Twin Peaks is an American serial drama television series created by Mark Frost and David Lynch that premiered on April 8, 1990, on ABC. It was one of the top-rated series of 1990, but declining ratings led to its cancellation after its second season in 1991. It nonetheless gained a cult following and has been referenced in a wide variety of media.[3][4][5][6] In subsequent years, Twin Peaks has often been listed among the greatest television series of all time.[7][8][9][10][11]
The series follows an investigation headed by FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) into the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) in the fictional town of Twin Peaks, Washington. The narrative draws on elements of crime drama, but its uncanny tone, supernatural elements, and campy, melodramatic portrayal of eccentric characters also draw on American soap opera and horror tropes.[12][13][6][14] Like much of Lynch's work, it is distinguished by surrealism and offbeat humor, as well as distinctive cinematography.[15] The show's acclaimed score was composed by Angelo Badalamenti in collaboration with Lynch.[16]
Twin Peaks was followed by a 1992 feature film, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, that serves as a prequel to the television series. In October 2014, Showtime announced that the show would return as a limited series. Also known as Twin Peaks: The Return, the limited series premiered on May 21, 2017, and was written by Lynch and Frost and directed by Lynch. Many original cast members, including MacLachlan, returned.
Denise Bryson (née Dennis Bryson) was a former Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent who investigated drug allegations against Dale Cooper. She later became the Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief of Staff.
Cooper's Suspension from the FBI
In March, 1989, Denise arrived in Twin Peaks, telling the surprised Agent Cooper that she now preferred to be called Denise. She was then introduced to Sheriff Harry S. Truman and Deputy Hawk. She then explained to Cooper that the accusations of him being involved in the drug operation stemmed from an RCMP officer named Preston King. She left to get to work on the case.[3]
She later attended the wedding reception for Dougie Milford and his new bride Lana Milford and invited Cooper to the bar to tell him that traces of cocaine were found in his car and guessed it would match drugs stolen from King and supposed that Cooper had been framed. Cooper also asked about her identity as a woman and she explained to him how this came to be.[3]
Denise went to Cooper's room and was introduced to Audrey Horne, who expressed her surprise that the DEA would have female agents, to which Denise replied, "more or less." Audrey gave Dale a big kiss and left. He showed Denise photos of Hank Jennings, Ernie Niles, Preston King, and Jean Renault in the middle of a drug deal.[4]
She went to the Double R Diner, where she presented to Ernie Niles a photograph of the drug deal.[4]
Denise and Cooper interrogated him, and he confessed his guilt. She told him of a sting operation, during which she would pose as a buyer from Seattle.[4]
Denise tried to urge Ernie into calling Jean Renault to set the buy, which he was nervous to do so. Cooper came in and when Denise called Ernie "gun-shy," he made the call.[5]
As the sheriff's department prepared for the buy, Denise entered Sheriff Truman's office as Dennis, finding it more appropriate to act as a male during the buy.[5]
During the buy, their cover was blown when Ernie's sweat caused his microphone to malfunction and begin to bellow smoke. They were held at gunpoint until Cooper offered himself in exchange for Denise and Ernie.[5]
Later, she approached the farm, dressed as a waitress. She gained entry and pulled up her skirt to reveal a gun to Cooper, who took it to shoot Renault as she subdued Officer King.[5]
FBI Chief of Staff
By 2014, Denise had become the FBI Chief of Staff, with Bill Kennedy as her secretary. She was informed by Deputy Director Gordon Cole that Cooper had been found in a South Dakota federal prison after being reported missing for 25 years. After Cole cleared up Bryson's doubt about him bringing Agent Tammy Preston, she voiced her support for this operation.[1]