Twin Peaks, Episode 3.14: The Return, Part 14

Twin Peaks: The Return, Part 14
We Are Like the Dreamer

The heroes of “Twin Peaks” move closer to untying a riddle. Sheriff Truman informs Gordon Cole of the missing pages of Laura Palmer's journal they found. This, combined with a dream Cole had the night before, causes them to begin to suspect that there are two Coopers. Meanwhile, Diane provides the clue needed to connect Dougie Jones with the still missing Dale Cooper. In Twin Peaks, the sheriff department heads into the forest to the location specified by Major Briggs' clue. They discover a eyeless, naked woman – who Dale previously met in Part 3 – and Andy is sucked briefly into the White Lodge. And yet more strange things are happening in the Pacific Northen.

Once again, “The Return's” story leaps forward suddenly after screwing around for several episodes. It's not a structure I like but, I'll be damned if it doesn't make you happy when things actually start to move again. After nearly an entire season, the FBI finally realizes the connection between the “Dale Cooper” they know and this Dougie Jones guy in Las Vegas. The sudden reveal that Diane is Janey's half-sister even makes this information come off as rather natural. The events of “Fire Walk with Me” and Laura's secret journal all begin to actually influence the plot. All I can say is: Took 'em long enough.

As always, “Twin Peaks” is different from most detective shows for the role dreams and visions play in uncovering its mysteries. This becomes more important than ever in “Part 14.” Set to a soundtrack of an electric buzzing, Cole narrates a dream of meeting Monica Bellucci – the actual Monica Bellucci – in Paris. What I love about this scene, aside from it working beautifully as a stand alone short film, is how it sounds like an actual dream David Lynch might've had. Did he already know Monica Bellucci before working on “The Return?” Or did his subconscious just summon her to the role? Either way, it's such a brilliant scene.

It's far from the only vision in “Part 14.” Of all the members of the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Department, Andy is the one chosen by the White Lodge to learn the secrets of the universe. Even though this scene is not telling us anything we didn't already know, it's still beautifully assembled. There's something poetic about a simple-minded person like Andy, someone who will understand intuitively and act accordingly, being the one to receive this information. If the repeated good fortune that has come Dougie Jones' way is any indication, Lynch seems to think the simple are blessed in their own way, lacking in intellectual niceties but possessing a clearer foresight than most.

Even with these two examples, these are far from the only memorably surreal moment in “Part 14.” An act of utterly surreal horror unfolds in the final minutes. Sarah Palmer, when accosted by a vulgar truck driver, removes her face – revealing darkness and shifting shapes underneath – and tears out the man's throat, like a cobra striking. Once again, Lynch uses sudden, random, bloody violence as a powerful punctuation. Especially when paired with such surreal, ominous images. Though it's still a bit surprising to see Lynch rely more on ultra-violence. Outside of “Wild at Heart,” and despite his reputation, he hasn't used gore that much before this.

“Part 14” does represent a minor story telling bump, one that bothers me from a structural level. This episode introduces Freddie, a friend of James', who was gifted super-strength in one hand via a magical green latex glove he can never remove. (This is about the origin story I would expect from a David Lynch superhero.)  Despite my best efforts to avoid them, I have seen some spoilers for season 3 of “Peaks,” so I know Freddy has a pretty significant role to play in the upcoming episodes. While this plot point sheds further light on the way the White Lodge influences the human world, I'm a little confused as to why Lynch and company waited this late into the season to introduce a relatively pivotal character. Especially considering all the other, seemingly superfluous subplots the season did devote time to.

“Part 14” is also enjoyable for the way it continues to expand on the “Twin Peaks'” lore. While accepting Tammy into the fold, Albert explains the origins behind the Blue Rose organization. For hardcore “Peaks” nerds, it's all fascinating stuff. After a couple of weak episodes, “The Return” swings back towards greatness by re-centering its plot and focusing even more on surreal visions of other places. [8/10]