26 year later: The new season of Twin Peaks.

[Johnny Novgorod]

Don't know why but I was expecting Jeffries as the "anonymous millionaire". Don't recall that photo you mention though.

And yeah, the trolling was very tongue in cheek. But this is the first time I fear we're bound for an Evangelion-like "fuck you" finale.

Here's the photo I was talking about, the one Tammy was showing to Gordon and Albert towards the end of episode 10:

http://imgur.com/a/duAEe

Bald guy in glasses. Could be Charlie, especially seeing how he's wearing a robe and appears to be sitting on a high chair or something which would make up for him being... vertically impaired.

Otherwise I agree with you, we're at the start of the last third and they'restill introducing more plot thread than they're resolving. Slowly but surly the leading question stops being "Where is all of this going" and starts being "All of this is going somewhere, right?"

Exactly that. There's only so much Twin Peaks left and the weaker aspects of the show stop being "adorably indulgent" and start feeling like they're wasting precious time. Right now we have six hours left of Twin Peaks, and I don't think they can even begin to tie everything together in six hours. At least it feels that way.

 

[PsychedelicDiamond]

Now that we're on the home stretch I might as well share my impression with each individual episode...

This was an interesting one!

The business about evil Cooper is interesting, the guy's a badass. I'd honestly like to see in some way just what the hell he's been up to between the end of the original series and the start of this one. Just how he got his gang of colourful henchmen. The armwrestling scene was just genuinely cool and, hey, it tied his plotline and Richard's together. For whatever that's worth.

Dougie had some good stuff going on too. Even in his current state Cooper is solving crimes... that's gotta count for something. Don't know if it gets him any closer to getting his mind back, I still maintain he has to meet someone from his old life first but it's these little things that show just how much of the old Cooper is still in him.

Today's obligatory awkward scene that goes on for way too long was Sarah Palmer watching tv in her living room. A looping excerpt from an old boxing match. This, along with the nature documentary of lions tearing apart their prey earlier on would indicate that she has a rather violent taste in entertainment. Seriously, something sinister is going on there. Also... gotta give it to Lynch and co, they really get what the house of an old widow looks like. The Palmer household has become an oddly scary place.

I can't make heads or tails of what's going on with Audrey and Charlie. This episode was even more cryptic about it. Are they really husband and wife? Has Audrey developed some mental issues? I mean, it does seem to run in the family... They look like they're engaged in some sort of roleplay actually. Man, I dunno. There's something here that Lynch is not telling us. Logic would dictate that this is somehow gonna relate to Richard... I mean, he has to ber her son, right? Sure as hell isn't gonna be Johnny's.

Norma and her business partner... you know, it's never quite been on the forefront but there is a certain theme about money in this season. Dougie Jones owing some gangsters money, winning big in the casino, working for an insurance company. Becky constantly asking Shelly for money. Dr. Jacoby selling overpriced garbage. Carl talking to one of his tenants about paying his rent. Now, in this episode, the guy dressed like an account random asking evil Cooper if he needs money at the most inappropriate time and Norma having that seemingly entirely unrelated conversation about running her diner... it's definitely there, I just wonder if it adds up to something. I mean, it's actually been spelled out that Twin Peaks has some economic troubles. Just something to think about.

Has James really always been cool? I dunno, but his scene towards the end calls back to season 1 in a pretty interesting way. Now, what's interesting: Who is that crying lady?

Talking about interesting: The little scene with Big Ed at the end seems pointless but pay close attention: His reflection in the glass doesn't follow his actual movements! Once again I gotta say: There's something going on there. There have been those weird little glitches in reality throughout the season, many of which could have been production oversights but a lot of them would appear to be deliberate. Food for thought.

Also: This one had a lot more... let's say conventional pacing than most episodes so far. Apart from that Sarah Palmer scene there wasn't much in the way of empty space. Is Lynch done screwing around and actually gonna move the plot forward or is that just what he wants us to think? Only way to find out is to keep tuning in... time just seems to fly by when you're watching Twin Peaks.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I can't make heads or tails of what's going on with Audrey and Charlie. This episode was even more cryptic about it. Are they really husband and wife? Has Audrey developed some mental issues? I mean, it does seem to run in the family... They look like they're engaged in some sort of roleplay actually. Man, I dunno. There's something here that Lynch is not telling us. Logic would dictate that this is somehow gonna relate to Richard... I mean, he has to ber her son, right? Sure as hell isn't gonna be Johnny's.

The way Charlie talks to and deals with Audrey reminds me of a doctor treating a patient. And with Audrey losing her cool and cracking up in the episode... also the fact that they're still in the same place, apparently carrying the same conversation, and they cannot leave no matter how many times they make their minds about it. Either she's being interned somewhere (and she doesn't realize it) or Lynch just wants to underline how much married life can feel like being held in a mental asylum.

 

[KMills]

Thanks for sharing the informative post here.

 

[greenpete]

how much married life can feel like being held in a mental asylum.

good point.

I was so much looking forward to the new season, but now I understand I watch it just for the sake of the old times. It's just not the same

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

Something that's been circling the internet (didn't discover it myself): apparently the character Bushnell - Dougie's fatherly mentor - is an homage to Lynch's own mentor Bushnell Keeler, also the subject of his first [home] movie, "Sailing with Bushnell Keeler".

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

Who is that crying lady?

Renee, one of Shelly's friends who was already checking out James at the end of the second episode.

 

[PsychedelicDiamond]

Something that's been circling the internet (didn't discover it myself): apparently the character Bushnell - Dougie's fatherly mentor - is an homage to Lynch's own mentor Bushnell Keeler, also the subject of his first [home] movie, "Sailing with Bushnell Keeler".

I guess the name "Bushnell" is just unusual enough for it to be a deliberate reference. I was actually aware of that home movie, I've seen it a while ago when I was going over Lynch's short (really recommend "The Grandmother", by the way) but I didn't make the connection myself.

Who is that crying lady?

Renee, one of Shelly's friends who was already checking out James at the end of the second episode.

Ah, good to know. For a moment I actually considered if it might be Donna, played by yet another actress.

 

[PsychedelicDiamond]

Sorry for the doublepost:

Here we go, episode 14:

The pace really does seems to be picking up. Almost a bit abruptly, to be honest. So Janey-E is Diane's half sister... that's not contrived at all. That is, assuming Diane isn't lying on behalf of evil Cooper to somehow lure Gordon and Albert to Vegas. but then, why exactly would evil Cooper want that? I dunno, man. Gordon's Monica Belucci dream seemed a bit random but hey, flashback to Phillip Jeffries scene in FWWM. But, here's the thing: It wasn't the actual scene. Either it has been redubbed or they were using a different take but if you compare them you'll hear that Jeffries sounds different.

Chad was arrested. We know what he's done but how did they? I feel if there had been to short scenes, one of Miriam in the hospital waking up and asking if the sheriff's department had gotten her letter and another one of Truman talking to Lucy and telling him that Chad had intercepted the mail that day would have solved that problem.

Eyeless asian girl fell to earth. How about that. God know where this is gonna lead but she's making monkey noises. There was a monkey in Fire Walk With Me who voiced the name "Judy" who, of course, Philipp Jeffries was talking about and... I have absolutely no idea if there's any significance to any of that stuff. I dunno man, are we finally gonna talk about Judy?

Andy meets the giant and gets a flashback to episode 8 dumped onto him. He handled it surprisingly well, all things considered. Also, it seems like the giants real title is "The Fireman". Back in episode 8 he did respond to an alarm... kinda like a fireman would. Also, wasn't the log lady's deceases husband she was presumably communicating with through her log a fireman?

Today's long, awkward scene goes to that british guy telling James his superhero origin story. What exactly do we learn from it? Well, that portals to the lodge seem to open up all over the world. And that his green gardening glove gives him super strength. What are they setting up here?

Is Sarah Palmer the new host of Bob? We know that he left evil Coop back in episode 8. She's sure as hell posessed by something and we don't know what has happened to Bob after episode 8.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

But, here's the thing: It wasn't the actual scene. Either it has been redubbed or they were using a different take but if you compare them you'll hear that Jeffries sounds different.

I noticed too. The credits show an actor (didn't get the name) credited as "The Voice", figured that was it. Either they redubbed him to go around some weird legal problem or they've recast Jeffries as a disembodied voice. I forget if we ever actually hear him during any of the many phone calls that supposedly involve him. But if we have, or will, it might be that whoever voices those calls got to redub Bowie in that flashback.

 

[PsychedelicDiamond]

But, here's the thing: It wasn't the actual scene. Either it has been redubbed or they were using a different take but if you compare them you'll hear that Jeffries sounds different.

I noticed too. The credits show an actor (didn't get the name) credited as "The Voice", figured that was it. Either they redubbed him to go around some weird legal problem or they've recast Jeffries as a disembodied voice. I forget if we ever actually hear him during any of the many phone calls that supposedly involve him. But if we have, or will, it might be that whoever voices those calls got to redub Bowie in that flashback.

We heard his voice or at least the voice of someone Evil Cooper assumed to be Jeffries all the way back in episode 2, shortly after he killed Darya. But it was heavily distorted and I would have to look if it's credited to the same actor. There's actually a certain chance that whoever they all are in contact with might not even be the real Jeffries but someone else using his name for some nefarious purpose.

 

[the December King]

Now that we're on the home stretch I might as well share my impression with each individual episode...


Talking about interesting: The little scene with Big Ed at the end seems pointless but pay close attention: His reflection in the glass doesn't follow his actual movements!

Oh my god. That... that blew COMPLETELY by me.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

We all agree Billy HAS to be the drunk locked up beneath the sheriff's department, right? Dude bleeding endlessly and not making any sense? And Tina's daughter describes Billy on the night of his disappearence as "gushing blood like a waterfall" and not making any sense?

Also I'm not sure what to call the "paranormal place" any more. The place where the giant/fireman sits with Andy is the White Lodge, the Black Lodge, part of the Waiting Room, what is it?

 

[PsychedelicDiamond]

We all agree Billy HAS to be the drunk locked up beneath the sheriff's department, right? Dude bleeding endlessly and not making any sense? And Tina's daughter describes Billy on the night of his disappearence as "gushing blood like a waterfall" and not making any sense?

Also I'm not sure what to call the "paranormal place" any more. The place where the giant/fireman sits with Andy is the White Lodge, the Black Lodge, part of the Waiting Room, what is it?

For a while I was sure that Billy would be that farmer Andy was talking to about that stolen truck but that beat up looking guy in the cell would make more sense. Wonder if we're gonna get a clear answer to that. It's hard to distinguish what's gonna be plot critical and what, for the lack of a better word, is just worldbuilding. I'm almost sure puking girl in the car was the latter (but then, people puking is also kind of a theme in the season) I also strongly assume that Ben Hornes secretary and her disable husband are (but then, sickness and disability are also, for the lack of a better word, a thing throughout the season) I'm still not sure if anything's gonna come from 119 lady and her son but I'm assuming probably not. That whole off screen subplot about Billy seems like it's gonna come into play at some point but it might just aswell stay unresolved.

Well, the red room is the waiting room, that's quite clear, and I don't think the firemans castle is part of it. Back in season 2, didn't it come up that black lodge an white lodge might very well be the same place, that the white lodge was somehow corrupted and became the black lodge? I mean, look at the castle, it'd be quite beautiful if it had colour. So maybe it's the Black Lodge and the giant and the fat lady are remnants of the time it was the White Lodge. It's a very large castle and there's a chance the parts of it we don't see are inhabited by evil spirits. Of course that would beg the question where the convenience story is. I assume it might be or have been a place on earth that got taken over by black lodge spirits but then, wherever it was Cole was being pulled two episodes ago seemed to be that very store.

So, maybe black lodge and white lodge are not so much concrete places, but rather, in a way, spheres of influence of different types of spirits. What's pretty clear is that the red room is neutral ground where both can exist.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

We all agree Billy HAS to be the drunk locked up beneath the sheriff's department, right? Dude bleeding endlessly and not making any sense? And Tina's daughter describes Billy on the night of his disappearence as "gushing blood like a waterfall" and not making any sense?

Also I'm not sure what to call the "paranormal place" any more. The place where the giant/fireman sits with Andy is the White Lodge, the Black Lodge, part of the Waiting Room, what is it?

For a while I was sure that Billy would be that farmer Andy was talking to about that stolen truck but that beat up looking guy in the cell would make more sense. Wonder if we're gonna get a clear answer to that. It's hard to distinguish what's gonna be plot critical and what, for the lack of a better word, is just worldbuilding. I'm almost sure puking girl in the car was the latter (but then, people puking is also kind of a theme in the season) I also strongly assume that Ben Hornes secretary and her disable husband are (but then, sickness and disability are also, for the lack of a better word, a thing throughout the season) I'm still not sure if anything's gonna come from 119 lady and her son but I'm assuming probably not. That whole off screen subplot about Billy seems like it's gonna come into play at some point but it might just aswell stay unresolved.

Well, the red room is the waiting room, that's quite clear, and I don't think the firemans castle is part of it. Back in season 2, didn't it come up that black lodge an white lodge might very well be the same place, that the white lodge was somehow corrupted and became the black lodge? I mean, look at the castle, it'd be quite beautiful if it had colour. So maybe it's the Black Lodge and the giant and the fat lady are remnants of the time it was the White Lodge. It's a very large castle and there's a chance the parts of it we don't see are inhabited by evil spirits. Of course that would beg the question where the convenience story is. I assume it might be or have been a place on earth that got taken over by black lodge spirits but then, wherever it was Cole was being pulled two episodes ago seemed to be that very store.

So, maybe black lodge and white lodge are not so much concrete places, but rather, in a way, spheres of influence of different types of spirits. What's pretty clear is that the red room is neutral ground where both can exist.

On the subject of "is this important or not?": the shady handyman from episode one, Hank Filmore (briefly questioned by cops, then makes a call to a criminal associate he thinks has betrayed him). What was up with that?

 

[PsychedelicDiamond]

On the subject of "is this important or not?": the shady handyman from episode one, Hank Filmore (briefly questioned by cops, then makes a call to a criminal associate he thinks has betrayed him). What was up with that?

Probably not gonna be brought up again, it seems like we're pretty done with Buckhorn, now that Hastings is dead and the FBI is heading to Vegas. It's either a red herring or, again, worldbuilding. I feel like it was very much a deliberate decision to give off the feeling of more happening than the story we get to see. I mean, even in the old season it always seemed that the people of Twin Peaks had their own lifes, even when the camera wasn't on them, maybe it's the same thing here. I mean, we get the story about Cooper, his doppelganger, Cole, Albert and the police of Twin Peaks that we're following all the way through but a lot is happening on the side and not all of it is related to the main plot or even gonna have a payoff we get to see on screen.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

On the subject of "is this important or not?": the shady handyman from episode one, Hank Filmore (briefly questioned by cops, then makes a call to a criminal associate he thinks has betrayed him). What was up with that?

Probably not gonna be brought up again, it seems like we're pretty done with Buckhorn, now that Hastings is dead and the FBI is heading to Vegas. It's either a red herring or, again, worldbuilding. I feel like it was very much a deliberate decision to give off the feeling of more happening than the story we get to see. I mean, even in the old season it always seemed that the people of Twin Peaks had their own lifes, even when the camera wasn't on them, maybe it's the same thing here. I mean, we get the story about Cooper, his doppelganger, Cole, Albert and the police of Twin Peaks that we're following all the way through but a lot is happening on the side and not all of it is related to the main plot or even gonna have a payoff we get to see on screen.

I'm down for worldbuilding and I don't mind that everything isn't tied at the end with a big red bow. If say Mike Nelson doesn't show up again, well, whatever. And I'd rather imagine what happened to Donna or Catherine than be shown (a little in memoriam for Pete would be nice though). I do think every other returning character has been given a minor conflict to chew over, and hopefully that gets sorted out by the end and we get some closure on that. My wishlist is Bobby and Shelly get back together, Becky learns from mom and ditches the creep, Nadine leaves Ed (if she hasn't already) for Jacoby and Ed gets together with Norma, who doesn't let the Double R sell out. Basically take the opportunity to make things right for all these characters.

 

[the December King]

On the subject of "is this important or not?": the shady handyman from episode one, Hank Filmore (briefly questioned by cops, then makes a call to a criminal associate he thinks has betrayed him). What was up with that?

Probably not gonna be brought up again, it seems like we're pretty done with Buckhorn, now that Hastings is dead and the FBI is heading to Vegas. It's either a red herring or, again, worldbuilding. I feel like it was very much a deliberate decision to give off the feeling of more happening than the story we get to see. I mean, even in the old season it always seemed that the people of Twin Peaks had their own lifes, even when the camera wasn't on them, maybe it's the same thing here. I mean, we get the story about Cooper, his doppelganger, Cole, Albert and the police of Twin Peaks that we're following all the way through but a lot is happening on the side and not all of it is related to the main plot or even gonna have a payoff we get to see on screen.

I'm down for worldbuilding and I don't mind that everything isn't tied at the end with a big red bow. If say Mike Nelson doesn't show up again, well, whatever. And I'd rather imagine what happened to Donna or Catherine than be shown (a little in memoriam for Pete would be nice though). I do think every other returning character has been given a minor conflict to chew over, and hopefully that gets sorted out by the end and we get some closure on that. My wishlist is Bobby and Shelly get back together, Becky learns from mom and ditches the creep, Nadine leaves Ed (if she hasn't already) for Jacoby and Ed gets together with Norma, who doesn't let the Double R sell out. Basically take the opportunity to make things right for all these characters.

Augh... you two are already a week ahead of me. I'm sorry... my better half and I like to let the week pass to enjoy the show, friday night. I resist coming here to get the latest scoop... which is good, because I don't want to ruin what is to come (plus, we both get drunk to enjoy the episode), but damn.

I wanted Andy to hug the Fireman (for fuck'sakes, the Giant) after thew exposition. I wanted it because it would have blown the Giant/ Fireman's mind- which would have been most endearing, to both characters. To remind us that Andy is innocent and pure... and that the Giant doesn't know all!

But it was still a great episode, even if it was a bit ham-fisted. I didn't want Laura's mom to be a demon, that feels stupid, and honestly, a trucker just sidles up and demands ****?!? A little over the top. It feels like some sort of, I dunno, political commentary... but she HAS been acting weird.

My better half has decided to dwell on this episode for awhile, whilst I doth blabber my thoughts, wily- nilly.

I am sooo happy with this series.

PS: Does any one else find it incredibly endearing that that young woman is trying sooo hard to be a first class FBI agent (including the ridiculous poses she attempts to carry off naturally), that I sort of like the character at this point?!? Is this because I'm sexist, or is this because she really is developing as a character? I dunno. Rum is as much a factor as good judgement at this point.

All I know is, is that on Sept. 14th, I'm possibly getting a jade ring with a primitive owl glyph in it as a birthday gift.

Either that or a guitar

thanks for the thread.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I didn't want Laura's mom to be a demon, that feels stupid, and honestly, a trucker just sidles up and demands ****?!? A little over the top. It feels like some sort of, I dunno, political commentary... but she HAS been acting weird.

Maybe she got "that way" only recently... maybe she's somehow been replaced... remember when Hawk comes visit and he thinks he hears something in the kitchen, "Sarah" just waves it as something inconsequential... dunno, maybe Sarah has been replaced by something. As for political commentary, the show would've been long finished before last year's presidential elections, if that's what you're referring to.

PS: Does any one else find it incredibly endearing that that young woman is trying sooo hard to be a first class FBI agent (including the ridiculous poses she attempts to carry off naturally), that I sort of like the character at this point?!? Is this because I'm sexist, or is this because she really is developing as a character? I dunno

I started out hating Tammy. Actress seemed a bit stiff, plus it seemed unfair that a newcomer would hog so much screentime with Gordon and Albert. And when Diane started treating her so badly I kinda felt like rooting for Diane. Plus I know a lot of people didn't like the casting (apparently Tammy "writes" one of the Twin Peaks books, which I haven't read). But to be honest eventually I started liking her. Maybe something about the way she's been stomaching Diane's abuse (like Albert, who's adorable), and Diane turning out (possibly) to be a villain, which makes Tammy doubly the heroine. Or I just got used to her after so long, I dunno.

She hasn't really changed as a character, but I don't see how the other option is "we're sexist".

I am sooo happy with this series.

Me tooooooo.

 

[PsychedelicDiamond]

Here we go:

This episode hit that certain sweet spot between heartwarming and creepy that only Twin Peaks can absolutely masterfully.

I loved how genuinely sweet the beginning was, it's really great to see one of those little side story that seem so insignificant next to the overarching story pay off in a way that's genuinely emotionally resonant. Compared to the old show this season can feel a bit cold and detached at points but it's moments like these where it becomes clear just how much Lynch and Frost care about these characters.

The whole sequence with Bad Coop meeting Jeffries was beautifully creepy. It's just right up my alley, a mysterious rogue meeting an old aquaintance in a convenience store that doesn't exist and seems to be connected to another world. It seemed like something right out of Silent Hill. And then he actually went and talked about Judy, the absolute madman. Oh, an shoutout to Johnny for totally calling that Jeffries would take a different form now. If I didn't know any better I'd assume that it being what looks like a teapot was some joke about David Bowie being british. The question still left unanswered, of course, is "Who's Judy?" and, to be honest, I almost expected they'd never follow up on this line from FWWM. Oh, and Bad Coop has met Richard now, who did turn out to be Audrey's son, unsurprisingly. There's a pretty popular theory that Bad Coop might be his father, I do wonder if that's what they're gonna talk about. One thing I'm sure off is that if Mr. C wanted to kill Richard, he'd already have.

The bar fight with James and Freddy didn't have that much going on, aside from the roadhouse obviously not being able to afford ZZ Top and Renee's husband being Chuck, one of many names Audrey and Charlie have been talking about back in 12. Aside from that, the show obviously wants a lot of people to be in jail for the finale... wonder where that is going. So, who we've got there? An extradimensional being with no eyes, a crooked cop, a british superhero, a beat up looking man who can only repeat what other people say and James. They're either gonna try to kill each other at some point or form a Beatles coverband, provided they can dress Naido up as Yoko Ono.

Another genuinely emotional moment was the Log Lady's final phonecall. You know, all of that must have been pretty hard on everyone involved in making these scene. Coulson acting in it, knowing that she wouldn't have long either, Lynch having to direct her and Michael Horse having to react to it. Just... damn. And the light going out in her lodge sealed it. This show, man...

Audrey and Charlie... their scene felt as pointless as any but I've noticed something and I wonder if I'm just imagining it: Is it me or is their dialogue paced like it's from a sitcom, including pauses where there would be laugh tracks? Am I just being crazy? Either way, I don't think we should take them at face value. I mean, of course, on one hand it's depicting an almost comically disfunctional marriage, on the other hand I can't shake off the feeling that the whole thing is a metaphor for something. They're literally unable to leave.

Real Cooper only had a pretty short scene in this episode but if it isn't a particulary cruel fakeout it might be a pivotal one. Hearing the name Gordon Cole seemed to trigger something in him. You know, back when I watched Sunset Boulevard, about a year ago, hearing the name "Gordon Cole" in it made me chuckle too. It's a really, really great movie, too. Anyway, let's see if his little experiment with that electrical socket worked or if it's gonna leave him worse than before.