Season 1

The imagination and inventiveness we find in our own dreams is ever-present within the first season of Twin Peaks. Secrets consume, emotions run high, and nightmares lurk around nearly every corner. And like a dream - for better or worse - everything doesn't always make sense. Be they plot-holes, unexplained actions, or simply the bizarre directorial or editing decision, the first season of Twin Peaks is chock full of both the positive and negative qualities of any dream.

While the story and mystery contained within is intriguing, to say the least, it is often undermined by poor performances, mid-season episodes which drag, and a score which - while instantly iconic - often takes precedence over any emotion one ought to feel. Furthermore, though the show certainly has its dream-like moments and there is much discussion of said dreams, there is a sense of restraint in each episode; almost a palpable fear to not go too far. Moreover, each and every episode never seems to land its ending: there is almost always some less-than stellar cliffhanger.

These negatives being stated, the positives certainly take precedence. Though not every performance is incredible, a wide variety are memorable if not outstanding. Though not every episode is grand, there are many moments scattered throughout which are noteworthy. And, though not technically flawless, there are times when the show excels in presenting a simply symphonic combination of excellent direction, editing, cinematography, and sound. The initial season of Twin Peaks is like a passing dream you'll look back on fondly. It may not have always been perfect, and at times it could certainly be rough to get through. But, it's also a dream you hope you'll never forget. One which, every once in a while, you can look back upon, take a moment to yourself, and smile.

Location: Home
Display: TV
Audio: TV Speakers
Source: Blu-Ray
Audience: Accompanied

Twin Peaks was hard to make sense of during the first few episodes. I honestly didn’t know much about the show outside the fact that it was beloved by many. The almost comical level of melodrama and occasionally questionable acting had me second guessing whether this was really deserving of its praise. But as my high rating would suggest, the show did grow on me considerably. After the adjustment period to the bizarre nature of Twin Peaks, I was positively hooked. This is primarily thanks to Kyle MacLachlan’s performance as Agent Dale Cooper. He somewhat reminds me of Superman in that he shares Superman’s relentless passion to fight against the evils of the world and has an unshakable faith in his purpose. The difference is that Dale Cooper lacks Superman’s infinite powers and abilities. He’s flawed but he sure tries his damned hardest to preserve justice, and for that reason Dale Cooper is one of my all time favorite TV characters.

If I were rating season 1, the first 9 episodes of Season 2 and it’s finale, then this would be an easy 5 star. But as many know, after the reveal of Laura Palmer’s killer, season 2 takes a hard nosedive. Not a slight dip in quality, we’re talking seriously awful stuff. It’s not too much of an issue since it’s quite easy to skip all the trash and season two’s brilliant finale did set the stage for Twin Peaks Season 3 - The Return.

There is a difference between unique and influential products. While unique works tend to keep their edge and traits for years after release, influential works are strongly related to the time they were created. What was felt as fresh and innovative back then tends to become stale and trivial over time as it gets endlessly imitated by later products. "Twin Peaks" has a little bit of both. I got a chance to rewatch the original series after decades and could feel both its unique and influential elements. It felt a bit old and trite at times, but after getting back into the mood I thought the show still holds pretty well. The exaggerated soap opera elements are hilarious but are well-balanced by the crime fiction storyline and uncanny, surreal elements. The first season has very little action and takes its time to introduce Twin Peaks and its inhabitants. Quality is not so uniform as different directors and writers took part in the project, but overall everything is well-balanced and, despite the slow pace, hooky enough. Attention lowers a bit towards the end, but the intense and over-the-top season finale manages to effectively bring us back on board. Donna and James' story was the only thing that felt a bit tired, sometimes even painful to watch though. Did anyone really care about them?