Twin Peaks Review: David Lynch's Strange Small Town

Liam Brooks
TV ShowsMysteryDramaHorror
Twin Peaks (1990)

9/10 — Twin Peaks (1990)

Pros

  • Unique atmosphere
  • MacLachlan's Cooper
  • Badalamenti's score

Cons

  • Uneven second season
  • Surreal

FBI agent Dale Cooper, played by Kyle MacLachlan, arrives in the small town of Twin Peaks to investigate the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer. The show was a sensation in its first season.

What works

The atmosphere is unique, with Angelo Badalamenti’s score, the quirky characters and Lynch’s dream logic. MacLachlan is delightful as Cooper, and the show’s mix of humour and dread is original.

Where it falters

The second season loses focus after the killer is revealed, and the surreal elements may frustrate some viewers.

Verdict

Strange, funny and haunting, a landmark of TV.

Liam BrooksBy Liam Brooks