Quotable Peaks – Give Yourself a Present

In addition to the dreamy music and mysterious locales, Twin Peaks is filled with many memorable quotes. Therefore, I’m launching a new series on Twin Peaks Blog called Quotable Peaks, which turns the spotlight on some of my favorite quotes and the writers who penned them. I’ll begin with one of my all-time favorite nuggets of wisdom from Episode 1.006.

AGENT COOPER SAYS GIVE YOURSELF A PRESENT

Special Agent Dale Cooper and Harry Truman just finished checking in on Hank Jennings at the Double R Diner. Waitress Shelly Johnson says “hello” to both gentlemen, but Sheriff Harry S. Truman is anxious to move on with his day.

Cooper stops him and shares the follow advice.

“Harry, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Everyday, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it. Just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the Men’s store. A catnap in your office chair. Or two cups of good, hot black coffee. Like this.”

Sheriff Truman responds, “A present, like Christmas.”

Agent Cooper nods in agreement and the two sit down to enjoy cups o’ joe.

TWIN PEAKS EPISODE 1.006 SCRIPT

Harley Peyton completed the first draft of Twin Peaks episode 1.006 on November 3, 1989. A second draft script available a few days later on November 8, 1989.

Thanks to Twin Peaks Archive, we have a look at Agent Cooper’s original scripted dialog which closely mirrors the broadcast scene.

COOPER
Harry, I want to let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it. Just let it happen naturally. It could be a new shirt from the Men’s Store. A catnap in your office chair. Or maybe, if it’ll make you happy, a hot cup of black coffee. Like this.

Doesn’t get any better than that.

Here’s to more present-filled days.