Scenario one: The writers knew the show was being cancelled before they wrote episode 29 and that episode was meant to be the ending of Twin Peaks.

Scenario two: They wrote the screenplay to episode 29. THEN the show got cancelled. That episode was never meant to be the ending. They never got to make an ending. I know they probably shot the episode AFTER they knew the show was going to be cancelled, but which one of these two scenarios is true?

i was actually just thinking about that too today. i'm sure they knew beforehand but i don't actually know. either way, i think it's a great ending and another season (althought it would be neat to see) is unnecessary. as much of lynch's work, many things are left unresolved and that is the beauty of it...to make your own relative conclusions. i'm sure if this didn't happen these forums would be boring. everyone always has something to share and no one is necessarily wrong or right.

Oh yeah. I love the ending as it is. I don't want another season to be made. But I'm just curious as to whether ep.29 was meant to be the final episode or not.

I don't think this is known one way or another. I think all people can offer is speculation.

My guess is that it was made when they found out the show was being cancelled, and did it to try to reboost people watching, and maybe not get taken off the air.

But, I like it better thinking of it as the official end of the series.  

Ditte: well, I'm in love with a board member

I think that the episode 29 isn´t be the end of the serie. There are many histories without end, and all right, Lynch is not an usual director, but in everyone of his films, there´s an end which close everything. And in the last episode of Twin Peaks are many open histories (Josie´s ghost, for example). But the most important of them is how the hero become evil and how he will turn back (or not).

"Twin Peaks" was cancelled well after Episode 28 and 29 aired, although the writing was pretty much on the wall at that point.

All the episodes were filmed. When the show was canceled the second time, the fan uproar was substantial enough that ABC agreed to show the final two episodes back to back on June 10th 1991.

To my knowledge Mark Frost, Harley Peyton and Robert Engels wrote the original script for ep.29 (you can find at www.glastonberrygrove.net) it's completely different.

This is true. David Lynch was not satisfied with the screenplay and changed it dramtically for it fit his vision especialy for The Black Lodge sequence.

I have a feeling they didn't know it was going to be cancelled when they wrote ep 29. There's just too many things unsolved for it to be the "official" ending. Things like the owls and Josie's ghost. My guess is that they were going to continue the story in season 3. It was never meant to end this way.

I watched episode 29 last night again and I have always felt this part was specifically reworked as the finale in the light of the show’s cancellation.  The uncertainties about the fate of key cast members like Ben and Audrey Horne has always felt like a bit of a v-sign to the network for pulling the plug and Lynch and co. must have anticipated the reaction from the dedicated fans.  I remember when “Fire Walk With Me” was in production, Lynch referred to it as one of three films that he’d make to fully conclude the world of Twin Peaks, including what happens to Cooper.  However, after the reaction to the first film (many disliking its darkness and lack of familiar, funnier cast members) the others didn’t come to pass.

If you don’t watch “Fire Walk With Me” as the final episode to close the series (as I do) then I still feel that episode 29 stands up well as a conclusion.  Basically, Cooper gives up his soul so that Annie can leave the lodge and live, a sacrificial act to atone for his short-comings regarding Caroline’s death.  The End.  Cooper was, after all, the pivotal character. When I watch the black lodge sequence I am constantly reminded of the last episode of “The Prisoner” (also prematurely cancelled in it's day) and I can’t help but think that Lynch is somewhat paying homage to that seminal TV show.

I do wish there were more series:( actually I didn't want the film to end this way,because this means that the evil wins and will go on killing,inspite that I am A GREAT fan of BOB/Frank Silva and his lovely performance in TP;)But after all I am pleased with this end,too!But I want to know too,if this was really meant to be the last episode or not?Does anybody of you know?

I'm not sure what you're driving at with "meant to be"?  I don't suppose anyone involved in the show wanted the network to cancel it when they did, but given that they did, then episode 29 is and was written to be the finale and remained that until the prequel film dealt with some of the story pertaining to Cooper's continued presence in the Black Lodge.

All the episodes were filmed. When the show was canceled the second time, the fan uproar was substantial enough that ABC agreed to show the final two episodes back to back on June 10th 1991.

~ Amanda

"Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave..."

But Cooper tried to run away from his "copy", so in that scene I understand that he don´t really want to give his soul.

I think the only way to resolve this enygma is asking to David Lynch what really happenned with  Twin Peaks. this summer he will come to Barcelona (Spain) in the Sitges cinema festival dedicated this year to his work. If there´s possible to talk with him...

You don't think anyone hasn't asked before?

I know he won't answer if you ask him something about the plot, but something technical as this question must be something he would answer. I'd really like to know if ep.29 was meant to be the final episode or if the show was suddenly cancelled after they had shot it.

All the episodes were filmed. When the show was canceled the second time, the fan uproar was substantial enough that ABC agreed to show the final two episodes back to back on June 10th 1991.

~ Amanda

"Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave..."

Thanks, Amanda and....

thanks, Amanda.