After a desert escapade with Diane, Special Agent Dale Cooper wakes up in a strange motel. He finds a note from Linda who calls him “Richard.” As he exits the room, we realize that he’s in a different spot than where he checked in the night before. In the episode, it appears the motel may be located outside of Odessa, Texas. In reality, this spot is found in Palmdale, California.
The Knights Inn located at 130 E. Palmdale Boulevard originally opened in 1973. The 100 rooms plus a two bedroom manager’s apartment was designed in two story buildings constructed of wood frame/ stucco with exterior corridors and stairwells. At some point in the mid-2000s, it was a Days Inn. I’ve been unable to locate what the hotel was when it opened in the 1970s.
Here is where some of the action took place during this brief morning scene.
The scene opens with an exterior establishing shot of the motel. Sadly, Google Street View isn’t available for the parking lot, but there was access to see the motel from one street over.
While difficult to see, Richard/Cooper leaves room 141, just in case you plan on staying at this Knights Inn.
Richard/Cooper crosses the parking lot where we get a rare glimpse (thanks to the wind) of the inside of his black suit coat.
Richard/Cooper opens the door to his car, a black 2003 Lincoln Town Car with a Texas license plate – V52-168R.
This black 2003 Lincoln Town Car is also seen in Part 2 at the Self Storage Unit and Part 4 at the Yankton Federal Prison. Most likely, one car was used for all three scenes and only the license plates were changed.
Before getting into his car, Richard/Cooper stops and looks around. The camera cuts to him standing in front of bushes. I’ve circled on the Google Maps image above approximately where this scene was shot.
He then gets into his car. Take note of his perfect placed hair.
The camera cuts to a different view of Richard/Cooper getting into the car. A gust of wind blows his hair up. Most likely, two different takes.
Richard/Cooper backs up his car.
Richard/Cooper leaves the lot turning left onto Division Street. From Google Street view, you can see the lamp post from the episode.
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