Note: This article contains spoilers for the entireTwin Peaksseries.
In the end, it comes down to which episodes best suck you into the world ofTwin Peaks.
Which ones make you think youre living the most beautiful dream and the most terrible nightmare all at once?
As should be noted, this is not an essential episode guide toTwin Peaks.
To fully appreciate the series you really do have to watch it all.
If you dont, these episodes wont work as well as they do.
Even the bad episodes makeTwin Peakswhat it is and contribute valuable pieces to its overall mythology.
Note: This uses the episode order found on the DVDs and Blu-Rays.
So it goes the pilot then episode one, with the final episode being episode 29.
Everyone we meet is somehow connected to the murder, even in small ways.
Through their reactions to the murder we learn about their lives.
Cooper is a light of pure joy in the darkness that has been revealed inTwin Peaks.
One Eyed Jacks, Leland dancing with Lauras picture, even Josie with the two ledgers.
A lot of moments in this episode also have an undercurrent of comedy.
Yes, but come on, this wasTwin Peaksfiring on all cylinders.
Episode 5: Coopers Dreams
As mentioned before, no one inTwin Peaksis exactly as they appear.
Laura laughed at him the first time they had sex.
She openly embraces her bad tendencies and this keeps her from having to submerge them.
With the lengthy Giant sequence at the start of this episode,Twin Peaksturns a corner in its development.
This could almost be read as commentary on the later reveal of Leland raping his own daughter.
If he wasnt aware of his actions, does that mean Leland wasnt responsible?
Is Leland controlled by BOB?
Is BOB just a vision and not actually real?
Whether they know it or not, the people ofTwin Peaksare more connected than they might believe.
Seeing Leland, whom we now know is the killer.
walking around and nearly killing Cooper puts you right on the edge of your seat.
BOB is unhinged and seems delighted in the idea of being caught.
Ray Wise proves just how phenomenal an actor he is in the scene where he learns theyve arrested Ben.
Hes able to go from seeming genuinely sad to giddy to malicious in the span of one shot.
On the other end Ben is overwhelmed at being falsely accused for Lauras murder.
Jerry provides some great comedy here as perhaps the worst lawyer ever.
The series never firmly answers this question andFire Walk With Meonly complicates it.
This kind of ambiguity is what has keptTwin Peaksalive all these years and what makes this a stand-out episode.
Even when the evil is defeated, good isnt inherently the only thing left.
Episode 18: Masked Ball
I know, I know.
This is part of the bad episodes ofTwin Peaks.
For a crossdressing/possibly transgender character in 1990, shes shockingly well handled.
The minute he realizes that Denise now identifies as a woman hes all in for supporting her.
Even Hawk compliments her look.
I know for many thats only one small moment in an episode filled with problems but its worth celebration.
Plus you get Hawk breaking down the White and Black Lodges which is an essential piece ofTwin Peakslore.
Considering Audrey was often considered the shows breakout sexy character, its nice that she so readily accepts Denise.
Finding that meaning is near impossible, but its there.
This episode is an experience unlike any other.
Special mention goes to the song, Sycamore Trees played as Cooper enters the Black Lodge.
Just be careful not to do it at night or you might start seeing owls everywhere.
Is the later half of season two holding some unseen treasures?
Can you make a case for Little Nicky?
Id love to hear!
Big thanks toIn Twin Peaksfor their screencap archive of the series.
