Twin Peaks (TV Series 2017) Poster

(2017)

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9/10
Sure to be controversial but rewarding for Lynch fans
dkwestbrook12 May 2019
If you're not a fan of David Lynch then you're not going to like this show. End of story. Unless you've watched and loved Lynch's movies like Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, Lost Highway, Mulholland Drive and Inland Empire, then you're not going to like The Return. This is hardcore Lynch, challenging for even his biggest fans. I wouldn't call The Return a sequel to the original Twin Peaks. It's more a sequel to Fire Walk With Me than anything else, with a few elements of Twin Peaks sprinkled in. So, if you're just a fan of the original Twin Peaks and you're not familiar with Lynch's work, then The Return is not for you. You're not going to like it, I can assure you of that.

This is ARTHOUSE TV. It's not a murder mystery like the original. It's a hardcore surrealist midnight movie style psychological horror. And while I love it because of that, I can see why some people hate it.
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8/10
For those who liked the weirdest parts of Twin Peaks
cherold30 May 2017
A quarter of a century after it ended, Twin Peaks gets a season 3. That in itself is part of the weirdness of Twin Peaks; it's not a reboot, or a remake, it's just ... season 3, picking up just where season 2 left off.

No one but David Lynch would do that.

I suspect whether you will love or hate this series return (and people seem to do one or the other) will depend on what you liked about the original Twin Peaks. If you liked the quirky soap opera aspect of things in plot threads like the lumber mill, well, this might not be for you. If, like me, your favorite scenes were the really weird ones like the hotel scene that began episode 2 and the amazing scene of the kid and the creamed corn, and if you didn't understand while people didn't appreciate the utter brilliance of Fire Walk With Me, then you'll probably like this.

The series begins with the weirdness turned up to ten and the eventfulness turned down to zero, as though Lynch is saying, yes, I made Twin Peaks, but don't forget I'm also the guy who did Inland Empire.

After a while the Inland Empire aspects thankfully become fewer and there is more of the quirky humor of the original series (as in a scene with cops try to track down a key to an apartment), actual story and character, and Lynch's typical approach of painting a placid surface and then showing the rot underneath. And some of the old elements of the series, like a weirdly ageless Kimmy Robertson as Lucy and Lynch as Gordon Cole, are every bit as fun and funny as they were in the original.

At times full Lynchian madness flares up, like the a-bomb test episode that thrilled some people and that annoyed others, like me. Other times, Lynch shocks everyone by actually offering detailed explanaions of some of the mysteries he has raised in the original series and Fire Walk with Me. At times Lynch seems to be saying, "here's a sensible answer to that thing you've been wondering about for years, but before you get too happy here's another unexplained weird thing to replace that."

I wasn't as fanatic about Twin Peaks as some people. I didn't find the pilot especially interesting until funny, eccentric Dale Cooper appeared, and without Kyle MacClachlan I probably never would have watched the second episode. I didn't fully love the series until the incredible weirdness of the second season, and that love didn't last long since the show quickly spiraled into a disastrous mess.

That may be why I enjoy this third season and Fire Walk With Me; they represent David Lynch giving me the aspects of the series I love without all the boring soap stuff.

Some of Twin Peaks is hugely annoying, other parts are utterly fascinating. Overall, I found it very entertaining, and if it's not everything I want (after 4 episodes I rated this 9 stars, but at season's end dropped it to 8), well, that's David Lynch.

One final note. I've seen several reviews saying that the only people who like this series are "hipsters." This is the silliest critique I've ever seen. I'll admit I don't know much about hipsters except they wear funny mustaches and churn their own butter, but my guess is hipsters are not all people who like to watch a revival of a series they don't remember starring a bunch of people old enough to be their parents. Just a guess.

No, you silly 1-star reviewers, I'm not a hipster, and I'm not, as some have suggested, a "paid reviewer" (although if someone can tell me how to make money by writing IMDb reviews please do so). I'm just someone who likes David Lynch when he's very weird but not tediously, incomprehensibly so. And that's what, for the most part, Twin Peaks the Return gives its audience.
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8/10
A masterful continuation of the original saga
FabledGentleman22 May 2017
It's finally here! And the first 2 hour episode of season 3 is an absolute joy to watch. When the original series aired, i was in my early teens, but i could still enjoy the show. I might not have understood all that was going on, but as it turned out, neither did anyone else.

This was the magic behind Twin Peaks, it had no conclusion, like ever. It's the everlasting chase or hunt for something, that is never found. And once the murderer was revealed in the original series, the viewers left the show quickly, it wasn't suppose to be revealing. People watched it for the mystery, and apparently this mystery could have been stretched for 10 seasons, and people would still have been glued to their seats every time a new episode aired. The show was that captivating, more so than almost anything ever aired before.

This was so different from anything else back then, no one had ever dared to make something like this, almost not even with movies. Actually the show was intended to be just a TV movie, but the people that saw it went ballistic, so they decided to make 7 episodes to air. But then the show exploded in popularity and got 10+ emmy award nominations and suddenly the show became insanely popular.

It's kind of a mystery how, it was definitely not a show made for everyone, but still, it ranks as one of the best shows of all time. Why? What was so special about this show? Well you could probably line up 10 professors and movie experts to try and explain it, you would probably get 10 different answers.

So here we are 25+ years later. The first episode of the new season has just aired, and i am thrilled. This was an absolute joy to watch, and it captures the essence of the original series really well. You can tell that Lynch is all over it, he has total control. And just as you would expect, it is bizarre, weird, mystical, scary and incredibly entertaining. And i have no idea what so ever what is happening.

When i saw this first episode i thought of Quentin Tarantino a lot and how great he is at setting up conversation scenes with lots of tension, like the pipe scene at the beginning of Inglorious Basterds. Which is one of the best scenes in all of movie history.

Here in this first episode you have this kind of tension in almost every scene, and the people could be doing anything. Eating donuts, checking voicemails, deliver packages, watch TV, have sex. Whatever, the suspense is with it all the way, and i have no idea why, because i have no clue what I'm watching. It's just there.

This is one of the things that makes Twin Peaks so special, you are just along for the ride, no matter where it takes you, just enjoy the moment. Let it embrace you, it is what you want it to be. And this show does this better than any other TV show in history. The new season is apparently no exception. After the first episode I'm sold, when the song was performed at the end of it, while we see many of the original cast come together, that just sealed it for me, what a way to continue the saga. Absolutely brilliant film making.

I can't wait to see the rest of it, this is quality.

10/10 first episode - Masterful
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10/10
10-star reviews are right, 1-star reviews are right
simodeev17 June 2019
It's condescending to tell people they don't 'get it', and it's narrow-minded to claim anyone who loves it is pretentious. I adored this new Twin Peaks, and I understand why it's divisive.

In his old age, an artist had a chance to throw a kitchen sink's worth of ideas on screen, under the banner of his old show, with complete creative control. Good on him I say! That creative control means many of the aspects which came from others in the original show are missing.

I was compelled from start to finish. I appreciated its slow rhythms, found the pacing hypnotic. I'd understand why many fans would despise its new form. I wouldn't blame them for it.

If you're after a fully-resolved, tightly-plotted, didactic storytelling, you won't get it. You'll be frustrated by scenes which suggest the story is kicking into high gear in traditional Hollywood ways, only to then be presented with a five minute shot of a man cleaning a floor.

This jarring approach... loose ends, unresolved plots, ambiguity and odd pacing are understandably annoying for many. It does lack the melodrama of the earlier series, but there's still a warmth to many of the characters, you are just less guided by music and tight plotting. It's a feat to me that it is somehow utterly absurd yet simultaneously feels more grounded, but this show is not going to tell you a tight story with a guiding hand.

Personally, I haven't received this feeling from any US cinema in the past few decades, and I love it. Twin Peaks The Return gave me space to let my mind wander in the same way an Apichatpong Weeresthekul film might. That's a very personal thing, for me it's not boredom, it's a space to imagine and open my mind.

There's a lot of hyperbole surrounding David Lynch but his works are the summation of his very clear influences, like any other artist. You can see it all very clearly, and I happen to share many of his loves, so it's exciting for me. Here it's the usual Cocteau, Anger visuals, noir and 50s stylings, but there are clear nods to everything under the cinematic sun, from Jacques Tati to Tarantino and early silent cinema. I loved that, it feels like a celebration of cinema!

The tone jumps from humour to horror in a heartbeat, each episode is jarring in barely-cohesive ways but for me, somehow it coalesced. The show feels liberated, free of expectation and cliché. It put me under a spell, certainly not because I was instructed to by critics at large but because together, all these disparate elements felt refreshing.

I don't think it's a puzzle to be solved, I don't think there's a bullet-point explanation to the story sitting in a locked vault. I do believe the broad intention was to make you think, imagine and question what you're used to being fed by TV and films.

Would I watch it if it weren't called Twin Peaks and weren't by David Lynch? Yes. Should it have been called Twin Peaks, and is it kicking fans in the face by doing so? Very likely. I think that's what makes it so anarchic and brilliant. I also fully understand why many wouldn't want that from Twin Peaks.
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10/10
Sure to repel traditional watchers and please anyone looking for something different.
recklesscow22 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
If you don't know anything about the original 1990s predecessor, I can't imagine what you'd be doing here, so let's skip all that introduction nonsense.

The new "Twin Peaks" is out, and you're most likely an old fan wanting to know what you're in for. Is it the same as you remember it? Yes...and no. Lynch, ever known for his weirdness, is no longer operating under the wing of ABC network interference this time around and has been given full creative control for these 18 episodes. As you can probably expect, Lynch when he isn't being reigned in is Weird with a capital "W", but unfortunately for those fans looking for more of the same old "Twin Peaks" you're used to, Lynch isn't serving up that. Oh, the main players are all back and the town still has a neat local dive with some dreamy musical acts, but this is a bigger story in terms of scope and vision.

For one, the series is not confined to the town of Twin Peaks and features many characters in different locations. As for the tone, Lynch obviously saw the opportunity to go all out on his weird style with no one to reign him in, and go all out he does. This is bad news for those expecting a traditional, linear plot to unfold, but great news for those who loved the more surreal aspects of the original series.

There are long, drawn out scenes of dialogue, or sometimes just actions. The pacing is often slow and deliberate. The insanity of the original series finale comes to the fore and gets served up in heavy doses. If the original managed to pull in some viewers for the murder mystery despite the quirky aspects of the series, this one disregards those fans altogether by refusing to throw them a bone. Oh, there is a story here, but it's no longer centered around a marketing campaign masquerading as a murder mystery and it isn't going to be told in clear and cut A to B fashion. You have to either be willing to follow Lynch on where he wants to take you or give up in frustration and part ways. Because in terms of differences, that seems to be the main one here: Lynch is doing this his way...and you're either with him or not. This doesn't make it easy on traditional viewers, and I fully expect them to be out once they get to the end of the premiere.

Me, I am loving the fact that there is nothing else like this on TV. The same could be said of the original when it aired, and it's shocking how much changes and yet stays the same considering we're 25 more years along and it still takes David Lynch to serve up something truly unique on television. What have these other guys been doing? My boyfriend watched an episode of "Sense8" when I was finished watching the premiere, and the difference in what is passing as entertainment today felt like I had gone from a pristine environment with "Twin Peaks" to breathing in pollution. This is the perfect antidote for someone tired of having their emotions led and manipulated by TV shows that tell you exactly how to feel and think. It's not going to cater to you or babysit you like a child. If requires patience and imagination, and for those willing to stick with it, the results can be so rewarding. Think of it as a purge from all the derivative crap we watch without even realizing how banal it is. Because it takes watching this new "Twin Peaks" to realize just how mediocre our "hit" shows really are. I look forward to being cleansed once a week for the next few months.
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10/10
In some ways, even better than the original series!
ryaninpennsylvania22 May 2017
David Lynch is at his best here in the new Twin Peaks series. There seem to be few restraints on his artistic vision, and it's all framed in a familiar story with Mark Frost's tempering still present.

Disclaimer: if you were not a fan of the original series because it was too weird, or "slow", or disturbing, then you will probably not like this latest season. There are tons of weird and disturbing scenes, and Lynch has no qualms making you stare at something for long periods of time. This has the effect of drawing you in as a viewer, but for some it may be off-putting or even offensive. He definitely, as always, takes firm grip on your viewing experience and will not let go.

I was worried going into watching the first 4 episodes that they would just reunite the cast and kind of riff off the original series. From very early on, however, it becomes apparent this is whole new material. Loved characters are still there (almost all of the old cast), but they are going through brand new things.

However, the charm of Twin Peaks is still alive and well. The most bizarre and yet oddly insightful scenes are counter-weighted constantly with everyday buffoonery.

I was pretty amazed by some of the new visual ideas Lynch had, which shouldn't be surprising because he is a master at surprising his audience, but you never know if someone might just run out of ideas. Clearly this is not the case. In every episode, there is tons to wonder and behold.

I'm very happy that Lynch is directing every episode. In my opinion, much of the "middle part" of the old series was tiresome. This is understandable because apparently Lynch was often off doing his own thing, leaving the production without a guide, but he is apparently fully on-board for this new project, and for that we are thankful.

All of the cast is great, really great, but it's really a treat to see the amazing combination of Kyle MacLachlan's acting under David Lynch's direction. The two just work so damn well together, and there's tons of new material here for MacLachlan to work with. It really is a pairing that ranks up there with Jimmy Stewart and Alfred Hitchcock.

Kudos to Showtime for reviving my favorite show on TV, and allowing David Lynch to do what he does best. Here's hoping the season is a great success and we get even more! I watched the 4 episodes available tonight, and I am sad that it will be two weeks until I see another new one. However, I've waited 25 years for the first one, so a couple weeks shouldn't be too difficult. It's really nice to have an amazing show to look forward to again.
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10/10
Twin Peaks returns with more of the surreal and less soap opera
zacherygill28 May 2017
First of all, let me start this review of the third season of Twin Peaks by saying that I deeply love the first and second seasons. They truly are iconic seasons of television, and having recently re- watched them, I came to the conclusion that they firmly stand the test of time.

However, one of the main problems I had with the first and second seasons of Twin Peaks (Although it was mainly in the latter, than the former) was it's deviation away from the central component which I believed made the show tick- the mystery. The mystery of Twin Peaks submerged this seemingly 'normal' town into an environment in which there were endless different otherworldly phenomenon at play. The original Twin Peaks created a feeling of uneasiness for the audience through numerous ways, such as Bob. This feeling of mystery and unease however, became somewhat tangled up in many different love stories which were all a bit too common place in the show. Nevertheless, I persisted with it and still found it to overall be an enjoyable show, despite the various James-Donna-Laura-Maddie-Bobby-Shelly-Leo stories which stretched on.

Now, when I got to this season, I was not disappointed. Season Three of Twin Peaks takes the mystical and the downright weird elements of the first and second season and places them into a show of their own. I would imagine that many of the original viewers who enjoyed the soap opera element of the first and second seasons, will be extremely disappointed. This series is unlike anything else that I have ever witness on television (yes, I did say that when I watched Twin Peaks the first time around!). The revival of Twin Peaks has come at the best possible time, for both the show and television. Modern Television now allows for less constraints on many shows, and more recently, risks have been allowed to be made. The original seasons of Twin Peaks were risks in themselves, but they still had boundaries attached to them. Lynch could not deviate as far as he can today. This combination of modern television and Lynch's vision create a spectacle for television which is unlike anything there has previously been. Some of the visual shots of different elements of the mythology in the new season of Twin Peaks, are absolutely remarkable and unique. The precedent for season three is well and truly based upon Lynch's exploration of Twin Peaks mythology.

Whilst there is a new depth to the show, as we travel further afield to New York City and South Dakota end explore the mythology, the scenes which place us back into the town of Twin Peaks contain the finite amount of nostalgia for the series. It doesn't feel as if there has been a shoehorning of nostalgia in this season, rather the scenes feel appropriate and suitable for the show. Therefore, whilst the show is extending its branches beyond the town of Twin Peaks, the return to the town does not feel as if the show is doing it for the sake of it.

Overall, the new season of Twin Peaks is truly a remarkable piece of television. I find myself wondering 'what if?', in terms of what if we never experienced this show returning? This series could be when Twin Peaks hits another level and surpasses the original run. It will take till the end of the season before we can truly determine that. However, I would urge anyone who was interested in the original run, and anyone who is interested in groundbreaking and unique television to give this show a try. You may not like it, it may deviate too far from the original seasons which you enjoyed so much, or you might find it deviates too far from what you are normally used to. Nevertheless, I believe that this is a show which should be watched to at least engage with the uniqueness of the experience that comes with watching it. So sit back, get yourself some cherry pie and a damn fine cup of coffee and enjoy what is a masterclass return to Twin Peaks.
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10/10
David Lynch's Swan Song
Ziglet_mir22 May 2017
When someone works hard at something or does something for a long time you can surmise that they well eventually get good at that thing, even masterful. Generally, this is the case for all great directors and David Lynch is no exception. With the newest Lynch-piece we are given something that is an amalgamation of all his previous work without sacrificing his style or creativity. We see the dark-industrial vibe of "Eraserhead", the American suburbia and the dark underbelly late-night bars/clubs/people from "Blue Velvet", "Wild At Heart", and "Twin Peaks", the winding roads and nightmarish features from nearly all his projects specifically "Lost Highway" and "Mulholland Drive", and then last but not least, we see the venture into the digital age with non-linear story and the craziest sound design you may possibly experience in any piece of media that we get from "Inland Empire". There are even remnants of design that hearken back to his old shorts.

This folks, is Lynch's swan song. The Return is already like nothing else ever before on TV and this includes the original two seasons of Twin Peaks.

Lynch allows the material to breathe, and gives the viewer plenty of time to absorb what's on screen. The filming is patient, and every shot is most definitely taken with care. The slow yearning shots is what Lynch uses to draw you in. The unfamiliarity of new faces leaves you with more questions than before. Also, as most already knew going in, The Return is set in many different locations--not just that charming, wholesome town of Twin Peaks. Even knowing Lynch's filmography there are moments that still have me unprepared for the amount of visuals and sounds that evoke nightmares. More terrifying than 90% of what I've seen as a film-goer.

I have to admit that it is taking me some time to adjust to the new vibe of the series knowing well in advance that Lynch and Frost have stated that The Return will be more like the prequel movie FWWM. I am someone who prefers the film to the series because Lynch had more room to work toward his vision. The result is a surrealist nightmare that The Return will have beat by a landslide. With that said, there will be many of you who will not like this at all (even folks who enjoyed the original series because The Return is THAT different). Lynch is certainly an acquired taste and everything isn't for everybody, but for those of you who are willing to give it a shot and appreciate an artist in his top form then maybe there is still some redeeming qualities in this for you. The Return is no run-of-the-mill action series or soap opera so be ready for one of the craziest rides you may ever be on.
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It is compelling enough already, perfect return of 90's masterpiece..
akshatdave21 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Possibly one of the best TV dramas ever, "Twin Peaks" managed to return in a challenging and unique way It is bizarre (not to mention intelligent) piece of television that has returned again with putting the pieces of puzzle together..

Lynch introduced the first two episode in typically enigmatic fashion, recalling the tall trees which envelop the logging town-setting for Twin Peaks' supernatural mysteries.Original cast members Kyle MacLachlan, who plays FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper and Sheryl Lee (Laura Palmer), reprise their roles, while new additions include Naomi Watts and Laura Dern.

In short, the new episodes are completely unlike any version of Twin Peaks we've seen in the past, and that's what's so exciting. This is no retread; this is something new. After you've seen the show for yourself, I'm guessing it's all you're going to want to talk about. It's going to be a wonderfully nightmarish summer. Music again plays an important role in establishing Twin Peaks' atmosphere with Portland, Oregon band The Chromatics contributing to the soundtrack.

If you get a chance to watch Twin Peaks now, and I highly recommend that you do, it may seem strange that such a show was ever on TV at all. This is because most of television is so bland and boring and repetitious while TP is fresh and original and effective.  Daring and provocative, it shattered the boundaries of most standard soap operas/TV dramas.There are great characters sprinkled throughout, my favorites being:Leland Palmer, and of course Coop, but really they're all interesting

To finish, one needs to watch that 90's version of show. It's not uniformly brilliant and sometimes just plain weird, but always rewarding and truly one of the landmarks of American television. Go get a nice piece of cherry pie, a cup of coffee, take four days off work and start watching it. Then watch how this masterpiece unfold..
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10/10
PURE HEROIN LYNCH - We aren't in Kansas anymore Toto
tv2-434-37047522 May 2017
A Lynch devotee could simply not have asked for anything more for Twin Peaks of 2017. This is what Lynch has been working towards his entire career. What he has given is NOT a retread of the Twin Peaks we know circa 1990, this is a new beast entirely. It's dark, it's beautiful, it's everything that makes Lynch one of the finest artist working today.

If the first few episodes start to make you long for the whimsy and hokiness of the original series, keep going through to Ep4. Lynch is giving this world time to breathe this time around. By the time Ep. 4 arrives we being to see where things are heading and watch this new world start to join with the old Twin Peaks we have all been missing for 25 years.

This is Lynch' OPUS.
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6/10
We'll never agree on this
rewtmoose13 February 2022
Upon first viewing I absolutely hated this show. It wasn't the Twin Peaks I had been excited for, having watched the original series many times over, and I saw few, if any, redeming qualities.

After a rewatch nearly five years later, I had a different mindset in place and made sure to take proper note of clues and plotlines. While I could see more interesting aspects of the "return" this time around, I still cannot possibly give it a positive review.

Sure, there's enough subtext and complexity here for a college course, and there is obviously a high level of craftmanship behind the production, as well as a very pronounced vision guiding everything. But--and I concede that this is of course opinion--that vision clouds the entire show, prohibiting any attempt at a compelling narrative and snuffing out a lot of potentially enjoyable dialogue and acting.

There is a lack of control over the tone, with scenes and performances that stick out like a sore thumb here and there in most every episode, including both completely unfunny lines and unmotivated tugs at your heartstrings. There's artwork and effects work that simply looks awful, probably with a most intentional style but that simply doesn't hold up at the viewers' end. And, as many point out, there is a huge problem in terms of pacing and payoff. Those who are somehow drawn in enough by the mystery playing out appear to ignore this, and I wish I could too!

There seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it thing going on with this show. I would have liked to see more nuanced thoughts than just "David Lynch is a genious, 10/10" or "wtf 1/10". In my opinion, this is a flawed production of a misguided vision in terms of both storytelling and style, but there is enough to the mystery to warrant an attempt at watching. If it didn't waste so much time lost in its own head, it could have been significantly improved.
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10/10
I love this show, so far. Don't insult me because I do.
akoronthebastard31 May 2017
Twin Peaks has finally come back in a different stroke. It blends everything I love about David Lynch and Twin Peaks. The dark humor, bitter realism, creepy surrealism, foreboding atmosphere, and delightful aesthetic of the lighter moments. It excludes the more soap opera and puts down the innocent nature a notch. This exclusion is something I like.

Yes it's confusing in how it's order, and Yes it's slow in the pacing. Some see it as a really negative thing. I and plenty others see it as a puzzle with every frame being a piece. We love it that way. The slow pacing allows for the viewer to take their time on what they are seeing. If you don't like that, that's fine.

This doesn't mean you should insult the people who like it including the makers behind it. Calling us pretentious hipsters and insane is ridiculous. Acting like the world revolves around you. Acting like we're a cult that praises David Lynch like a god. We like/love it, get use to it. Raiding the review section is not helping your case.

At-least be detailed about how bad it is. So far, it's only either insulting the viewers who like it, or Just saying it's bad in one small paragraph.

That's it.

Edit 6/28/17- At first, I debated whether to keep it 10/10 because the show got very cryptic and lacking in context in episodes 5/6. Given recent episodes, episodes 5/6 and before became even better with 7 giving tons of context and made me satisfied with my confusion coupled with already made emotions of the previous episodes. While still giving us new and old mysteries to solve until newer episodes. Episode 8 even gave many origins of the Twin Peaks lore through the brilliant use of emotional driven visual story-telling.

Right now, it more then deserves a 10/10 and deepest place in my heart. Let's see, if it gets better or worse from here. Until then, This show is by-far my favorite show of all time with True Detective below it...for now.
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5/10
9 episodes stretched out to an interminable 18
jjdausey13 January 2021
Slow pacing is one thing. But going nowhere fast isn't my cup of tea... or coffee. But there are myriad flaws with this: limited time in Twin Peaks; cheap-looking digital look; too many newcomers; underutilized and/or misused legacy players; a terrible performance from a non-acting key player (you know who); no fan service at all; new loose ends; an ending that literally snapped me out of my romance with "Twin Peaks." Sorry, but Lynch "on heroin" was not the alchemical formula that made the og series work. What a disappointment.
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10/10
Bold, original, and uncompromising; well worth the wait but sure to be controversial.
After 25 years, Twin Peaks is back on the air. This revival is one of the most hotly anticipated events in entertainment to come along in a long time, and I think that many fans might not like this revival. This is not the goofy, bright Twin Peaks of the 90s, nor is it the bleak depressing Twin Peaks of Fire Walk With Me. This is something new. In fact, most of the first episode does not take place in Twin Peaks, with the people we know and love. When it does cut back to the titular town for a brief scene here or there, it is actually kind of jarring, as we feel that we are watching a completely different show. Nor do there at first appear to be any elements connecting the new central plots to Twin Peaks. I imagine that many people will be frustrated by this and maybe even quit watching, which is a shame because as the show goes on it gradually ties these things in to the main plot in a way that is very satisfying. So despite a rocky start, by the end of the second episode I was on board.

I hope that people give this revival a chance. It really starts to come together in the second episode, but I think people's expectations might blind them to how brilliant this return is due to how unexpected many of the elements are.
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10/10
Mind-blowing piece of art
denbrough28 May 2017
Just go and watch it. Right now. You'll probably never see something like that again. I am long-time fan of the original series, and I hoped that it's return will not be nostalgie-festival filled with all that "wow we are together again" crap. Thanks god it's not: the new Twin Peaks is an angry, brave, independent piece of true art. Every character. Every scene. Every freaking frame. Thank you Mr. Lynch for this incredible gift.
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10/10
Who is the dreamer who dreams in the dream?
arated-9662924 August 2022
As a new fan of this show, the return took me by full surprise even though I was told to brace for it before hand.

This season is quite simply fantastic and has been an outright joy for me to watch. Filled with stunning cinematography and so many plots being twisted around each other this show does become quite overwhelming. But I can't stop watching, I can't stop thinking about possible interpretations.

This show has me in the palm of its hand and I am fully ok with that.

Dougie is both hilarious and tragic Naomi watts, Laura dern, and many others give a performance of a life time.

This show is slow and menacing with sudden violence and comedy thrown in. There is a tangible sence of melancholy in the lives of those in twin peaks, and the sence of a truly gargantuan danger looming for the people falling into this mystery.

I don't care about the somewhat janky special effects and the admittedly sub par acting from some of the players. I am in love with this mystery and god damn it is this one addictive show.

Not enough props is given to mark frost for co-writing this truly huge season of television that feels more like an 18 hour film instead of serialised TV. And David Lynch is here with his fantastic style of cinema that always hits the right spot for me. Episode 8 is all I will say.

If I ever lose my memories you can bet you could wave the blu ray for this show in front of me and I'll follow you around like Dougie does with coffee.
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10/10
A show like no other!
ollie1939-97-95799422 May 2017
Wow, what an absolute ride! 25 years after the critically acclaimed Twin Peaks was abruptly cancelled by ABC, Showtime's 2017 revival is going to baffle and enrage many people including new viewers and fans. And that is exactly what TV needs right now. I'm a big fan of the original show as well as the majority of David Lynch's work. However, even I did not expect the type of show that this has ultimately turned out to be. In short, Lynch has created something wholly unique and original that doesn't abide to the normal conventions of most television. It's abstract and many will find its pace far too slow but it helps in giving that Lynchian atmosphere that his dearest fans so love. Already, I predict that many of the images both from the iconic Red Room as well as some of the new imagery will satisfy die-hard Lynch fans and will leave an impression for years to come.

From these first four episodes/hours, Lynch and Frost aren't answering many of the original show's most burning questions. The first two hours almost seem like a series of vignettes (much like Mulholland Drive and Inland Empire)in which many plot lines are introduced, yet you still question how they will ultimately connect. Whilst the town of Twin Peaks does feature heavily, much of the new season so far has been set in a variety of new locations. Episode three is incredibly abstract almost feeling like something out of Eraserhead whilst episode 4 is probably the most similar to the original series out of the episodes released so far.

The acting is also superb. This is probably the best work I've seen from Kyle Maclachlan (Special Agent Dale Cooper). Without giving away too much, this is not the same Cooper that so many of the fans are used to seeing. This is a man who has been affected by what has happened during this bizarre 25 year gap and Maclachlan is incredible at channelling this. Without spoiling which original characters appear in these episodes, it's nice to see that many of them have not lost their charming touch. I'm also optimistic about some of the new cast. Whilst the most memorable characters are of course ones from the original show, I am interested to see where many of their plot lines take us.

One thing that is missing so far is perhaps is a sense of a central mystery that became so important to the original show. So far, there is no "who killed Laura Palmer" mystery that hangs over the show.

In conclusion, the new series of Twin Peaks is unlike most shows on TV. Even as a hardcore fan, it may take some time getting used to the new mood, atmosphere and characters. However, so far I'm utterly hooked and I cannot wait to see where this journey Lynch and Frost have started will ultimately take us.
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10/10
Sure to repel viewers, but is true art
The latest incantation of Twin Peaks is divisive, a whirlwind of surrealist art that many may find difficult to take. Fans of the original series may be turned away, due to the lack of familiarity within the first several episodes, but may find that continuing watching will pay off. This series is unlike any other television show currently, creating a world that is based on Lynch's distinct surrealist vision that makes the show so unique. Back with familiar faces and an ensemble of new ones, this show manages to surprise at every turn, whether it be from a character reveal or shocking twist. Fans of Lynch's previous work will see his vision is similar to his other projects, especially his earlier shorts. A bleak and harrowing version of the original lighthearted series is sure to turn people away, but is an auter's masterpiece for sure. This is Twin Peaks like it has never been seen before, at its most surreal, and most artful yet.
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10/10
Absolutely amazing!
leocelija26 May 2017
Twin Peaks has always been a favorite of mine. When I heard that Lynch and Frost decided to shoot a new season I was so thrilled and also filled with expectations. So far I have just seen two parts and you might ask if it lived up to my expectations. Well, it actually surpassed my expectations. It's absolutely brilliant. Fantastic work by the entire crew.
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The emperor's new clothes
horrorgasm9 August 2017
What a fascinating case of mass self-delusion this has been. It's truly amazing and disgusting how heavily people are stroking themselves over their ability to force themselves to choke down something that is so very poorly executed just so they can reach that oh so "clever" hidden story within.

Look, I know that it must be very comforting to keep talking down to people about how they just don't get the weirdness and complexity of it all (because WOW, use of metaphor and non-linear storytelling in the video medium? UNHEARD OF!), but that's really not the problem here. It's the absolutely abysmal pacing and structure. Yes people, we get it. Lynch likes to pull the same old thing out of his bag of tricks that he always has, where he tries to artificially induce unease by drawing scenes out well past their welcome, except instead of the handful of times spread out across a 2-3 hour movie we are now treated to 45/60 minutes of this filler in each episode of an 18 hour saga, leaving very little room for any actual worthwhile content. You don't need to be a mathematician to see that the ratio between the two is incredibly uneven.

But OK, yippee hooray for ARTISTIC INTEGRITY! He has such complete free rein to spew out completely unfettered streams of consciousness that no one at all will dare to tell him that maybe things like having a confused old woman talking to the police about who has the keys to a door for 10 straight minutes is an absolute waste of film, and none of you will dare admit that this pile of slop is in dire need of editing because you're too busy preening about what an artistic genius Lynch is, and how open-minded and avant-garde you are by extension for being able to wrap your heads around a plot that's literally been done a hundred times before in superhero comic books.

A big slow clap for you all.
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6/10
The nadir of David Lynch's career
Yes, "Twin Peaks: The Return" is funny, bizarre, weird, unique, experimental, avant-garde, enigmatic, abstract, esoteric, psychedelic, dreamlike, and (of course) surreal.

But it's not good.

It was not created to compel or entertain, but to simply just exist, and evoke visceral emotions in the viewer. In other words, it's art. That being said, I couldn't connect with any of it. The cinematography is disgusting. The narrative is flat and tedious. It's apparent that David Lynch used a "Twin Peaks" revival as a medium to shoehorn in all the inscrutable ideas he's come up with since the original show went off the air. Except for some scattered moments of genius, the end result is 18 hours of boring and discursive storytelling.

"The Return" comes off as simply a collection of scenes, some of which I liked and some of which I didn't. My only reaction to this season is "haha that was weird," and I'm left with a feeling of "so what?"
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10/10
David Lynch is off the leash... and it's brilliant.
idlehands21122 May 2017
I am a huge fan of David Lynch because he makes you think. He leaves things up to interpretation and viewing his art requires discussion afterward. His stories are deep, always strange, like nothing else out there, and usually need a few viewings before you have that "Aha" moment when everything makes sense (or seems to until you watch it again). His movies and TV shows are puzzles, and that's what I think a lot of people don't get. Imagination and thinking outside the box are prerequisites.

I watched all four episodes that were available last night and I am blown away. It's good to finally have you back Mr. Lynch.

I'm not going to talk about the plot of "The Return" at all because giving anything away would ruin the experience. Instead, I will say that watching the original Twin Peaks along with Fire Walk With Me would be a good idea just to familiarize yourself with the Twin Peaks characters, and David Lynch's style. It's a show that's hard to categorize into any one genre. Mystery, horror, soap opera, comedy, drama... it fits all of these. The scene at the vet involving Cooper and the Llama may be one of the funniest moments I've ever seen on television. But the new Twin Peaks was entirely orchestrated by David Lynch, who directed the entire series... and it shows.

This is not a show that can be put on while your doing chores, or anything else for that matter. It demands your attention. Casual viewing will most likely leave you lost, confused, and frustrated. But careful attentive viewers will be greatly rewarded with a story told like no other. This is Lynch at his best. Prepare to be uncomfortable in the best possible way.

I would encourage anyone who wants more Lynch to view (2001) Mulholland Dr. as well. There's a reason it was called the best movie of the decade.
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7/10
Complete evolution of the show after 25 years.
indrajitkjbf23 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I would say none of fans and followers could have predicted story line of new Twin peaks, completely directed by David lynch.Most fans would love continuation of characters and their story lines.But we can see show has evolved as complete control were given to lynch.I will say he has created extreme dark elements but still I have hopes as character of good cooper will give answers to all questions that we have.

Show is taking place in multiple locations and there are multiple time lines, so it is very difficult to keep track of all the elements, you have to be extra careful, completely devote your attention to minor details.Also new characters are not given enough time,so we can not understand their behavior.Much focus seem to be on mystery story-line and fictional elements.Lastly cinematography of old Twin peaks town is somewhat missing.But if see history of Twin peaks most critics and fans said that Twin peaks created new world in that era under the guidance of David lynch and Mark frost.We can hope that will create new world in this era also.
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3/10
Not relatable anymore, nor very likable
tor-claesson4 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Although I've not enjoyed very much of The Return (with the exception of the exceptional Mitchum brothers and their female associates) I've done my very best to like it. To try to accept and understand it, but I find myself failing at that. Jeffries as a tea pot, an hour-long episode of a nuke going off and 15 episodes of Dougie. It's just a bit much to me. Throughout, there's just not very much to like about it.

It's like a friend of my told me after a few episodes. The original series was quite an ordinary show, with an odd artsy twist to it. The Return on the hand is nothing but odd and artsy, and that's why it fails to capture me. There's nothing much to relate to anymore. Nothing much to make me care about the faith of the characters or their world(s).

As for the ending, I'm quite disappointed with that as well. The idea of fate resetting, with new pieces but the same evil pulling the strings, is good. However, I feel that Lynch/Frost failed to deliver it in any sensible way, much as the failed to deliver anything in a sensible way this season.

I loved the original series. The cast, the characters, the story, the atmosphere. I don't think I'll ever learn to love this show the same way. I'll keep struggling with it though. In a few years I'll have watched 3-4 times, and maybe I'll see it under a different light then. I really hope so. But I don't expect to.
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10/10
Some of the best TV you'll ever see
Like most people I was extremely nervous going into the new season of Twin Peaks worried it could be like so many reboots now that are simply call backs and cash grabs. So you can imagine my surprise and excitement when it didn't just live up the original but possibly exceeded it.

David Lynch has full creative control here and he's on top of his game. Within ten minutes of the first episode I was hoked like I haven't been with a TV series for a very long time. I don't think I can explain what makes Lynch so great or hypnotic but I think part of the reason the show is so great is because it isn't content with just continuing the show with the old characters and locations, (though it does do this fantastically as well) it instead wants to expand to something, new, original and better.

I think less you know about the what happens the better. Just watch the show, if your any kind of fan of David Lynch or Twin Peaks I don't think you'll be disappointed. The standing innovation at Cannes was well deserved this is undeniably a masterpiece.
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