The Tao of Twin Peaks: The Meaning Behind David Lynch's Hit TV Series

by William Dickerson, Gilbert Leiker (Illustrator)

Is "Twin Peaks" a cult-like phenomenon...or a mystery that needs to be solved…or simply the fever dream of its eccentric co-creator? No other show in the history of television has sparked so many questions and "The Tao of Twin Peaks" proposes answers to those who seek to understand this surreal, multilayered, and metafictional story. Much has been written about "Twin Peaks," but this book is markedly different. It is not just for the most ardent fans who love decoding clues in the series. It also explores the show’s cinematic techniques, its cultural references, and its mythological, psychological, and religious influences. Just some of the topics explored:

- The significance of the Red Room
- Laura Palmer as both angel and centerfold
- The answer to "Who is Judy?"
- The connection between Agent Cooper and Mr. C
- The relationship of the plot to electricity and the atomic bomb
- "Twin Peaks" as a working philosophy
- "What year is this?" Making sense of the end of the series

In Taoism, the goal is to achieve balance in our ever-changing reality. "The Tao of Twin Peaks" illustrates how David Lynch accomplishes this feat in this classic show. It examines the entire "Twin Peaks" canon, including "Fire Walk with Me," with a particular focus on "Twin Peaks: The Return." For filmmaker and author, William Dickerson, the search for significance in "Twin Peaks" is analogous to the search for meaning in both his and his readers’ lives. As strange as the characters and plots may be, they echo our own traumas, growth, and experience.

Featuring artwork by Gilbert Leiker, "The Tao of Twin Peaks" will set you on the road to solving the show's enigmas and, as a result, deepen your appreciation of future viewings along the way. Uncover the details of David Lynch's cinematic craft as he creates the off-kilter world of "Twin Peaks" and turns the mirror on us.

226 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2025

About the author

William Dickerson is a filmmaker, author, musician and professor. His debut feature film "Detour," which he wrote and directed, was hailed as an "Underground Hit" by The Village Voice, an "emotional and psychological roller-coaster ride" by The Examiner, and nothing short of "authentic" by The New York Times. His metafictional satire, "The Mirror," opened YoFi Fest’s inaugural film festival, and his film, "Don’t Look Back," debuted on television to 1.1 million viewers. His award-winning work has been recognized by film festivals across the country.

His first book, "No Alternative," was declared, "a sympathetic coming-of-age story deeply embedded in '90s music" by Kirkus Reviews. His book on filmmaking, "DETOUR: Hollywood – How To Direct a Microbudget Film (or any film, for that matter)," was called "candidly practical, thoroughly 'user friendly', and an essential instruction guide–especially for independent filmmakers working on shoestring budgets" by Midwest Book Review. William is a graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory, served on their Alumni Executive Board and was selected by The White House and AFI to serve as mentor to winners of the White House Student Film Festival under two Presidents of the United States.

His writing has been published by Indiewire, MovieMaker Magazine, Filmmaker Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter's The Wrap, Script Magazine, Film Slate Magazine, Talkhouse, and SaveTheCat.com. He adapted and directed the film version of "No Alternative," which was released worldwide through Gravitas Ventures. The film stars Kathryn Erbe and Harry Hamlin and was selected as Dances With Films' "Opening Night Feature" in 2018. The Los Angeles Times called the movie "a remarkably assured and deeply felt grunge-era coming-of-age picture," and Film Threat said it was "a rare indie gem that delivers solidly on all fronts with no missteps."

The movie, which was inspired by Dickerson's band from the 90s, won "Best Soundtrack" at the Paris Art and Movie Awards. His band, Saturday Saints (formerly Latterday Saints), is highlighted on the soundtrack alongside such musical luminaries as: Mudhoney, Lisa Loeb, Superdrag, Moby, sElf, Failure, Sebadoh, and others. The soundtrack was chosen as one of the official releases by Record Store Day 2019. Saturday Saints were recently signed to Rhyme & Reason Records on which they released their debut album entitled Anhedonia.

William is also an experienced educator, having taught masters seminars and lectured on the subject of filmmaking at schools such as The American Film Institute, Boston University, Emerson College, California State University Los Angeles, and New York Film Academy. He is currently a faculty member at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in New York City.

Reviews

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give it a 3.5, but I can’t.

Ultimately, there is a lot of evidence of you subscribe to the theories of this show being an endless loop and/or (more importantly to this text) the show being a self aware piece of meta fiction.

I really appreciate the research and depth at which the subject matter was analyzed, but it conveniently leaves plot, character, and thematic points when it disagrees with the authors theories.

The author uses the term “presume” a lot…because we have to do a lot of detective work and extrapolating. But, in reality, the author should use “assume” instead, as the times we are being asked to presume, on behalf of the author, are generally occurrences that lack any evidence and we are drawing conclusions absent evidence or information—we are assuming.

Based on the author’s wealth of knowledge, I will PRESUME that that this was simply a mistake.

I also take issue with the author ignoring some of the canon established by Mark Frost when it fits his points.

As a diehard Twin Peaks fan, these are probably not the answers you are looking for unless you want to write a PhD dissertation.

I wholeheartedly disagree with the Authors takes on Judy, Sarah Palmers complicit evil, the birth of Bob, and the crossing over from the fictional town to the real world.

I’d read it. I just disagree with a lot and would need to write my own book to say why, in my mind, the author is very wrong. But the beauty of Twin Peaks is that it will exist up to interpretation in perpetuity and everyone should chose the explanation that they like best (based on the evidence ((and lack thereof)).

[Hannah Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an avid Twin Peaks fan, I really appreciate this book. I respect it for its passion and well-researched and thought-through theories. I loved that it brought me back into a world so well-worn with love and knowing.

Praise aside, this is not the first think-piece I've read about Twin Peaks or the greater world/legacy of David Lynch. This was well-written, but did not feel revelatory by any means. Where some people see tome, I found just another guy who thinks his thoughts on the Lynchian universe deserve to be heard by all. I didn't think this book was particularly all that special.

For people who are new to the world of Twin Peaks and Lynch, this would be a good place to start. However, if you have been existing in this world for a while now, I'd suggest several other books instead.