Twin Peaks delivers everything. It's a television show that delivers mystery, drama, comedy, suspense and weirdness in a way that only a handful of television programs have done. It might be the most effective 'mainstream' David Lynch vehicle of all time. The story is based in an alternate reality that parodies classic daytime soap-operas that had been popular during the nineteen-eighties. But it doesn't really parody them. More, it pays homage. The stereotypical characters mimic the same beats of actors appearing in shows like Days of Our Lives or As the World Turns .
David Lynch and Mark Frost show that they are masters of manipulating the emotions of the audience. Twin Peaks delivers supernatural storylines and plot-devices with a flair that leaves the viewer confused and uncomfortable. It elicits feelings from its spectators. This is the mark of good quality media. It's what makes Twin Peaks one of my favorite programs.
The characters are identifiable, intriguing and unforgettable. One of the biggest draws to Twin Peaks is their character development. This isn't just a story about a girl that is killed and wrapped in plastic. No. This is a collection of various stories that weave around one and other. From our friend Sheriff Harry Truman and his relationship to Josie. To the adventures of Audrey Horn, Super Sleuth. To the exploits of Bobby, Shelly and the comatose Leo Johnson.
But the most unforgettable character is our central one. The hero, FBI Agent Dale Cooper. A role perfectly played by Kyle MacLachlan. He also happens to the the main character. The focus. Agent Cooper has been assigned to the Laura Palmer murder case in the small town of Twin Peaks. His introduction to the town mimics our own in an strangely positive light. This makes Agent Cooper a perfect host to an otherwise depressing feature. His uplifting nature is infectious not only to the story but also to the audience. I can also identify with his notorious love of Cherry Pie and Coffee.
To say that the storyline meanders is a bit of an understatement. The overarching story is about a small-town girl that was murdered by an unknown killer. The FBI had been brought in to investigate, but that is where things go awry. We get Aliens, Logs, Supernatural Events, Possessions, Incest, Betrayal, Physical Transformations, Teleportation, Alternate Realities and The Yakuza all presented in a bizarre way that still leaves you wanting more. To make things even more enticing. I like to think of this world not only being expanded out into the Revival show on Showtime (2017) or the film, Fire Walk With Me but also an extension of Lynch's film Lost Highway .
The weirdness is what makes Twin Peaks so memorable. When David Lynch is involved, it's not just frivolous silliness. Everything is a metaphor. For the most part. I think. Maybe. This weirdness carries the show into some really dark and scary places. That again is something that makes the series so gripping.
If you're a fan of David Lynch's work then this is perfect for you. If you're a film student. If you're a fan of gripping television. Watch Twin Peaks ! It gets weird, but that's just par for course. Some people have criticized the show for going too far off the rails. It had been viewed as boring too. But its a show for people that really want to sit down and enjoy something. It's not a Michael Bay produced explosion picture and that might turn off a good deal of typical viewers. Stick with it and you will get stories presented in a world that has genius elements of noir, horror and drama.
