Ever had YouTube suggest a video so relentlessly that you finally cave in? That’s exactly what happened to me with an intriguing video essay titled “Twin Peaks ACTUALLY EXPLAINED (No, Really)”.
In the lead-up to and aftermath of the 2017 Twin Peaks The Return, theories proliferated like wildfire on Twin Peaks Facebook groups, especially after the mind-altering Episode 8. Rumors swirled, including the wild theory that the final episodes were meant to be watched overlaid. I’ve shared an exhaustive three-decade exploration of Lynch/Frost’s cultural phenomenon on this site before.
When I finally hit play, I was taken aback by its length – four and a half hours? Your reaction is probably similar right now. But like the narrator says, stay with me. Over a week, I carved out 30-minute daily segments, not due to the video’s difficulty, but simply to digest its rich content. By the end, I was urging friends to watch, only to discover they were already engrossed in Twin Perfect’s analysis.
I’m here to strongly recommend you dedicate time to this video, provided you’ve seen all of Twin Peaks and Fire Walk With Me. I also won’t spoil Twin Perfect’s meticulous breakdown of Lynch’s overarching themes.
Here are a few insights to pique your curiosity:
- In a 2019 video, Lynch discusses both the Unified Field Theory and Transcendental Meditation. Twin Perfect identifies at least two sequences reflecting the Unified Field.
- Lynch’s fascination with electricity and fire plays a crucial role in the analysis.
- The One-Armed Man’s line “I mean it as it is, as it sounds” exemplifies Lynch’s approach. Twin Perfect skillfully illustrates instances where Lynch communicates metaphor and symbolism, sometimes directly to the camera.
- We finally understand why Season Three features an extended shot of a man sweeping peanuts from a bar floor.
- I’ve always perceived The Return as an examination of nostalgia’s pitfalls, and this essay affirmed that view. Season Three indeed lacked something at its core.
- Twin Perfect narrates director quotes in a mock-Lynch voice. It might grate some, but for me, it was A BEAUTIFUL THING (wiggly finger gesture).
Twin Perfect’s dedication surpasses most graduate students:
I devoted two years to research, writing, and editing this video. I delved into every creator interview and AMA, DVD extra and featurette, TV special, every fan theory, blog, and podcast—anything related to Twin Peaks. I aimed to create a comprehensive script and filtered it through focus groups to refine my points. My goal was to contribute value and fuel discussions around my favorite series.
While there are some debatable points in the theory, each “I’m not sure about this” was countered with a compelling argument. Twin Perfect definitely warrants an honorary MFA in Twin Peaks Studies.
So, brew yourself a strong cup of coffee, slice some cherry pie, and dive in.
Further Reading:
David Lynch’s Mini-Season of Twin Peaks as Japanese Coffee Commercials
David Lynch’s Map of Twin Peaks: A Pitch to ABC
Three Days in Twin Peaks: Exploring the Series’ Iconic Locations
An Epic 4-Hour Deep Dive into the Making & Mythology of Twin Peaks
Ted Mills is an arts journalist you can follow on Twitter at @tedmills.
