Diane, I’m Holding in My Hand a Small Box of Chocolate Bunnies

This week, I bought Twin Peaks - The Definitive Gold Box Edition, the DVD collection that includes the entire 1990-91 David Lynch series, including all 29 episodes, the pilot and the international movie version of the pilot, as well as several special features.

Simply stated, this is one of the best DVD purchases I have ever made. I don’t often feel the need to buy TV series on DVD, but this is one of the few exceptions that justified the price. I loved Twin Peaks when it first aired in 1990, stuck with it when it went off track for several episodes and lamented when its brilliant series finale would have no follow-up. It’s influence on TV can still be felt today on shows like Lost and Heroes.

The complete series has been previously released on VHS, and recently the first and second seasons have been released on DVD, but this is the first set to include both versions of the pilot and the new extras that make this set worth buying.

Having just purchased it, I haven’t had a chance to watch all 10 discs yet, but what I have seen so far is reason enough to highly recommend this set. I watched all of Disc 1, which is both versions of the pilot. The DVD gives you the option of watching either version, or just watching the alternate ending of the international version, since ¾ths of the movie is the same. Much of the footage of the international version ending shows up in episode 2 of the series.

I also watched Disc 10, which is where most of the special features can be found. First up is "A Slice of Lynch," a recent conversation with Lynch and Kyle MacLachlan (FBI special Agent Dale Cooper), Madchen Amick (Shelly Johnson) and production associate John Wentworth. This is the only extra that includes Lynch, and its very enjoyable, and well worth watching, as they discuss their own personal memories and demonstrate their ongoing affection for the show and each other. And may I add, Madchen Amick, more than 15 years later, is still hot.

Other features discuss the pilot, the first season, the music of the show and the second season. together nearly two hours of behind-scenes fascinating info about the show. Mark Frost tells most of the tale, aided by writers, directors and cast members (Sheryl Lee, who played Laura Palmer and cousin Maddie, also still hot). The music section is highlighted by distinctive composer Angelo Badalamenti, discussing how he created he music of the series while he plays it on camera. He shares an awesome anecdote about Paul McCartney that basically captures the coolness of it all. Singer Julee Cruise talks about working with Lynch and Badalamenti. A video for her song, "Falling" from the show is included among the extras as well.

While all of the documentaries are worth watching, particularly fascinating is the section on Season 2, where the show lost its way. Pressured by ABC to solve the mystery of "who killed Laura Palmer" early on, the show floundered for several episodes as creators Lynch and Frost focused on other projects and outside writers and directors took the show in directions that focused on weirdness for weirdness sake vs., superior storytelling with a Lynchian touch. Schedule shuffling and Gulf War pre-emptions also affected the show’s ratings, dooming the show that had once been the highlight of the ABC schedule. Lynch and Frost returned to get the series back on track for the final episodes of the season, but the damage had been done. Despite a compelling Season 2 cliffhanger finale, there would be no third season, and Twin Peaks ended, precious potential wasted.

As a fan, I also admit Season 2 went horribly wrong, starting off by solving the murder of Laura Palmer (the behind scenes take on this revelation is fascinating to watch, particularly regarding the actor involved). Lynch and Frost knew from the beginning who the murderer was, but none of the cast did – and they even shot alternate scenes with suspects to keep them guessing. The Windom Earl arc that concluded the series was at least as compelling as the Laura Palmer mystery, but by then it was too late. Too much extraneous silliness had derailed the series, trying the patience of even the most die-hard fan (myself included).

After watching just about all of the special features of Disc 10 (don’t miss the Saturday Night Live sketches with Kyle MacLachlan – hilariously spot on), I began watching the series itself, anxious to revisit the series after watching all of the discussions about it. In addition to the pilot, I have seen the first 2 episodes, and am a fan all over again. What stands out for me this time around is how Michael Ontkean as Sheriff Harry S. Truman anchors the series. He is us, fascinated, supportive and confused by Agent Cooper, as he takes the weirdness that this murder has brought to his town completely in stride. In the second episode, he tells Cooper that he may have to take up medicine because he feels like Dr. Watson. A perfect comparison, even as he sells himself short. Cooper could never get through this mystery on his own. Truman is his anchor, and together they navigate the mysteries they uncover, finding just as many questions as they do answers. Re-focus on Truman as the main character and the show is fascinating in a completely different way.

A great collection for a great show. Do yourself a favor and re-acquaint yourself with the series and the story behind its rise and fall.