The Essential Wrapped in Plastic: Pathways to Twin Peaks- Book Review
For followers of Twin Peaks, the 'Wrapped in Plastic' fanzine kept them informed of all things TP, David Lynch and Mark Frost. The fanzine started in 1993 and ran for 75 editions, finishing in 2005. Living in England, I had heard of the magazine but never owned a copy due to it being difficult to obtain and source. When I heard that extracts from the magazine had been made into a sort of 'best of' book, which contained episode by episode breakdowns, critiques, interviews and essays, I sought it out immediately, needing to feed my craving to return to this, most singular, work. Reading this book, John Thorne’s enthusiasm is clear and it is truly a labour of love from an author with a deep passion for the show.
The book was a fascinating read.
The individual background of each episode and cast and crew quotes are a rich source of information but the highlight for me was the examination of the season 2 finale where Lynch literally threw away the script and free-styled to make something confounding yet profoundly interesting. I also liked Thorne’s examination of Fire Walk With Me and how, at the time, it was much maligned but critics and a public who wanted to have some sort of closure of the season 2 finale but were left to deal with a prequel dealing with dark subject matter like incest, murder and drug abuse.
In light of Twin Peaks: The Return, some of the theories concerning Cooper being the dreamer is interesting and intriguing, especially considering Lynch’s ouvre after FWWM and The Return. However, the Judy theory don't fit but much of what is theorised about the rest of the show really does. Judy or Jowday has been re-contextualised in season 3 but it is interesting to read about what Judy could have meant had it been renewed at the time.
Reading the book, what stands out is that the show burned so bright so quickly that the network didn't know what to do. Lynch and Frost had a bona-fide smash hit on their hands but wanted to move on to other creative endeavours, leaving the show in the hands of some creative who didn't always understand what made the show quirky yet unmissable. As a result, the show meandered and went through some strange alterations before being brought back on track the Windom Earle storyline and Lynch's stunning piece de resistance conclusion.
I loved reading the book and it opened my eyes to some intriguing theories and thoughts. For anyone needing to scratch the TP itch this book is a must have!
LINK- Reflections on Twin Peaks: The Return
LINK- Twin Peaks Retrospective
LINK- Twin Peaks: The Return Series Review