I screamed, spit my coffee, and paced around the house the moment Albert said, "Diane?" and Laura Dern turned around. I literally called people on the telephone: "Diane is REAL, yall!!!?!?"
The next nine episodes could be white noise, but the biggest question of 1990 has been answered: Diane is REAL, yall.
Episode 6, on a scale of one to ten doughnuts: Easily 12.
How did I miss this column. It is so good that the NYT is covering the return of Lynch/Frost and all the wonderful, marvelous (and yes flawed) world of Twin Peaks.
1
Boy I sure would like a desk like the New Sherif Truman!
David Lynch has serious issues with women.
Every single female character fits into one of four categories:
1) horribly annoying, nagging wife (Janey-E, Mrs. Truman, Nadine)
2) objectified sexpot (Audrey, Shelley, and the new young FBI agent who one can only assume was told by Lynch to "act like you're a porn star")
3) absolutely hopeless moron, completely emotionally dependent on some doofus guy (Lucy - Andy, Shelley - Leo/Bobby, Donna - James)
4) and finally, a piece of meat to be punched, kicked, thrown, stabbed, and murdered.
Literally every female character fits one of these flattering molds, except the log lady.
This blatant and frankly weird hatred of women skated by in 1992. We'll see if it survives in 2017.
Every single female character fits into one of four categories:
1) horribly annoying, nagging wife (Janey-E, Mrs. Truman, Nadine)
2) objectified sexpot (Audrey, Shelley, and the new young FBI agent who one can only assume was told by Lynch to "act like you're a porn star")
3) absolutely hopeless moron, completely emotionally dependent on some doofus guy (Lucy - Andy, Shelley - Leo/Bobby, Donna - James)
4) and finally, a piece of meat to be punched, kicked, thrown, stabbed, and murdered.
Literally every female character fits one of these flattering molds, except the log lady.
This blatant and frankly weird hatred of women skated by in 1992. We'll see if it survives in 2017.
2
I fully agree with you, and it extends far beyond just the Twin Peaks universe, IMO, so I don't think we'll see a departure from that pattern during this season of the series.
I can't say that I believe Lars von Trier who is often tagged with this label, is as misogynistic as Lynch often appears to be; von Trier still gives his female characters agency, whereas Lynch often takes it away or invalidates it by making it hysterical or idiotic.
I don't think that the Log Lady was immune to the unflattering molds; she was a hysterical, crazy scold at the beginning of the series, probably falling into your category 1. Sarah Palmer seems to fall equally into categories 1 and 3. It also seems like the more minor the character, the more Lynch relies on these molds to prop them up- see Heidi the waitress at Norma's diner.
Diane is turning out to be category 1 crazy harridan as well, while Ashley Judd is standing in for Sherylin Fenn in the sexpot role at the Great Northern.
I can't say that I believe Lars von Trier who is often tagged with this label, is as misogynistic as Lynch often appears to be; von Trier still gives his female characters agency, whereas Lynch often takes it away or invalidates it by making it hysterical or idiotic.
I don't think that the Log Lady was immune to the unflattering molds; she was a hysterical, crazy scold at the beginning of the series, probably falling into your category 1. Sarah Palmer seems to fall equally into categories 1 and 3. It also seems like the more minor the character, the more Lynch relies on these molds to prop them up- see Heidi the waitress at Norma's diner.
Diane is turning out to be category 1 crazy harridan as well, while Ashley Judd is standing in for Sherylin Fenn in the sexpot role at the Great Northern.
3
I'm pretty sure that all Lynch's male characters fall into 'not-so great' character categories as well. He established the true sense of oddball, quirky, and total embarrassing figures that tv would never ever try to portray until Twin Peaks came along. Be thankful. So many shows try (and mostly in a way that does not work within their show) to commit to characters with quirky attributes, just to top Lynch, or sell their show on that one weird element. No one writes these characters better, and I'm sure the actress/actor playing them love Lynch for the richness of it.
I think you've over-simplified the Lynch ladies. There is another female archetype he returns to: the guiding angel or good witch. If you swirl all of the types together, you have something resembling a real person with all their flaws and virtues intact.
Not sure why our semi-intrepid recapper didn't point out that Hawk's bending down to pick up the dropped Indian-head coin (I thought it was a dime, not a nickel - ?) led him to see the stall door's manufacturer's metal label: a brand with the name of an Indian tribe. This fulfilled the Log Lady's message: the Log told Hawk he was missing something, and that his heritage was the clue. (I seem to recall that the One-Armed Man spent some time in that stall, back in Season 2. He took his "keep Mike at bay" medicine there.)
Yes, Twin Peaks is stuffed to the top with things to unpack, and not everything can be touched on, but some major elements get overlooked in each recap.
On another note, when will the nasty, whiny, MEAN "Deputy Chad" meet an awful end? New Sheriff Truman's wife needs to go away, too; an angry woman randomly storming in and just screaming irrationally at him just stresses me out. It doesn't do anything for the story - even if she has her reasons.
Yes, Twin Peaks is stuffed to the top with things to unpack, and not everything can be touched on, but some major elements get overlooked in each recap.
On another note, when will the nasty, whiny, MEAN "Deputy Chad" meet an awful end? New Sheriff Truman's wife needs to go away, too; an angry woman randomly storming in and just screaming irrationally at him just stresses me out. It doesn't do anything for the story - even if she has her reasons.
The nickel had an Indian head on one side and a buffalo (bison) on the other from 1913-1938, after which Jefferson replaced the Indian head. The dime had a winged Liberty head (often taken to be the head of Mercury) until the image of Franklin Roosevelt replaced Liberty in 1946.
1
The fact that so many reviewers have so many different ideas of what (or what isn't) going on here reveals the project's inherent weakness as sustainable drama. It's just Lynch and Frost messing with their audience again without any regard for coherent or meaningful storytelling. It might be 25 years later, but the scam is the same.
The police have Dougies license plate #, found on The roof, and the police have a blown up body, burned beyond recognition. The statue at the business park closely resembles James Stewart's lose from The imposter of The The 1959 movie "The FBI Story", which 13 year old Dale Cooper had above his bed and would not allow anybody to touch. Hence the obsession.
2
Didn't anyone else notice that Coop is back in his black suit?
I think that's worth mentioning!
I think that's worth mentioning!
They're the only clothes that fit him!
3
Point taken Noel on style and symbols, those things matter. I'm a 'shipper though. Powerful relationships are the key to my enjoyment of the other craziness in Twin Peaks. The power of the friendship between Harry and Dale. The power of the lust between Audrey and Coop and Bobby and Shelly. The power of the grief Leland felt for his daughter in the early episodes, then the remorse during his death scene. The Major and his son, etc., etc.
I read volumes of fan commentary on TP and no one ever says, despite his ubiquitous appearance in TP, "I miss Ben Horne." Know why? No deep relationships. That's the sauce. Albert, Gordon and Lucy sprinkle some sugar on it and TP works. I am optimistic about The Return in the sense that powerful ties are building slowly, Coop and Sonny Jim, for example, maybe Coop and Gordon and Diane. Biggest bond of all, Coop and we the audience.
I read volumes of fan commentary on TP and no one ever says, despite his ubiquitous appearance in TP, "I miss Ben Horne." Know why? No deep relationships. That's the sauce. Albert, Gordon and Lucy sprinkle some sugar on it and TP works. I am optimistic about The Return in the sense that powerful ties are building slowly, Coop and Sonny Jim, for example, maybe Coop and Gordon and Diane. Biggest bond of all, Coop and we the audience.
1
Good points. One of the key elements in the original series was - that it had a lot of dark deeds and dark people - it was very human. From the very beginning: there was a great deal of attention, and sensitivity, devoted to how widely and deeply the death of a single teenager was felt and resonated within the town.
The relationship between Cooper and Truman was one of a kind, but it played completely naturally. Unfortunately, that's specific one is apparently not coming back, given Michael Ontkean's devotion to retirement.
As to relationships on the original show, there are, of course, still more that could be mentioned: Norma and Shelly, Donna and Dr. Hayward. Bobby and Maj. Briggs, which you mention, was a strange one, but there were two touching scenes.
Just to throw in a counterpoint: I don't miss James, either, though he seemed inclined to have a deeply personal relationship with just about anyone. I just don't miss him. Or his song.
The relationship between Cooper and Truman was one of a kind, but it played completely naturally. Unfortunately, that's specific one is apparently not coming back, given Michael Ontkean's devotion to retirement.
As to relationships on the original show, there are, of course, still more that could be mentioned: Norma and Shelly, Donna and Dr. Hayward. Bobby and Maj. Briggs, which you mention, was a strange one, but there were two touching scenes.
Just to throw in a counterpoint: I don't miss James, either, though he seemed inclined to have a deeply personal relationship with just about anyone. I just don't miss him. Or his song.
5
I'm a huge fan of the original show. But Lynch has some serious issues with female characters! Women are either sex objects, suffer incredible violence, or are annoying screaming shrews. Or a fourth thing, idealized innocent perfection..haven't seen much of that yet. Naomi Watts's character finds her husband's apparent brain damage to be simply infuriating rather than an obvious medical concern, and we watch her yell at him for hours. Sheriff Truman's wife is in the same mold. Is Lynch re-living a childhood with an abusive, berating mother?
More generally--the warm relationships between characters was a counterpoint to the darkness in the original show. That is all gone now....finding it hard to stay interested.
More generally--the warm relationships between characters was a counterpoint to the darkness in the original show. That is all gone now....finding it hard to stay interested.
10
Your last point is my take on what we have been watching.
I'm not defending your take on Dougie's wife, because NO ONE has done anything to medically check him out. His boss. Co-workers. Security guards. They all notice his situation, but DO nothing. There is humor here in that and would like to see it played out now. Ya gots to admit... you haven't seen this before! And Lynch loves to infuriate, so there is that. Still... I'm sucked in.
A minor point, but at least on my cable system, all the episodes have had titles:
My log has a message for you
The stars turn and a time present itself
Call for help
... brings back some memories
Case files
Don't die
My log has a message for you
The stars turn and a time present itself
Call for help
... brings back some memories
Case files
Don't die
1
David Lynch, you guys! Why are people expecting a familiar, predictable, linear story line? Get comfy and enjoy the ride. Twin Peaks is magic.
9
It is to disjointed. They need to get past the "I'm Dougie Jones" thing. They also need to bring back Harry. Put Harry and Dale back together and get this thing moving.
1
Some have pointed out that the NEW Fat Trout Trailer Park is located in Twin Peaks. Unless I missed something, I still think it's in Deer Meadow (please correct me if I'm wrong).
Teresa Banks was murdered in Deer Meadow and the scene where the young boy is hit by Horne's truck seems near where Leland murdered her and is also virtually identical to the scene in FWWM where OAM is driving around Leland and Laura.
I guess Carl could have moved to Twin Peaks and moved his trailer park to Twin Peaks, OR I guess he could still live in Deer Meadow and drive to Twin Peaks every day.
Teresa Banks was murdered in Deer Meadow and the scene where the young boy is hit by Horne's truck seems near where Leland murdered her and is also virtually identical to the scene in FWWM where OAM is driving around Leland and Laura.
I guess Carl could have moved to Twin Peaks and moved his trailer park to Twin Peaks, OR I guess he could still live in Deer Meadow and drive to Twin Peaks every day.
It seems like Deer Meadow itself has, mysteriously, moved. That's something towns can do in fiction, I guess. The Fat Trout Trailer Park was - and I think still is - in Deer Meadow. In the original TV show and the movie, Deer Meadow was some distance from Twin Peaks (hundreds of miles), and in a different county (hence different - very different - sheriff's offices). Now it seems to be the next town over.
Side point, but: yes, the scene in which the too-cute-to-live boy was killed by too-evil-to-drive Richard Horne was shot at the same location where the one-armed man accosted Leland and Laura in FWWM. It looks a bit different now, but that's it. The real-life filming location of the Fat Trout Trailer Park is very close to there, though its fictional location is (or at least used to be) quite a ways away.
Side point, but: yes, the scene in which the too-cute-to-live boy was killed by too-evil-to-drive Richard Horne was shot at the same location where the one-armed man accosted Leland and Laura in FWWM. It looks a bit different now, but that's it. The real-life filming location of the Fat Trout Trailer Park is very close to there, though its fictional location is (or at least used to be) quite a ways away.
2
I'm just waiting on bated breath for the incredible Audrey Horne to reappear. When, oh when will that black Irish doll come back?
2
Didn't the number 6 (seen on the telephone pole) also appear in the scene where Cooper is zapped from the weird, floating way station into the apartment to take Dougie's place?
I am on board for as long as it takes Cooper to find himself. Lyle MacLachlan is so terribly poignant in the scenes where Coop recognizes clues to his old life but can't quite piece them together.
I am on board for as long as it takes Cooper to find himself. Lyle MacLachlan is so terribly poignant in the scenes where Coop recognizes clues to his old life but can't quite piece them together.
2
The numbers by the oversized electrical outlet that zapped Cooper (sans shoes ... and FBI lapel pin) into Dougie's body were: 15, then 3. I suppose you can extract a 6 from there (1+5 = 6), but there wasn't a 6.
On the other hand 315 was Cooper's room at the Great Northern, and they've quite definitely called back to that in this series.
On the other hand 315 was Cooper's room at the Great Northern, and they've quite definitely called back to that in this series.
2
Since the zaftig schoolteacher just came from the Double R to witness the Horne boy after he killed the child, Carl Rodd was in Twin Peaks. However, in "Fire Walk With Me" Carl's trail park was in Deer Meadow, a place with it's own police department. I was confused when he got into the van to "go into town" as that would have meant Deer Meadow (where Teresa Banks was from and where Chris Isaak';s character disappeared). Though in the "Secret History" Carl is actually FROM Twin Peaks and was with the Log Lady (and another boy) when the three of them were abducted by a UFO as children.
2
A couple of notes:
-Richard Hrone runs over the little boy in the town of Deer Meadow (from FWWM
) -It seems somewhat clear that Mr. Todd is working for doppelCoop and that he orders the hit on Lorraine and Dougie. doppelCoop has been trying to kill DougieCoop ever since he knew that Dale Cooper (his good alter ego) had inhabited Dougie’s body.
-Deputy Chad is a villain in more ways than one: he’s also the guy that Richard Horne slipped the money to in The Roadhouse in an earlier episode.
-Richard Hrone runs over the little boy in the town of Deer Meadow (from FWWM
) -It seems somewhat clear that Mr. Todd is working for doppelCoop and that he orders the hit on Lorraine and Dougie. doppelCoop has been trying to kill DougieCoop ever since he knew that Dale Cooper (his good alter ego) had inhabited Dougie’s body.
-Deputy Chad is a villain in more ways than one: he’s also the guy that Richard Horne slipped the money to in The Roadhouse in an earlier episode.
5
I'm a little annoyed by the slowness, too, but Lynch is Lynch. The violence is actully typical - think of the fight in the early scenes of Wild at Heart, of th inurd girl on the side of the road pressing her finger into her head injury, etc, and be glad they are over and done with fairly quickly.
I'm looking forward to more Laura Dern, and I love how you use the wuote from Wild at Heart! "Surely later on she’ll have a lot to say about a world so wild at heart and weird on top."
I'm looking forward to more Laura Dern, and I love how you use the wuote from Wild at Heart! "Surely later on she’ll have a lot to say about a world so wild at heart and weird on top."
I like it, it takes some episode re watching as so many visual and audio clues are displayed but all and all I am tuned in and ready to follow to wherever this leads.
2
It is great that we viewers have so much from which to chose. Better Call Saul and Fargo are as edgy as I can go. Really tried with Twin Peaks. But I hope it meets the expectations of its fans.
2
You just mentioned my two current favorite series. But Twin Peaks is the original! Sorry you don't dig, but nothing beats it. It's the mood. The sounds. The unexpected. And the music. Sharon Van Etten, man!
1
I too am getting a bit frustrated, but with all the little ties to the original series and film, I have to believe that Lynch is building up to something that will provide an immensely meaningful experience that will pack 27 years' of emotional resonance. For TP fans, it may not be the old show, but it is not backing down from any of its conceits, which can also be seen as taking the whole thing very seriously (and rewarding deep attention). Instead of having Cooper back and on a case, we are getting a very deep exploration of his psyche, which can be seen as a rich reward to TP fans. I just hope I'm not completely wrong!
It is a bit hilarious to think back on all the breathless magazine covers leading up to THIS, and I sure hope Showtime watched Inland Empire before they started planning their massive hit revival!
It is a bit hilarious to think back on all the breathless magazine covers leading up to THIS, and I sure hope Showtime watched Inland Empire before they started planning their massive hit revival!
More like Part 6 of Narrative Incoherence.
A plea to Lynch/Frost - please stop introducing new characters. Use your now existing characters and tell a story that makes some sense. Otherwise, after 18 hours we're going to end up with David Lynch's version of "Lost" - too many unwrapped-up threads left hanging.
Finally, it's time to get Coop out of "Rain Man" mode and take him back to Twin Peaks - both the city AND the show.
A plea to Lynch/Frost - please stop introducing new characters. Use your now existing characters and tell a story that makes some sense. Otherwise, after 18 hours we're going to end up with David Lynch's version of "Lost" - too many unwrapped-up threads left hanging.
Finally, it's time to get Coop out of "Rain Man" mode and take him back to Twin Peaks - both the city AND the show.
1
The entire show is already filmed. Lynch can't honor your pleas.
9
It's probably for the best if you just stop watching the show.
1
Reading everyone's comments---I think we all agree to disagree with you and are waiting impatiently until Coop returns to himself. As is, the scenes with the Dougie should be filmed in silent with inter-titles appearing to explain what he's thinking or Janey-E's responses. Why not even in black and white? And also hoping to see more of Grace Zabriske's character. She's only been seen for a few minutes watching a graphic TV show about wild animals eating each other. She's always been good for Lynch!
1
Thank you, Mr. Murray, and other positive reviewers, for taking the time to express your thoughts on how good this new series truly is! The violence in episode 6 was tough, but there have been such moments in most of Lynch's "dark" films. He is looking harder and deeper than ever at the mysterious balance of good and evil people in our world. And the implicit meditations on getting old are amazing. Harry Dean Stanton, Don Murray, Candy Clark, Russ Tamblyn etc. What a great, brave roster!
Those who are impatient need to take each episode as it comes, and be willing to accept the fact that Lynch is now considerably older than when the first TV show was written; certainly his thinking and artistry have evolved. After MULHOLLAND DRIVE and INLAND EMPIRE, it was hard to imagine what he might do next that could top them—but this series, due to its much slower rhythms and mysterious complexities, seems to me more profoundly beautiful than ever.
And I urge those who don't care for the Dougie subplot to think about the number of real people around us who are somehow mentally impaired and unable to function. The miracle so far has been that Dougie has managed to be accepted. The scenes between him and Sonny Boy Jim at the breakfast table in the first of his episodes were actually quite funny and touching—the way the boy related to his supposed father, with such happy smiles and loving acceptance of the goofiness, was very moving to me.
Those who are impatient need to take each episode as it comes, and be willing to accept the fact that Lynch is now considerably older than when the first TV show was written; certainly his thinking and artistry have evolved. After MULHOLLAND DRIVE and INLAND EMPIRE, it was hard to imagine what he might do next that could top them—but this series, due to its much slower rhythms and mysterious complexities, seems to me more profoundly beautiful than ever.
And I urge those who don't care for the Dougie subplot to think about the number of real people around us who are somehow mentally impaired and unable to function. The miracle so far has been that Dougie has managed to be accepted. The scenes between him and Sonny Boy Jim at the breakfast table in the first of his episodes were actually quite funny and touching—the way the boy related to his supposed father, with such happy smiles and loving acceptance of the goofiness, was very moving to me.
22
Agree 1000%, MMM!
6
I'm a HUGE TWIN PEAKS fan. Always have been. Always will be. One thing you might have missed from reading this article...the woman that Ike 'the Spike' Stadtler mutilated was the woman who sent that weird text/message to that box in Buenos Aires. She knew she was going to be targeted. Then she frighteningly was. Also, I'm with you. TWIN PEAKS could be a blank screen for 18 hours, I'd still love it ;-)
9
I hope Agent Cooper snaps out of his haze soon....this is getting tiresome.
5
He was in the Black Lodge - essentially Hell on Earth - for 25 years. Give him a minute.
13
I think David Lynch's intention with "The Cooper-as-Dougie story line" is to frustrate the viewer as much as possible. Cooper was a fantastic character in the original series and to see him become mentally incapacitated, until presumably the Bob-as-Cooper doppelgänger is sent back to the black lodge, is extremely difficult to watch, and not really humorous either.
I will continue to watch the show because it is very intriguing due to its seemingly endless moving parts that the viewer has not been privy to information that connects some of the more obscure encounters. Like when Albert walked into a bar and said hello to Diane (presumably Cooper's old assistant whom received all of Cooper's tape recordings from the original series.
David Lynch has stated that the series will all make sense by the end. I just hope it ends with a bang and does not fall flat, because there is a whole lot going on that I want to understand.
I will continue to watch the show because it is very intriguing due to its seemingly endless moving parts that the viewer has not been privy to information that connects some of the more obscure encounters. Like when Albert walked into a bar and said hello to Diane (presumably Cooper's old assistant whom received all of Cooper's tape recordings from the original series.
David Lynch has stated that the series will all make sense by the end. I just hope it ends with a bang and does not fall flat, because there is a whole lot going on that I want to understand.
1
Albert sought out Diane as a potential means to determine whether the Cooper doppelganger is actually their past detective. I assume that if Lynch moves forward shortly on continuing scenes between Albert and Diane that the FBI will pursue properly disposing the doppelganger, having long accepted the existence of supernatural elements and investigating them. This should speed up Dale Cooper's return in Dougie's body.
1
I sincerely hope the truck accident has a major bearing on the plot, because it was exceptionally difficult to see.
5
What, you don't like violence for violence's sake? You're no true Lynch fan!
Great show. Love every minute despite a bit of meandering last night (Ep. 6) like in the diner with the cheery cherry pie teacher (though this was shades of the sunny parts of "Blue Velvet's" life is good). Everything can't be all weird all the time. That's not how life is or how David Lynch's work is. I trust he and Mark Frost will pull all the strands together or at least make them meaningful somehow. The new season of "Twin Peaks" is great art (literally too, freeze frame almost any scene and look at it) and great entertainment.
13
Lynch cut from the cheery, giggly diner pie scene (with Shelley suggesting that they treat the customer next time) to the gruesome hit-and-run that killed a child. This is typical Lynch -- the light and the dark, juxtaposed.
8
And the violence just as delicious! He definitely topped himself.