Who killed Laura Palmer? The compassionate, popular, high schooler haunts the narrative of this thrilling, and at times equally strange, 1990s series by Mark Frost and David Lynch. It is up to FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) – and the townspeople of Twin Peaks – to uncover the mystery of her death and the dark secrets of the town, which run deeper than Cooper could possibly imagine.

Twin Peaks is as iconic as it is genius, and a master at subverting expectations. Airing in 1990, it gripped both American and British audiences with abstract mystery and storytelling, introducing the British public to the misty Pacific Northwest before the likes of Twilight (2008). Its untimely cancellation in 1991 left fans disappointed, until the 2017 revival season gave us a new mind-boggling conclusion to the classic show. Despite cancellations, the first two seasons situated themselves in my heart, and the hearts of many others, as timeless classics, and encapsulate everything I love about the show.

The recent passing of David Lynch has drawn me back to Twin Peaks to celebrate the charm he brought (alongside co-writer Mark Frost) to the show. The unique cast of characters all have their own quirks and interconnected relationships. A prime example being the ‘Log Lady’ (Catherine E. Coulson), who aids Agent Cooper in his investigations through clairvoyant messages she receives from a small log.

Lynch’s abstract use of the paranormal is what makes Twin Peaks stand out from many other crime dramas, yet despite all its quirks at its heart the show is tantalisingly human. Twin Peaks explores how a community develops around the death of a well-beloved figure, and each character has their own unique dreams and personalities. Laura herself is presented as an intricate character, her true nature unknown by her friends and family. But she is never denied agency in her own narrative – despite the terrible circumstances that led to her death.

The psychological and dark content material of Laura’s past is blended with humorous, mundane characters that bring the town to life. Moments of threat that are often incomprehensible always feel grounded in the characters’ reality. Such as the sudden, supernatural appearance of major antagonist BOB (Frank Silva) peering at Laura’s mother (Grace Zabriskie) from behind a bed. The genius of this scene, and many other scenes in the series, is that it is so out of place and unexpected that, paired with the cast’s phenomenal acting and directors’ vision, they continue to scare me senseless on a rewatch.

Lynch encourages the viewer to find their own meaning in the subtext of his work. To me Twin Peaks, whilst exploring supernatural themes, leads us to question the nature of human evil and highlights the tragic life of a young girl who was failed by her community, best captured by two quotes from the series: “All you good people, you wanna know who killed Laura? You Did! We all did…” (Season 1, Episode 3); and “Maybe that’s all BOB is. The evil that men do.” (Season 2, Episode 9)

Twin Peaks (1990-1991) is not a perfect show, sometimes dated by the time it was created in, but I find its central merit lies in presenting the horror of trauma and the scars it leaves behind. Most importantly, the hope of prevailing good is articulated through the story of Laura Palmer.

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