I'm happy to announce that my new book, The Essential Wrapped In Plastic: Pathways to Twin Peaks is now available to order on Amazon.

It took me quite some time to write and compile the new book; I've been working on it steadily for almost 8 months (although the first stages of planning began over a year ago).  The book is a collection of pertinent information and essays that I originally wrote for Wrapped In Plastic.  I have revised and re-organized this material, using an episode guide for Twin Peaks as a core template. I critique each episode--and also analyze important deleted scenes--to show how the series was shaped as it was produced.  Each episode also contains commentary from the various Twin Peaks actors and writers we interviewed for WIP over the years (including comments from David Lynch, Mark Frost, Harley Peyton, Robert Engels, Sheryl Lee, Heather Graham, Miguel Ferrer, Richard Beymer, Kenneth Welsh, Frank Silva and dozens more).

The book features a few in-depth essays about Fire Walk With Me, including the controversial, "Dreams of Deer Meadow" essay, and another long work that studies the portrayal of Laura Palmer in the film. There is also an introductory essay that challenges the definition of Twin Peaks as "cult show" and another detailed chapter that examines the final episode of the series.

The new book is not a reprint of Wrapped In Plastic.  I  have taken important writing from the magazine and re-worked into a book-form.  As such, there are no glossy pages or photographs (like there was in WIP).  I wanted the original magazine to be its own thing; I believe it still has unique and important content to offer.  Back issues of WIP can be found through Howard Miller (and the estate of Craig Miller) at www.wrappedinplasticmag.com.

It's been fun writing and thinking about Twin Peaks again.  The Essential Wrapped In Plastic was a labor of love and I hope it will be useful for fans of Twin Peaks, both new and old.  Let me know what you think!

Frost to Write New Twin Peaks Book

Wow!  The news just keeps getting better!  Mark Frost will write an original Twin Peaks novel!  Looks like this will serve as the bridge between the original series and the new one.  Amazing.

Color Me Amazed: Some Thoughts on a New Twin Peaks

The last few days have been tumultuous, to say the least.  It has been an emotional experience, processing the news about the return of Twin Peaks.  I've been nostalgic about the old series and re-energized about the potential of the new show.  Here's are a few thoughts that stand out, now that the dust has settled a bit:

• Mark Frost's involvement is the most exciting aspect of the announcement.  Don't get me wrong; I'm thrilled that David Lynch will be directing the nine new episodes; there could never be a Twin Peaks without him.  But a return of Twin Peaks to serialized format requires the storytelling discipline and structure that Mark Frost brings to the project.  With Frost and Lynch working together, the new series has the potential of matching the momentum and urgency of the first season.  That would be something to see! 
• A weekly format is the way to go!  At first, I expected the new Twin Peaks to be available on Netflix (or something like it).  That would allow for the whole series to be available at once.  But that format doesn't fit classic Peaks.  (I like that, "Classic Peaks." That's what I'm going to call the old series.)  If the new show features a central mystery akin to "Who killed Laura Palmer?" then the best way to build interest, narrative momentum and viewer engagement is with a weekly series.  Like the old days, this approach will give us all a chance to parse each episode, predict future developments and offer our own theories.  That's what was so much fun about the original airings of Classic Peaks: the involvement we all felt with the show, the energy we brought to thinking about it week-to-week.  These are vital ingredients to the success of TP-on-TV.
• I expect the laughs to return.  Fire Walk With Me was dark, disturbing, and stripped of the eccentric humor intrinsic to the show.  (Yes, there was some in the film, but it was muted.) And it didn't start there: the final episode also lacked the oddball behavior and delightful story elements found in the rest of the series.  A big part of TP's appeal came from its endearing characters and amusing asides.  Humor gave Twin Peaks a certain charm.  I hope much of that comes back.

That's enough for now.  I'm still wrapping my brain around the idea of new Twin Peaks.  I have many more thoughts--specifically questions--about Laura Palmer, FWWM, the new Missing Pieces and how all of that fits into--and impacts--a new series.  I'll save those thoughts for next time.

A Day I Never Thought I'd See

By now, the world knows that Twin Peaks will return to television on Showtime in 2016. This is remarkable news.  Simple stunning.  I considered simply posting a blank entry here with a footnote that said, "I'm at a loss for words."  As I struggle for what to say here, I feel like I still am.

Twin Peaks was a life-changing event for me.  No other television program or movie had such a profound effect on my life.  The show put me on a path to get a Masters Degree in TV/Radio/Film from Southern Methodist University.  It also led me to a thirteen-year collaboration with Craig Miller in which we produced 75 issues of the magazine, Wrapped In Plastic.

In WIP, Craig and I wrote extensively about the series and film and we interviewed many of the actors and creative people involved with the Twin Peaks and Fire Walk With Me.  We felt like we were documenting an important piece of art.  I wish Craig were here to share in this wonderful news.  I know we would be planning to continue WIP in some way and to start writing again about the new show.  Sadly, a continuation of WIP as it used to be will probably not happen. 

That being said, I do plan to write about this new show in some capacity.  Perhaps I will simply blog about it here.  Or maybe I can find a way to resurrect WIP online.  I just don't know.  But something will happen. 

Like the rest of the Twin Peaks fan community, I am extremely happy right now.  What exciting times we have ahead of us! 

More to come . . . .

Craig Miller

 
It's been far too long since I last put up a post here but, sadly, I return with some terrible news.

Craig Miller passed away on November 7, 2012.  From what I understand he died peacefully, in his sleep.  But the news was certainly unexpected.  And devastating.

Between October 1992 and September 2005, Craig and I produced 75 issues of Wrapped In Plastic Magazine.  I estimate that together we wrote over one million words about Twin Peaks and about the works of David Lynch, Mark Frost and others associated with the show.

Working with Craig was one of the highlights of my life.  Craig was the perfect co-editor.  He was smart, committed, and thorough.  The look, feel, and longevity of the magazine were due to Craig's tireless effort.  Because of Craig's diligence a new issue of Wrapped In Plastic was published every two months for over ten years.

Craig loved television, film, comics and science fiction.  I shared his passion.  He and I would talk endlessly of these things we loved.  Phone calls between us would last hours as we dissected a scene in Twin Peaks, or analyzed an issue of Cerebus, or examined the themes of Blade Runner, or pored over the writing of David Foster Wallace.  I'd end these conversations feeling exhausted -- and invigorated. 

Craig is gone and all his vast knowledge and insight is gone too.  In describing the death of her father, Laurie Anderson said, "It was like a library had burned down."  That is what Craig's death is like.  That huge mind--that endless curiosity--is no more.

Good-bye, Craig.  The world is a smaller place now.

Psyched!

I am thrilled about the upcoming Twin Peaks episode of Psych.  I'm sure those few of you who still checking my blog have already seen the many cool photos from the episode online.  If not, head on over to Dugpa.com right now! 

I love that close-up shot Dana Ashbrook crying over the body; he really seems to be channeling Ray Wise there.  And while many people are commenting on how good Sherilyn Fenn looks, I'm thrilled to see Catherine Coulson back as "The Woman with Wood."  She's looking as good as ever!

The extended episode of Psych (complete with a Julee Cruise opening song) airs December 1.

Fire Walk With Me Event in the UK

I received an email about this event and I thought I'd pass it along.  Here, then, is an edited version of a press release:

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Twin Peaks, Leeds-based arts entrepreneurs Micheale Spessa and Dave Lynch (what are the odds?) present Fire Walk With Me, an opportunity to immerse yourself in Twin Peaks madness. The event will be held on 18th September 2010, bringing together fans from across the globe. 

Fire Walk With Me is being held at the appropriately atmospheric Grade 1 listed Temple Works in Leeds; the building has a history and ambience that would no doubt inspire David Lynch. Not surprisingly the organisers are remaining tight lipped as to the whereabouts of Bob, if you have spotted him recently or any other Twin Peaks characters then do let them know.

Tickets on sale now via the website http://www.firewalkwithme.co.uk/ and cost £12 online, or £15 on the door. Group concessions apply.  

Sign up to the website, http://www.firewalkwithme.co.uk/ or check out Twin Peaks Freaks www.twitter.com/twinpeaksfreaks to discover more about the event.

Remember the Owls are not what they seem.

For Further information or to report sightings of Bob, please contact:

Rebekah Wadham on 07530 053 593 or email press@firewalkwithme.co.uk

Sometimes it takes the right message to get me blogging again.  I've been pretty lazy lately.  Sorry about that. I guess I need some good inspiration to get me writing again.  I'm working on finding it . . . .