‘Between Two Mysteries’: Intermediacy in Twin Peaks: The Return

Abstract

Britt explores Twin Peaks: The Return as a work that operates according to philosophical propositions about humans and other entities of essence and existence, of being and becoming. This short journey through certain aspects of The Return examines the particular way Lynch merges observable material reality with abstraction and immaterial activity. The term/concept of intermediacy frames the primary dramatic action and theme of The Return. After outlining the apparent circumstances and stakes of the plot, Britt contrasts the dualism and paradoxes of material/immaterial interaction using the narratives of characters Margaret Lanterman (Catherine E. Coulson) and FBI Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan). The chapter concludes with impressions The Return offers about the interactivity between physical and spiritual worlds and the philosophical/theological implications therein.

‘Between Two Mysteries’ is the title of a 2009 Mount Eerie song, written by Phil Elverum, which includes references to Lynch’s Twin Peaks as well as Angelo Badalamenti’s original score for the series.