Decoding the Best Viewing Order for David Lynch’s Twin Peaks
When it comes to navigating the intricate timeline of a franchise, the journey can be anything but straightforward. Take the “Fast and Furious” series, for instance, which often leaves fans scratching their heads regarding the best sequence to enjoy the movies. However, for a nearly three-decade saga like “Twin Peaks,” featuring two seasons of television, a film, and a third season on a premium cable network, figuring out the optimal approach can feel like venturing into the enigmatic Red Room itself.
Since its initial airing, “Twin Peaks” saw an explosive surge in popularity, only to experience a dramatic drop in viewership shortly thereafter. ABC had grand aspirations of transforming it into a multimedia powerhouse akin to “Star Wars.” But by midway through the second season, network executives realized they had jumped the gun. Consequently, the viewing order for “Twin Peaks” is a tad more convoluted than one would initially think.
So, what’s the ideal way to watch “Twin Peaks”? Here’s the breakdown:
- Season 1
- 2. Season 2
- 3. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me
- 4. Twin Peaks: The Return
At first glance, this seems like a breeze, right? However, there’s also some supplementary content to consider, along with crucial context that can enhance your experience. First off, it’s essential to know that the pilot episode exists in two versions. Unless you’re using a legitimate streaming service, beware of the international cut, which adds extra footage and reveals a significant plot point—the mystery surrounding Laura Palmer’s death—spoiling the surprise for new viewers. Stick to the U.S. pilot to keep the intrigue alive.
It’s worth noting that I personally view the sequence from the pilot through to “Episode 16” of Season 2 as a singular chapter since the central mystery is resolved by that point. Interestingly, the original run of “Twin Peaks,” which captivated audiences, unfolded over just eight months from April to December 1990. While the frenzy around “Twin Peaks” eventually subsided, this doesn’t lessen the show’s impact.
Now, let’s tackle a contentious topic within the “Twin Peaks” community: whether to continue watching the latter part of Season 2 after Laura’s murder is resolved. The fandom often divides the season into two parts, but a more accurate reflection would be to divide it into thirds. The first nine episodes essentially wrap up the Laura Palmer storyline, while the next seven saw minimal input from David Lynch or Mark Frost, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Fortunately, the final six episodes marked a return to form, but unfortunately, they couldn’t salvage the show’s audience.
I advocate for new viewers to persevere through the entirety of season 2, as there’s gold to be mined in the latter episodes. If you absolutely detest the earlier segments, feel free to jump ahead to “Episode 24” to relish the series’ brilliant closing stretch.
Now onto “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.” This film serves as a prequel, but strange as it may sound, you should definitely watch it after the series. It divulges critical elements of the mystery that forms the backbone of the show’s early narrative. Moreover, the film is best appreciated within the context of the series’ unique atmosphere. While “Fire Walk With Me” is every bit as surreal as Season 2, the absence of network interference allows Lynch to delve deeper into his creative vision. While he had envisioned ‘Fire Walk With Me’ as the start of a film trilogy, its poor box office performance quashed those ambitions.
For viewers struggling through Season 2, here’s a tempting suggestion: jump into “Fire Walk With Me” during those less engaging episodes. While it paints a vivid picture of Laura Palmer’s last days, it won’t tarnish your experience of the latter part of Season 2.
And what about bonus materials? Post-season 1, ABC envisioned “Twin Peaks” as a sprawling multimedia franchise. This ambition birthed a slew of engaging books tied to the series, such as “The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer,” a fictional account by Lynch’s daughter, providing deeper insights into Laura’s character, and “Welcome to Twin Peaks: An Access Guide to the Town,” released in 1991. Likewise, “The Secret History of Twin Peaks,” released in 2016, adds another layer to the lore. Additionally, “The Missing Pieces,” a compilation of deleted scenes from “Fire Walk With Me,” is definitely worth viewing.
Are these extra materials essential? Not necessarily. However, if you’re keen to immerse yourself in the psyche of a long-time “Twin Peaks” aficionado, exploring these works will provide profound context. I’d also recommend checking out some of Lynch’s other films, especially since the original series shares thematic elements with his earlier work “Blue Velvet,” while the revival more closely aligns with his later films like “Lost Highway” or “Mulholland Drive.”
So gear up, prepare for an unforgettable viewing experience, and dive into the mysterious and surreal world of “Twin Peaks.”
