help but wonder what people were thinking when they turned into “Twin Peaks.”
The eight episodes of Season 1 is perfect. Its gripping and emotional and will snag your attention from the opening scene. Season 2 is slower and gets repetitive by the midway point. A victim of network television attempting to squeeze a lemon dry. It would have been perfect as a one-time 10 or 12 episodes drop.
That said, “Twin Peaks” is highly worth checking out this October season. I look forward to watching the movie(s) and reboot next year.
