10 Best Twin Peaks Episodes, Ranked

Though Twin Peaks only lasted two seasons initially, its impact and popularity have only grown over the years, quickly becoming a cult classic for its unique "Lynchian" style. A mix of comedy and psychological thriller through the lens of surrealism, it is hard to choose standout episodes from Twin Peaks' original two seasons, but several are crucial to the development and structure of the show.

For example, Twin Peaks' famous pilot, "Northwest Passage," sets the plot into motion with the discovery of Laura's body, while also establishing the peculiar style of Lynch's story. Ultimately, it is these moments that have kept fans engaged in the story, riding out the many twists, turns, and absurdist subplots.

10 Drive With A Dead Girl

Season 2, Episode 8

By the time Twin Peaks arrives in its second season, the mystery of Laura's death has inched closer to being discovered by Dale and his team.The season's eighth episode, "Drive with a Dead Girl," is a crucial episode and is sure to keep audiences at the edge of their seats, earning an 8.5/10 on IMDB. The episode features several emotional moments, such as Maddy's disappearance, and Ben Horne's arrest for the murder of Laura Palmer.

One scene in the episode stands out in particular, for its effective use of dramatic irony when Leland Palmer is stopped by Dale in his car. Unknownst to Dale, the body of Maddy Ferguson (Sheryl Lee), whom he is looking for, is in the back of the trunk. Lynch furthers the sense of tension and suspense when Leland sickeningly offers to show him the bag of golf clubs, but Dale turns him down. This cements Leland as Twin Peaks' terrifying villain, who witnesses his upbeat attitude, white hair, and demented dance.

9 Demons

Season 2, Episode 6

"Demons" is one of Twin Peak's meatier episodes, full of interesting additions to its subplots and high stakes for those involved. The episode switches between characters often, paying attention to Dale as well as the challenges and dealings of the other townsfolk. Overall, though this episode involves many dangerous and harrowing encounters, there are several moments of the show's comedy sprinkled in, earning it an 8.4/10 on IMDB.

By far, the most emotional moment of Demons comes when Dale takes Audrey (Sherilyn Fenn) home, learning that she has been drugged. Though the moment is brief, it deepens the important relationship between the two characters, since Audrey explains, she "prayed" that Dale would rescue her. Across town, Donna (Lara Flynn Boyle) strikes up a friendship with Laura's strange friend, Harold.

Her visit to him reveals more about Laura's secret life and the whereabouts of her diary, furthering the main plot line of Laura's death. In between these moments, there is a sense of the absurd in the crime show that audiences will enjoy, such as Bobby and Shelly celebrating the return of a now-catatonic Leo, throwing a birthday party to mock him.

8 Zen, Or The Skill To Catch A Killer

Season 1, Episode 3

For as many dark moments as there are in Twin Peaks, there are many comedic and lighthearted ones that give audiences a chance to laugh. One of these episodes is "Zen, or the Skill to Catch a Killer," which earned an 8.9/10 on IMDB. In this episode, comedic relief is employed by multiple characters, and smaller, eccentric side characters make appearances. This is natural, given that audiences are still being introduced to the charm of Twin Peaks in this third episode.

For example, Ben Horne's strange "party boy" brother, Jerry (David Patrick Kelly), comes to Twin Peaks to visit One-Eyed Jack's. His introduction is wildly comedic when he shows up to a dinner at the Lodge and begins pulling out a sandwich from his travels, having a conversation with his brother's mouthful, and joking around in a business meeting.

Twin Peaks has a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Besides this, Dale behaves in his own antics in an investigative meeting. His witness plan involves throwing stones at bottles to see who will be his next suspect in the murder case, to the surprise of his confused police partners. For viewers who appreciate the sillier moments in the show, this is a favorite episode.

7 Coma

Season 2, Episode 2

"Coma" is arguably one of the most chilling of the series, revealing some darker secrets about Laura's murder and the identity of her killer. This comes after the dramatic first episode of the season when Dale is visited by several supernatural beings who get him to consider paranormal factors at play. Though the episode may be tamer in its plot points, its chilling reveals heighten the sense of horror that audiences will feel from this point on in the series, earning it an 8.5/10 on IMDB.

The episode begins with the clearing of Leo and Jacques as murder suspects, something that doesn't surprise Dale who already suspects Bob (Frank Silva). Upon speaking with Leland Palmer, Dale learns that Leland recognizes Bob from his childhood, as a man who stalked him at his grandfather's house.

Thisconnects Bob to Laura's case, though characters and audiences don't know just yet that this is not a man, but, rather an evil spirit. The context behind Bob becomes creepier when Maddy has a vision of him crawling towards her in the Palmer house. This went on to become one of the most iconic and scariest moments in Twin Peaks.

6 May The Giant Be With You

Season 2, Episode 1

"May the Giant Be With You" starts season 2 with a band as David Lynch incorporates his strange, surreal flair into the plot. After being shot by a mysterious source, Dale lies in his hotel room, seemingly hallucinating from the shock of his injuries. Lynch cleverly uses Dale's state to introduce a variety of important supernatural beings who will play a role in the rest of the series, taking Twin Peaks from a murder mystery to a ghost story and earning 8.9.10 on IMDB.

For example, The Giant (Carel Struyken) makes his first appearance, delivering to Dale a series of cryptic messages and warnings about Laura Palmer's murder. Another important introduction is that of The Black Lodge and its residences, the portal to another dimension that houses demons like Bob, Mike, and more.

Dale's dream introduces audiences to its iconic look: complete with red velvet curtains, checkerboard floors, and chevron floors.

Dale's dream introduces audiences to its iconic look: complete with red velvet curtains, checkerboard floors, and chevron floors. Here, Laura Palmer's ghost whispers something into Dale's ear that will clue him into her murder. From this point on, the supernatural plays a larger role in the show.

5 The Last Evening

Season 1, Episode 8

Twin Peaks' season 1 finale spares no expense in terms of dramatics and cliffhangers. From Dale's investigation to Shelly and Bobby's doomed romance, things quite literally go up in flames. It is no wonder that this episode is rated 9/10 on IMDB.

This episode focuses heavily on Audrey, who has infiltrated One Eyed Jack's secretly. This deepens Audrey's story, no longer the daughter of her powerful father, but a powerless patron at the brothel. In fact, things take a sickening turn when Ben himself visits One Eyed Jack's, paying a visit to Audrey, who must fend off the advances of her unknowing father.

Meanwhile, Dale learns more about Laura's involvement at the club, and its connection to her final night alive. Stakes continue to rise for side characters in their subplots, such as the fire Shelly and Bobby are caught in and narrowly escape. Lynch delivers a powerful ending when Dale is shot by a mysterious source, hooking viewers for the next season to discover his fate.

4 Arbitrary Law

Season 2, Episode 9

While Twin Peaks becomes much more than a murder mystery by its end, the show wraps up Laura's death with the discovery and arrest of Leland, in "Arbitrary Law." In this shocking, emotional, and heart-breaking episode, the plot line focuses heavily on the wrap-up of Laura's killing, embracing its darker central themes in favor of the zany subplots between side characters.

This top-rated episode heightens the stakes drastically, as Dale and his investigative team race against the clock to locate Laura, and now, Maddy's killer. Audiences know who the identity of Bob is at this point, but the lead characters do not, adding dramatic tension as they close in on Bob. With the help of the One-Armed Man, Mike (Al Strobel), Dale is able to discern the real killer as being Leland, not Ben, as was originally thought.

Upon his arrest, Leland fatally injures himself as Bob takes control, and he dies realizing the gravity of his actions. Leland has done terrible things by this point in the show, but it is hard not to get emotional at the horror he feels about having a hand in Laura's death. Ultimately, this episode provides a resolution for Laura's murder case by revealing the killer but is far from the end of the series.

3 Northwest Passage

Season 1, Episode 1

"Northwest Passage," Twin Peaks' well-known pilot episode, is not exactly top-rated (8.9/10 on IMDB), yet it is noteworthy to the franchise for its establishment of the tone and world of the unique show. Moments from this episode show up repeatedly as Twin Peaks progresses, including its third installment, Twin Peaks: The Return.

This episode begins with the mundane: Pete Martell (Jack Nance) makes himself a cup of coffee and takes a stroll down the lake when he is hit with a chilling surprise, and that is the body of Laura Palmer. This tone will continue throughout the series, comedy mixed with spine-chilling horror.

This episode also introduces its leads along with their quirks, such as Dale Cooper's straitlaced, yet warm personality as a dedicated investigator with an appreciation for coffee. Complex relationships begin to take root as well, such as the intimacy between Donna (Lara Flynn Boyle), James (James Hurley), and Laura before her death. With a cast of distinctive characters, drama, and a moody jazz soundtrack, Lynch makes the world of Twin Peaks come alive in "Northwest Passage."

2 Beyond Life & Death

Season 2, Episode 22

Few series finales have been as contentious and notorious as David Lynch's season 2 finale, "Beyond Life & Death." In this shocking final episode of Twin Peaks, Agent Cooper follows Windom Earle (Kenneth Welsh) and Annie (Heather Graham) into the Black Lodge, while other leads and side characters come face-to-face with their own set of challenges, requiring acts of bravery. Despite its lack of satisfaction for certain viewers, the episode earned a 9.3/10 on IMDB.

By far, Dale's open ending is the biggest twist of the series, as it is revealed that, after escaping The Black Lodge, he is actually the evil Dale Cooper doppelgänger version controlled by Bob. For fans of Dale, the twist is heartbreaking but significant to the larger story, which continues twenty-five years later in its clever third season.

Other shocking moments leave audiences with more questions than answers, such as Donna's tearful discovery that she is Ben's half-daughter, and Audrey's involvement in a devastating bank explosion. In this way, Lynch leaves the fate of each character a mystery, allowing audiences to discern for themselves how the story continues.

1 Lonely Souls

Season 2, Episode 7

While all episodes of Twin Peaks are well-written, none are as profound or beautiful as "Lonely Souls." In the seventh episode of season two, audiences learn the appalling truth that Laura's killer is her father, Leland Palmer, who has been possessed by the spirit of Bob. More shocking and heartbreaking, is that Leland is able to kill once more, attacking his niece Maddy Ferguson. At its core, Twin Peaks is a tragedy about evil harming goodness, and this is especially prevalent in "Lonely Souls."

For Twin Peaks viewers, it is clear the team is getting closer to cracking the case, but frustratingly, not in time to prevent evil's triumph over good with the death of Maddy.

For example, Maddy's death is difficult to watch and made all the more upsetting because she is portrayed by the same actress as Laura Palmer, Sheryl Lee. It is this repetition that Lynch uses to draw parallels between Maddy and Laura's death. This is something Dale comes to suspect when he witnesses the Giant in a hallucination, warning him that, "it is happening again."

Underscored with a haunting soundtrack from the singer in the roadhouse, Maddy's death and Leland's reveal as the killer becomes all the more moving. For Twin Peaks viewers, it is clear the team is getting closer to cracking the case, but frustratingly, not in time to prevent evil's triumph over good with the death of Maddy.