10 Things We Learned From Twin Peaks: The Return Part 15
8. Hope Lost For A Secret Bowie Cameo
If there was ever a name to omit from the 217-strong cast list released last year, David Bowie's was it. The shock and awe of a hypothetical reveal would surely banish any suggestions of manipulation. Sadly, Part 15 confirmed that there was no such reveal; Bowie, terminally ill, elected to complete one last masterpiece of his own. There can be no complaints.
There was no recast, fortunately. Bowie's aura and presence is such that the word "Judy" has sparked debates within the fandom for years. Replacing him - even with a hugely respected character actor - would have detracted from the aura he transferred to the character. Lynch has dealt with his absence by "evolving" Jeffries in much the same manner as The Arm - indirectly lending that enforced choice a sort of congruity through continuity. Jeffries' new form - as seen by Mr. C in a meeting brokered by the woodsman and facilitated by a shuffling, ominous new Lodge Spirit hilariously named "Bosomy Lady" - can best be described as a CGI kettle. It reads as ridiculous - like Lynch picked the nearest sketch from his endless collection to inspire him - but, like the best Lynch choices, it worked against any logical norm. The idea of David Bowie in the world of Twin Peaks was always jarringly dissonant. This, in the most Lynchian fashion imaginable, continued that legacy.
On the subject of Judy: her name was discussed in a way that suggests that she is integral going forward. We are going to talk about her.