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 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.”
Truman is enraged and grabs Albert’s tie.
“AIbert, let’s taIk about knuckles,” exclaims Truman. “Now, the Iast time, I knocked you down. I feIt bad about it. The next time’s gonna be a real pleasure.”
ALBERT’S PHILOSOPHY
Surprisingly, Albert fights back. He grabs Truman’s shirt and exclaims, “You listen to me.”
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 vioIence. I pride myseIf in taking a punch and I’II gIadIy take another because I choose to Iive my Iife in the company of Ghandi and King. My concerns are globaI. I reject absoIuteIy revenge, aggression and retaIiation. The foundation of such a method is Iove.”
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.
As Albert exists, Agent Cooper reassures his friend that Albert’s path is a strange and difficult one.
SHERIFF TRUMAN AND AGENT ROSENFIELD REUNITED
Clearly, Albert’s words changed Harry as seen by the hug shared between them in Episode 2015.
ALBERT’S PHILOSOPHY AS SCRIPTED
The script for Episode 2003 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.
