David Lynch’s cult essential Twin Peaks ran on ABC for a controversial two years, fraught with mixed reviews, inconsistent ratings, and a devoted fanbase that hyped the appeal for the show over the next three decades. Its cult status generated enough interest for the sequel series, subtitled The Return, which garnered stellar reviews and gave Lynch some of his best notoriety. As the years pass, more Twin Peaks fans inexplicably pop up – the unique series’ blend of genres and peculiar Lynch stamp makes it truly one of a kind.
‘Twin Peaks’ Non-Spoiler Summary
A murder in a small town brings FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper to Washington state; during his investigation, he uncovers the lies embedded in the seemingly typical place where a dangerous secret will alter the lives of everyone Cooper meets. Even he is not exempt from the evils in Twin Peaks.
Depicting Crime on TV has Exponentially Grown
In the years following Twin Peaks, crime shows became less about fun cop stories, diverting into new, grittier takes on criminals like The Sopranos, The Wire, and Breaking Bad. Unscripted TV shows like Cops and the recent deluge of true crime series broke viewership records in the 2000s, and a new crime show debuts weekly. Twin Peaks stands out due to its myriad of extra twists to what can be a supremely formulaic genre, but its initial crime hook gets enough viewers to the pilot episode.
Supernatural Shows Are All the Rage in the New Millenium
When The X-Files picked up former Twin Peaks viewers with an all-new brand of weirdness, it proved that Lynch and co-creator Mark Frost were ahead of their time by rooting their show in the supernatural. Though it takes time to develop, the inhuman elements of the show add an unexpectedly gripping layer that rewards the viewer’s patience in the extended Season 2 stretch and fully capitalizes on their exciting endeavors.
The Surreal and Uncanny Lynchian ‘Twin Peaks’
Twin Peaks is only a minor piece of Lynch’s initial fame, however essential it is by the time The Return came along. Many of his directorial features, including Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet, and his debut film Eraserhead, helped make “Lynchian” an iconic term regarding his signature dream logic style. The biggest surprise to unexpecting viewers of Twin Peaks is how far the show goes off the rails, like a trip into an alternate, eerie, sometimes even wacky universe. However, surreality is the extraordinary element that has kept the staunch supporters on its side for decades.
Michael Ontkean and Kyle MacLachlan in ‘Twin Peaks’
To a Lesser Extent … the Teen Drama
Though the critics might disagree, Twin Peaks‘ extensive teen drama plotline with Donna, Audrey, and Bobby likely does not hurt the show’s appeal with some viewers. It takes up most of the second season, making it an unfortunate crawl to a stunning end for more than a few, but those who can handle it can then get into the enthralling final season, so the trek is assuredly worth the effort.
The stunning arc of Twin Peaks makes this old favorite worth returning to for the select fans absorbed by its slow-burning thrills and sheer oddity. Regardless of your repulsion to these tropes, Twin Peaks is a rare experience where anyone can find something to admire.
Twin Peaks is streaming now on Paramount+.
