I've just finished watching the series in three "marathon" legs and here’s my review. Before I start, I would like to point out that it came to my attention that watching the series in a week may lead to a different impression than you get when you get to watch only one episode per week like in the 90s.
The reason is obvious: you are much more likely to focus on the solution of a particular cliff hanger than on the acting quality, the setting, the technical flaws etc. So here we go:

Some of the positive elements are:

1. The series as a whole is very good and has extreme potential for becoming a “cult”, which, as a matter of fact, is confirmed by reality. Yes, very good – but not as brilliant as many of you diehard fans would like people to think. The reasons for that are many serious flaws that have a highly destructive impact on the overall impression of the whole series.

2. One positive element which I LOVED was above everything else the intro. What the hell?! In the light of the television culture that we all know, the mere fact that an eerie, mysterious and very long intro like that found its way to TV is almost mind blowing and an achievement as such. Believe it or not, it was literally that intro that made me watch the whole thing. It is a perfectly chosen pars pro toto clip.

3. I believe the main reason why this series had a particular appeal to more sophisticated, or discriminating television viewers was the fact that the producers – at least in the first season – took gave the different stories the required time they need to evolve. As a matter of fact, this is the same concept that was adopted in another brilliant series, The Sopranos. I realised that it is mostly people who have a rather distinctive, discriminating non-mainstream taste who happened to like such slow, “deep” series. One advantage of that kind of storytelling is of course the evolvement of the individual characters. Sometimes, a five seconds silent shot of someone’s face speaks more than any action. In fact, this is what mainly contributes to the atmosphere of TP. Apart from that, I loved the overall idea and plot, the subtle and very peculiar humour and the setting.

4. The soundtrack is simply brilliant. The best thing about the series and a major reason for its distinctive feeling.

5. Some of the characters were outright excellent for their roles and very good actors. I should mention: Laura’s mum (with the exception of one shot (ca. 3 secs), very good acting!), Cooper in the first season, Albert, Leeland, the one-eyed ginger, and in certain episodes/shots, also Catherine (only in the first season). And of course, BOB – perfect pic and very, VERY scary.

However – and here it comes – there were a number of SERIOUS FLAWS that prevented the series from realising a great deal of its potential:

1. The cast. The overall choice and quality of the actors was miserable. What is more, some of the roles were outright superfluous. However, I am not solely speaking of bad writing of roles, but also the ACTING. In my opinion (and probably the opinion of anyone who hasn’t completely lost his senses), the overall acting was bad to very bad. This, e.g., cannot be said about the aforementioned Sopranos. Now, before you start to curse me, I KNOW that the roles were written such that the characters would receive a slightly surreal touch etc. Yes, got it. But the actors were mainly average or simply sucked. To name but a few:

James – this human being cannot act, full stop. He was probably one of the WORST actors I have seen in a long time. There was not one single scene, not even a measly second, in which I bought his role. He reminded me of a thick guy back in school, also a weird looking alien like James, who could not act too. In any case, James was the WORST of the worst and SERIOUSLY destroys much of the overall appeal of the series. What is more: apart from his retarded non-acting abilities, his role was absolutely superfluous. Before you judge, go through the individual episodes and think about him. He didn’t add ANYTHING to the atmosphere, to the plot, the feeling, the mystery, the… his role was a classical “filler”. Tough motorcycle man? He couldn’t even play a credible up-the-ass-taker in a porn movie.

Donna and particularly Maddy/Laura (omg!!!) should also have stayed away from acting. Very, very bad actresses. All in all, let’s be honest about it, that storyline James-Donna-Maddy was as superfluous as a wart on the ass. They did not add anything to the feeling, mystery etc. of the series, but wasted time. There were – and I am not joking – certain scenes that I just watched x2 speed, because I couldn’t bear the acting and the insignificance of the roles. You even KNOW from the beginning that James is an obvious Red Herring. Fuck that guy and fuck them all!

The Hong Kong Chinese lady. I puked at every scene in which she appeared. While not as bad as the trio above, her role was, well, annoying at best. And the role should’ve been casted with someone else (and originally had been!). Every fucking scene with her was PATHETIC! On top of that, she’s a bad actress. So what do you want?

I should also mention Leo’s role. Far too extreme and one sided, without any sort of transition between good and evil. He was not well written (though rather well played).

2. Serious flaws in the plot. The first season is very good and intelligently moves towards the climax. The only major criticism I have here is James/Donna/Maddy. That “module” of the plot could have been written more wisely. But the second season – and yes, I know about the commercial issues and ABC etc. – sometimes seriously screwed up. Surprisingly, though, I don’t think that the revelation of Laura’s murderer as such was the major mistake, but the time and manner it was revealed. Let’s be honest, killing Maddy (who lived in Leeland’s house!) in the living room and the police didn’t even appear there to check? Gimme a break. (On that see further below). While I actually liked the idea that BOB might be reincarnated and the couple of episodes following Leeland’s death actually cleverly hinted at that, for about 5-7 episodes (until the closer focus on the lodges), I watched and watched and thought, what the hell is it all about, now? The plot seems to get lost in the middle of the second season.

Another serious flaw was the extreme unrealistic way the FBI dealt with the murder cases. I already mentioned Maddy’s murder. Now Albert and that screaming guy (Lynch, bad actor btw) were two FBI agents. The moment they learnt about the black lodge and the forest, the whole woods would be surrounded by police, FBI and all. Now, you could curse me and argue that I don’t understand it’s a mysterious, surreal story and not about realism. Agreed, got that. But nevertheless, you have to agree that we might as well do a sci-fi movie out of it, if we totally lose any touch with reality.

Finally, I think the ending was brilliant, except for the very end: Cooper enters the white/black lodge, which are the same place, just as good and evil are two sides of a coin (cheap new-age philosophy, but nevertheless good in TP). Brilliant scenery! Cooper showed LOVE, when he gave his soul for the woman he knew for a week (right…), but then he seemed to be afraid and left the room turning BACK, instead of passing BOB and leaving the room where his Doppelgänger appears shortly afterwards. Remember, “my greatest fear is that love might be not enough”, the bald military guy said in trance. Apparently, you also need courage or X – which we don’t know. Or something like that. I personally think Cooper should have tried to shag BOB. That would surely be courageous. Or kick his face or whatever. On another note, if TP was done today, I would certainly cast Ricky Gervais for the red room, in a serious role. He has that devilish smile and that creepy look. But I am diverting.

What I didn’t like was the way we are left with a rather weak cliff hanger. I mean I never expected a classical happy ending, and in fact, had there been one, I would hate the series now. But: BOB is in Cooper now. Ooooh, big time. So what? Cooper didn’t make it in the lodge and now he might kill one, two or three guys until he’s caught/shot/whatever. Already seen it before, if we’re honest, right? I expected the ending to be much more philosophical and have a wider scope than just BOB. I am aware that apparently, a third season was planned, but in any case, that particular final scene was not very great. Now, it came to my attention that many people (including some of you here) call the final episode "ambiguous", but that is truly due to a lack of semantic clarity about the term "ambiguous". The ending of TP is christal clear: Cooper goes in, Cooper loses, BOB wins. THAT'S why I wrote a weak cliff hanger, for it really just makes sense if you actually do realise a third season. If not, you're basically telling the public "so long, suckers!". And I hate the disrespect that Flynn showed with this ending. After all, we've spent our precious time watching his show.

So finally, what do I think about Twin Peaks? A very avantgardistic series for its time, yes. And good. But due to the aforesaid shortcomings, I am far from becoming a diehard fan. Good concept, excellent setting, excellent music and "feeling". But miserable actors, seriously flawed story lines and weak final scene.

Oh, what the hell, I’m horny now. Bye everyone.

Look, being a "fan" is a human property that intelligent people lose by the time they get around 30. Being a fan of anything is a cool thing, really, for it shows that you have passion, but at the same time, it makes you like most people in this forum, i.e. delusional about the object of your devotion. If you even dare to criticise this series or the prophet Lynch, the mob will jump on you. How dare I!

Yes, FYI, as I mentioned, I am perfectly aware of Lynch's concept for his films incl. his casted characters etc., but face it, under the naked face of the bright shining all elucidating sun, every single comment I wrote is nevertheless true. Lynch made serious mistakes both in the choice of actors and in the plot. And as a matter of fact, I consider him a typical "underrated/misunderstood genius" type of guy. For all these people, one relationship can be attested: brilliant potentiat -- only "good" realisation. Maybe, that's the thing with true artists (as oposed to film makers). But ANYWAY, all in all, I LOVE Twin Peaks, okay? Got it? I'm just really, really discriminating and picky.

Sorry, if that hurts your feelings, but it's my opinion.

PS: I also watched the film "TP Fire walk with me" earlier today. After seeing Laura naked, I fully understand why BOB wanted to screw her so badly. That fella's got taste! Dammit, I wouldn't kill her, I'd just shag her over and over again in every single hole of her tender body.

God dammit, horny again. So long!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH971o-Kx2c

Right, I forgot that most of you guys are based in the US, the most politically correct place in the world (I just love it how you say "the N-word", but your prisons are filled with "Ns" and how you are aghast at the, well, I'd have to call it "C-word", I guess, but at the same time tolerate disgustingly racist FOX TV, Rush Limbaugh (quote: "Ching Chang, Chawwwwwwwn!!!") et al -- I'd much rather have it the other way round). So there you go, I inserted - to put it in a figurative way - one of your beloved BEEPs, i.e. edited my wording above in accordance with PC.

But enough of that, tell me what you think, how do you evaluate the series, the actors et cetera? Did you also get the impression that the kike agent Rosenfield (played by a wetback) comes over like a poof in that one scene when he hugs Cooper like a wide-ass faggot? Oops!

I shoud add: :)

I agree with some of the points you made, like some of the acting being pretty bad, and the fact that some of the story elements sucked, but your post was just...trashy. I can't tell if you're being serious or not. You said that you think Cooper should have tried to "shag" BOB? You're aware what that means, right? And the last sentence of your post bothered me. And your username.

 Thank you and good night.

 That's your only suggestion! I would have a few more suggestions but I don't think it deserves a response...

As for the "British slang" stuff, I live in England and it is NOT okay to call anyone a "chink", so that is no excuse. And British people don't go round saying 'I'm horny now' either for the record.

Like insightfulone said in his post, I don't know why I even bother replying to this review - but I'm gonna do it nonetheless, because I just need to let you know how terribly wrong you are. You've got to be kidding, or trolling, it's the only explanation.

First of all, the people on this board are NOT, I'm quoting you, "delusional about the object of your devotion". What kind of a stupid statement is that ? They (we) just happen to be real David Lynch and Twin Peaks fans, which you are obviously not. What about, quoting again, "being a "fan" is a human property that intelligent people lose by the time they get around 30" ?? Are you implying that mature adults are not allowed to be a "fan" of something ? Man, you must live in a sad, sad world.

Now, about Twin Peaks... "Miserable" actors ? Overall acting "bad to very bad" ? I guess you haven't been paying much attention, have you ? While I do agree that some of the acting wasn't always perfect (Josie, James...), most of the actors were absolutely amazing. If you're gonna mention only three actors, don't say "overall acting". And by the way... Sheryl Lee, a bad actress ? Have you seen FWWM ? Oh, sorry, I forgot - the only thing you seem to be interested in is watching the girl naked. Oh please.

"Weak final scene" ? Once again, you can't be serious. Not only is it a great ending scene, but I might very well be THE best ending scene ever.

Now, quoting you again :

"Now, it came to my attention that many people (including some of you here) call the final episode "ambiguous", but that is truly due to a lack of semantic clarity about the term "ambiguous". The ending of TP is christal clear: Cooper goes in, Cooper loses, BOB wins." 

Well... You obviously are NOT a very ambiguous person, are you ? If this is your interpretation of the ending and you're satisfied with it, good for you. Just so you know, though... It's all a little more complicated that that.

Anyway... With a username like yours, one couldn't expect a subtle, in-depth analysis.

While I failed to appreciate the humour in most of the posts of user Masturbator (he he, the username is at least as week as James's acting ), I must admit that several points of the opening posts were valid. Troll-thread or not, I think we can still discuss it - you know what I mean, there is no need to treat it as a mission (replying to a post of someone who dared to question Twin Peaks' greatness ), we can just take these points and think about what possible merits they have. I may agree or not but some points were well put.

I like Twin Peaks acting in general but here and there it was far from perfect.
I like the plot but its because I'm kind of die-hard fan (I even like Evelyn, hee hee), still the plot flaws that were mentioned make some sense.
I love the ending but then again user M. said the ending was great, too, EXCEPT for the final scene. And I like the final scene but in the light of the opening post I do understand why someone might find it to be an unsatisfactory cliffahnger.

Finally, please, while it is in fact stupid to say things like 

it is also absurd to resent a sole fact that someone "obviously isn't a fan". Well it is definitely not obligatory to be a fan and I think there is room enough on the board for people who watched the film/series, who have an opinion, who liked it - but not necessarily all of it.

I definitely disagree with some of the points made in the opening post but except for all the shagging, chinking etc. stuff and except for the equally unnecessary pondering about political correctness, Fox TV racism and so on - I would tend to appreciate this "critical review" and unlike JFK I do find it critical enough.

Also, I liked very much the points that were made about what was good about Twin Peaks - some of them were obvious, like the soundtrack or characters but some are not so frequently made, for instance the ones about the storytelling which was "slow" and gave every character time to evolve. Very good point.

I intend to come back to this thread with some more details. 

Bobi 1 Kenobi

B. Beware
O. Of
B. BOB 

Hi guys, long time no see. What's up? (apart from my dong)

First of all, I am flattered by your concern about my penis and my handling of it. Thanks for the many comments. And as for your obsession with my remark about the Chinese lady, I gave it serious contemplation and shagged a Chinese girl two days ago. I really did, she's a friend of mine and came by to borrow an academic book. So I think this should clear any misunderstandings in this regard.

Wow, you guys seem to really be into Twin Peaks, that's impressive. But hey, I just wrote some stuff about a film, now calm down everyone, will you? Yeah, being a fan bla bla, 30 bla bla - isn't it obvious I just wanted to annoy that guy who wrote "oooh, you're obviously not a fan of Lynch!!!". I mean wtf? Don't take everything so personal. I am a huge fan of many things. Brazilian whores, for example.

Anyway, when I wrote the review first, I hadn't watched FWWM. Yap, Laura's acting is somewhat better in that film and yes, I find her very hot, so what? Can't a man have an opinion just because he's got a hard-on?

BUT, let me say this, since I know that I am a very critical person in general:

I find TP great. I am angry about the aforesaid flaws, because they are stains on an otherwise great series! I hate Lynch for having been sloppy in that respect, but I love him for - well, is it fair to say the red room alone would be enough to love him?

THE RED ROOM. 

I don't know about you, but I found the red room scenes fucking amazing. Brilliant. Did you realise something? The scenes are not scary AS SUCH. BOB's acting in the second scene ("he cannot do that, you go, booh!") is even slightly comical. The dancing dwarf, etc. One could say ridiculous. But I am being honest with you, after maybe 15 years or even more, a scene scared the hell out of me! THIS is the brilliance of Lynch, I believe. Laura's snipping was scarier than any scene in any of those so-called "horror" movies. The ATMOSPHERE of the red room, or fuck it, even the transparent red curtains in the woods were scary. I can't substantiate the reason, but this is what I love so much about TP. The backwards talking... as a linguist, it is amazing to see how this simple method can be used to create such a gloomy, ominous atmosphere. Aside from that, the camera work was outright excellent.

And yes, I hope I am not the only one who had a bit of a problem with mirrors after watching TP. On the other hand, I hate the fact that as an adult (knowing that they're actors, the scenes were made such and such), this series still managed to scare me.

But thinking back about the red room, there is one observation that I made: the effect of emptiness. Emptiness is scary, think about it. I believe the reason is because it leaves room for your imagination to play. Do you remember the midget saying "WRONG WAY!". You watch that scene and feel terrified, because you EXPECT something to happen, you expect it to have some significance. It would really be interesting to see if there is a certain inherent claustrophobia in every human being when he enters a sterile, over-sized environment, which causes us to get this impression of fear. 

I should also mention I watched the series and the film on youtube, but one part of the film was not available. Apparently, it contained a really hot sex-scene with Laura, does anyone know where I can watch it?

I should add two things:

1. I think we agree on: fuck everything that's on TV today, it doesn't come close to twin peaks (for one thing, they would have done everything with special effects). Now, a question I have for you guys is: what do you think, would today's audiences appreciate (i.e. regularly watch) something like TP or would it be a flop?

Put it another way: do series like TP (and anything of quality, if we're honest) not exist anymore because the average person today is a complete consume-oriented undiscriminating retard or do companies just underestimate their audience and therefore not take "risks" which actually wouldn't be any. In Urop, for example, TV stations do not produce anything anymore, but do those "reality shows" - simply because they are very cheap to produce and people watch anything today. This is increasingly being criticised. I really wonder if something like TP could be a blockbuster these days. Something in me says yes! But another part of me witnesses the success of shows like "Big Brother" and cries noooooo!

2.  I am a masturbator, alias wanker. Yes, well observed. So are you (if you're not dead). So why do you blame me for my pure honesty? Would you criticise me too had I chosen the name "non-smoker" or "shower-taker" or "eater" or "air-breather"? So please, preserve your politeness.  I am just a very open and honest person and believe that you should reveal a piece of yourself to gain the confidence of the other discussing members.