I was watching episodes 14-16 today and it occurred to me again (as it has several times) that it is odd that even after hearing that Ben Horne has been arrested for the murder of his daughter, Leland still agrees to represent him. I don't know if this was planned by the Lynch/Frost to further show the impact that BOB has on Leland's way of thinking, or if this was an oversight.

To be specific, when Ben is being held for Laura's murder in the jail at the TP Sheriff's Department, Jerry makes the comment that he is going to serve as Ben's lawyer since Leland was recently brought up on charges of his own (Jacques Renault's murder). I would think that the reason stated for Leland not representing Ben (as the viewers did not know yet who the true killer was) would be because it was his daughter's murder that Ben was being held for questioning over.

 Furthermore, after the scene at the Roadhouse in Episode 16 where Cooper experiences the revelation of Laura's true killer ("that gum you like is going to come back in style" scene between old room service waiter and Leland), Cooper acts as if they are taking Ben back to jail because HE is the killer and persuades Leland to come by suggesting he come as representation for Ben Horne. This is where I'm unsure as to whether it is an error or intended by the writers. Leland even asks on the way up the hall at the Sheriff's Department if Ben is going to be charged, and states that he would like to begin bail proceedings ASAP.

Why on earth would he represent the man charged with brutally raping and murdering his daughter? Again, was this purposely placed in the storyline to demonstrate that Leland's rational mind is not working as a result of BOB's influence, or was it an oversight??

 I'm interested in what others think about this, as it is something that gnaws at me each time I watch these episodes...

As Leland it could be seen as him believing in the innocence of his friend and business partner; as BOB it could be him wanted to inject himself further into the situation, unable to resist going along for the ride and seeing it all from so close (as serial killers in real life sometimes do).

But really, I think it was just probably that they set up the gag of tricking Leland into the cell, and by the time anyone figured out it was a little weird they were already too far committed.

I would think that the reason stated for Leland not representing Ben (as the viewers did not know yet who the true killer was) would be because it was his daughter's murder that Ben was being held for questioning over.

But the killer was revealed to viewers in ep 14, before and during Maddy's murder.

We assume Leland either believes Ben is innocent or is under BOB's control, and BOB wants to sabotage Ben's case as his attorney. EDIT: posted too late, but like Jamie said.

Ok, you're right. We know at that point that Leland killed her. Sorry.

It just seems odd to me, but the explanations you all are giving do make sense - I actually did think earlier that perhaps the reason Leland so eagerly accompanied Ben to the Sheriff's Department was due to BOB wanting a front-row view of everything that went down.

It all does make sense if you look at it that way...

It's funny, as many times as I have watched Twin Peaks, especially episodes 14 and 16, I have never thought about how strange it would be that Leland would represent the man accused of killing his daughter.

I always assumed that Leland was BOB in these situations. It seemed as he was more and more BOB and not Leland towards the end. Besides, if Ben was charged it meant he got away with it. BOB probably enjoyed the whole situation.

But that is just my thoughts.  

  It seemed as he was more and more BOB and not Leland towards the end.

 Yes.. 

And in the scene when Cooper interrogates Leland

Cooper: "Did you kill Laura Palmer?"

Leland: " Hooooooo,hoo hoo hoo hooo hooooo!"  

Gosh that was just soo insane! I will never forget my reaction when I first saw that ,lol :))

Priceless performance by Ray Wise! 

Oh, yeah. I remember how riveted I was when I first watched Leland/BOB react to Cooper's questions of whether or not he killed Laura and Maddy. I had a combination of fear/horror/sadness because I really did like Leland Palmer's character in the beginning. He was quirky and a little odd, but I felt sorry for him and thought it was all innocent (shows how naive I was :)). I was shocked when he was revealed as the killer.

I agree that Ray Wise did an outstanding job portraying Leland as himself and as he was when possessed by BOB. And even though BOB was creepy, Frank Silva did an excellent job portraying his character - he added something to the show that made it what it was!

  And even though BOB was creepy, Frank Silva did an excellent job portraying his character - he added something to the show that made it what it was!

 Amen to that! :)

I always thought BOB was extremely pissed in that scene,pissed at Cooper,cause he broke the code and solved the crime...and trapped him ;) So BOB got really mad!

BOB's insanity was...wow just something I'd never seen on TV before and will never see again - so intense,frightening,simply unique!And knowing what a friendly,nice and endearing guy Frank was in real,makes his BOB image even more amazing and interesting to me.:)

Thank you David Lynch for giving us Frank Silva and...our indelible BOB! :)