Damn good coffee, cherry pie, and the “big bang of auteur television” — why Twin Peaks deserves to be a pop culture classic

In 1990, avant garde filmmaker David Lynch (Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Dune, Blue Velvet) and acclaimed television writer Mark Frost (Hill Street Blues) teamed up to create a television show that would redefine what the medium could achieve in a one-hour drama. With Twin Peaks, the duo entranced audiences with the seemingly idyllic town, its quirky characters, and a central mystery — who killed Laura Palmer?

In a town like Twin Peaks, nothing is as it seems, and in Wrapped in Plastic, pop culture writer Andy Burns uncovers and explores the groundbreaking stylistic and storytelling methods that have made the series one of the most influential and enduring shows of the past 25 years.

About the Pop Classics Series

Short books that pack a big punch, Pop Classics offer intelligent, fun, and accessible arguments about why a particular pop phenomenon matters.

Andy Burns' profile page

Andy Burns is the founder and editor-in-chief of the pop culture website Biff Bam Pop. His work has appeared in the Toronto Sun and Rue Morgue magazine, while his dreams are regularly haunted by the denizens of Twin Peaks.

“If Twin Peaks was a real place, Andy Burns would be president of the historical society. As both a fan and scholar of the beloved and influential television series, he is the perfect guide on this journey into what made the show both unique and timeless. His views and opinions on Twin Peaks — the TV show, the cultural phenomenon, and the town itself — are fresh, original and insightful. This is no mere lovefest for a forgotten cult program, but an exploration of a unique moment in television history, an experience that changed all those who watched it, and reminded us that life, like the town of Twin Peaks, is both wonderful and strange.” — Ian Rogers, author of Every House Is Haunted

“[I] loved the book. It captured the history and the lineage David Lynch and Mark Frost created 25 years ago. The Twin Peaks Festival has kept the Twin Peaks fires alive since 1993 and we’re stronger than ever … Andy captured the essence of Twin Peaks for the original fans and welcomes our new fans to the world of Twin Peaks.” — Rob Lindley, Twin Peaks Festival

“Andy Burns’ brilliant book unveils to us actors peripheral perception. I couldn’t put it down. After I supplied the ‘who’ of Jaques Renault, Andy’s book supplies much of the why and all that goes into this world called ‘Twin Peaks’. This book is a must for all Twin Peaks fans, actors, everyone. Cherish it. I do.” — Walter Olkewicz (Jacques Renault)

“Andy Burns has gotten the inside track. He found the humor that many missed!” — Charlotte Stewart (Betty Briggs)

“Wrapped In Plastic is a refreshingly paced view of Twin Peaks that pays attention to the detail of the show yet brings to light how the show effects one personally. Done with great affection.” — James Marshall (James Hurley)

“Everything you need to know about Twin Peaks and its fathers, start to not quite finished.… It's a small necessity.” — Kimmy Robertson (Lucy Moran)

“Fans will find a lot to appreciate in Wrapped in Plastic: Twin Peaks. Along with reminding us of how fantastic the show was, it's a great recap of the characters and story lines, and a perfect way to get quickly reacquainted with the world Lynch and Frost created.” — Beauty in Ruins

“Wrapped in Plastic is really a primer for brand new fans. Fortunately, with the release of that blu-ray and the announcement of season three, there should be plenty of those.” — Psychobabble

“Short, punchy, and perfect for dipping into in short bursts while waiting in the car or sitting on the bleachers.” — GeekMom

“Andy Burns' Wrapped in Plastic is a smart and indispensable guidebook that will easily whet your appetite in anticipation for the show’s return. The book is the latest in ECW Press’ excellent, highly collectible Pop Classics series … [Burns] is an erudite and impassioned guide who clearly knows his way around the show’s many layers … Wrapped in Plastic is such a wonderful companion piece.” — Rue Morgue