| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that while Twin Peaks is an award-winning television series that
explores morality and identity in a fresh and original way, it still may be too
disturbing for many teens. In addition to a generally foreboding tone, the series is full of bizarre imagery in dream sequences (which
include a red-suited dwarf and a serial killer named BOB), plus violent storylines, drinking and drug dealing (sometimes by teens), and a recurring image of a dead, naked woman that combine into a potentially frightening experience, due in
part to the show's surreal and creative presentation.
TWIN PEAKS follows FBI agent Dale Cooper’s (Kyle
McLaughlan) murder investigation of teenage homecoming queen Laura Palmer in
the small town of Twin Peaks, WA. Set in 1989, each episode roughly follows one
day in the investigation. The drama, which was created by David Lynch and Marc
Frost, picks up several subplots that unfurl from this main storyline,
exploring concepts of morality, appearance vs. reality, and the misleading
expectations of life in a small town. Quirky characters, odd humor, and
surrealistic situations abound.
In the 20 years since Twin Peaks debuted, the show’s
reputation has withstood the test of time. The genre-defying television series combined complicated
subplots, excellent scripts, and impressive acting into a quirky cult hit. In only two seasons it received 17 Emmy
nominations, and TV Guide rated it as one of the "Top 50 Television Shows of
All Time."
Teens who appreciate odd characters and are mature enough to handle the show's dark tone and occasional drugs and violence will find Twin Peaks to be worthwhile viewing and serve as a good introduction to David Lynch's bizarre, but often oddly satisfying brand of drama.
Families can talk about what ways is Agent Cooper different than most FBI agents
portrayed on television? What is quirky about him as a character? Is he a hero or a role model? Who can be considered heroic in the series?
What does surrealism mean? What’s an example of a
surrealistic moment in an episode of Twin Peaks?
How does the violence in this show affect you? Does it seem more or less violent that other mysteries or legal dramas you've seen?
| TV rating: | NR |
| Cast: | Jack Nance, Kyle MacLachlan, Lara Flynn Boyle |
| Genre: | Drama |