Twin Peaks, Episode 2.10: Dispute Between Brothers

Twin Peaks, Episode 2.10: Dispute Between Brothers

Laura Palmer's murder might have been resolved but “Twin Peaks” was destined to continue. The town is still reeling from the death of Leland Palmer. Agent Dale Cooper says his good-byes around the small town he has become very attached to. Just as he's getting ready to leave for good, other agents from FBI's internal affairs barge in and tell him his badge is suspended, immediately. His credentials are being called into question, over Dale crossing over into Canada to rescue Audrey from One Eyed Jack's. During a midnight fishing trip with Major Briggs, yet more unexpected events occur.

From this point on, “Twin Peaks” will start to struggle. It's the kind of growing pains any show has to face if it runs long enough. With the resolution of Laura's murder, there's no reason for Dale Cooper, FBI Agent, to remain in the small town of Twin Peaks. Obviously, the show can't continue on without its protagonist. So the extremely sudden internal affairs investigation was cooked up to keep him in town. It is, to say the least, an awkward narrative choice. It's also a sign that “Peaks” is starting to loose its identity. Without the Palmer investigation to drive the show forward, the show is consumed by its time-wasting subplots and other irrelevant details.

Granted, there are still on-going stories I care about in “Twin Peaks.” The opening half of this episode, devoted to Leland's funeral, is not without its graceful moments. Especially when Sarah Palmer recalls the details of Laura and Donna's childhood friendship. It's touching and sweet, the kind of honest emotion this show could touch on when it was on-point. There are other decent moments. When Sheriff Truman presents Dale with a home-made fishing lure, it's an adorable and quirky moment. Finally, Audrey's attempt to say good-bye to Dale, neither totally satisfied with how things have turned out between them, is cute and funny and flirtatious.

Yet, ultimately, this show just can't make me really care about its other, floundering plot points. Leo's wheelchair nudges forward a moment, freaking out Shelly. The town mayor argues with his brother. Josie Parkard wanders into Truman's cabin in the middle of the night. Norma's mom turns out to be a food critic and negs her. Hank visits One Eyed Jack's and Jean Renault is planning something. And, listen, I think Nadine's super-strong teenage adventure is funny. But moments of broad, physical slapstick on the cheerleader squad could not feel more out of place.

Since it's clear that “Twin Peaks” doesn't really know what to do with itself right now, at least until Window Earle comes into town, so it grasps at straws for anything to fill its spooky supernatural content. So, while out fishing with Cooper, Major Briggs is seemingly abducted by aliens. While it's barely been set-up before, the way “Peaks” mixes its spiritualistic elements with a more sc-fi driven angel is mildly interesting. Mark Frost's interest in how the occult and actual government agencies have crossed over is obviously an influence on this story turn. It's not as compelling as the mystery of Laura Palmer's murder but it's, if nothing else, a lot more interesting than Nadine tossing male cheerleaders through the air.

So “Twin Peaks” is in a pretty tight place, continuing forward even though it barely has a plan for how to operate without its central mystery. If you think this is lame, things are going to get worst before they get better. [6/10]