SPOILERS AHEAD
Twin Peaks Episode 5 Plot Summary:
Dale Cooper (Kyle McLachlan) is still trapped in his mental fog, and living the life of insurance salesman, Dougie. Bob/Cooper is allowed his one phone call, and havoc ensues. Progress is made on the murder investigation in South Dakota, leading to the possible whereabouts of a long lost Twin Peaks native. The Twin Peaks PD continues to search for Cooper.
We need Dale Cooper back.
For three episode we’ve seen everyone’s favorite special agent shuffling through life under the guise of the insurance salesman, Dougie. Slowly, very slowly, things are starting to click in the newly ‘reborn’ agent’s mind. Words like ‘coffee,’ ‘agent,’ and ‘case file’ seem to spark momentary life into the husk of an agent.
Kyle McLachlan is absolutely terrific in this role. He plays this version of Cooper as a comedically tragic and sympathetic character. His deadpan one-liners are the perfect remedy for the near heartbreaking state we find Cooper in. He shuffles around like someone riddled with mental and physical issues, and his brain is near infantile in its state — only able to repeat phrases, and mimic what’s around him. McLachlan imbues this character with such sympathy that you’re dying to see him return to form as Cooper.
It’s frustrating to see him like this. Special Agent Dale Cooper is one of the most likable, and charismatic television characters of the last 30 years. We’re all chomping at the bit to see him shed his ridiculous green jacket, and swagger back into the series. Ready to take on evil with his weird, yet logical mind, and a damn fine cup of coffee.
But maybe that’s what David Lynch wants. It’s a long con, the slow burn — he’s going to take his time, building up both your sympathy and your impatience for Cooper’s return. So when he does finally come back, the emotional payoff will equal the $400,000 + he won at the casino.
However, speaking from a selfish fan perspective — it’d be really great if we got the real Cooper back, have him back in Twin Peaks, and be set on his collision course with his doppleganger.
Here’s the breakdown of the rest of the episode:
- Cameo Watch: This was a star-studded episode featuring the series debuts of: Jim Belushi (The Principal), Prison Break’s Robert Knepper, Tom Sizemore (Saving Private Ryan), Caleb Landry Jones (X-Men: First Class), Brett Gelman (The Other Guys), Naomi Watts, Amanda Seyfried, Jane Adams (Hung), Karl Makinen (The Walking Dead), James Morrison (24), Jane Levy (Evil Dead) and Ernie Hudson.
- Sizemore was perfect in his role as Dougie/Cooper’s slimy work friend. Jones was pitch perfect as the white trash version of the Leon Johnson/Bobby Briggs. Seyfried worked nicely as someone ambiguously tied to Shelley Johnson, as well as the new version of Shelley.
- Of the cameos that were let downs (for now) — would love to see more from Evil Dead/Subugatory alum Jane Levy. She’s a fantastic actress, and could really be great in this series.
- Totally digging on the fact that the body of the corpse found in South Dakota may be that of Garland Briggs. Been thinking this the entire series, and it’s the most logical answer. Remember Cooper/Bob did say he made contact with Matthew Lillard’s character, so it’d only make sense that Briggs, who knows about the Black Lodge would end up dead at the hands of people involved with Bob.
- Despite it taking forever, the Andy/Hawk ‘search’ for Cooper is always a nice moment of levity.
- One has to wonder what in the hell is happening in South America?
- The scenes with Dale/Bob in prison were awesome. Can’t wait for the inevitable jailbreak.
- Dr. Jacoby (Russ Tamblyn) and his ‘TV show’ was the perfect kind of gonzo moment the episode needed. His gold shit shovel (two coats of paint!) was brilliant. Also, it’s always fun to see Nadine (Wendy Robie) back on the show.
Overall, Twin Peaks Episode 5 was enjoyable and frustrating at the same time. We’re being given clues to the story at a glacial pace. That’s not something new for the series, but the introduction of so many random characters and storylines, makes it a little more difficult to follow, and sometimes a little more difficult to forgive.
Rating: 7 out of 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3b1T4ieFv4
