Scott Ryan
Today, we're going to discuss the downfall of great television. Everyone talks about jumping the shark from back in Happy Days. That has to be one of the most interesting phrases, and every show seems to do it. This episode sparked when Josh and I uncovered a Twin Peaks documentary. In it, Lucy (Kimmy Roberts) said that season two of Twin Peaks sucks. And I take issue with that. I love Season Two better than Season One. But Twin Peaks does have a downfall.
JB Minton
Yes. There are about 12 episodes too many in Twin Peaks. Whereas The Wire is a perfect example of a show where every second is packed with something that moves forward and moves you forward with it. Have they finally found the magic formula for the length of compelling TV seasons?
Scott Ryan
A sitcom can maintain quality, but I don't believe an innovative show can do it. Twin Peaks was compelled to solve Laura Palmer's mystery. And in that documentary, they talked about how that was a mistake. But I would submit that episodes 14, 15, and 16 (where we find out who killed Laura Palmer and where Ray wise is playing Bob and Leland simultaneously) is the most significant moment in Twin Peaks. So if you take that away, I don't know if I'd love Twin Peaks as much because those are great episodes!
JB Minton
You'd lose Fire Walk With Me, which was the ultimate artistic statement of Twin Peaks.
Scott Ryan
The interesting topic is whether the downfall is the creative decisions in the shows. Or was it an outside influence that wasn't an executive? For example, if you're writing a novel and at a tricky part, you put the book away. You take some time and with television...
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