Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks brings mystery, horror and drama together, then lets the surreal side make the whole thing feel slightly off balance. That is as much as I would want to know before starting. If you like a clear explanation before you have even made your coffee, this may require a little patience. I say that with affection, and with a firm grip on the mug.

The fear here is less about bracing for a fright and more about being willing to sit with uncertainty. I would put it in the middle of the scare scale: unsettling enough for a dark evening, without choosing it solely for the thrill of being terrified. It suits someone who enjoys a mystery for its questions as well as its answers. It also suits a night when you can give a series your attention, rather than trying to watch while doing six other things.

There is an unusual span to its story as a television series: it was cancelled after two seasons and later returned for a third. For a first visit, though, I would set that aside. Make something warm, settle in and let the strangeness have your attention.