Roadhouse and Bookhouse under cloud-filled sky

Quotable Peaks – Albert’s Philosophy

Special Agent Albert Rosenfield (played by the late Miguel Ferrer) delivers some of the greatest dialogue in Twin Peaks. From his cursing out Gene Kelly in Season 3 to his analysis of Agent Cooper’s vision in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, he consistently delivered a top notch performance. But it was his response to Sheriff Harry Truman in Episode 2003 penned by Robert Engles that may be his most relatable and important dialogue for today’s world.

ALBERT MAKES ANOTHER QUIP

Agent Albert Rosenfield packing up his silver briefcase at the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Department
2.003

Agent Rosenfield just packed up his silver metal briefcase after telling Cooper that he was shot with a similar gun that James Bond uses (a Walther PPK). Sheriff Truman asks if there is anything they should be working on. Sarcastically, he replies, “You might practice walking without dragging your knuckles on the floor.”

Sheriff Truman grabs Agent Albert Rosenfield by the tie
2.003

Truman is enraged and grabs Albert’s tie.

“Albert, let’s tall about knuckles,” exclaims Truman. “Now, the last time, I knocked you down. I feIt bad about it. The next time’s gonna be a real pleasure.”

ALBERT’S PHILOSOPHY

Agent Albert Rosenfield grabs Sheriff Truman's shirt while Truman holds Albert's tie
2.003

Surprisingly, Albert fights back. He grabs Truman’s shirt and exclaims, “You listen to me.”

Agent Albert Rosenfield grabs Sheriff Truman's shirt while Truman holds Albert's tie
2.003

He then delivers some of the most memorable dialogue from the series – Albert’s philosophy.

“While I will admit to a certain cynicism, the fact is that I’m a naysayer and hatchet man in the fight against violence. I pride myself in taking a punch and I’II gladIy take another because I choose to live my life in the company of Gandhi and King. My concerns are global. I reject absolutely revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”

Agent Albert Rosenfield and Sheriff Truman looking at each other
2.003

He concludes his passionate speech by saying, “I love you, Sheriff Truman.” Albert departs and Truman isn’t sure what to think. It’s a far cry from the OOJ and an AFO he filed with Gordon Cole concerning his “mano a mano” with Truman in Episode 1003.

Agent Cooper and Sheriff Truman watch Albert Rosenfield leave the room
2.003

As Albert exists, Agent Cooper reassures his friend that Albert’s path is a strange and difficult one.

SHERIFF TRUMAN AND AGENT ROSENFIELD REUNITED

Sheriff Truman and Agent Albert Rosenfield share a hug
2.015

Clearly, Albert’s words changed Harry as seen by the hug shared between them in Episode 2.015.

ALBERT’S PHILOSOPHY AS SCRIPTED

The script for Episode 2.003 was written by Robert (Bob) Engels. There were multiple drafts written between mid-July and early August in 1990.

  • First Draft – July 17, 1990
  • Revised – July 20, 1990 (Complete Blue Script)
  • Revised – July 24, 1990
  • Revised – July 27, 1990
  • Revised – July 31, 1990
  • Revised – August 1, 1990 (Cherry)
  • Revised – August 3, 1990 (Goldenrod)

It appears that the pages with Albert’s philosophy were part of that final revision on August 3.

Truman’s dialog is slightly different than the broadcast version: “Albert, you make fun of everyone and everything and then act like you deserve an award for it. That’s just not right. Get out of here before I do something I won’t regret. Again.”

To me, his televised response feels more authentic Harry Truman and I’m glad Michael Ontkean performed it that way.

Albert’s monologue, however, remains exactly the same as scripted. It’s perfect.

Agent Albert Rosenfield and Sheriff Truman share a tense moment with Albert's Philosophy quote placed over them.

Author

  • Steven Miller at Twede's Cafe enjoying cherry pie and coffee

    A "Twin Peaks" fan since October 1993, Steven Miller launched Twin Peaks Blog in February 2018 to document his decades-long fascination with David Lynch and Mark Frost's wonderful and strange show. With his Canon camera in hand, he's visited numerous film locations, attended Twin Peaks events and conducted extensive historical research about this groundbreaking series. Along with fellow Bookhouse Boys, he dreams of creating a complete Twin Peaks Archive of the series and feature film. Steven currently resides in Central Florida.

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