half of Twin Peaks. It has been a while since the 3rd season concluded
and it has taken time for me to come to fruition with what I will exactly say on this review
for the last 10 episodes. I want to start of by saying if you havent
watched my review on the 1st half of Twin Peaks season 3, take a look at the card above
or in the description for the link. You dont necessarily need to watch it,
but Ill hate you forever if you dont On a happier note, I am happy to finally release
this massive monster of a video.
So just like the 1st half Ill talk about
my impressions on the technical details, how I feel each episode fits and finally score
it at the end of each segment, along with some theories I placed throughout the review. An interesting aspect to note about this season
is how is separates from our average television season. To explain this season is much like explaining
an 18 hour movie, since the overall idea of Twin Peaks: The Return is to look at that
universe at a different angle, which is one of the reasons season 3 is much different
than its prior installment. This is why the atmosphere has evolved into
a darker and subtler theme - the format has formed in an unordinary way.
In the end, you either accept its difference
or you dont. I am the Old Tin Man, if you are new to these
analysis videos, click the subscribe button below and keep an eye out for Twin Peaks analysis
videos. If you want to be notified when my newest
video is released click the bell notification button. We start this review with Part 9, the
follow up episode of the most bizarre, yet one of the most alluring pieces of season
3.
At this point, the story breaks into a different
route: Everything is starting to connect and slowly coming together. The major plots now involve all the characters
to go to a route towards Twin Peaks. Mr. C revived after being shot by Ray is on
a path to find the coordinates hidden from him, Gordon Cole is informed about Briggs
body leading him to uncover his secrets, which is also the same goal for the Twin Peaks sheriffs
department, and Dale Cooper who has shown his first signs of life as Dougie Jones, due
to his defense from Ike The Spike", has grown his association with Bushnell Mullins
allowing him to stay on a direct path.
Since Bushnells younger days as a champion
boxer, he might have appreciated Coopers defensive actions, along with his beneficial
actions that helped Bushnell with the insurance fraud. Cooper now has a valuable power behind him. This particular episode warms up the audience
to what is coming, almost foreshadowing the conclusion. At the Las Vegas police station, Cooper studies
an electrical outlet after acknowledging the American flag, which could resemble Dales
federal position, and a womens red shoes, which at first made me believe it was referencing
Audreys red shoes in the first episode of the first season, but after doing some
research, red shoes resemble power and identity.
Dating back to the 1600s, when King Louis
XIV wore red heals to display his aristocracy. Louis declared that only those dignified by
the royal court were allowed the benefit of having the crimson color on their shoes. Over time it become more of a way to identify
the role of a protagonist or antagonist in many fictional stories, such as The Wizard
Of Oz. Much like the red shoes that carried Dorthy
home, perhaps the red shoes is not only representing Coopers lost identity as an FBI agent,
but directing Coopers vision to his path back to reality, the electric socket, the
way in which he returns to his normal self.
I rate Part 9 a 4/5. After continuing from a mysterious and brilliant
episode that jumps back into the Twin Peaks timeline, "Part 9 slowly brings us back
to reality and gives a slight nudge that allows us to continue to a unknown direction. This episode, to me, is the stepping stone
to the 2nd half of the season and since Part 8 was such a high point in the season,
were expected to see a slow down right after, which necessarily isnt a bad thing. Instead of containing impressive discoveries,
Part 9 calms down the development in a delicate way that keeps the audience engaged.
Since, we dont understand a great portion
of Mr. Cs goal or how Dale will leave Dougies host, we can only wonder what to expect and
try to unravel what it all means. Part 10 takes an interesting perspective
on some minor characters. Besides the smaller portions with Dougie,
and the casual check up from Jerry in his newly found habitat, we are presented with
characters like, Carl Rodd, Happy Chad, the Mitchum Brothers and more importantly Richard.
Up to this point we have been so focused on
Dales recovery and Mr. Cs enigmatic passage, that instead following a lead role,
the episode gives us a better understanding of the environment around them. We especially uncover more of the newly introduced
Richard and his position in Twin Peaks. Besides the episode revolving around this
grotesque bastard of a man, I also want to note that a majority of the episode consists
of physical abuse.
Although I dont know if this display was
intentional, but it's interesting if we consider this focal point to represent Twin Peaks
current crippling condition, since we havent had a considerable amount of time in the town
so far to recognize its position. 25 Years can alter the lifestyle of a small
town and we have already seen so many newer concerns rise with the residents there, whether
it does affect the people around them or these problematic individuals are slowly becoming
a hazard to the town. We have learned in Part 7" that a illegal
prostration racket is established in Twin Peaks, a rather similar arrangement of the
brothel in One Eye Jacks, if not the same organization, which ultimately lead to Lauras
downfall. There are also people in the town like Sarah
Palmer, who are mentally unstable and further prove the towns diminishing circumstances.
And lets be real, the town would be better
off without someone like Chad. I rate Part 10 a 5/5. This episode is one of the few that explores
Twin Peaks community, especially through the eyes of its lesser known characters. The development of smaller roles is what makes
a show relatable and vigorous.
Part 10 disconnects from what is really
important at the time and instead asks the viewers why they should care about the residents
of Twin Peaks. Its as if Lynch and Frost wanted to prove
what is right from wrong in the episode. Although Dales progress is still a mystery,
we cant always expect a predictable straight line in the plot and were able to see the
balance in this episode. Part 11 is yet another episode that
revolves around a theme, this time consciousness.
Episodes like this one, with a deep meaning,
always seems to grab my attention and repeatedly prove to be a power to the story. Realization spreads in the characters that
something dreadful is happening. The episode is almost uncovering to the characters
their fate and how they must approach it. I think this is a great follow up episode
of the embodiment of a broken Twin Peaks universe, which was Part 10.
Its as if this episode is showing to some
of the characters what the audience experienced in the previous episode. Becky is becoming aware of Stevens intentions. He has become more disconnected, making Becky
find that her life is becoming a miserable mess. Her parents, Bobby and Shelly, even tell her
that she must leave Steven.
Moments later in the Double R Diner, after
a bullet accidentally fires, Bobby examines the madly obnoxious driver with her demon
possessed, daughter? I dont know. This particular scene is remarkably well done. At first glance, you might wonder why is the
girl from The Exorcist casted in Twin Peaks, but we are looking at this scene through
Bobbys perspective, so imagine looking through the eyes of someone who sees their
life tearing apart. Bobby is finding out, if not for the first
time, that his daughter has been dealt a bad hand and his ex, Shelly, has moved on and
given up moving their relationship forward.
The display of this abnormal demon girl is
an exaggeration of Bobbys imagination representing his emotional direction. So in reality this girl doesnt have Satan
on her side. Bobby is realizing things are changing in
a negative way that he doesnt think he will be able patch up, as we see him blankly
staring at the sickly girl. In Las Vegas, the Mitchum brothers make arrangements
to meet and deal with Dougie Jones, which is one of the best segments of this episode.
Not only are the brothers some my favorite
in the season and their portrayal fits the odd ambience, that is Twin Peaks, but we see
them in a sudden turn from fury to containment in a matter of minutes. This quirky performance of misinterpretation
with Dougie and the brothers is a great example of how Twin Peaks incorporates a tense scene
in the best way. The last I want to talk about in this episode
is the moment when Dale brings his attention to the piano players newly started arrangement. This is the last bit of realization in this
episode and has to be one of my favorite moments in this season.
The music is strikingly moving and Kyle MacLachlans
expression shows so much emotion, yet so little reason. The pianist hits a nerve in Dales body
that allows him to come to the realization of something important, but to the audience,
its unseen. The unclear nature of this alert Dougie Jones
is what makes this moment dramatic, whatever he is coming to realize, it an important key
that will help him on his journey. I rate Part 11" a 5/5.
The symbolistic theme of consciousness
seems to set the uneasy tone that will play a part in the final episodes. It is episodes like Part 11 that make
an excellent addition to the season. Part 12 is unfortunately when things
start to slow down. For me, there was a huge decline of exploration
for the audience, we were shown a lighter portion of details that to a degree maintain
a neutral pace.
Although, to find the good out of bad, there
are a few major parts in the episode I would say are key points to the story and to my
enjoyment. Gordon and Albert inducted Tamara Preston
into the Blue Rose task force, which carries onto The Secret History of Twin Peaks
book series. Just go read that series to understand what
I mean. As for the last thing that kept my animosity
from escaping the gates of hell for this episode, is the awkward engagement between Albert,
Gordon and his French date.
This scene is a great example of Lynch comedy,
hilariously odd and lengthened out. I rate Part 12 a 2/5. With all respect, this happens to be my least
favorite episode of the season. The episode felt shorter than other episodes,
making it feel as if the story was in a sort of suspension.
One of the parts that I was looking forward
to this season was Audreys introduction, and Part 12s presentation of her
felt strained. Without any grand entrance or at least a slow
camera pan that reveals her in the shot, the first scene cuts to her talking to mysterious
husband Charlie. Now after an almost 12 hours, we have been
waiting for Audrey to appear in some way, but its understandable to take some time
to reintroduce her into the series, especially with her cliffhanger conclusion in season
2. Still we have also been given so much information
to piece together since Part 1 that when Audreys plot is brought into the mix,
I got confused with all the additional characters introduced in a span of minutes.
Not only is Audrey stressed about about her
new boyfriend Billys whereabouts, she makes Charlie call Tina to find out where Billy
is, but immediately after, at the Roadhouse, Abbie and Natalie talk about their friend
Angelas obsession with Clarke, who apparently is with Mary. OMG Mary, how could you? Unfortunately Trick didnt get hit by a
car, so we had to see him come into the scene as well. Now I have come to the conclusion that these extra
characters are a part of Audreys plot line, so Im contemplating their existence now
that the season is over. Either way, I will get a migraine if I try
to uncover Abbie, Natalie, Angela, Clarke, Mary and Tricks meaning any further.
I do want to note that even though I didnt
fully enjoy this episode, Ill note that any successful story are bound to have a few
hiccups every so often. Patience is key. For the case of Twin Peaks: The Return, an
18 hour movie is a lot of time to fill and you could possibly say missteps comes with
experimenting. Part 13 is an episode that heavily relies
on the storys subplots and sadly falls short due its gradual progression in those
characters, as well as its previous episodes drop; making this episode slower than most.
Thankfully there are many points in the episode
that make up for its moderate progression. Lets just say the concluding performance
of Just You at the Roadhouse made us remember just how cheesy James really is. What expresses Twin Peaks weird atmosphere
more than a throwback like this? I dont care if James has a new crush, I
only care that James still hasnt learned any new way to pick up a girl, or even a new
song. Although the most important segment that carried
this episode is the scenes with Mr.
C entering The Farm and dueling big muscles in
an arm-wresting contest. The great thing about this scene is how interesting
Mr. C has come along. Since Dales evil side is still mysterious
to us, its refreshing to see how he taunts his opponent as if he would gain anything
besides intimidation.
It makes you wonder what exactly Mr. C went
through since his entry to Twin Peaks 25 years ago, how did he learn to communicate effectively
and not raise any flags that made his identity obvious. I rate Part 13 a 3/5. Although the episode didnt hit any hard
confirmations of the big picture, but it was pleasant to see more time in Twin Peaks, something
I think everyone was looking forward to in this return.
Despite being one of the few episodes that
didnt stand out, the episode gave us more curiosity on whats to come. With 13 hours past so far, Part 14 has
got to be one of the most crucial episodes so far in the season. It is in this episode that we see a large
portion of the major characters understanding their part in this imperative goal. Cole recalls a dream he had where he met up
with Monica Bellucci and her friends, in which she encourages him to visit a past forgotten
memory with Phillip Jeffries.
Back in 1989, Phillips suddenly appears at
the FBI offices in Philadelphia and asks if Cole actually knows who Agent Cooper is. This is the same scene taken from the feature
film Fire Walk With Me, although not in its entirety. There is a lot to consider here:
Why has Cole and even Albert forgotten a crucial memory such as this? Is Cole only recollecting a small portion
of the memory? And who does Monica Bellucci represent? If you were to look back at the original scene
from the 1992 movie, it looks as if Phillips arrival is a part of Dales dream, its
unclear exactly if Cole and Albert actually experienced it as well. Still it was forgotten and there was much
more Phillip was saying in that film, although to the audience most of his explanation was
distorted by an overlay of the room above the convenience store.
One clear phrase from Jeffries in that scene
was We live inside a dream. Monica Bellucci and her friends could somehow
be connected to the Fireman and the black lodge or a emissary to relay the truth about
Dale Cooper. It is also at this time when Diane reveals
that Janey-E is her half sister. Knowing that this Diane was manufactured,
this reveal must have been planned by Mr.
C to allow contact between Cole and Cooper. This must have been another attempt from Mr.
C to stop Dale from progressing any further. Considering that Diane has become a part of
Cole's investigation, she can guide the others astray while she can somehow seize Dale. Back at Twin Peaks, Andy appears in front
of the Fireman and is presented with enough information to allow him to direct everyone
in the right path.
This path is yet another way to ensure Mr.
Cs capture, but was it in the best interests for Dale? In my finale analysis video I explained my
thoughts on the Fireman and Dales relationship. I believe they made a deal to allow Dale to
reenter the real world to capture Dales doppleganger and save Laura Palmer, but Dales
fate is decided by the Fireman. This whole season Mike has been overseeing
Dale in Dougies state, which could possibly be to truly help Dale, but the Firemans
intentions are so unclear that he could be more evil than we make him out to be. The last this episode has to give us is Sarah
Palmers abnormal behavior.
Sarah has been one of the many mysteries in
this season that we have seen very little of. Its difficult to pinpoint where she has
been and how she has turned into this monstrous being. However, in this state, she resembles her
own daughter from the Red Room. Both Sarah and Laura remove their face to
expose a void past their mask, but under their disguise they have a distinct appearance.
Lauras void is radiant and pleasant, while
Sarahs is ominous and unnerving. The difference is like heaven and hell, Laura
being an angel and Sarah a demon. Its as if Laura was Sarahs happiness
and once Laura departed Sarah lost her sanity and gave into a dark presence. I rate Part 14 a 4.5/5.
This episode somehow feels like a dream of
sorts and I know that sounds strange, but so many of these scenes revolve around reminiscing
and moments that seem to be perceived illogically. Imagine Sarahs outburst and how it leads
to no consequences for her in the end, or at least that we can see. I could be wrong, but Im almost certain
that she would have been under investigation by the sheriffs department, because of
this specific event. This is one of those scenes that could possibly
be a part of Sarahs imagination, which makes this episode much more fascinating.
We are unsure what exactly is happening in
reality and if what we are seeing is actually falsehood. Unfortunately, I think what didnt get me
to rate this a full score was my decline in captivation due to the past 2 episodes. Like I have said before Part 12 made
a decline, thus impacted the following episodes. So Im reviewing the episode based on my
initial reaction, which was a little less engaged at the time.
Granting all that, I think Lynch placed this
episode exactly where it needs to be, along with every other episode this season. Part 15 is an episode that remains on
a steady pace, but establishes a base for the concluding episodes. Ed finally proposes to Norma, which concludes
their sub plot. As a fan favorite, Eds storyline feels
cut short.
Eds plot presented a short love story where
he harbors feelings for a past lover, Norma, but wins her over in the end. The story didnt stray from this path in
the given time with Ed. We are only given 2 episodes out of the 18
with Ed, which was also presented late in the season. The idea of this season is to feature the
Twin Peaks universe in a different light with a new motif, but a sub plot, such as Ed and
Normas, could have further boosted the other sub plots.
Before I complain too much about this, I do
want to note that Everett McGill, the actor playing Big Ed, is one of the few in the cast
that retired and only returned to reprise his role specifically for Twin Peaks. McGill retired back in 1999 and to return
after a long break shows a great deal of devotion and enthusiasm for the series. Although its unfortunate to see a Ed in a
small scale, I think we are lucky for him to come back after so many years. Besides the interesting interaction between
Mr.
C and the robot version of Phillip Jeffries, there was a couple of scenes that stood out. The James and Freddie duo made an excellent
fight scene at the Roadhouse and when I mean fight scene I mean Superhuman Green
Hand' Freddie taking out the trash, while James gets pushed around. The last prominent scene was the one where
Margaret, the Log Lady, spoke her final words to Hawk, making a stunning and heartbreaking
moment. The actress, Catherine Coulson, passed before
the premiere of this season and seeing her last performance was truly fascinating.
I rate Part 15 a 3/5. The buildup of the season up to this point
has made me wonder how will this season will come to a close. Even seeing some of the concluding minor plots
in this episode you can tell a majority of the story will be left in a cliffhanger, which
is expected. Even though Eds plot line wrapped up so
quickly, it is one of the few that actually concludes in a pleasing way.
Since season 3 is represented as an 18 hour
long movie, we gotta imagine this season with an enormous three-act structure and from this
episode on, we are on the last highest peak, which is the resolution. Part 16 has got to be one of the greatest
episodes of the season, since it has the greatest moment we have been waiting for since the
start, Dales return. The whole season has been carefully assembling
Dales recovery from the help of MIKE and the Red Room. Even in his unresponsive state, Dale has gained
substantial allies that at this point would help carry him back to Twin Peaks to finish
his job.
Whats even better is that this whole episode
is arranged flawlessly that reminds the audience why we love this show and how it proves itself
once again. With a ridiculous shootout in front of the
Jones house, Mr. C receiving father of the year award by electrocuting his son, Diane
revealing herself as a tulpa after explaining her night with Mr. C, and a tender moment
with Dales departure from his new found family, Janey-E and Sonny Jim,
There isnt a moment where the tension breaks and we are left wanting more.
Its a nonstop road that makes this entire
season worthwhile. For gods sake, we finally get to relive Audreys
dance, but for it to be suddenly taken away and to be one of the most puzzling, yet intriguing,
moments of the season. I rate Part 16 a 5/5
This episode starts the conclusion in a positive light and it rolls through the rest of the
season like this. I would love to go into further detail on
more of the events that take place in the episode, but an episode such as this could
be discussed for a great amount of time.
Since Part 17 and 18 were released
at the same time, Im counting these 2 hours as a two-parter, thus I will review them as
a whole. At this point, the plot puts the spotlight
on Dales imperative goal to stop Mr. C. And his return to the rural town of Twin Peaks.
Besides Part 8, we havent yet had
an episode where the plot is centralized to an individual scenario and Part 17 plays
in this unordinary fashion. Part 18 is even more clear-cut, since
the majority of that episode keeps the audience unaware of the surroundings and through the
point of view of Dale. In the last episode, Dale is directed in an
entirely new direction, one that seemed to be projected, yet it was unexpected by the
viewer and even Cooper. As I have explained earlier, ive come up
with the speculation that Dale and the Fireman agreed on a deal that will allow Dale to return
and save Laura, but in return he would have to compensate for his actions.
This is what I believe Part 18 is and
if youd like to see more of my thoughts on the finale, find my analysis for it in
the card above and the description below. I discuss these last 2 episodes in greater
detail in that video. Going back to Dales arrival in Twin Peaks
and his success in imprisoning Mr. C, he reverses Dianes mask from Naido in which Dales
translucent face announces, We live inside a dream in the deep tone of Mr.
C. This is the exact phrase Phillip Jeffries
said to Gordon Cole in that lone scene in Fire Walk With Me, the same scene we
discussed back in Part 14. Another segment that had two scenes coinciding
against each other. Since Jeffries disappearance back in 1987,
he returned to Cole in 1989 with an unusual nature.
He was difficult to comprehend for Gordon,
Albert and Dale, since he was accusing Cooper to be a false identity, even though Dale didnt
recognize him. Wherever Jeffries was, he was affected by
Judy in his investigation in 1986 at Buenos Aires. Could the Good Dale in this scene be
deceiving everyone and putting up a front or could he have altered from his 25 year
confinement and be much like Jeffries after his encounter with Judy? Even though, it should be expected that this
is a case we must analyze on our own, these last 2 episodes makes a dark and bizarre presentation
into an enigma. We cant be too certain of what to make
of Dales journey coming to a close and where it will lead him.
I rate "Part 17" and 18" a 5/5 as a whole. The finale is one that is peculiar and pleasing
in a robust kind of way. When it comes to David Lynch, we have come
to recognize and appreciate his inconspicuous design. Were given a reason to predict our own
outcome and its because of this seasons conclusion that has gotten everyone to examine
it more closely.
If you loved or hated it, we speculate it
no matter what. Twin Peaks: The Return rebuilt the universe
of Twin Peaks, although it has formed into something unusual, yet satisfying. The 3rd season makes a darker and even more
intricate rendition of Dales psychological struggle to fix what he was out to do in the
original 2 seasons. The 2nd half of this season slowly pushes
the viewer through the last leap of Dales attempt.
Although these 10 episodes have more lower
scores than my 1st half, I wouldnt say the show was a disappointment after those
initial episodes. I believe a majority of what we expected from
this season presented itself here. I do think the curiosity of the shows progression
in Part 12 subsided the momentum, which carried on for the episodes that followed. Although, the show reached one of the seasons
highest peak soon after.
To conclude this seasons review, I rate
Twin Peaks season 3 a solid 5/5. Although there were a few concerns with the
progress, I believe this season plays an important part not only to Dale Coopers storyline,
but to the evolution to the Twin Peaks universe. What is your favorite episode of the season
and what do you take from it? Thank you everyone for watching this analysis. If you want to join our community and see
more analysis content on Twin Peaks, click the subscribe button to join the community.
Anyway, what do you want to see me analyze
next? Thank you once again and Im looking forward
to hearing from you..
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