I watched Twin Peaks when it first aired in 1990-1991, and have seen some of the episodes several times since. In each review, I’ll avoid spoiling plot points of future episodes, but I will assume you’ve watched the show up to the episode being discussed. If you’re watching the show for the first time, I can’t guarantee that the comments will be spoiler-free, so tread carefully. Speaking of which, comments are greatly appreciated. It makes my audience feel real, and it’s always lovely to chat with someone about our common interest!
My reviews are on the informal side, and they vary in length (ranging from 215 to 2480 words). I’ll be using the original, purely functional episode titles, instead of the clumsy-English ones German broadcasters came up with (and which some of you may be familiar with; “Variations on Relations”, anyone?). Every episode is assigned a grade.
SEASON 1
SEASON 2
THE RETURN
After watching “the return”, I feel like I just spent 16 hours on LSD. What a waste of good TV time! Some might think David Lynch is a genius, I think he is a nut!
I can understand why you and others are disappointed, though I wasn’t. It was very different from the original show, but I loved it on its own terms.
Any plans to review the rest of Season 3? Your reviews are wonderful. š
Thanks, I really appreciate that! I get so little feedback about the site after putting so much work into it!
Life has gotten busier for me, and also I’ve found The Return tougher to review than the original series. But I do want to finish. Seeing nice comments like yours helps motivate me!
In the meantime, if you ever want to discuss particular episodes, please feel free to leave comments on the reviews!
When I started watching the original series, I would read your review after every episode. It helped me make sure I wasn’t missing anything and made me think a little more about the themes. I definitely seem to enjoy FWWM more than you (for my money, it’s the best Twin Peaks project), but I respect your critiques of it as well. How awesome would it have been if it had some of the missing pieces like Laura, Donna, and the Haywards, or Waiting for James? I’m looking forward to seeing your thoughts on the Return when you get around to it! Those episodes definitely have way more mystique around them….
That you read my reviews after watching each episode is even more of a compliment. Have you read my reviews of the first episodes of The Return?
There’s lots I love about FWWM. I feel most of the deleted scenes should stay deleted, with some exceptions, which I noted in my review of the box set: “There are some treats here, though, such as an extension of David Bowieās scene; a scene shared by Agent Cooper and Sam Stanley (which wouldāve made the filmās first act feel less disjointed from the rest); a touching scene between Laura and Donna; something I like to call āCeiling Fan Origin Storyā; and a suspenseful scene where Laura hides in some bushes. Most tantalizing, though, are the few scenes taking place after the series ends. They donāt reveal much, but they are still thrilling to watch.”
I did read your early Season 3 reviews and they definitely helped me understand some of the more āout thereā elements. I also fully agree that most of the missing pieces had no need to be there. We definitely didnāt need 10 minutes of Chet Desmond beating up Sheriff Cable! Iām very curious to know your thoughts on S3E8 or some of the ideas put forth later in the season (who is in Sarahās house?)
Like a lot of people, I was very impressed with Episode 8. I’ll save my ideas for when I write about it, but I will say (in case you don’t already know) that the woman in Sarah’s house at the end of the last episode is the actual owner of that house in real life! Make of that what you will… David Lynch’s work is always fun to try to figure out, though I agree with him that the most important thing is just the experience of watching it – the feelings it evokes.
Can you tell me how you found out about my site?
Oh, I should have specified – I’m wondering who the person in Sarah’s house is when Hawk does a wellness check and you hear weird rumbling in her kitchen. I absolutely loved the scenes in the last two episodes that connect directly with FWWM! I believe I found your site just looking for reviews of the episodes, and this page struck me with the level of detail and care in the writing.
Well thanks again for your kind words.
I have a thought about who’s in Sarah’s house in that scene. I’ll try my best not to make you wait too long for more reviews.
If you want to make sure you don’t miss new episode reviews, you can subscribe to site updates, just above the comment section on this page.
Will do!
Hey Adam! I finally wrote and published a review of Part 4 of The Return. Sorry for being so slow, but here it is: https://twinpeaksreviews.com/episodes/the-return-part-4/
Great review and glad you’re back! I was very sad to see that Harry didn’t return for this season, but Robert Forster does an amazing job. I always thought Wally Brando was a great inclusion and Michael Cera was the perfect casting for him.
I wonder why Michael Ontkean chose not to return. Apparently he was initially excited to do so.
I’ve always wondered this too. I believe I heard somewhere that it was due to health reasons? Maybe he believed he wasn’t up to act in so much television after having retired years ago. I’m most sad that Bowie couldn’t return as Phillip Jeffries š
By the way, did you get an automatic email notification when I posted my review of Part 4?
I absolutely LOVE your reviews, especially the little comments at the end š I am in the middle of my current rewatch, and after every episode, I read the corresponding review. It expands tge experience š You also helped me catch a few details I missed. Thank you for putting so much work into this! I hope you will find the time&energy to rev the remaining parts (but oh I definitely understand that The Return parts are more challenging to review :D)
Thanks again!
Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. I *want* to finish the reviews, especially since I’ve received some lovely comments like yours, but have had trouble making the time. It will get done; I just don’t know when. Feel free to comment on individual reviews if you have any thoughts to share on those episodes!