‘Twin Peaks 3×04’ Review
This episode is the one we’ve been waiting for, with Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) coming face to face with Gordon Cole (David Lynch) and Albert Rosenfield (Miguel Ferrer). Typically for Twin Peaks though, nothing is as it seems.
With Agent Cooper playing happy families as Dougie Jones, the other “Coop” faces his old boss and Albert. It isn’t long before they see through his act though. With mention of Philip Jeffries, will more be revealed from the Black Lodge?
In this fourth episode, we are getting more into what would be normal Twin Peaks territory, but with more of a hint of Fire Walk with Me. The movie, which works as a prequel to the series, introduced the idea of the Blue Rose investigation, and more importantly David Bowie’s character Philip Jeffries. The mention of this character has hinted at the potential of a cameo from Bowie, and this could be possible. The fact we have scenes featuring The Log Lady (Catherine Coulson) proves that it can be done. What we may find though is that the use of the name is simply a mind game by the doppelganger trying to get a psychological edge over his interrogators.
Back in Twin Peaks we are given plenty to chew on, which includes the Sheriff Truman we now have is Frank Truman (Robert Forster) brother of Harry. While I’m sure others would want to see Harry, Frank is still a worthy sheriff and fills the space left by Harry well.
The scenes we see in the sheriff’s station show that we are finally back in Twin Peaks territory. This includes the return of Bobby Briggs (Dana Ashbrook) who is now a deputy. His reaction to the picture of Laura Palmer reminds us of his relationship with her, though it seems a little over the top after all these years. When it comes to over-the-top performances though the most surreal has to be Michael Cera.
Debuting as Wally Brando, the son of Andy (Harry Goaz) and Lucy (Kimmy Robertson). Much will be said about Cera’s introduction, but his seemingly On the Waterfront inspired choice of attire and his Marlon Brando impression is very odd. I try not to say bad, because I think there is a reason for the character to be that way. Knowing how Twin Peaks works though, we may never be given the answer to this. It may simply be that he was born on Marlon Brando’s birthday so is a Marlon Brando character?
Then of course we have Dougie Jones, and his wife Janey (Naomi Watts). Fans of Mulholland Drive will be happy to see Watts in Twin Peaks, but I get the feeling that most (like me) want Agent Cooper to get his act together and get back to Twin Peaks. We obviously want a full-strength Cooper back, but for now we don’t have that. Just how long it will take for us to get it, is something we’ll have to find out.
Episode four of this season finally gives us what we want, and plenty of references to Twin Peaks lore. Fans who haven’t seen Fire Walk with Me may not understand some of the references, but there is plenty still there to pick out. This season of Twin Peaks is asking us to be patient as it builds up to the confrontation of the Coops, now to see if the Lynch obsessed audience will stick with it.
***** 5/5
Twin Peaks airs in the UK on Sky Atlantic on Mondays.
