Showtime Officially Revives 'Twin Peaks' for 2016
Following rumors that a revival of David Lynch's Twin Peaks could be on the way, we now have confirmation that Showtime is bringing the show back for 2016.
Twin Peaks, which originally aired on ABC for two seasons from 1990-1991, will return with nine new episodes, with Lynch directing all nine. The episodes are expected to premiere in early 2016, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the show’s series finale.
The new episode will be a present day continuation of the stories set into motion by the show's second season, although it's unknown if the show will incorporate the continuity of the movie, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, or if these new episodes are simply going to pretend it never happened. The surreal murder mystery, set in a fictional small town in Washington state, was a forerunner to many of the serialized drama series we enjoy today, as the heavily subtextual narrative has paved the way for everything from Lost to The Killing.
Mark Frost, who co-created the series with Lynch, stated that the new episodes will be neither a remake nor a reboot, but rather a reflection of how the passage of time has affected these characters since we last saw them nearly 25 years ago. Frost wouldn't reveal anything specific about the story in his announcement to Variety, except to state that the story threads the new episodes will follow were “baked in to the last episode.” Frost calls this "the next chapter of the story," adding that the passage of time will be crucial to the plot.
"For those followers of the show who felt bereft when the show ended where it did all those years ago are going to like where it goes from here," Frost declared. "And we hope that a lot of people who haven’t been to Twin Peaks yet are going to be equally interested in where the story goes from where we left off."
One of the big reasons the show landed at Showtime is Gary Levine, the Executive VP of Original Programming, who championed the show over at ABC during its original run. Another added consideration was the leeway the network provides in the storytelling department, particularly over broadcast and basic cable networks.
"Showtime was the place we felt most comfortable going to after meeting with Gary and [President of Showtime Networks Inc.] David Nevins and seeing their passion for the show," Frost said. "Gary we consider a good friend and David I’ve known for quite a while."
It's uncertain if any of the original cast will return. Series star Kyle MacLachlan, who played FBI Agent Dale Cooper, just began an arc on Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., so he might be unavailable if Lynch and Frost are looking to begin production soon. Frost is also unsure if the show will be a one-off limited series or show with the potential to continue beyond those initial nine episodes.
“The proof will be in the pudding. If we have a great time doing it and everybody loves it and they decide there’s room for more, I could see it going that way,” Frost said. "We can’t rest on our laurels."
He adds, "This show is a kind of thanks to all of the incredibly passionate fans we’ve had over the years that have kept the show alive and passed it down to the next generation." Frost goes on to add, "We’ve been lucky enough to have one of the coolest, most intelligent, most inquisitive group of people attracted to our show. We’re happy for them that the show is coming back."
In a statement from Showtime, Lynch and Frost declared: "The mysterious and special world of Twin Peaks is pulling us back. We’re very excited. May the forest be with you."
I admit to never having seen the original Twin Peaks, or the 1992 movie. I know, sacrilege. But I suppose now would be the time to start getting caught up, even though I've been spoiled half a million times already on who killed Laura Palmer. I hear the show has other draws even if you know the solution to the mystery, such as the Lynchian aesthetic or the performances by MacLachlan, Sherilynn Fenn, and others. So now would be the time to give the show a look, if you haven't. I know I'm going to.
So what do you think of the upcoming Twin Peaks reboot? Were you a fan of the original series? What do you think the story will be about? Sound off in the comments!
Via: Variety
Credit: CBS Distribution