As the clock winds down on 2019, I’m reflecting on resolutions for the New Year. For this Quotable Peaks article, I’m reminded of Ben Horne’s quest for goodness in the latter half of Twin Peaks Season 2. In Episode 2018, John Justice Wheeler, the mysterious businessman who flew into town to save Ben, shared a nugget of wisdom that’s applicable not only for 2020 but for life in general.
QUOTABLE PEAKS – ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH
Jack (played by Billy Zane) arrives in Ben Horne’s office shortly after Ben dispatched Audrey to go to Seattle on business. The two sit on a red leather couch as Ben confesses that he is “filled to the brim with the feeling of goodness.”
While he is “all lit up like a Christmas tree,” he really doesn’t know how to be good. So he asks Jack what is his secret to being good and if he really thinks that he could be good.
Then Jack drops the wisdom – “Just keep an eye on your heart. And always tell the truth.”
The revelation blows Ben’s mind. Always tell the truth.
Jack continues, “Tell the hardest truth first though.”
Like a parrot (or is that a Mynah bird?), Ben repeats Jack’s wisdom – “Oh, always tell the hardest truth first.” He loves John’s insight!
Ben concludes that this “truth business” is at the forefront of goodness.
Then John Justice Wheeler spills the beans that he is in love with Audrey. Ben realizes that is a “hard truth.”
EPISODE 2.018 SCRIPT
Robert Engles and Harley Peyton wrote the script for Episode 2018. The first draft was distributed to department heads on January 9, 1991. A second draft for general distribution was shared on January 15.
After that version, there was five revisions, each with a corresponding page colors – January 16 (Blue); January 21 (Pink), January 22 (Green), January 23 (Yellow), and January 24 (Cherry).
While it’s difficult to say who wrote the exact exchange, the dialogue appears on screen pretty much as scripted.
With the start of this new decade, I’m going to tell you the truth. I love writing for this Blog. I love connecting with other fans who love this wonderful and strange show as much as I do. Thank you for a spectacular year and I look forward to sharing even more in 2020.
Happy New Year!
