Twin Peaks E01E07

The Fractured Fatherhood in "Twin Peaks"

The world of "Twin Peaks," as envisaged by David Lynch, presents an engrossing mix of the everyday and the eerily inexplicable. The small-town setting that encapsulates the mood of the Pacific Northwest is both charming and chilling, and at the core of this duality lie some deeply flawed characters, two of which are quintessential embodiments of failed fatherhood: Leland Palmer and Ben Horne.

Leland Palmer's grievous acts towards his daughter Laura, under the influence of an evil spirit, set the tone for the series and resonate with viewers as a brutal betrayal of the father-daughter bond. While Leland's actions are overtly horrifying, Ben Horne's neglectful demeanor toward his daughter Audrey bears its own share of darkness. His near-encounter with Audrey, while she is undercover, underscores his absence as a protective father figure. These two characters, with their lapses in judgment and morality, starkly represent the show's ongoing theme of duality.

In the seventh episode of the new "Twin Peaks," titled "There's a Body All Right," both of these men are brought into sharp focus. Leland's deeds find a mention in the conversations between Sheriff Frank Truman and Deputy Chief Hawk Hill. The recently discovered pages of Laura Palmer’s diary allude to two seminal events from the prequel, “Fire Walk with Me,” that reiterate the traumatic experiences Laura had with her father. Meanwhile, Ben Horne's appearances in this episode are equally tinged with intrigue. The mystery of a humming noise in his office and a panicked call from his brother Jerry paint a scene of ambient unease.

David Lynch's keen emphasis on soundscapes – the rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the persistent wind – amplify the atmospheric tension. Despite the beauty that Lynch finds in these natural sounds, they become foreboding in the context of the show. The soundscape ensures that viewers, much like Jerry, are entrapped in a sonic realm of discomfort. This intentional choice serves as a reminder of the dichotomy of "Twin Peaks": a picturesque town where hauntingly terrible acts occur.

A notable departure from the previous episodes, the audience witnesses a reduced presence of Agent Cooper's alter-ego, “Dougie Jones.” Despite this, his few scenes are significant, bringing forth the essence of the original Cooper when he confronts a potential assassin. The episode progresses rapidly, intertwining multiple crime narratives that have been brewing over the season.

Yet, what makes this episode standout is its adept handling of emotion. The palpable tension and mystery are juxtaposed with moments of profound sentimentality. Diane's poignant interaction with Cooper captures raw emotion, while Sheriff Truman’s nostalgic conversation with Dr. Will Hayward evokes a comforting warmth amidst the underlying dread.

However, this respite is short-lived. The creeping dread is encapsulated in the unsettling scene with the shadowy figure from Episode 2. The emergence of malevolent entities and the release of Mr. C., a character imbued with the spirit of Bob, portend further chaos in the narrative.

In conclusion, the layered world of "Twin Peaks" thrives on its duality. From its characters, like Leland and Ben, who epitomize the fractured concept of fatherhood, to the intricate blend of ambiance and emotion, the series remains an enigma. As the series unfolds, viewers can anticipate more turmoil, requiring Agent Cooper to once again step into the fray, relying on his intrinsic skills to bring resolution.