The Detective in

'Twin Peaks'

by

Andreas Blassmann

Freiburg University

April 1999







Abstract

In this thesis I will examine the role of the detective in the television series "Twin Peaks". The character of Special Agent Dale Cooper illustrates the consequences of a border crossing between the detective story (a formula that I will analyze in Chapters one and two) and the formula of the 'Gothic', a genre that I will focus on in Chapters three and four. The detective in TP (abbreviation for "Twin Peaks" in the following) is transformed from an omniscient observer into an active participant in the middle class community. I will discuss the process and the result of Special Agent Dale B. Cooper's transformation in this thesis.



CONTENT



0. Introduction

I. The Murder Mystery

1. The Detective

II. The Gothic

3. The 'Gothic Soap Opera'

6. Reference List of Sequences

7. Works cited

8. Copyright & Feedback





