10 Things We Learned From Twin Peaks: The Return Part 5
6. The Labyrinthine Cast Reveals Itself More Fully
We are introduced to yet more new characters in Part 5.
Early standouts are Robert Knepper and Jim Belushi as casino bosses Rodney and Bradley Mitchum. Knepper is an unhinged force, collapsing into a wheeze of laughter after punching Supervisor Burns in the face under the mistaken accusation of collusion with Mr. Jackpots. "You're f*ckin' fired" he says, after kicking his stomach to a pulp. Belushi is more understated but no less terrifying in his controlled threats. "Leave town. Don't ever come back," he practically whispers, as ominous drones are heard in the background.
Caleb Landry Jones plays Steven Burnett, an the on-the-nose surname for his tweaker burnout. As exaggerated as his performance is, there is somehow an ambiguity to it. It's hard to gauge if there is a kindhearted, oblivious soul lurking within the pale shell, or if his meth-head enabler is more sinister, more insidious in his control over his wife Becky, played with a knowing weariness by Amanda Seyfried.
Becky is a woman in trouble, the parallels to Laura Palmer both clear in her drug use and subtle in Lynch's carefully considered production. The pattern on the headrest of Steven's car is reminiscent of the Red Room curtains.
Into what Becky is being drawn is similarly arcane.