Twin Peaks: S02E09 “Arbitrary Law”
Why are David Lynch episodes the best of Twin Peaks? Is it that he gets the best scripts, or is he just supremely talented? The same goes for Jack Bender of Lost: every time his name would come on screen, I knew we’d be in for a classic. To answer my question, I’d suspect it’s both.
Alas, this is not a David Lynch episode, but rather a Tim Hunter episode. I’ve been surprised to look at the names that have directed episodes of Twin Peaks to see they’re still directing episodes of Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and the like. Even though I love those two shows, this is one of the only times I’ve been thoroughly disappointed in the directing in an episode.
I’m not sure whether to blame Tim Hunter or the three-man writing team for this episode, which feels extremely rushed. ABC pushed you to a reveal about Laura’s killer, right? Did they push you to get rid of Leland too? “Arbitrary Law” feels like we’re pushing towards something inevitable, like this is supposed to happen, but it is also missing a lot of good, quiet moments. There were glimpses of it, for sure, like Donna’s meeting with Leland or Leland’s death monologue. But most of it felt like it was going by so fast, I couldn’t savor the moments and intensity.
Plus, I hate dutch angles. And the final shot? Just lazy.
The upside to an episode where a lot happens is that…well, a lot happens. This is probably Donna’s most critical episode of the series (I’m assuming she reverts to boring Donna again for next episode), and Lara Flynn Boyle does a good job in her scene with Leland. Furthermore, she made me hate James even more (even though I don’t buy he would just leave like that). At least this gives James some coloring to be a character, even if it’s negative and unbelievable.
I may just be confused without needless scenes involving Nadine or Leo, but I still think a slightly slower feel would’ve helped the episode. Even with the breakneck pace, this episode was still excellent. Pretty much every Leland scene is a classic, and gives a sense of closure. I’m not sure if closure is something you want halfway through your season though.
I hope the sense of loss will be conveyed, like that hopeless feeling Cooper had when he knew there had been another murder. Or will the town be happy, not knowing that the evil in the woods has just manifested in an owl (?!?!?!?!). I’m just sad to see one of my favorite characters go, and the best plotline go, in lieu of all of the other things the show just doesn’t do as well.
(Note: I wrote this months ago! I just now found it. I’ll continue, I promise. I said I would get them done before Christmas, didn’t I? I wish I could write a better, longer recap for such a great episode, but alas.)
