Bickering Peaks: A Twin Peaks Podcast

This episode we decided to get a little personal. Rather than try to take an objective look at the characters in Shakespeare's canon, we just picked out our favourites. The ones that stand out for us after years of study, or maybe just a single performance. Forgoing any rational reasoning, we have picked out our most memorable characters, and then post-hoc tried to defend our choices to one another. Along the way we chose a select quote that we thought best summed up each character, and we even picked out a few honourable mentions, as any good listicle does. Next episode we will be returning with the last part of Henry VI, who sadly (Spoiler Alert!) did not make our list of top characters. So join us again next time as we near the conclusion of the Wars of the Roses!

Henry VI Part 2 deals with the immediate lead-up to the Wars of the Roses, with court intrigue and tons of backstabbing that results in the First Battle of St. Albans in 1455. Henry VI was an ineffectual king in the actual historical record, and Shakespeare's Henry is that to a 'T'---cuckolded by his wife and goaded into a civil war by his ill-seeming advisers, Henry's eventual downfall is telegraphed quite clearly in this play. He's surrounded by a cast of characters, from his various Dukes and Lords to his own wife, Queen Margaret, to his enemy Richard, Duke of York, to the rebel Jack Cade, who set wheels in motion toward their own separate goals that Henry could not stop on his best day. The lack of leadership from the throne leads to a power vacuum and shows the danger of "vaulting ambition" in the hands of men (and women) of loose morals. Our discussion today touches on the various characters, the source and types of power---be it from kings or "The Commons"--- and the violent nature of this installment

To help illuminate a bit of the history as Shakespeare saw it, we’re looking at the Hundred Years' War as we now understand it. All the nuance, the technological innovations, the separate dynastic squabbles that contributed to the way the war ended, and its legacy are all points of conversation we discuss here. We’ll hopefully get a sense of the changes that affected over five generations of English monarchs and millions of nobles, peasants, and soldiers who fought in this long, grueling war, and understand a bit more about where Shakespeare was coming from as well as how we should look at this period in history. Notes: https://www.britannica.com/event/Hundred-Years-War A Brief History of the Hundred Years War by Desmond Seward  The Hundred Years' War - YouTube History Matters - The Hundred Years' War "Love Affair That Made the Hundred Years' War Inevitable"

This episode is dedicated to one of Shakespeare's least performed (and least deserving of performance) plays: Henry VI Part 1. We talk the discrepancies with history, the shoddy characterization, and the reality that this was not likely written by Shakespeare alone. While not huge fans of this particular play, we did come to appreciate the appreciable aspects of it, including the unintentionally hilarious use of hobby-horses in the only filmed version available, and the distinct possibility of Star Wars prequel memes. We also were excited to put our newly found knowledge of the Wars of the Roses (see Episode 5) to the use as we dissected the major inconsistencies of the play. Don't let our doom and gloom over this play corrupt your view of all Shakespeare's histories though! Coming up soon will be the sequel to this one, which (spoiler alert) we enjoyed very much.

As we enter the world of Shakespeare's history plays, we figured it was time for a backgrounder on the period of history being shown, as we understand it today. Starting with the dynastic feud that ran the course of almost all of Shakespeare's English history plays - the twin tetralogies with their numerous Henrys and penchant for big battles - the Wars of the Roses.  Follow along as we give you a condensed version of the history, opine about the nature of kingship, and talk about the recursive impact of Shakespeare: the way he wrote about history, and subsequently helped shape the way that same history has been viewed ever since. Notes: (lineage chart from: https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk/resource/wars-of-the-roses-family-trees/) Crusader Kings II (Currently on sale for the Steam Summer Sale) Europa Universalis IV (Also on sale) The Wars of the Roses: England's First Civil War by Trevor Royle The Wars of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors Episode 1 of Britain's Blo

This week we take a break from the canon to talk about the fandom. We talk the latest Kenneth Branagh Shakespeare film, this time a late-stage biopic entitled All is True. We watched the film and walked away with some very specific feelings - some positive, some negative, and some conflicted. While we agreed that neither of us would name it our favourite work of Shakespeare as a character on film, we also agreed that it had a lot going for it, including the incredible cast and gorgeous visuals. To hear our full take on the movie, listen on! Notes: Lindsay's review of the film can be found on 25 Years Later All is True on IMDB

Aidan and Lindsay tuck into the epic battle between Katharina and Petruchio in Shakespeare's early comedy The Taming of the Shrew. In a play about breaking the spirit of a strong woman, the conversation here travels around feminism and the social order of Elizabethan England, Shakespeare-adjacent texts, philosophy, and questions of who really is the titular Shrew in this story? Join us for a spirited discussion that ends with our debate: Should the famous ending of the play be read/portrayed satirically? Notes: The Taming of A Shrew, which echoes Shakespeare so much people think it must be related to his work, is the focus of this overview by Dr. Michael Delahoyde of Washington State University. Zeffirelli's The Taming of the Shrew (1967) stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and co-stars a number of popular character actors from the time (Michael York and Victor Spinetti, yo!) and is fun in parts and aggravating in parts but it's a lavish production. If you only watch one production of Shrew, let it b

In today's episode, we dive into the world of Shakespeare's women. Broadly divided into rough categories -- maids and mothers and queens and villains -- we look at the changing roles of women, from Shakespeare's earliest written women to the later ones. Questions covered include: Was Shakespeare a feminist? Did changing societal roles for all people of all classes influence Shakespeare's writing of his women characters, or was it the other way around? Are Shakespeare's women truly that revolutionary? Join us to find out our thoughts on all this and more! Notes: You can find Tina Packer's book Women of Will at most bookstores.

We begin our look at the plays of Shakespeare with the one that was possibly performed first: The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Imbued with all the hallmarks of Shakespearean comedy - crossdressing heroines, witty wordplay, making fun of the peasantry - it also has several features that didn't age as well. Most notably is the controversial ending of the play, which feels not only rushed, but downright chilling in its treatment of women. Join us for our look at the two bros of Verona, and their accompanying women. Stay for the hurried plot synopsis, analysis of the characters and language, and a few thoughts about how this early work ties into the larger Shakespeare canon. --------- Notes:  This week's "Marriage Counseling" (final name to be confirmed) features two different takes on Valentine's lines from Act 5, Scene 4: By penitence th’ Eternal’s wrath’s appeased. And that my love may appear plain and free, All that was mine in Sylvia I give thee.   The text itself is not super clear on what this means, so

In our first episode Aidan and Lindsay discuss the life and times of William Shakespeare. From his birth in 1564, through his early years, and on into his career triumphs, eventual death, and legacy. Along the way we'll also be talking about English history, the political and social situation Shakespeare found himself in, and the state of the English language at the time. While today's episode includes only a minor amount of bickering, we want to set the groundwork for the discussions to come! Notes: A Groatsworth of Wit is popularly considered the first mention of Shakespeare as a writer in the London stage. Shakespeare in Original Pronunciation The Great Vowel Shift, in handy visual form (though you still need a linguistics minor [at least] to understand it): James VI and I's Daemonologie, published in 1597 in Scotland and 1603 in England. Sound clips:  "Et tu, Brute?" from Community, Season 5 Episode 2, "Introduction to Teaching" "There are more things in heaven and earth..." from Hamlet (2000) "I

After more than two years and almost 100 episodes covering the wonderful worlds of Twin Peaks, the films of David Lynch, and the writing prowess of Mark Frost, we're saying a not-so-tearful goodbye. Well, not so much goodbye as a "We'll see you again... in less than 25 years." As we move on to our next shared love -- the complete works of William Shakespeare -- we are supremely thankful for all the wonderful people we've met doing our podcast, the insights we've received from other Peaks fans, and the fabulous experience of watching the show we loved come to life again after more than two decades of being away. Just like the show, we likely will be returning at some point to revisit the last works of Frost & Lynch we didn't quite get to -- Rabbits, Fantastic Four, and all the other late-career work that may still be coming -- so keep an eye here in case any new Lynch/Frost productions do come to light. In the meantime, you're more than welcome to follow us on our updated social media accounts and contac

We join up with Nick and Dylan of 119! A Twin Peaks Podcast to delve into the supremely challenging mysteries of David Lynch's 2006 film INLAND EMPIRE. Tune in for three very different interpretations of the film, and sound off with your ideas about what it all means (or tell us why you think meaning doesn't matter!) Starring: Laura Dern, Jeremy Irons, Justin Theroux Directed by: David Lynch Written by: David Lynch Produced by: David Lynch Notes: You can check out 119! A Twin Peaks Podcast on Twitter (@119Podcast) and definitely go on and listen to their excellent analysis of Twin Peaks: The Return on their pod!

The Bicks dig deep to deliver on the promise of the surprising and inspirational true story of the 1913 US Open as told by Mark Frost in the 2005 film The Greatest Game Ever Played (which, in turn, was based on his book of the same name). Starring Shia LaBoeuf as amateur golfer Francis Ouimet, the film takes us on a leisurely stroll along the links of history, with detours into the upper-crust world of the English and American class systems -- which aren't as different as you'd imagine -- before settling in on some of the most exciting and nerve-wracking sportsing action ever committed to film (and we're not being hyperbolic or ironic here!) Starring: Shia LaBoeuf, Stephan Dillane, Elias Koteas Directed by: Bill Paxton Written by: Mark Frost Produced by: David Steinberg Notes: The game of golf To buy Mark Frost's book: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Game-Ever-Played-Francis/dp/0786888008

Mulholland Drive. A modern classic, and arguably one of the high points of David Lynch's storied career. In this episode we do our very best to walk through the interpretations, the artistry, and the powerful messages woven throughout this 2001 masterpiece. Warning: Our best really isn't good enough. We also talk at length about the connections of this film to other David Lynch works, including Twin Peaks, as well as other cinematic landmarks, especially Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, which bears more than a few similarities to Mulholland Drive. As part of that discussion, we also discuss an essay collection edited by Douglas Cunningham. The San Francisco Of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo: Place, Pilgrimage, and Commemoration. Starring: Naomi Watts, Laura Haring, Justin Theroux Directed by: David Lynch Written by: David Lynch Produced by: Pierre Edelman

The Lifetime network holds a special place in the hearts of half of this podcast team, and this episode we're taking a look at the most Frostian of Lifetime made-for-TV movies: The Deadly Look of Love. Join us for a discussion of early-noughties feminism, the appeal and joys of Lifetime's particular romantic/life-affirming formula, and the elements of Mark Frost's work we are finally seeing as the most vital contributions to the vaunted Lynch/Frost collaboration. Starring: Jordan Ladd, Vincent Spano Directed by: Solace Mitchell Written by: Mark Frost & Solace Mitchell Produced by: Mark Frost and Lois Luger

Take a slow-as-molasses journey with us across the wide open prairie as we visit David Lynch's 1999 film The Straight Story and delve into a warm dreamscape of a different kind than we're normally used to from the master of surreal dreamscapes. Based on a true story, The Straight Story follows Alvin Straight as he attempts to make it across the Iowa/Wisconsin border to visit his ailing brother. Though he's not a well man himself, along the way Alvin makes friends and comes to a deeper understanding about his life and helps other to see the beauty in the world around them. Starring: Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek Directed by: David Lynch Written by: John Roach & Mary Sweeney Produced by: Pierre Edelman, Michael Polaire Notes: Eighteen Bridges article, "A High and Lonesome Sound" by Robbie Jeffrey: http://eighteenbridges.com/story/high-and-lonesome-sound-canada-rural-crisis/

It might not have been here for a long time, but it was a good time! Buddy Faro was Mark Frost's 90s-noir lovechild that brought a pair of private eyes from different generations together into a colour-saturated, quirky, and delightful private eye comedy. Quick and witty dialogue, interesting characters, and fun abound in this great meetup between 90s and 30s-through-70s culture. Featuring a number of Mark Frost's core group of collaborators, it's a unique show that deserved a better fate than to quietly fade away after the fall season of 1998. Join us as we chat about this great series, as well as its connections to Twin Peaks and The Return. Starring: Dennis Farina, Frank Whaley Directed by: Charles Haid, Lesli Linka Glatter, John Patterson Written by: Mark Frost Produced by: Mark Frost, Aaron Spelling, E. Duke Vincent

We're talking the big three this episode: sex, lies, and videotapes. Lost Highway has them all in spades, wrapped up in the usual Lynchian elements of mystery, violence, and doubles galore. We discuss the film's confounding interplay of memory, reality, desire, and jealousy, to try and see if there is a single, understandable plot somewhere in that mix, or if the film's best understood as a loose series of scenes, feelings, and meditations. We also discuss some of the important production notes, and of course tie it back to Twin Peaks, as well as the other parts of Lynch's California Trilogy. So join us for a dive into transmorphing jazz players and bad wigs, as we head down the Lost Highway. Starring: Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, Balthazar Getty Directed by: David Lynch Written by: David Lynch & Barry Gifford Produced by: Deepak Nayar, Tom Sternberg, Mary Sweeney Notes: Lost Highway Analysis by Melmrose Projects What's So Great About That? - Lost Highway

"For a millennium, the space for the hotel room existed undefined. Mankind captured it, gave it shape and passed through. And sometimes in passing through, they found themselves brushing up against the secret names of truth." Thus we enter the world of David Lynch's Hotel Room, a series that jumps between times but remains always behind the door of Room 603 of the Railroad Hotel in New York City. Lynch's first foray into the then-fledgling world of cable television is fascinating and strange, pushing the boundaries of the medium in its exploration of love, loss, and possibly even more... Starring: Crispin Glover, Glenn Headley, Alicia Witt Directed by: David Lynch & James Signorelli Written by: David Lynch, Monty Montgomery, Barry Gifford, Ian McInerney Produced by: David Lynch and Monty Montgomery Notes: Watch the original series here If These Walls Could Talk Auteur Theory's look at the series: https://www.highdefdigest.com/blog/hotel-room-david-lynch/

Rain-soaked streets...moss and wisteria...bad guys in the bayou. This is the setting for Mark Frost's 1992 film Storyville, a courtroom drama/thriller mixed with elements of the police procedural Frost knew all too well from his years on Hill Street Blues, a dose of Vietnamese underworld intrigue, and all filmed at the intersection of Deep South corruption and 1990s social conscience. It's messy at times and highly entertaining in others. If nothing else, watch it for James Spader and Jason Robards ("...don't forget the final courtroom fight scene!" Aidan adds.) Starring: James Spader, Joanne Whalley Directed by: Mark Frost Written by: Frank Gallbally and Robert Macklin (novel), Mark Frost and Lee Reynolds (screenplay)J Produced by: John Davis, John Flock, Chappy Hardy