tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post2404435133500411014..comments2024-03-28T23:03:57.917-04:00Comments on Doux Reviews: Twin Peaks: Check MateBillie Douxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17141769005175631213noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-89733248090203346312017-07-23T15:52:20.316-04:002017-07-23T15:52:20.316-04:00The pot is still on simmer, despite the resolution...The pot is still on simmer, despite the resolution of the Jean Renault arc. Although the confrontation between Renault and Cooper should have been the highlight of the episode, the sting operation seemed amateurish at best. When it goes wrong, Cooper valiantly swaps himself for Dennis/Denise and Ernie. Renault holds Cooper responsible for the death of his two brothers, even though Cooper did not directly kill either of them--apparently because he believes Cooper is the reason for all the 'bad joss' in Twin Peaks (or Cooper is the catalyst for bringing it to the surface). Denise comes to the rescue, and Renault is killed. In contrast to the the Laura Palmer murder mystery, this arc was pure soap opera--and that's why it didn't work for me. Although I'm happy to put Renault's accent behind me...<br /><br />The episode begins with Major Briggs trying to describe his 'experience', and we see a strange mark on his neck. It appears that he is finally willing to talk about his secret work in the Air Force, but as soon as he mentions that his group is seeking the White Lodge two enlisted men take him away. The last time the Major mentioned the White Lodge he disappeared for two days--how long can F&L tease the Lodges? I think it would have been better to provide a some more information here to keep us interested.<br /><br />As for the other arcs, truant James gets in deeper with Evelyn Marsh, but we now know he is being set up. Nadine and her super-strength save Ed from a jealous Hank. Meanwhile, Andy and Dick resort to a caper to discover what happened to Nicky's parents, and Ben Horne is re-enacting the Battle of Gettysburg (and correctly stating the strategic importance of Little Round Top). Sheriff Truman and Josie share a passionate moment, and Catherine Martell is surprisingly quite fond of General Lee. Bobby seems to be more interested in his new job (and Audrey) than Shelly--wasn't it only a few days ago when he vowed to shower Shelly with gifts? How fickle these kids are. These arcs are mostly filler, although James does describe why he left Twin Peaks--apparently he wants to make a clean break with the town, unfortunately for Donna...<br /><br />One big end-of-episode reveal is the awakening of Leo, apparently ready to take revenge on Shelly. While this cannot be called a plot twist--who couldn't see this coming--at least we no longer have to watch Leo spit up food. The other reveal is the rather amazing feat of Windom Earle placing a dead body/chessboard/stuffed deer display in the sheriff's office. And, of course, flashing lights abound.<br /><br />Great review Josie! I always enjoy your description and analysis of the Major. He is a great character, but unfortunately everything is classified. I get the impression from the Major that the Lodges are much more than a curiosity for him and his group--as in world-level importance, or maybe even balance-of-the-universe-level importance. Unfortunately, it's a lot easier to intimate importance than it is to explain it...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09499845492120364597noreply@blogger.com