Ominous Whoosh: A Wandering Mind Returns to Twin Peaks

by John Thorne

Audacious. Cryptic. Vexing. These are a few words that describe David Lynch and Mark Frost’s Twin The Return , the third chapter in the Twin Peaks cycle (following the original series, Twin Peaks , and the feature film, Fire Walk With Me ). Operating by its own rules, The Return subverted conventional narrative, rejected the lure of nostalgia, and defied the boundaries of its medium. It was a masterpiece, but an elusive one.

In Ominous A Wandering Mind Returns to Twin Peaks John Thorne dives deep into The Return , closely examining each episode and offering in-depth theories about the show’s most perplexing Who is “telling” the story we see? What is Laura Palmer’s new role in the Twin Peaks universe? How do Audrey and Diane fit into this complex new tale? Drawing on a study of David Lynch’s past work and Lynch’s observations about Hindu theology, Thorne offers compelling answers to these and other questions.

Aspiring to persuade, certain to provoke, Ominous Whoosh resonates with insight and imagination.

“John Thorne has been the definitive voice on Twin Peaks for over two decades, and now he brings his signature insight and thoughtfulness to David Lynch’s masterwork, Twin The Return , shedding light on its darkest corners and diving into its many mysteries. This book will deepen every Twin Peaks fan’s understanding. If I’m ever lost in those dark woods, I want John Thorne to come looking for me.” – Jeff Lemire, creator of Sweet Tooth

“In the popular fanzine Wrapped in Plastic , John Thorne and Craig Miller explored every possible aspect and angle of the original Twin Peaks . In his latest book, John Thorne returns to Twin Peaks , exploring the 18-part continuation of the series. Undoubtedly, Thorne is one of the most prominent and convincing Twin Peaks scholars out there, and his new book is full of insight and valuable analyses, applying Hindu theology, a strong understanding of film history, and an unmatched knowledge of David Lynch and the Twin Peaks universe. This is, arguably, the best companion to Twin Peaks that you will ever read.” – Andreas Halskov, author of TV Twin Peaks and Modern Television Drama (2015) and Beyond TV Production in the Multiplatform Era (2021)

“John Thorne, the greatest of Twin Peaks detectives, has produced the ultimate investigation into pop culture’s most daunting and alluring mystery. His interpretive readings illuminate and entertain with their ideas and inventiveness, but even better, his theorizing, suffused with respect for the material and others who are passionate about it, teaches us the art of intelligent, gracious fandom.” – Jeff Jensen, writer, HBO’s Watchmen and Better A Kate Warne Adventure

Genres: Nonfiction, Film

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2022

About the author

John Thorne has a Master of Arts in TV/Radio/Film from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. For thirteen years, John was co-editor and co-producer of 'Wrapped In Plastic' magazine, where he wrote extensively about 'Twin Peaks' and associated film and television. He was also a contributor to the magazines, 'Spectrum' and 'Following Cerebus'. He is co-editor and contributor to the Kindle book, 'Twin Peaks in the Rearview Mirror.

Reviews

[Todd Glaeser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking for a book like this book, something that would contextualize the 18 hour show I watched and enjoyed but still wondered about. The author seems to understand Lynch and seems to understand the show on a deep level he could describe (the step I lacked). I was pleased and impressed how well I remembered the scenes the author described. Even though I was often bewildered, I remembered. Still not sure I need to see it again, but the book gave me a framework for understanding and insight into other, later, David Lynch films.

[Josh reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a wonderful book John Thorne has written on Twin Peaks: The Return. David Lynch’s genre defying program has bewildered and delighted viewers for the past 30 years. I love how John provides analysis and clarity through his chapters and essays in this volume. I look at Twin Peaks as an artwork that is conveyed through the film medium. This program has as much complexity as you like, or next to none if you prefer; ultimately it is in the mind’s eye of the viewer. “But Who is the Dreamer?” Indeed, highly recommended.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engrossing, well-written, and highly stimulating reading of the greatest TV series ever made — Thorne offers a Grand Theory while also leaving plenty of room open for alternatives and other dreams.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for fans of Twin Peaks. The dissection of each episode with personal insight brings new ideas, thoughts and theories to The Return. My eyes were opened with this book.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed up late to finish “Ominous Whoosh” last night. Just outstanding. Essential for any fan of “Twin Peaks.” Thought-provoking, illuminating, respectful. A definite keeper. A+

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and highly enjoyable read by a preeminent “Peaks” scholar that is a must for viewers of the 2017 limited series. Whether you loved it, hated it or were indifferent to it (I loved it), this book will no doubt deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Lynch-Frost eighteen-hour “moving painting.”

[Mateo Tomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Imagine being us" is what the banner says . Its held up in a sold out stadium by multiple rows of fans . They hold it because the team they support and are rooting on; currently are in first place, and their beloved head coach of said team will leave the club at the end of the season.

Its joyful, and its bittersweet and its not something just anyone would get. But many do get it.

Twin Peaks Fans hold a similar banner.

"Ominus Whoosh" by John Thorne, is a deep and thoughful and funny meditation on "The Return" the 2017 18 part Twin Peaks season 3.

This is rich and researched and smooth reading. Its heady, its geeky in all the best ways and so much more.

[Ashwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

== Spoiler Alert ===
Twin Peaks is one the best TV series I’ve watched. The series lends itself to many interpretations and its been amazing to go over some of them and find out things you had missed or thought about differently. John’s book is focused on the Twin Peaks:The return (3rd series) and dedicates a chapter to each episode in chronological order interspersed with relevant interludes. This interpretation considers some elements of the Hindu theology such as rebirth, avatar, upanishads (we are like the dreamer….), cycle of ages. Apart from the theology, these usually also make for good storytelling elements. I particularly liked the interpretation linking the white horse and Laura Palmer to the 10th Vishnu Avatar (Kalki) and the ending of the Kal Yuga. The part I wasn’t completely sold on was the mediated narrative - and how this being all a dream diminishes some characters to mere figments of imagination. I personally lean more towards Tim Kreider’s interpretation on that. Overall a solid book and I had a lot of fun reading it. I would recommend picking up a copy!

[Adam J · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight! This is a must read/own for any Twin Peaks fan. While I may not fully agree with every theory in the book, I absolutely loved getting a chance to tag along for awhile with John Thorne’s ‘wandering mind’.

[Alex Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly, a labor of love and fascination. I loved John Thorne's THE ESSENTIAL WRAPPED IN PLASTIC: a mix of (a) episode recaps, (b) thematic analysis, (c) behind-the-scenes info, and (d) cast/crew interviews. OMINOUS WHOOSH, which tackles the knotty, indelible third season of Twin Peaks, is a different creature by design. And that fits with Twin Peaks season 3, which is a different beast from its previous seasons too.

I'll just cut to the chase: I didn't love it. Thorne goes out on a limb more here than he did in THE ESSENTIAL WRAPPED IN PLASTIC, and he frames the entire season/book on his pet theory that the season -- what we see on screen -- is almost totally from the POV of Agent Cooper watching from the Red Room. That POV explains the time warps, pacing irregularities, inconsistencies/retcons, and so on. I just wasn't convinced by the theory, and furthermore, part of the fun of Twin Peaks (IMO) is how it shifts and changes when you apply new lenses to it. So sticking with one primary "theory" is like deciding to order a dozen of one type of donut. Is it practical? Does it make sense? Sure. But c'mon, life is more fun assorted.

I missed all the production minutiae and crew interviews, but I understand how a lot of that just isn't possible now. The episode chapters feel a little too "recap"-y, with play-by-plays of what goes on in the episode and less spent talking about themes, except for the broadly occurring ones.

So even though I'm disappointed, Thorne is a friendly, knowledgeable scholar on this stuff, and he'll occasionally get you to reconsider your priors. Like, for example, maybe Philip Jeffries is being held against his will. Or how Lynch was aesthetically inspired by Edward Hopper. Some of those observations stuck with me something fierce, so I don't regret my time with OMINOUS WHOOSH.

Cool cover design.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to give this an average rating, because who has been more immersed in Twin Peaks, and who has thought about it more, than Thorne? I was hovering between 3 and 4 stars but the concluding chapter's baffling inability to consider the town of Twin Peaks in Part 18 as a hybrid of the dark elements of the town's fiction on top of a (to me, obvious) foundation of "reality" is ridiculous. The reading of the town in Part 18 as being "reality" is just briefly dismissed completely, but why would it have to either be fully reality or purely fictional? And no mention of the modern Vallejo (if memory serves) gas station in place of Big Ed's Gas Farm, presumably because it favors a reading that includes the real world.

It's interesting to revisit the series through Thorne's recap and interpretation, and I don't regret reading it, but the experience also sucks the magic and mystery away, mainly because of the confidence in his reading being "correct," which is always folly with Lynch. The Frost elements may be able to be successfully pinned down to a greater degree, but you can't analyze his contributions outside of Lynch's; they're inextricable.

[J.B. Minton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you appreciate the power of art to change lives, then you should read John Thorne's master class on Twin Peaks The Return. John doesn't tell you what to think; he shows you how to watch closely and make up your own mind. John is one of the great watchers and thinkers of cinema in our modern age.

Twin Peaks The Return is one of the most challenging works of art this century so far and we can all use a kind, patient, and insightful guide. John has been that for many years and his craft and kindness bleed through every page.

Buy this book, read it, and then write about it in your diary.

[Alan Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW BOB WOW this is a great book on the subject of Twin Peaks: The Return. It's really reshaped my view on Twin Peaks. For me, it elevates the entire story to an epic scale along the lines of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Even after several watches, The Return still remained quite incomprehensible. Thanks to John Thorne for studying and analyzing and breaking down the story so clearly. Up until now, I still didn't quite know what was going on at the end. I sense an entire rewatch of the series in the near future. Highly recommended!

[Elzira Rai · Rating 2 out of 5]

If TP fans are annoying, TP experts specialize in being extra annoying. If you're going to base your interpretation of TPTR on a particular aspect of Hinduism, you should at least make an effort to read something beyond Wikipedia entries and Hinduism for Dummies booklets. A few interesting contributions here and there, but the overall thesis is so flimsy it hardly deserves space in the blogosphere.

[Steve Cimino · Rating 4 out of 5]

very Lynchian

[Andrew Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, thorough, and brilliant account of that impossible dream that was Twin Peaks.