Twin Peaks, Episode 3.12: The Return, Part 12

Twin Peaks: The Return, Part 12
Let's Rock

Here's the actual plot relevant details of Part 12 of “Twin Peaks: The Return.” Gordon Cole and Albert Rosenfield officially induct Tammy into Blue Rose, the FBI's secret program dedicated to investigating unusual mysteries. They also keep a close-eye on Diane's secret correspondence with the Doppelganger. She types in the coordinates found on the dead body last episode... Only to discover they lead to Twin Peaks. Meanwhile – there's a lot of meanwhile in this episode – lots of other things are happening. Sarah Palmer has a nervous breakdown after seeing some turkey jerky at the grocery store. Sheriff Truman breaks the bad news to Benjamin Horne that his grandson is a murderer, that the witness he brutalized is in critical condition. Another Horne reappears as well.

Yes, after eleven episodes, Audrey Horne finally makes her first appearance on “The Return.” Among the original series' most popular characters, I've been wondering when she would show up again. Audrey's big return has her arguing vehemently with her husband – a dwarf of the non-dancing variety – about her lover. It's not the most exciting way to reintroduce the beloved character. The fate of her missing lover, Billy, is not among the “Return” subplots I am most invested in. However, it's really nice to see Sherilyn Fenn again. She bites into the vulgar dialogue with a lot of gusto, saying things Audrey certainly never could've said on ABC.

If “Part 11” was an episode largely elevated by moments of surreal horror, “Part 12” is held together by amusing comedic moments. The sole appearance from Dougie Jones this time has him attempting to play ball with his son, who just pitches a softball right into his forehead instead. Dr. Jacoby gets to go on another profane rant in his internet host persona, Russ Tamblyn clearly enjoying the chance to cut loose like that. A long, amusing digression involves Gordon Cole's French speaking girlfriend. It's a scene that doesn't add a single thing to the story but seeing Gordon Cole being so flirty, and the oddball woman's reaction to it, is pretty funny.

Don't think the focus is only on comedy here. This is “Twin Peaks,” after all, so some dream-like dread is necessary. In fact, “Part 12” even features some callbacks to classic moment from the show's original run. Before we see Miriam, Richard's victim, on life support, there's a long and ominous shot down the hospital hallway. This recalls a specific moment from “Coma,” Lynch's second season two episode. Earlier, a meeting with Sarah Palmer is proceeded by a shot of a whirling ceiling fan. We certainly saw similar moments in the original show. Speaking of Sarah Palmer, her freak-out over packs of turkey jerky is certainly another moment of “Twin Peaks” combining the unnerving and the every day.

All of that is fine and good but my favorite moments in “Part 12” are little moments of pathos, between two characters as they talk. Harry Dean Stanton's Carl has certainly grown from the brief view of him we got in “Fire Walk with Me.” A heartfelt conversation he has with one of his trailer park tenants is awfully touching. Benjamin Horne's recollection of his father giving him a bike is another interestingly nostalgic moment from that character. Perhaps most touching of all is Gordon Cole's reaction to Albert greeting his corner joke with silence. This was the last scene Miguel Ferrer filmed for the series, meaning it's the last bit of acting he did before his untimely death. So David Lynch saying he “worries about” his old friend can't help but have a double, bittersweet double meaning.

“Twin Peaks: The Return” is continuing to do things in its own defiant way. Of course it is. Even though the story is still progressing very slowly, I can't complain too much this time. “Part 12” has all the stuff in it I like about this show. [7/10]