Twin Peaks, Episode 2.4: Laura's Secret Diary

Twin Peaks: Laura's Secret Diary

Leland Palmer has been identified as Jacques Renault's killer. Brought in for interrogation, he quickly confesses to the crime. Judge Clinton Sternwood arrives to deliberate on the case. Donna gets Harold Smith to read some passages from Laura's secret diary but he remains reluctant to show her more. Jean Renault appears to offer a bargain to Benjamin Horne: His daughter's life for the man who killed Jean's brother. And these are but some of the stories developing in the mysterious town of Twin Peaks.

If nothing else, “Laura's Secret Diary” is a well directed episode. The episode begins with a slow zoom-out from the dimples in the police station wall, while screeching noise plays on the soundtrack. That's a classic “Peaks” image there. The second half of the episode takes place during a thunderstorm, allowing for lots of deep shadows, flashing lightning, and spooky atmosphere. This even allows the deeply un-interesting plot point near the end – a fight between Hank and the mysterious Japanese man – to look pretty cool.

Though I criticized it last time, I'll admit one of season two's dumb-ass subplots is starting to grow on me. Lucy's baby drama leads to some amusing moments here. Deputy Andy's insistence on getting his sperm count tested again leads to a funny exchange. As does his typical pratfalls once the sample is provided. The Dick Tremayne subplot ends up being resolved in a quick and blunt fashion, when his solution to Lucy's pregnancy is passionately rebuffed. Seeing Kimmy Robertson let out her more aggressive side is certainly interesting as well.

“Laura's Secret Diary” also sees some notable guest stars entering the show. Veteran character actor Royal Dano appears as Judge Sternwood. Dano immediately brings a level of rowdy gravitas to the role, making a standard part – the no-nonsense judge – far more memorable and interesting than he otherwise would've been. His various quotations and warnings to Cooper about the woods are highlights, for sure. This episode also features Michael Parks getting a chance to ham it up some more, which is always entertaining to watch.

Still, “Twin Peaks'” second season remains largely frustrating. The pacing has crept to a standstill by this point. Even though Cooper finally gets the message that Audrey is being kept inside One Eyed Jack's, that storyline still remains obnoxiously inert. Leland's murder of Jacques Renault occupies only a few scenes, before other stories take over. Donna's attempt to get more information out of Harold doesn't get very far, that plot point also being stretched out for maximum exposure. I do like the moment where she lures Harold outside, resulting in his collapse. I don't even remember what the hell is going on with Josie and Sheriff Truman.

I guess this is inevitable, when your show is a soap opera homage and has roughly one hundred different storylines. Still, in its second season, “Peaks” continues to feel like the parts are eating the wholes. [6/10]