From the editor: Bold, beautiful, effervescent television

If you’re not watching the latest series of Twin Peaks then you’re making a big mistake. Catch up on Sky Atlantic or preorder the DVD/Blu-Ray release when it’s available: you’re in for a mesmerising show. It manages to thrill and entertain even when feeling slow, or even mundane at times.

The original Twin Peaks series had an oft-forgotten edge to it, but also a gripping murder mystery plot, warm characters and comic interludes. This series is darker for the most part, but there’s resplendent, singular beauty in the episodes.

I won’t share any spoilers but an escape, of sorts, from a lodge, is an astonishing sequence of traditional Peaksian backwards talk mixed with ferreting, glitchy sound design. David Lynch is credited as ‘Sound Design’ on every episode in fact, and these episodes should be played loud, in a dark room, to appreciate a unique audiovisual feast. I would rewatch them in fact, but I want to save that treat for future cinema marathons.

The eighth episode has been heralded as one of the most experimental hours of television of all time. Listen to Penderecki’s powerful work ‘Threnody For The Victims Of Hiroshima’ and imagine it soundtracking Kubrick’s bravura ‘Star Gate’ sequence from 2001: A Space Odyssey and you’ll get a vague idea. Add to that the most memorable and terrifying woodsman/Abraham Lincoln impersonator of all time too. I was also introduced to the fantastic industrial metal of Uniform: ‘Wake in Fright’ is the best rock album released since ‘Sunbather’ (bit.ly/2dy8kEf).

An accompanying podcast can enhance the experience: check out the brilliant Brighton-based podcast ‘Diane’ at diane.libsyn.com for intelligent insights mixed with friendly, communal fandom.

Joe Fuller
editorial@thelatest.co.uk