Twin Peaks

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Surreal cult hit might be too disturbing for teens.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

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.

  • This series explores the concept of morality in a  thoughtful, complex way and appreciates quirky humor and odd characters. That said, there is a foreboding tone to the series and plenty of double-crossing, lying, secrets, drug dealing, murder, etc. Good and bad isn't always black and white.
  • Agent Cooper uses unconventional means to accomplish his work, and also has a positive attitude toward appreciating life. Other characters are more nuanced -- good turns bad, and vice versa. Characters include drug dealers, murderers, prostitutes.
  • Though not constant, violence does occur with regularity. The series opens with the image of murdered teenager Laura
    Palmer naked, wrapped in plastic sheeting, on a beach. This image is referenced
    throughout the series. Other issues include domestic violence, arson,
    shootings, murder, strangulation, and murderous plots.
  • Though there is little overt nudity in the show, there are references to
    sex throughout the series, including prostitution.
  • There is very little strong language. Agent Cooper tends to use "damn" to describe food and coffee.
  • Not applicable.
  • Characters, including teenagers, drink and smoke on the series, and occasionally do drugs.
    Teenagers deal drugs and cocaine addiction issues are also revealed in the show.

What's the story?

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.


Is it any good?

 

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.


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What families can talk about

  • 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?


This review was written by Elka Karl
Teen, 16 years old
November 10, 2010
 
disturb

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Teen, 17 years old
November 20, 2011
 
Happy to own the DVD
One of the best TV shows ever, pure quality and a good indicator if someone has good taste. Twin Peaks is as good as suspense media can get and this settled in a very charming location. Great sociological exploring of themes which are definitely positive for the average teenager

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Adult
March 24, 2012
 
It is probably my favourite show ever
Yes it does contain voilence, sex, dinking and drug taking, but its a great show. Its not going to scar your teen, they're more mature than you give them credit for

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This review was written by Elka Karl
TV rating:NR
Cast:Jack Nance, Kyle MacLachlan, Lara Flynn Boyle
Genre:Drama

This review was written by Elka Karl
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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