Twin Peaks

Season 1 – 85% – Watching Twin Peaks during the show's inception must have been a pleasure like no other. This complex experience at the beginning of the 90s, when carefully interconnected series were not yet common, felt like a revelation and even though we have witnessed many things during the golden and silver age of television, the unmistakable atmosphere still works perfectly in 2017 when I first encounter Agent Cooper. The investigative, relational, and societal aspects of the storytelling intrigue me to the maximum and I am eagerly looking forward to subtle hints about the expansion of the local mythology. Additionally, I find only those distinctive David Lynch touches (the dwarf) to be too prominent in the overall picture. Thanks to the perfectly written and portrayed characters (Dale, Norma, and Shelly are currently leading), I am wandering into the local woods with increasing joy and excitement. Season 2 – 65% – It has been a long time since I had such a question mark in my head, which represents at least somewhat indicative percentage rating for the second season of events and incidents from the unassuming town with woods and a waterfall. When Cooper is at the center of the action, completing the investigation into Laura's murder and surrounding himself with flawless supporting characters (Denise, Gordon, and Annie deserve much more screen time), it is still an almost flawless series full of great scenes. However, there are a lot of characters that I dislike and most of the time they annoy me immensely. Due to the many storylines of Ben, Jerry, Leo, Bobby, James, Hank, Nadine, and Pete (the clumsy acting from Jack Nance included), I was not far from giving it a lower rating. The salvation of Twin Peaks lies fortunately in the loving and friendly relationships of the better characters. Dale + Audrey, Dale + Annie, or Shelly + Gordon are instant bonds that I cheer for, and thanks to Angelo Badalamenti's undeniable soundtrack, I am regularly moved by them. This makes me struggle even more with the changes in individual moods, the impossible side stories (James and the mysterious unknown, Josie's catharsis, Nadine the wrestler, devilish child Nicky), and the (non)development of the popular mystery storyline. All the possible owls, Bob, caves, and secret entrances and rooms seemingly do not lead anywhere for a long time, and when we finally get to those places in the finale, I can hardly contain my disappointment with what I find there. Although Lynch still entertains me with his approach, using those meaningless scenes as storytelling points seems to be too much. Watching the famous last shot, I would have taken it as a decent stab in the back in the 90s. Seeing it now, with a jump almost a quarter of a century later, I am simply afraid. Fire Walk with Me – 80% – David Lynch and his beloved town exactly as I like it. He returns to the roots, tells what happened before the beginning, and still presents me with doses of Agent Cooper. Only the excessive amount of scenes with the Dwarf and his gang prevents it from receiving the highest rating. Primarily, it is a challenge to the fire's tragic story of the most famous local anti-heroine, whose fate I finally experience firsthand. I can mourn her ruined life even more, knowing that it is not just collective sadness. The Return – 80% – A lot of silence, a lot of panic-inducing noise, a lot of scenes whose meaning I have no chance of grasping, a lot of dead ends, and a lot of moments when I am not sure if I am watching the crucial point of the whole story or just a joke from Lynch stretched out for several minutes. The latest chapter resembles the old episodes only in hints, never allowing the viewer a complete understanding of what is being seen. Yet, it manages to captivate with tremendous force, making me marvel at Kyle MacLachlan's fantastic triple role, the touching moments, which surprise me the most because I never expect them in the given moment, and every cameo appearance of anyone familiar. The aura of Twin Peaks does not disappear; on the contrary, it thickens to unexpected dimensions. Although we are not destined to see the final resolution and the answering of remaining questions, I remain satisfied. And I know that I will want to come back here, even though after a slow viewing of the whole series over four months, I will need to take a deep breath. It just shouldn't take twenty-five years. (08.05.2017) (weniger) (mehr)