Rewatching TWIN PEAKS: The Return Episode 12, Let’s Rock, Eight Years After Its Production

At a hotel in Buckhorn, South Dakota, Gordon Cole, Albert Rosenfield, and Tamara “Tammy” Preston gather around some wine that Gordon Cole brought from home, and they toast, “Here’s to the bureau! Cheers to the FBI!” Here, “bureau” refers to a government office or department, specifically the FBI.

Albert Rosenfield explains the “Blue Rose” to Tamara Preston. In 1970, after twenty years of investigating UFOs without finding concrete evidence, the military’s Project Blue Book was officially closed. A few years later, the Army and the FBI collaborated to form a highly secretive team to investigate mysterious incidents connected to the unresolved mysteries left behind by Project Blue Book. One of the women involved in these incidents spoke certain words before she died, which led to these cases being called the “Blue Rose Cases.” These investigations were believed to require an unconventional approach—ordinary methods would not lead to answers. Albert Rosenfield explains: “A few years later, the Army and the FBI set up a top-secret special team to study the phenomena that Project Blue Book couldn’t solve. One of these incidents was named ‘Blue Rose,’ after the words spoken by a woman on her deathbed. These cases cannot be solved using ordinary investigative methods; you need a different approach to find the answer.”

Gordon Cole appointed Philip Jeffries as the team leader. The other members were Albert Rosenfield, Dale Cooper, and Chet Desmond. Since everyone except Albert Rosenfield had disappeared, he was hesitant to add a new member. However, Gordon Cole and Albert Rosenfield decided to bring Tamara “Tammy” Preston onto the team. In response to the offer, Tammy said, “Let me do it,” wearing an expression of pride and happiness. At that moment, Diane Evans arrived. When offered wine, she asked for ice. Albert Rosenfield replied, “Perfect timing. Dakota is still in an ice age.” Gordon Cole also asked Diane Evans to cooperate with the Blue Rose Task Force, saying, “You worked with Dale Cooper, so you must know a lot about the Blue Rose cases.” Diane held up two fingers and said, “Let’s rock.” This phrase, “Let’s rock,” had been used by the man in the red suit from another world (Mike’s left arm) in Seasons 1 and 2. It’s unclear whether it’s a reference to that or a pun on putting ice (rock ice) in the wine—or perhaps it has no connection at all.

Jeremy “Jerry” Horn runs out of the forest. It’s still uncertain whether he’s intoxicated, but after dealing with numerous difficulties—his car being stolen, not knowing where he was, and struggling to move his legs—he finally emerges from the forest.

At the supermarket, Sarah Palmer is shopping for alcohol and other items. Her cart is filled with quite a few bottles of spirits, suggesting she drinks a lot. At the register, Sarah’s attention is caught by beef jerky. She asks the cashier, “I’ve never seen this jerky before. What kind is it?” The cashier replies, “It’s turkey, not beef.” Sarah then asks, “Is it smoked?” After glancing outside, her voice lowers. The following exchange occurs:

Sarah Palmer: Were you here when the jerky arrived?
Cashier girl: Yes, about two weeks ago.
Sarah Palmer: Your room changes; men come there.
Cashier girl: What are you talking about…?
Sarah Palmer: I’m warning you to be careful. Something will happen. It happened to me. It happened to me. I felt sick. Sarah, stop, please stop. Go away. Where are the car keys?

After muttering incomprehensible words, Sarah Palmer leaves the supermarket. Her behavior seems like she might have a split personality, or something unusual is affecting her. The young man at the store says he knows her house and will deliver the items. Sarah mentioned “men,” which might refer to entities like Bob—but it’s unclear.

At the Fat Trout Trailer Park, Carl Rodd puts up a sign: “9:30 am (Do NOT Disturb!) ~ 5:30 pm.” A similar sign appeared in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. Carl stops Chriskull, who is walking with a cane, to tell him to stop selling blood and gives him money to help with living expenses.

Sunny Jim Jones invites Dale Cooper to play catch. He throws the ball, but Cooper doesn’t react, and it hits him in the shoulder—he is still in rehabilitation.

Tommy “Hawk” Hill, concerned about Sarah Palmer’s strange behavior at the supermarket, visits the Palmer house. Sarah says she doesn’t understand what happened to her. When Hawk asks if anyone is inside the house because of strange noises, Sarah replies, “No, it’s just something in the kitchen… Honestly, what an unpleasant story.” Hawk tells her to contact him if anything happens and leaves. Sarah’s demeanor and expression seem unusual.

Diane Evans drinks a martini alone. She receives a message on her phone: “Las Vegas?” She replies, “THEY HAVEN’T ASKED YET.” This message is from Mr. C, suggesting Diane is in contact with him.

Franklin “Frank” Truman visits Benjamin “Ben” Horn. He tells Ben that the boy who was hit and killed was his grandson, Richard Horn, and that Richard also tried to kill the witness, Miriam Sullivan. Ben sighs, saying, “That boy doesn’t do anything right.” He asks Frank to deliver the key for Room 315, which he received, to Harry S. Truman.

Benjamin “Ben” Horn tells Beverly Paige that Richard Horn does not know his father. Ben recalls the beloved bicycle his father bought him—a used bike painted in two shades of green, light green and deep green. In Seasons 1 and 2, Ben also watched footage from events like the Great Northern Hotel ground-breaking ceremony, seeing his father and Jeremy “Jerry” Horn together through a projector. Ben’s childhood may have been a happy time with plenty of family moments. He instructs Beverly Paige to cover the full cost of Miriam Sullivan’s medical treatment. While Richard Horn is said not to know his father, we have no information about who his father or mother actually are.

Albert Rosenfield visits Gordon Cole’s room and finds him embracing a French woman in red (Bérénice Marlohe). Gordon explains she is visiting a friend of his mother. “She’s looking for her daughter. Your mother has a turnip farm, so I told her—the daughter will turnip back.” A pun. Bérénice Marlohe also appeared in 007: Skyfall. Albert tells Gordon that Diane Evans has exchanged messages with them. Gordon responds, “We’ll get to the bottom of it. But for tonight, let’s return to this wonderful Bordeaux.” Their mismatched conversation and gaze create a classic David Lynch world.

Hutch and Chantal wait for Chief Murphy’s return. Hutch asks if they should torture him, but Chantal says no—they’re hungry. When Murphy arrives home, Hutch shoots him with a rifle. Perhaps this is how a hitman couple’s conversation sounds. The son’s voice greeting Murphy’s return echoes sadly.

Lawrence Jacoby broadcasts as Dr. Amp, saying, “We’re in the mud. Let’s dig out with golden shovels!” Nadine Hurley listens entranced. What exactly is this twice-painted golden shovel?

Audrey Horne speaks to her husband Charlie, who is at his desk writing. Audrey finally appears, her eyebrows arched as always. Richard Horn might be their son.

Audrey Horne: I’m sick of waiting for a call. I’m going to the Roadhouse. It’s the only place left. Will you come with me?
Charlie: I have a work deadline. Look at this pile of documents. And it’s late. I want to find Billy too, but can’t it wait until tomorrow? It’s a new moon tonight, so it’s dark. Sleep now and we’ll go tomorrow.
Audrey Horne: You’re such a coward. Do you want to be told “work comes first” when you disappear? You’re a spineless loser. Do you realize that about yourself?
Charlie: I have a deadline. Work is a duty of life. Why blame me? Billy is somewhere, but we can’t find him today.
Audrey Horne: Do you know? Did you look into a crystal ball? Use it to see where Billy has been for the past two days.
Charlie: Stop it. I don’t have a crystal ball. It’s late and I’m tired, but I have work before bed.
Audrey Horne: Poor bastard.
Charlie: Don’t talk to your husband that way. I’ve been kind. You’d call me kind.
Audrey Horne: So what? Should I kneel and give you gratitude and love?
Charlie: I can’t tolerate that tone.
Audrey Horne: Let me be clear. I like Billy because you’re useless. That’s why I sleep with Billy. Last night he appeared in my dream, with flowers and blood flowing from his mouth. Dreams sometimes become reality. I want you to protect me when I go search, but it seems I have to protect myself. Also, I have to find Tina. I don’t want to be in the same room as the last person who saw Billy, but you won’t even call her.
Charlie: Don’t get so angry. I’m telling you for your sake.
Audrey Horne: Then sign the papers I gave you.
Charlie: These papers seem suspicious. I’ll show them to a lawyer first.
Audrey Horne: I see. I should’ve asked Paul to come.
Charlie: Audrey, don’t say that. I have rights as a husband.
Audrey Horne: You forfeited those rights.
Charlie: Have you forgotten our contract? Are you breaking it?
Audrey Horne: I intend to, right here, right now.
Charlie: Alright, Audrey. I’ll go. I’m sleepy, but I’ll go. Where to?
Audrey Horne: I told you—the Roadhouse.
Charlie: Got it. I’ll put on my jacket. You’re ready, of course.
Audrey Horne: Naturally, since we’re going out.
Charlie: The forest is huge. Do you think he’ll conveniently be at the Roadhouse?
Audrey Horne: Just put on your jacket, damn it.
Charlie: Tina… I’ll call her now. I’ll say I’m alone. Without her husband, maybe we can find out something. I’ll try anyway.
Audrey Horne: Fine, call her. She’s the last person who saw Billy. But Chuck can’t be trusted.
Charlie: Did you tell Chuck that Tina last saw Billy?
Audrey Horne: Yes.
Charlie: Chuck stole Billy’s car last week.
Audrey Horne: What are you talking about?
Charlie: Billy saw Chuck take the car and leave.
Audrey Horne: And?
Charlie: Billy told the sheriff.
Audrey Horne: And?
Charlie: The car was found that day.
Audrey Horne: Then?
Charlie: Billy got the car back and withdrew the complaint.
Audrey Horne: Really? I see. Call Tina.

Charlie makes the call on a black telephone. Up to this point, the exchange is very long and confusing. The identities of Billy, Tina, Chuck, and Charlie are unclear, leaving the viewer as bewildered as Audrey’s own frustrations.

Diane Evans inputs the coordinates found on Ruth Davenport’s arm into mapping software. The location displayed is Twin Peaks.

At the Roadhouse, The Chromatics perform Saturday. Natalie and Abby talk about Angela and Mary-Ann Clarke. Angela is dating Clark, but Clark is reportedly cheating with Mary-Ann. Natalie comments that Angela, having lost her mother, couldn’t endure such a situation. Then Trick arrives, saying he almost had an accident on the road. Natalie and Abby note that he was under house arrest but is now free. It’s unclear whether this conversation is relevant to the main plot or just casual chatter at the Roadhouse.

Director / Writer / Executive Producer: David Lynch, Writer / Executive Producer: Mark Frost, U.S. Broadcast: July 30, 2017

Saturday / The Chromatics

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