miserable sitcom-worthy scripts developed by an unseasoned handful of newcomers killed the show as if they too were possessed by the spirit of Killer Bob
Also included is forty minutes of interviews with a surprising amount of "Twin Peaks" stars covering how they originally got involved with the series, the production of the show, and the ongoing legacy "Twin Peaks" provided. While it is great to finally hear from "Peaks" stars Kyle MacLachlan, Madchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn, and David Duchovny; it´s the conversations with the forgotten actors that bring any life to these interviews. The moments spent with Kimmy Robertson and Don Davis, who portrayed Lucy Moran and Major Garland Briggs respectively, are the best, providing lighthearted insight to counter the ridiculously serious tone presented by the out-of-touch MacLachlan and bigger-name stars.
The thing that stands out about these interviews isn't a particular topic but the lack of inclusion of the man most of the stars discuss, Lynch himself. Lynch has gone to great lengths to distance himself from what has become arguably the high point of his uneven career. But the lack of any input from the man who created this cult classic is inexcusable and negates the impact of these interviews as a whole. The interviews are presented in an odd format, too; while one can view the forty minutes of clips straight through, you can also access them via the "Interactive Interview Grid." Why this "grid" was included is puzzling; the effort would have been better spent securing at least one person to provide commentary on any of the episodes. Easily the best addition is the complete set of Log Lady introductions that Lynch shot himself after he sold the series for rebroadcast on the Bravo network.
Film Value:
While the first season of "Twin Peaks" is a highlight of the artistic capabilities of the television medium, season two is an example of the depths of mediocrity most shows exist in. The rampant uneven feel from episode to episode damaged the overall narrative of the program. For every wonderful moment the audience spends with characters like FBI Regional Bureau Chief Gordon Cole (portrayed by the maestro himself), we are forced to swallow endless moments of James tooling about on his motorcycle trying to find himself, while the audience prayed he would remain lost. These scenes provide season two with its own variation on the "drinking game" that has become attached to many other cult programs. Anytime you see James, you reach not for the bottle but the remote, and instead of taking a swig, you hit the fast-forward button. Other highlights showcased in season two are the introduction of Annie Blackburn (Heather Graham) as Agent Cooper's love interest, Duchovny in drag, and the return of Lynch to direct the final and best episode of the season. But to reach those heights one must wade through the depths of the poorly conceived Cooper nemesis, Windom Earl, the love triangle involving the annoying yet aptly named Dick, and the five episodes that force Billy Zane on you; the latter actually requires a shower to completely cleanse yourself.
While the legacy of "Twin Peaks" was carried on by excellent shows like "American Gothic," "Northern Exposure," and "The X-Files," it also inspired such pedestrian hits as the meandering "Lost" and the deplorable "Desperate Housewives." While season two of "Twin Peaks" failed to continue the fire that burned so brightly throughout the first season, hard-core fans will be happy to know that they can finally put those well-worn video tapes to rest and proudly display this new set beside their copy of "Laura Palmer's Diary" and their homemade "Twin Peaks" action figures.
The thing that stands out about these interviews isn't a particular topic but the lack of inclusion of the man most of the stars discuss, Lynch himself. Lynch has gone to great lengths to distance himself from what has become arguably the high point of his uneven career. But the lack of any input from the man who created this cult classic is inexcusable and negates the impact of these interviews as a whole. The interviews are presented in an odd format, too; while one can view the forty minutes of clips straight through, you can also access them via the "Interactive Interview Grid." Why this "grid" was included is puzzling; the effort would have been better spent securing at least one person to provide commentary on any of the episodes. Easily the best addition is the complete set of Log Lady introductions that Lynch shot himself after he sold the series for rebroadcast on the Bravo network.
Film Value:
While the first season of "Twin Peaks" is a highlight of the artistic capabilities of the television medium, season two is an example of the depths of mediocrity most shows exist in. The rampant uneven feel from episode to episode damaged the overall narrative of the program. For every wonderful moment the audience spends with characters like FBI Regional Bureau Chief Gordon Cole (portrayed by the maestro himself), we are forced to swallow endless moments of James tooling about on his motorcycle trying to find himself, while the audience prayed he would remain lost. These scenes provide season two with its own variation on the "drinking game" that has become attached to many other cult programs. Anytime you see James, you reach not for the bottle but the remote, and instead of taking a swig, you hit the fast-forward button. Other highlights showcased in season two are the introduction of Annie Blackburn (Heather Graham) as Agent Cooper's love interest, Duchovny in drag, and the return of Lynch to direct the final and best episode of the season. But to reach those heights one must wade through the depths of the poorly conceived Cooper nemesis, Windom Earl, the love triangle involving the annoying yet aptly named Dick, and the five episodes that force Billy Zane on you; the latter actually requires a shower to completely cleanse yourself.
While the legacy of "Twin Peaks" was carried on by excellent shows like "American Gothic," "Northern Exposure," and "The X-Files," it also inspired such pedestrian hits as the meandering "Lost" and the deplorable "Desperate Housewives." While season two of "Twin Peaks" failed to continue the fire that burned so brightly throughout the first season, hard-core fans will be happy to know that they can finally put those well-worn video tapes to rest and proudly display this new set beside their copy of "Laura Palmer's Diary" and their homemade "Twin Peaks" action figures.
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[release]20963[/release]