Just watching this on DVD so not sure if this discussion is still active. If so, can anyone tell me why James Hurley sang with such a high-pitched voice? He sounded like a woman.
Less than 10 years ago I hardly watched television. That slowly changed with a couple great series, when they became available as boxed DVD sets. And accelerated with the streaming services.
Recently it occurred to me, that the form, as it is developing owes only a little to the movies and a little to theater or literature. A great TV season, I feel, is much more like a great album of pop/rock music. 8-12 songs/episodes. Held together by similar intent and style, with a vague narrative and theme holding them together, but ultimately also enjoyed as a single experience - more concerned with the beats of the moment than the narrative drive typical of a movie or the cohesiveness of a play.
That Lynch makes such heavy use of pop music and performance in this show fits that analogy nicely.
3
I knew what was going to happen before that arm-wrestling scene had started but I enjoyed every minute. Are there really gangs and bosses like that in America?
It's great to see "Big" Ed Hurley back!
After watching episode 12 and 13, my wife pointed out something that many might have missed: Audrey and Charlie's scenes with Charlie were not shot with either actor in the same frame, and probably were shot at different times. In Episode 12, the establishing pan shot moves from Audrey to Charlie giving the illusion they are in the same room. After that, all other shots with Charlie and Audrey in frame are shot from behind Audrey. In Episode 12, Audrey walks to a chair and the camera pans around so both she and Charlie appear together in the same frame in a split screen. The reflection Noel calls out in his recap appears to be a digital effect to misdirect the viewer from noticing this. Prior to Audrey's sitting down across from Charlie, we see his reflection in the glass. Once Audrey is seated, we should still see Charlie's back in the glass, along with Audrey's blurred face, but we only see Audrey. This bit of craftsmanship hides the fact that neither actor seems to have been shot with the other present which, if true, gives me even greater appreciation for the chops displayed by both performers.
5
The Hutchens are on their way to Las Vegas.
1
The accountant slayed me! I noticed him as they were all leaving the room because he looked so out of place. I literally thought to myself, "what is he, their accountant?" So when he popped up again asking if Mr. C needed any money I laughed out loud!
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OMG, big bad Tom Sizemore breaking down in tears was absolutely laugh-out-loud hilarious.
8
I loved the scene in the car when the two characters are talking about Mormons and Utah. "Mormons can have a lot of wives." Response - "You'd think there would be more of them."
5
Someone finally makes the connection between Dougie Jones, Mr. C and Dale Cooper...and it's the Fusco brothers! So of course they start giggling and the trail ends there. Wonderful. The arm-wrestling was fun--David Lynch proving that he can direct a conventionally paced taut action scene without a lot of drifting and non sequitors if he so chooses. I'm grateful he doesn't choose to do so often.
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True, but someone actually had to gather and send them the information and perhaps that person may be a little more diligent and follow up. Or not.
A couple of points to note:
That wasn't just a loving caress that Dougie gave sales agent Anthony at the coffee shop; that was accupressure from the Tibetan Method that Agent Cooper employs, applied subconsciously to unlock Anthony's guilt.
Also, Richard Horne didn't just recognize Mr. C, it also seemed to me that Mr. C was looking at Richard as well- not as if he was just noticing the surveillance camera, but looking directly at him.
That wasn't just a loving caress that Dougie gave sales agent Anthony at the coffee shop; that was accupressure from the Tibetan Method that Agent Cooper employs, applied subconsciously to unlock Anthony's guilt.
Also, Richard Horne didn't just recognize Mr. C, it also seemed to me that Mr. C was looking at Richard as well- not as if he was just noticing the surveillance camera, but looking directly at him.
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great comment! i saw the pressure with a few fingers on re-watch but didn't know where the idea came from.
4
And here I thought Dougie was merely fascinated by Anthony's rather spectacular case of dandruff.
3
That's what most people assumed.
The second half of the episode, and indeed much of "return", has been about loneliness and aging. Big Ed as the credits rolled (on his life), Bobby pining for Madchen Amick, women characters making bad choices again and again, and men and women ending up alone. Laura's mom alone and crazy, the Log lady dying. Jacoby and Nadines scene was an ember of hope in an otherwise desolate wasteland. Lynch's 25 year later view updates the historical course of youthful romantic hopes, showing that bit all reaches its assumed apogee and that flawed judgements create outcomes that separate their characters from love. Audrey, Ashley Judd's husband, the marriages that do still exist are deeply flawed and within a hairs breadth of breaking. Even evil Cooper is afraid of being ripped from the mortal world and sent back to the Black Lodge. "Return" is like Lynch's "Blackstsr", a personality felt and told rumination reflecting on mortality and that life's failures are not in the margins but in fact on the center stage of life, whether we want them their or not.
15
Ken writes: Jacoby and Nadines scene was an ember of hope in an otherwise desolate wasteland....
Excellent summation; you're absolutely right, the show really does seem to be a meditation on aging and alienation, at least insofar as the fate of various Twin Peaks residents are concerned. As for Jacoby and Nadine, their saving grace is they're both absolutely crazy and somehow blissfully oblivious, however, the hint of mortality is still at play. Nadine's storefront offers up that eerie, funereal tableau of dark drapes opening and closing on the golden shovel.
Excellent summation; you're absolutely right, the show really does seem to be a meditation on aging and alienation, at least insofar as the fate of various Twin Peaks residents are concerned. As for Jacoby and Nadine, their saving grace is they're both absolutely crazy and somehow blissfully oblivious, however, the hint of mortality is still at play. Nadine's storefront offers up that eerie, funereal tableau of dark drapes opening and closing on the golden shovel.
1
You had to bring up Blackstar and make me all sad about Bowie not being on the show again. I'm STILL mourning.
1
Very interesting theory that Audrey Horne is in a comma or in a waiting room, I would agree. I wouldn't be surprised if "Billy" symbolizes John Justice Wheeler or even Agent Cooper, since Lynch likes to mess around with fakes names and persons through dreams.
One way or another, I am one of those who found Sherilyn Fenn's acting fantastic and complex work, really masterfully played!
One way or another, I am one of those who found Sherilyn Fenn's acting fantastic and complex work, really masterfully played!
7
There's a strange preponderance of bald heads popping up in in this Twin Peaks reboot. Last night Mr. C came up against the towering Renzo, a giant of a guy who looked like the Mr. Clean brand icon and some weeks ago, Dougie dispelled an attack by Ike the Spike, the psychopathic bald dwarf. I don't think it's a coincidence that Ike is short, Renzo tall, both are bald and both posed a threat to out doppelganger pair Mr. C/ Dougie. In fact, Renzo and Ike are themselves a sort of distorted doppelganger as well. In any case, they are clearly connected (not to mention the parallel with the giant/dwarf pair who reside at the Black Lodge.) Oh, and then there's Charlie, Audrey's purported 'husband' (and yes, there is something very odd about that room that serves as backdrop for the Audrey/Charlie scenes.) He seems to be a third bald figure, but i'm still unclear about how he fits in and what realm he belongs to.
2
"What’s apparent on the surface counts for little in “Twin Peaks.” "
Lynch did the same thing first in "Blue Velvet."
Lynch did the same thing first in "Blue Velvet."
1
I loved the framing of Norma and Walter's conversation. Ed was just over Walter's shoulder for the entire exchange, but out of focus from Norma's vantage point. She's moved on from her former lover. Through Ed's eyes Norma was always the only thing in focus.
I also liked that Ed is shown wearing his wedding ring. Maybe Norma finally gave up waiting for him to dump Nadine?
Jacoby and Nadine's conversation was also masterfully shot. The way the moving drapes periodically gave each reflections on the storefront. Also it may very well be that Nadine is "Dr Amp's" only fan, and that the whole ruse is a means for Jacoby to romance her.
I also liked that Ed is shown wearing his wedding ring. Maybe Norma finally gave up waiting for him to dump Nadine?
Jacoby and Nadine's conversation was also masterfully shot. The way the moving drapes periodically gave each reflections on the storefront. Also it may very well be that Nadine is "Dr Amp's" only fan, and that the whole ruse is a means for Jacoby to romance her.
4
But Walter is an obvious corporate con man who is — gasp! — forcing Norma to compromise the integrity of her legendary cherry pies! Walter must die. Painfully. Preceded by some ritual of humiliation, please! And it's the restored Agent Cooper who will denounce him after a taste of corrupted pie.
7
i loved the "little girl who lives down the lane" reference. Great 70s book and decent movie.
have yet to tie that into Audrey's situation but i felt this week's complimentary scene greatly improves last weeks' muddled nature.
She mentions "this is like Ghostwood" -- which of course was the last thing she would remember before the bank explosion (she was protesting the development)
Mr. C's arm wrestling initially left me wondering how it would end as it seemed obvious that Renzo's arm would be getting ripped off in short order. But the dialogue was so great "it hurts when it's in this position" - and the constant toying that the outcome didn't really matter. (was Mr. C gonna lose??)
Great ep and to me the story is getting tighter. Lots of cars passing into town (per Ed's vantage point) and the conversation is getting livelier.
have yet to tie that into Audrey's situation but i felt this week's complimentary scene greatly improves last weeks' muddled nature.
She mentions "this is like Ghostwood" -- which of course was the last thing she would remember before the bank explosion (she was protesting the development)
Mr. C's arm wrestling initially left me wondering how it would end as it seemed obvious that Renzo's arm would be getting ripped off in short order. But the dialogue was so great "it hurts when it's in this position" - and the constant toying that the outcome didn't really matter. (was Mr. C gonna lose??)
Great ep and to me the story is getting tighter. Lots of cars passing into town (per Ed's vantage point) and the conversation is getting livelier.
9
"The preponderance of actors on this show who died not long after the shoot keeps adding a poignancy to the proceedings."
Indeed. Is anyone else on the edge, anticipating an appearance of Phillip Jeffries (David Bowie)?
Indeed. Is anyone else on the edge, anticipating an appearance of Phillip Jeffries (David Bowie)?
9
that FWWM scene is iconic --- would love for a little taste.
3
I was frustrated with Audrey's return last week, I thought she was another shrill angry Twin Peaks wife but this episode completely changed the way I feel about her introduction. I hope that we find out more about what is going on with her and if she is in some kind of waiting room herself. Sherilyn Fenn did a fantastic job this week. I loved how those cop brother's just threw out the DNA results too. Actually almost every scene made me laugh out loud, even the arm wrestling scene when the accountant popped out.
8
Never mind. Just checked the cast credits and it's not the same actress.
1
Isn't waitress who gave Dougie a piece of pie in the Las Vegas coffee shop in Episode 13 the same actress who plays the mother of the boy who was run over by Richard in Twin Peaks?
1
Has Peggy Lipton time-traveled from the '80s to this reboot? She looks the same!
12
Her lips look rather artificial but otherwise yes, Lipton is still very beautiful. I think they're playing up her resemblance to noir icon Lizbeth Scott.
The '80s? She was in The Mod Squad in the late '60s. She'll be 71 this month.
She looks very much like her daughter, Rashida Jones.
She looks very much like her daughter, Rashida Jones.
1
I'm very surprised by this review! How you can get it so wrong after being so right?
Audrey's scene was heartbreaking! I posited the theory that she is under psychiatric care but after last night I tend to agree with others who believe she is still in a coma--although that doesn't explain the Billy issue. It's quite a mystery. And that wasn't Audrey's true reflection, it was a big clue about her existence.
Every moment of these 18 hours matters.
James singing that awful song with those awful backup singers. Oh my, I'm still laughing!
Audrey's scene was heartbreaking! I posited the theory that she is under psychiatric care but after last night I tend to agree with others who believe she is still in a coma--although that doesn't explain the Billy issue. It's quite a mystery. And that wasn't Audrey's true reflection, it was a big clue about her existence.
Every moment of these 18 hours matters.
James singing that awful song with those awful backup singers. Oh my, I'm still laughing!
10
The most amazing thing David Lynch has done is taken one of the most iconic characters in TV history and flushed it down the toilet. Imagine a season of a brain-dead Tony Soprano or Fox Mulder. I can't either.
4
You spend 25 years in the Black Lodge then see how perky you are.
10
Thank You.
Well, come on now, NYT. The seemingly random encounter Nadine had with Jacobi is obviously one of the clearest moments of the return. It's not a coincidence that Jacoby ran into her, it relates to Ed and Norman. Ed has always been in love with her, and they still are in love. That seemingly meaningless, or should I say, ambiguous scene with the great Doc means that Nadine has her eye on another fella, finally freeing Ed from the uncertainty of being with Norma, if she can free herself in turn. In other words, back to the "starting position".
5
I don't think Ed and Nadine are still together. Nadine is alone and happily living in her own world. Ed is alone and an obvious mess; his hairstyle looks like a cry for help!
3
A note to Mr. Lynch: When we said we missed the soundtrack from the original, we were most definitely NOT referring to "Just You" by James Hurley.
Anyone still taking the show seriously after that performance is in denial.
Anyone still taking the show seriously after that performance is in denial.
10
Greetings from denial.
I shed a few tears when James Marshall "recorded" it with Donna and Maddy during the original series, and I gasped and choked up again last night when the MC at the roadhouse introduced him.
I shed a few tears when James Marshall "recorded" it with Donna and Maddy during the original series, and I gasped and choked up again last night when the MC at the roadhouse introduced him.
6
Well, different strokes. When they first did it in the original series, I loved it too, but for a different reason. Like most of the over-the-top stuff, I thought Lynch was just having a laugh, so I laughed with him. And the juxtaposition with Bob climbing over the couch was excellent.
Now, repetition of some of those quirky jokes feels like trolling at best, beating a dead horse at worst. See: Gordon can't hear good, and Lucy and Andy are farcically dumb.
Cherry pie and damn fine coffee, however, will never get old.
Now, repetition of some of those quirky jokes feels like trolling at best, beating a dead horse at worst. See: Gordon can't hear good, and Lucy and Andy are farcically dumb.
Cherry pie and damn fine coffee, however, will never get old.
1
One missed plot development. Richard Horne (Audrey's Chuck?) was present at the gang hangout in Montana watching The Arm wrestling match.
2
Lynch pulled a neat trick in the arm-wrestling scene. I found myself rooting for the vile Mr. C and then catching myself, slightly horrified. (But clearly his story isn't over yet.)
The look on Richard Horne's face as he pushed to the front of the crowd and watched Mr. C on the monitor was telling. Was he unconsciously recognizing his father?
And what was Ed burning in the final scene as the credits rolled?
The look on Richard Horne's face as he pushed to the front of the crowd and watched Mr. C on the monitor was telling. Was he unconsciously recognizing his father?
And what was Ed burning in the final scene as the credits rolled?
14
Probably a random piece of paper to test what just happened with his reflection. The look on his face right before that was very telling.
2
It was the cover of the matchbook.
1
I have watched the original seasons 4 times, so I'm an obvious fan.
But this modern redo continues to stumble, and casts a harsh light on the fading powers of Mr. Lynch.
But this modern redo continues to stumble, and casts a harsh light on the fading powers of Mr. Lynch.
7
When they were explaining to Bad Coopleganger that they pick their leader through an arm wrestling contest, I thought "this must be the fun they said they were going to have with him."
1
When Tom Sizemore rushed to the men's room to get rid of the poisoned coffee, weeping and hysterical, and the guy at the urinal remarked "That bad, huh?" I laughed longer and harder than at any moment in all the seasons of "Girls," which was ostensibly a comedy.
Mr. Lynch may have grown a bit more abstruse and esoteric, but he is still at the peak of his talents.
Mr. Lynch may have grown a bit more abstruse and esoteric, but he is still at the peak of his talents.
13
As a longtime fan of Lynch in general and "Peaks" in particular, I can't believe what this great artist has accomplished with the new incarnation of "Twin Peaks." It goes much deeper than anything he has done before in its poignant evocation of aging and loss. (I puzzled before the series aired over how Lynch would approach the unavailability — at times through mortality — of so many characters; how could "Twin Peaks" continue without Bob, and how could anyone besides the late Frank Silva portray him? But his solutions (e.g. Sheriff Frank Truman, "the evolution of the arm") are truly inspired. And it appears there is no question that Lynch feels the loss of his collaborators (Nance, Silva, Coulson, Davis, Bowie) deeply as fellow human beings and friends.
I wondered how much of barely-there Dougie we would endure before he finally comes to, but it becomes more obvious as things proceed that in his simplicity (beginner's mind?) Dougie/Cooper as an avatar of goodness is a much more apposite counterpart to the surpassingly evil Mr. C. And I figured it was a matter of time before Richard Horne and Mr. C. would meet; we'll see who wins that alpha-male contest (I know who my money's on).
I wondered how much of barely-there Dougie we would endure before he finally comes to, but it becomes more obvious as things proceed that in his simplicity (beginner's mind?) Dougie/Cooper as an avatar of goodness is a much more apposite counterpart to the surpassingly evil Mr. C. And I figured it was a matter of time before Richard Horne and Mr. C. would meet; we'll see who wins that alpha-male contest (I know who my money's on).
7
"Anyone who was annoyed by the less-than-spectacular reintroduction of Audrey Horne into “Twin Peaks” last week..."
...is not watching the same show I am. The reintroduction of Audrey was breathtaking, and this week's appearance attained the same unbearable miasma of tension and disorientation.
Has Noel Murray not realized yet that the owls are not what they seem?
That faded room from another time and place is not in the real world. Charlie isn't Audrey's husband, or possibly even a man named Charlie. Some smart folks have been speculating that Audrey is mentally ill and "Charlie" is her psychiatrist; whether or not that's the precise explanation, it's plain as day that everything we're seeing in those scenes is entirely Audrey's deranged point of view. I'll bet there will more to come on the source of that derangement, and I expect it will chill us to the marrow.
In his week off, Mr. Murray seems have completely turned against the series he seemed to be enjoying and praising before. What happened? Did he spend an unpleasant night at the Great Northern, or perhaps the Black Lodge?
Noel, have you been possessed by Bob?
...is not watching the same show I am. The reintroduction of Audrey was breathtaking, and this week's appearance attained the same unbearable miasma of tension and disorientation.
Has Noel Murray not realized yet that the owls are not what they seem?
That faded room from another time and place is not in the real world. Charlie isn't Audrey's husband, or possibly even a man named Charlie. Some smart folks have been speculating that Audrey is mentally ill and "Charlie" is her psychiatrist; whether or not that's the precise explanation, it's plain as day that everything we're seeing in those scenes is entirely Audrey's deranged point of view. I'll bet there will more to come on the source of that derangement, and I expect it will chill us to the marrow.
In his week off, Mr. Murray seems have completely turned against the series he seemed to be enjoying and praising before. What happened? Did he spend an unpleasant night at the Great Northern, or perhaps the Black Lodge?
Noel, have you been possessed by Bob?
32
Neal is onto something. Last week, Charlie used a rotary dial phone. This week, there was a big console radio set in the room with Audrey. Those scenes are not taking place in present-day reality.
4
I agree that those scenes may be unfolding only in Audrey's mind. She may even still be in a coma while her consciousness is fighting its way to the surface. (She said that she doesn't even know who she is.) She's looking for answers from someone who won't respond. She sounds like someone powerless and trapped.
2
She's in a coma. Lynch loves in-between spaces and has always paralleled Audrey and Cooper.
7