Somewhere between the romantic terror of "Dark Shadows" and the wry chicanery of "Fargo" lies David Lynch and Mark Frost's wickedly quirky "Twin Peaks": the tale of "defunct" Laura Palmer, a young lady who appeared wholesome on the surface, but whose dark secrets did her in and revealed so much more than anyone dared imagine.
Just as fans demanded "Star Trek'"s return, lovers of the surreal soap opera have insisted on the same. Alas, the wait has taken far longer than it did Gene Roddenberry's science-fiction saga to resurface, though there was hope for a "Twin Peaks" continuation after the theatrical prequel/sequel, "Fire Come Walk With Me." (That should have spawned a series of offshoots, if only matters had gone accordingly.)
At least producer/creators Lynch and Frost are in charge of the new Showtime endeavor, despite a nearly three-decade hiatus (and an infuriatingly false start in '16). At least to sweeten the pot, our creators are accompanied by many of our original favorites, including our dimensionally anguished lead, F.B.I. Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan); Bobby Briggs (Dana Ashbrook); Shelly Johnson (Madchen Amick); Big Ed Hurley (Everett McGill); Dr. Jacoby (Russ Tamblyn); Andy Brennan (Harry Goaz); Lucy Moran/Brennan (Kimmy Robertson); Sarah Palmer (Grace Zabriske); Leland Palmer (Ed Wise); and that not-to-be-forgotten daughter, Laura (Sheryl Lee).
Others will make supporting manifestations of varying degrees, such as Sherilyn Fenn's Audrey Horne; Peggy Limpton's Norma Jennings; James Marshall's James Hurley; Richard Beymer's Ben Horne; David Patrick Kelly's Jerry Horne; Wendy Robie's Nadine Hurley; David Lynch's Gordon Cole; David Duchovny's Denise Bryson; Al Strobel's Phillip Michael Gerard; Michael Horse's Deputy Hawk; Catherine E. Coulson's Log Lady; and Miguel Ferrer's irascible Albert Rosenfeld. Carel Struycken's Giant will also revisit (hurrah!), but where oh, where is Michael J. Anderson's Dancing Dwarf/Man From Another Place? (Come now, there's no way he can't be shimmying and speaking in reverse behind some crimson curtain. If not, what a pity...)
We're at least guaranteed a faithful flow of wayward messages and cryptic codes. If it were any other way, it wouldn't be "Twin Peaks". For this particular saga, only slanted, slow-burn reveals will do.
"Twin Peaks: The Return" enters our dimension Sunday, May 21 at 9 pm. Tune in and dream those wild dreams. Perhaps have a piece of pie while you're at it. Agent Cooper would respect you for that.
Oh, man, oh, man, the new "Twin Peaks" (that is, the four-episode start) is so much weirder and more sublime than its original incarnation. It has bits of "Eraserhead", "Blue Velvet" and in certain parks, the wondrous feel of classic "Outer Limits". What it all means is yet to be seen, and that's all part of the splendor. I'm hooked. I'm happy. I'm damn anxious for more.
ReplyDeleteBTW: Michael Cera's Wally Brando is such an inspired touch. Cool tribute. Didn't see that one comin', but it sure works for the quirky scheme of things.
DeleteSeveral folks have mentioned to me that the "tree thing" that Agent Cooper keeps encountering reminds them of a concept I feature in "Hyde Seed". I think that's kinda neat. I've often thought David Lynch would do a fine job adapting my story.
ReplyDeleteHaving an utter blast with "Twin Peaks". I don't know what it all means, and it doesn't really seem to connect with any precision to the original version, but in a way, that's kinda cool.
ReplyDeleteSome of the original cast is featured more than we were led on, while others are at best doing cameos. The new folks, especially Naomi Watts, are beyond superb. (Watts is sexy and quirky all at the same time--my kinda woman.)
"The Return" is without question the most unique show on the air: funny, scary and intriguing. I wish it would go forever.
...I'm sorry to see dopey Dougie go. I liked him. It's sure swell, though, to see the real-deal Agent Cooper return.
ReplyDeleteI was also pleased to (re)witness the Audrey Dance--cool, man, cool.
Well, the season is almost over. Can't wait to experience the finale and yet at the same time, damn it all the hell, 'cause I sure wish this weekly dosage would continue always and forever.
Man, oh, man, what a finale! Sure, I don't know quite what it means, but that's understandable. It's all part of the fine, cryptic quality of the series: new or old.
ReplyDeleteThis new strangeness, however, does give the original run a whole different spin. I mean, I'll never view the original in quite the same way, and that's a-okay.
Also, I must note, the odd nature of Season 3 felt right, not forced. Some shows try too hard to be offbeat and the flow is all wrong. Lynch's style morphs with seamless precision. Again, the results are cryptic, but fascinating...unique...comfortable.
Say, maybe (if I'm deciphering things correctly), we'll be blessed with a time-travel motif, if the story does continue, that is.
I sure do want more...