In the penultimate episode of Twin Peaks‘ 3rd season there’s an extended scene (pictured above) in which an image of Agent Cooper’s face is transparently overlaid upon the rest of the visuals. The scene plays out as ‘normal’, that is, without any of the characters directly referencing their new bigfaced overlord.
It’s a jarring sequence as a result of Lynch’s uniformly disruptive aesthetics. By this point in the show, viewers have waited almost 17 hours (in addition to the 25+ years between seasons) for their hero to return to Twin Peaks. So when Coop finally comes face-to-face with his long-lost colleagues in the second-to-last episode, a sense of resolution replaces anticipation. This resolution, however, is perturbed by the image.
The scene goes on and you’re left wondering how long Big Coop will linger. You think you see him fade, but he lingers on. Focus on the ensuing plot and dialogue dissipates as you’re made aware of the Twin Peaks’ incoming conclusion (episodes 17 & 18 were released together).
Big Coop states decisively and in slow motion, “We live inside a dream,” heard only by the audience. The significance of these words, presented in this manner, may be obscured by the search for plot-related meaning. Rather, it might be best viewed as an unsettlingly existential nudge to the audience; while Agent Cooper’s story is coming to a close, yours is not – be aware.