a TV show with its own theology

There are lots of things to love about Twin Peaks, but I think that 
one of the things that really distinguishes it is its supernatural 
side. I think that it's rather rare for a show to develop its own ad 
hoc theology, and to do so in a way that is mysterious and 
intriguing rather than starkly expository.

Of course, the theology is probably not intended to be taken 
seriously, but is nevertheless pretty fascinating.

Twin Peaks is a detective story in which dreams and visions play a 
large role, and are often a source of vital information. Inhabiting 
spirits also come into play with the introduction of Mike and Bob. 
Also, notice that Mike says that he was changed when he saw the face 
of God, which suggests that these spirits are potentially in contact 
with a higher power. There are other beings which have magical 
powers, such as Ms. Tremond and her grandson. 

Different times are often connected in paradoxical ways. For 
example, Laura and Dale entered a dream of the Red Room together, 
and conversed, but Laura had the dream before she died, and Dale 
after.

The theological/metaphysical nature of the show is taken to the next 
level with the introduction of the black and white lodges. In the 
end, this provides fodder for many happy wonderings and 
imaginings... probably far more than the writers could have 
intended. 

We are confronted with various supernatural beings, such as the 
Giant, the Dwarf, Mike, Bob, Ms. Tremond, and her Grandson. We are 
not sure how these beings relate to either of the two lodges, with 
the exception of Bob, who seems rather clearly related to the Black 
Lodge. We also see two angels in FWWM who seem to be unambiguously 
good.

We are also left to wonder about how the Red Room relates to the 
Lodges, and how the Red Room "works". It seems to have its own 
strange set of laws, but those are quite beyond us. If you step out 
of a room and then back in again, you are likely to find something 
quite different. Windom Earle seems to make a fatal error by 
accepting Dale's soul as a ransom, and as a result opens the way for 
Bob to take his soul. Why is this "illegal"? Was there something 
else he should have done instead? Why did he even want Dale's soul 
anyway; what was he trying to achieve? Is it possible to be killed 
by simply physical violence in the Red Room, or does combat occur on 
a sheerly spiritual / psychological level, such that defeat is 
caused by lack of courage, or perhaps lack of knowledge? 

How many people are in the Red Room at once? Is there only one Red 
Room, in Twin Peaks, or are there equivalents around the world? How 
do the supernatural beings and places in Twin Peaks relate to others 
in different places? Is Twin Peaks unique in terms of its 
supernatural activity?

We are given the notion that everyone has a shadow self, a 
doppelganger. Does everyone need to confront their shadow self, or 
only those who aspire to enter the White Lodge? What happens to 
those who are bested by their shadow selves? Are they damned? 
Trapped in limbo? Consigned to oblivion? What is required to best 
one's shadow self? Is it enough to simply not retreat?

There are many more questions, of course, but I'll stop for now. The 
point is, I think that this is part of the reason why Twin Peaks is 
fascinating: it offers a rather novel set of theological and 
metaphysical ideas.

James




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