The Twin Peaks question “Who killed Laura Palmer?” is to Gen X what “Who shot JR?” is to Boomers.

Twin Peaks: Familiar Faces | Laura Palmer | Dale Cooper | Shelly Johnson | Bobby Briggs | Benjamin Horne | Audrey Horne | James Hurley | Big Ed Hurley & Norma Jennings | Nadine Hurley | The Log Lady | Gordon Cole | Tommy “Hawk” Hill | Deputy Andy Brennan and Kimmy Robertson | Donna Hayward | Ending | The Return’s Full Cast List |

After the big reveal of the supernatural killer, the show continued to drip like a Salvador Dalí painting into the surreal. In the haunting climax of the original Twin Peaks series, Laura Palmer whispers into Special Agent Dale Cooper’s ear in an otherworldly tone the words “I’ll see you again in 25 years.”

Fast forward to May 21, 2017, and David Lynch fulfills that eerie prophecy. He unveiled a mesmerizing continuation of his iconic series, set precisely a quarter-century later. The revival, co-written and produced by Lynch and Mark Frost, masterfully picks up the threads of the enigmatic town of Twin Peaks, delving deeper into its mysteries while introducing new layers of intrigue. Lynch’s unparalleled vision brings back a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent, weaving a narrative that defies convention and leaves audiences spellbound.

Familiar Faces

In “Twin Peaks: The Return,” David Lynch fulfilled the anticipation of fans by bringing back a host of familiar faces from the original series. These returning characters, portrayed by a talented ensemble cast, served as the backbone of “Twin Peaks: The Return,” seamlessly weaving the threads of past and present into a mesmerizing tapestry of mystery and intrigue.

Laura Palmer played by Sheryl Lee

Laura Palmer, the centerpiece of “Twin Peaks,” serves as both a haunting memory and a driving force throughout the series. In the original series, Laura’s murder sets off a chain of events that unravels the dark secrets lurking beneath the town’s picturesque facade. As the homecoming queen with a troubled past, Laura’s tragic demise sends shockwaves through the tight-knit community, uncovering layers of darkness and mystery. In “Twin Peaks: The Return,” Laura’s absence continues to reverberate through the lives of those she left behind.

Her role in the return is shrouded in ambiguity, drawing viewers deeper into the labyrinth that is Twin Peaks. Sheryl Lee returned to “Twin Peaks: The Return” in a dual role. She reprised her iconic role as Laura Palmer, and also played a new character named Carrie Page. In the series, Laura Palmer’s presence is felt through flashbacks and other narrative devices that connect back to the original mystery of her death. The character of Carrie Page, introduced in the final episode, serves as a crucial element that allows the story to take a new direction.

Special Agent Dale Cooper played by Kyle MacLachlan

Special Agent Dale Cooper, portrayed by Kyle MacLachlan, is the quintessential embodiment of a skilled detective and quirky charm in “Twin Peaks.” In the original series, Cooper’s arrival in the eponymous town heralds a new chapter in the search for Laura Palmer’s killer. He brings his unorthodox methods and unwavering determination to unravel the town’s mysteries. However, at the end of the first series, viewers were left stunned as Cooper’s face smashed into a mirror, revealing that the malevolent spirit BOB had taken control of his body.

This cliffhanger set the stage for “Twin Peaks: The Return,” where Cooper’s journey takes on a surreal and mind-bending quality. Trapped in the otherworldly confines of the Black Lodge, Cooper battles to regain control of his identity and confront the darkness that threatens to consume him. MacLachlan’s nuanced portrayal brings depth and complexity to Cooper’s character, as he navigates the blurred lines between reality and nightmare, ultimately emerging as a beacon of hope in the shadowy depths of Twin Peaks.

• Want more Kyle MacLachlan? He’s had many iconic roles over his storied career including playing Paul Atreides in the original Dune, Ray Manzarek in The Doors, Trey MacDougal in Sex and the City, and Orson Hodge on Desperate Housewives.

Shelly Johnson played by Madchen Amick

Shelly Johnson, portrayed by Madchen Amick, embodies the allure and complexity of small-town life in “Twin Peaks.” In the original series, Shelly is a waitress at the Double R Diner, where she becomes entangled in a tumultuous love triangle with her abusive husband Leo and charming high schooler Bobby Briggs. In “Twin Peaks: The Return,” Amick reprised her role as Shelly. Now a single mother, she grapples with the challenges of parenthood. She’s back to working at the Double R Diner. She obviously hasn’t learned from her past and is in another problematic relationship with a local drug dealer named Red.

• If you didn’t recognize her all grown up, Amick played Betty Cooper’s mom on Riverdale.

Bobby Briggs played by Dana Ashbrook

Bobby Briggs, portrayed by Dana Ashbrook, undergoes a significant transformation from the original “Twin Peaks” series to “The Return.” Initially depicted as the rebellious high school boyfriend of Laura Palmer, dealing drugs and cheating on his girlfriend, he is one of the suspects in Laura’s murder. In “Twin Peaks: The Return,” Bobby Briggs and Shelly Johnson have a daughter named Becky, but they are now divorced. Despite his checkered past, Bobby is serving as a deputy in the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department. 

Benjamin Horne played by Richard Beymer

In the original “Twin Peaks,” Richard Beymer portrayed the influential character Benjamin Horne, the owner of the Great Northern Hotel and a prominent figure in the town’s politics and business. Throughout the series, Horne’s schemes, and is morally ambiguous. In “Twin Peaks: The Return,” he is still a powerful figure, but grapples with the consequences of his past decisions and endeavors to right his wrongs by fostering positive change in the community.

• Fun Fact: Richard Beymer played Tony in West Side Story opposite Natalie Wood as Maria. Also didn’t actually sing his part In West Side Story (1961) his singing was dubbed by Jimmy Bryant.

Audrey Horne played by Sherilyn Fenn

Audrey Horne, played by Sherilyn Fenn, is a central character in “Twin Peaks,” known for her transformation over the course of the series. In the original show, she is the wealthy and mischievous daughter of Benjamin Horne. She uses her charm and intelligence to meddle in the investigation of Laura Palmer’s murder and develops a crush on FBI Agent Dale Cooper.By contrast, in “Twin Peaks: The Return,” Audrey’s life is shrouded in ambiguity. The last we see of Audrey, she’s in an all-white room, looking into a mirror. Is she in a mental institution or has she fallen into another Lynchian alternate universe?

James Hurley played by James Marshall

In “Twin Peaks: The Return,” James Hurley, portrayed by James Marshall, returns to the small town with a noticeable shift in demeanor and circumstance. Once the brooding and introspective biker with a penchant for melancholy ballads, James finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue and danger. Following his tumultuous past involving relationships with Laura Palmer and Donna Hayward, James grapples with the consequences of his actions and the haunting memories of his youth. In the new series, he works as a security guard at the Great Northern Hotel. He remains a quiet, introspective figure while occasionally performing at the Roadhouse singing “Just You.”

Big Ed Hurley & Norma Jennings

Big Ed Hurley, portrayed by Everett McGill, remains a stalwart presence in “Twin Peaks: The Return,” embodying the quintessential small-town charm of a small business owner. In the original series, Ed is depicted as the owner of the local gas station and mechanic shop, known for his gentle demeanor and unwavering loyalty to his friends and family. Despite his enduring love for Norma Jennings, out of guilt, he remains married to his wife Nadine. In “The Return,” Ed and Nadine are divorced and he is finally able to pursue a relationship with his high school sweetheart, Norma.

Norma Jennings, portrayed by Peggy Lipton, is the owner of the iconic Double R Diner in “Twin Peaks.” In the original series, she is known for her kind heart and troubled relationship with her husband, Hank. She’s also having a secret love affair with her highschool sweetheart, Big Ed Hurley. In “Twin Peaks: The Return,” Norma’s character arc resolves; she continues to run the diner with the same warmth and care but is now faced with business decisions that challenge her values. Ultimately, Norma’s storyline culminates in a heartwarming moment where she and Big Ed finally get together, affirming their long-standing love and choosing personal happiness over other commitments.

Nadine Hurley played by Wendy Robie

In the original “Twin Peaks” series, Nadine Hurley, portrayed by Wendy Robie, was known for her eccentric personality, which included believing she was a teenager due to a head injury and possessing superhuman strength. She was married to Big Ed Hurley but infatuated with high schooler Mike Nelson. In “Twin Peaks: The Return,” Nadine experiences a significant personal awakening. She becomes an entrepreneur, opening a drapery store called “Run Silent, Run Drapes,” which capitalizes on her silent drape runner invention from the original series.

The Log Lady played by Catherine E. Coulson

Catherine E. Coulson’s portrayal of the Log Lady added a mystical element to Twin Peaks. The Log Lady, also known as Margaret Lanterman, is a memorable character known for her eccentric behavior. She carries with her at all times and claims her log is often “speaking” to her and providing cryptic clues about the events in Twin Peaks. In “The Return,” her character takes on a more poignant role as she provides Agent Cooper with vital information, despite battling illness. Her appearances are marked by a sense of gravity and wisdom raising more questions than answers about the town’s supernatural mysteries.

FBI Deputy Director Gordon Cole played by David Lynch

David Lynch portrayed the character of Gordon Cole, the hard-of-hearing FBI Deputy Director in “Twin Peaks.” Cole, known for speaking loudly due to his hearing impairment, is Agent Dale Cooper’s superior and has a quirky and endearing personality. In the series, he oversees significant investigations and is deeply involved in the Blue Rose cases, which deal with supernatural occurrences. In “Twin Peaks: The Return,” Cole’s role is expanded and provides significant leadership within the FBI. He isdirectly involved in the supernatural investigations and is cruicial in the return of Agent Cooper.

Deputy Tommy “Hawk” Hill played by Michael Horse

Deputy Tommy “Hawk” Hill in the iconic TV series “Twin Peaks.” Hawk is a Native American policeman with a calm demeanor and sharp investigative skills, making him a key member of the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department. His deep understanding of the town’s mystical elements and his cultural heritage often provide valuable insights into the supernatural mysteries surrounding the town. In “Twin Peaks: The Return,” Horse takes on a more prominent role as Deputy Chief of the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department. He is instrumental in the investigation that leads to the show’s climactic moments.

Deputy Andy Brennan and Kimmy Robertson

Harry Goaz portrayed Deputy Andy Brennan, a well-meaning but often bumbling officer in the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department. In the original series, Andy is known for his emotional nature and his loyalty to Sheriff Harry S. Truman. Kimmy Robertson played Lucy Moran, the quirky and high-spirited receptionist at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department. In the original series, Lucy is known for her distinctive voice, her romantic entanglements with Andy, and her love for fashion and gossip.

In “Twin Peaks: The Return,”  are married and have a 24-year-old son named Wally. Andy has grown into a more competent and confident deputy, while Lucy continues to manage the sheriff’s department’s front desk with her unique blend of charm and eccentricity. Their son, Wally Brando, is a humorous nod to Marlon Brando, complete with a biker persona and a monologue that pays tribute to the legendary actor.

What happened to Donna?

The character of Donna played by Laura Flynn Boyle was a central figure in the original ‘Twin Peak’ series. So why wasn’t she in The Return?

While no reason was ever given, the answer could be held in the pages of ‘Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier.’ To summarize, Donna left Twin Peaks after graduation and moved to New York City, cutting ties with her family and friends. She studied at Hunter College, dropped out to pursue a modeling career. She married an older venture capitalist and spiraled into addiction. After being found in a crack house she finds the strength to overcome her demons, gets sober and divorces her husband. She then reconnects with family and moves to Vermont with her father to study to become a nurse.

The End of Twin Peaks

“Twin Peaks: The Return,” concluded with a mind-bending and divisive finale that left audiences pondering its meaning long after the credits rolled. In the closing episodes, the narrative took increasingly surreal and abstract turns, as Special Agent Dale Cooper ventured into parallel dimensions and confronted powerful supernatural entities. The finale saw Cooper’s attempt to prevent Laura Palmer’s murder take a twist, culminating in a perplexing sequence set in a strange alternate reality. The episode left many questions unanswered, inviting viewers to interpret its enigmatic conclusion in their own way. With its ambiguous and thought-provoking finale, “Twin Peaks: The Return” solidified its status as one truly unconventional and unforgettable television event.

Check out the cast list for the new Twin Peaks: The Return

On April 25, 2016, after months of speculation, David Lynch unveiled the entire 217-member cast of the new Twin Peaks, mixing original cast members with some exciting new faces. The show, written and produced by series creators and executive producers David Lynch and Mark Frost, is directed entirely by Lynch, and premiered on Showtime in 2017.