Twin Peaks: The Return upends all of the romanticized notions of the original 1991 series. Originally broadcast on Showtime in 2017, the long-gestating third season sees David Lynch finding freedom in eschewing the trappings of network television, crafting a continuation of the Twin Peaks story that emphasizes its dark heart. In the first run, the unexpected was charming and quirky — but in The Return, it’s a means for Lynch to upend form itself, to terrifying, unsettling effect. Kyle MacLachlan is back at the forefront, but while Dale Cooper’s face is the same, behind it are twin uncanny simulacra of the FBI agent we know and love. Is there a trace of him left in the bumbling, green-suited Dougie, or the ruthless Mr. C? More familiar faces dot the Pacific Northwest landscape, while new ones (including a musical performance from Sharon Van Etten) take the story in even stranger directions. Pre-show introducers, post-show discussions and returning pop-ups from Pie Rewind will accompany The Return repertory series — curated by Quinn Hills — on Wednesday nights in August and September. Tickets are available online.
Through Sept. 23 at the Belcourt
2102 Belcourt Ave.
