David Lynch's Crazy Magnum Opus Now Online

When I was in junior high I’d rush through my homework on Sunday nights, grab a Little Debbie’s, and plant myself in front of the television for my favorite show, “Twin Peaks.” Yes, it was a weird show. Yes, it was a kooky mystery based around incest and abuse, and yes, it was created and directed by David Lynch who, in many ways, reminds me of a Wal-Mart version of Andy Warhol. But it was a brilliantly quirky series and I am drawn to quirk and kook like the proverbial moth to the flame. (I also still don’t get what the hell happened in “Lost Highway.”)

One late night a few months ago I came across a “Twin Peaks” rerun on Chiller (heretofore known as the best channel ever) and got hooked all over again. “Twin Peaks” ensured Kyle MacLachlan’s fame (pre-“Sex and the City” or “Desperate Housewives.” He dated Linda Evangelista around the time of the series) and introduced Lara Flynn Boyle. The award-winning series was set in a tiny Pacific northwest logging town and was propelled by the mystery of Laura Palmer’s murder. Palmer’s body was found on a river bank, her friend Ronette Pulaski was found wandering aimlessly, violated, on a train track across state lines, quirky FBI Agent Dale Cooper (MacLachlan) was brought in and the game of cat and mouse began. Only David Lynch could turn a depressing murder-mystery into a quasi-comedy by juxtaposing the quaint, innocent, cherry pie American life with its seedy underbelly.

People watch movies like “Star Wars” or “Indiana Jones” as kids and their limited perspective allows for the total suspension of disbelief thus making a film legendary in a their mind. When a kid sees the movie again as an adult – or sees its prequel or sequel – their adult ego is a killjoy. (Those same people will gripe about Hayden “I Talk Like Harry Connick Jr.” Christensen’s performance, yet give a pass to Mark freaking Hamill.)

When I sat and re-watched “Twin Peaks” as an adult some 15 years later I found it as weird as ever. (And realized how much later shows like “X-Files” were influenced by it.) The Log Lady was every bit as kooky and depressing as she was in the 90s; James is still a contradictory greaser/pansy; Laura’s dad is every bit disturbing; all the caricatures of life are still relevant. That being said, I was beyond stoked when I read that you can now watch every “Twin Peaks” episode online over at CBS.com. It’s a series you have to watch from the beginning, every episode, but it’s worth it if only for the jazzy theme music, dancing circus folk, and slew of pop-culture references you’ll learn.

Comments

[sweetney]

this is just heaven for me. srsly, LOVED that show. was OBSESSED with that show. now i know what i'll be doing this weekend!

[JP]

I think CBS.com also has 90210!

[Cheryl]

This is fantastic news...thanks so much for alerting us. I absolutely love this show and can't wait to share it with my boyfriend...whether he loves it or just thinks it's weird will be a good "the one" test.

[mp]

Obsessed...I owned the soundtrack on tape!

[BaltimoreGal]

Just remember, Tracey...
Showgirls.

[BaltimoreGal]

Just remember, Tracey...
Showgirls.

[Jason]

Loved that show. Our entire family watched it together and tried to figure out the clues every week. I even bough the box set for my parents when it came out, so they could relive it all again.

It was also the first tv show to ever scare the crap out of me. Ever since the first shot of BOB hiding behind the corner of the bed...I was terrified. To this day, I hate seeing his face...just scares me to death...more than any other horror movie.

It just seemed so real. He wasn't an actor (he was a crew member) and Lynch would always just give the audience glimpses. To me, BOB is still the scariest thing I've ever seen on film or TV.

[lorrie]

my oldest friend was OBSESSED with this show. she had every book and video and soundtrack available. for her birthday one year, i got her the "diane" tapes. i think she still has them.

[1minutefilmreview]

But 'Fire Walk With Me' is kinda let down though...

[Lori]

I loved Twin Peaks and NEED to watch it again from the beginning... However, my excitement was shortlived... the videos don't play here in Canada... :( so sad. But, thanks for reminding me... I need to find the DVDs

[San Francisco Photos]

I loved Twin Peaks. It's one of the best shows ever on TV.

[San Francisco Photos]

I loved Twin Peaks. It's one of the best shows ever on TV.

[San Francisco Photos]

I loved Twin Peaks. It's one of the best shows ever on TV.

[fancastfan]

Just to let you know, Lara Flynn Boyle will be writing a blog all next week (June 16-June 20) on fancast.com about Twin Peaks - and TAKING FAN QUESTIONS!! about their favorite episodes and behind-the-scenes dish. And they have all 29 episodes of the show up. Check out her blog. It should be fun!