One of the most innovative shows of all time (Twin Peaks (1990))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Twin Peaks (1990)
Date:	22/07/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Superb visuals and acting

Disadvantages: Frustratingly distended - went on far too long

David Lynch is the master of surreal cinema, with his works Blue Velvet and Mulhollan Drive in particular recieveing considerable acclaim for their inventiveness and visual wonder. Bridging these two successes, though, he crafted a television show that stands as one of the most unique and inventive of all time, and has influenced numerous shows such as Desperate Housewives (which one of Twin Peaks' stars, Kyle McLachlan, now stars in). That show is Twin Peaks.

The show covers the efforts of eccentric but thoroughly likeable Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan), as he investigates the murder of popular homecoming Queen Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). There are numerous suspects, and a dark, creepy air percolating around the town. As the series progresses, the truth slowly unfolds, with surreal elements such as creepy dreams with backwards-talking midgets and lounge piano music being thrown in for good measure.

The show was a huge success at the time and the pilot resulted in an 8-episode series being made. Following that, a second 22-episode series followed, although did not recieve as much acclaim due to tension between Lynch and the network ABC. Lynch was moving on with his film career, and felt that the studio pressured him into making more episodes than he desired. As a result, he simply left the show with other writers who produced a rather uneven slew of episodes, and after its second season, the show never returned, with fans being left on an agonising and none-too satisfying cliffhanger that has inspired much debate in the last twenty years.

Despite some foibles in the mid-section of the show, its very best episodes are masterworks of the TV canon, with some mind-boggling cliffhangers and disturbingly surreal moments (notably a near-20 minute segment in the show's very final episode). As far as network TV goes, free of swearing and graphic violence and nudity, this is about as good as it gets - an absorbing, wonderful, sometimes frustrating experience that ensures it remains one of the greatest and most beloved TV shows of all time. From Angelo Badalamenti's haunting score, to McLachlan's performance, and the wonderful supporting cast, this is a fascinating show that's well worth checking out - just don't expect to comprehend everything you see.

Summary: An overlong but engaging mystery