As we're getting close to the end of the 18-episode run of Twin Peaks: The Return, and with only a few episodes left to run, I'm getting more and more depressed at the thought that it may be over. I would LOVE to see TP continue.
This morning, I read this article. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/twin-peaks-wont-be-revived-again-at-showtime-1027586. Despite the pessimistic headline, it confirmed that continuing TP is at least a possibility, and that the Showtime executives and David Lynch would be talking after Labor Day, once the full season has aired.
Clearly, with all the new characters and relationships still being introduced this late in the season, there is a lot of material they could work with in subsequent seasons. And I have to believe Lynch and Frost did this intentionally with some thought of the possibility of continuing the story.
There's been a lot of talk about the rating being disappointing and not enough to justify a continuation. But as the Hollywood Reporter article notes, the streaming numbers have been good, and the effect on subscriptions for Showtime has been even more positive throm their perspective.
I'm wondering if a fan-driven campaign -- letter writing, etc. -- could help push them to green-light a new season. Is there already one on the works that I'm not aware of? Would the fans here be on board and help create some momentum? Thoughts on the best approach?
Couple more thoughts. Campaigns by Twin Peaks fans have had positive impacts in the past.
For instance, back during the second season, a campaign by fans let ABC to reverse its decision not to cancel the show mid-season and let to the airing of the final 6 episodes. See http://www.indiewire.com/2017/06/the-secret-history-of-coop-twin-peaks-david-lynch-1201830275/
And in 2015, when David Lynch briefly pulled out of involvement in The Return, a social media campaign that included the #savetwinpeaks hashtag, a change.org petition, and a cast-made video seems to have influenced his decision to return. I read somewhere that he was aware of the campaign and it had an impact on him, but I'm not finding that article right now. But here are a couple of relevant links:
https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/8/8370017/david-lynch-save-twin-peaks
https://www.change.org/p/showtime-save-twin-peaks
I think that ultimately it will come down to this: do Lynch/Frost have another story they want to tell, and how badly do they want to tell it? It seems to me that if they want to do more Twin Peaks, then Showtime will probably want more. On the other side of the equation, it doesn't seem to matter how badly Showtime might want more, if Lynch and Frost don't want to continue, then no amount of money or pressure will get them to do it again.
Just my thoughts, anyway.
There's a petition online for a fourth season of TP! Sign here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/196/268/973/we-want-more-twin-peaks/
I'm hoping that these last 5 episodes really pack a punch. If it goes out strong, there's a greater likelihood that there will be a season 4. I have a good feeling about this.
I think all the stars need to align for us to get another season, but that being said I'm down to sign any petitions or anything like that. Also I'm going to cancel my Showtime subscription as soon as TP is over. I was going to do that anyway... I was impressed by how uninteresting all the other shows in their lineup were (to me at least, don't want to hate on anyone's favorites.) I think if everyone who just signed up for Twin Peaks cancels at the same time that's going to send a pretty strong message.
I think that ultimately it will come down to this: do Lynch/Frost have another story they want to tell, and how badly do they want to tell it? It seems to me that if they want to do more Twin Peaks, then Showtime will probably want more. On the other side of the equation, it doesn't seem to matter how badly Showtime might want more, if Lynch and Frost don't want to continue, then no amount of money or pressure will get them to do it again.
Just my thoughts, anyway.
It is not just about Lynch and Frost wanting to do another season or not. There must be a studio willing to cough up the money. Remember when Lynch backed out of TP because Showtime wouldn't give him the budget he felt the show needed? Even if Lynch and Frost want to do 10 seasons of TP, they won't be able to without financial backing.
The ratings haven't been stellar, but Showtime did see a substantial increase in their subscribers, which also led to an increase in the company's profitability.
Assuming Lynch and Frost want a season 4, the question for Showtime is if they're willing to give Lynch the same freedom in terms of budget and control.
I don't think they will, as I doubt if season 3 was able to convert a sufficient number of new viewers to the show. If anything, the show probably lost some old TP fans who thought it would be like the original.
If Showtime won't get any new subscribers, then there's no reason for them to give Lynch and Frost free rein since they're not going to get anything by way of ratings.
But even if Showtime says no, Netflix, HBO or other companies may be interested as TP could give them a subscriber boost.
Fire walk with