Twin Peaks (Sunday, May 21, CraveTV) may be the most anticipated series of the season. The re-boot of David Lynch's weird and unsettling murder-mystery from the early '90s promises to bring back much more than just a damn fine cup of coffee.
Twin Peaks (Sunday, May 21, CraveTV) may be the most anticipated series of the season. The re-boot of David Lynch's weird and unsettling murder-mystery from the early '90s promises to bring back much more than just a damn fine cup of coffee. Kyle MacLachlan returns as investigator Dale Cooper, still checking out the award-winning pies as well as strange doings in the remote town of Twin Peaks (apparently located five miles from the Canadian border). Much of the original cast is also back, including Madchen Amick, Richard Beymer, Sherilyn Fenn, Peggy Lipton, Russ Tamblyn and Ray Wise. Gone is Michael Ontkean, who retired from acting; he's replaced as the town Sherriff by Robert Forster.
Not much is known beyond that. Will there be Little People walking backwards as strobe lights flicker? Peaks turned dream sequences into unforgettable TV nightmares.
Forster told reporters gathered at the winter network press gatherings in Los Angeles that Lynch gave orders to "get on that panel but don't tell them anything." Lynch himself answered most questions by saying, "I'm not at liberty to talk about that."
What he did reveal was that Laura Dern, who appeared in "Blue Velvet" and other Lynch movies, will join the cast. "I love Laura Dern," said Lynch. Also wandering into town are Jim Belushi and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Canadians Hugh Dillon and Michael Cera also make the cut.
Other than that, who knows? Told a Showtime executive described this new take as "a pure heroin version of David Lynch," the director replied, "I hear heroin is a very popular drug these days." (No review as advance screeners were not provided to press.)
Downward Dog (Wed., May 17, ABC). This high concept comedy sounds barking mad, but hang in there: a family pooch can talk and does, directly to viewers, about his owner, Nan (Allison Tolman). Originally a humble web series, Downward Dog is shot in Pittsburgh with series creator Samm Hodges providing the droll voice of Martin the dog. Lucas Neff (Raising Hope) plays Jason, Nan's laid-back boyfriend. The dog's lips move when he speaks, which is a little creepy at first, but his take on his master is both insightful and adorable. You can learn a lot from a dog, it turns out, especially if you listen. Be warned though, dog lovers: after watching the pilot, you may never leave your dog home alone during the day ever again. ***
Still Star-Crossed (Monday, May 29, ABC): Ever wonder whether Shakespeare could hack it as a writer in today's world of television? ABC did. They put their No. 1 showrunner, Shonda Rhimes ("Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal") in charge of spinning new tales off of Shakespeare plays. First up is this sequel to "Romeo and Juliet," with Juliet's cousin Rosaline (Lashana Lynch) trying to ditch her betrothed and end the feud between the two families. A Shakespeare soap opera? A rose by any name would smell as sweet. ***
