Summary

• Bobby Briggs' character development in Twin Peaks is a testament to the well-written web of characters in the series.
• His transformation in The Return showcases his redemption arc, fueled by his relationship with his understanding father, Major Garland Briggs.
• Bobby Briggs' disruptive behavior highlights the corruption in Twin Peaks, ultimately making him instrumental in unraveling the mystery.

Bobby Briggs is one of the most divisive characters in the Twin Peaks original series. Bobby's character development is a testament to the show, and part of the well-written web of characters in the series. This is the aspect Dana Ashbrook says he enjoyed the most as opposed to the overarching mystery (per Welcome To Twin Peaks). Whether he’s causing trouble around town with Mike Nelson, crying on Dr Jacoby’s therapy couch, planting cocaine in James’ motorbike engine, or promising Shelly he will take care of everything, Bobby’s multifaceted character is among the most enjoyable to watch.

His transformation in The Return is astonishing, and welcome considering some Twin Peaks stars couldn't return. Given his troubled teenage years, his current standing as a respected deputy at the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Department is a flickering light in a dark third season. Working alongside Hawk, Andy, and the new Sheriff Truman, Bobby is now calm, competent, and well-regarded by his colleagues. His father, Major Garland Briggs, was a big part of his change in attitude in the original – but despite his outer obnoxiousness, Bobby was arguably likable all along.

Bobby Briggs Is A Character Twin Peaks Fans Love Or Hate

He's The Town's Very Own Marmite Character

Bobby Briggs is a rebellious, sharp-tongued teenager entangled in Twin Peaks' criminal underworld. As Laura Palmer's boyfriend, he initially became a prime suspect in her murder investigation. Briggs was deeply involved with local criminals, dealing drugs and resorting to violence. In the original Twin Peaks series, Bobby had many moments that weren’t his finest hour. He’s initially portrayed as a stereotypical jock misbehaving without consequences. At points in the original series, he also has an exploitative streak – whether it’s pushing Shelly into the Miss Twin Peaks contest or running an insurance scam involving an injured Leo.

From the beginning, Bobby’s initial swagger makes him an extremely Marmite character. Still, Dana Ashbrook uses this to his advantage with his natural charisma and incredible acting abilities. One overwhelming trait in season 1 is his hatred toward James Hurley, whose arc is among the most hated storylines in Twin Peaks. Another is his relationship with Shelly, which has great chemistry but murky origins. However, Laura was having affairs of her own. Plus, in Jennifer Lynch’s The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer, which is canon, Laura gives Bobby and Shelly’s relationship her blessing:

"I hope Bobby and Shelly are having a relationship… I don’t like the idea of being alone, at all, but worse things could happen, and I think Bobby and Shelly are good for each other.’"

via The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer

How Bobby Briggs Evolved Throughout Twin Peaks

Bobby's Redemptive Potential Is Seeded Early In The Original Series

Bobby’s initial presentation paints a picture of a typical bad boy, a veneer that quickly unravels. In this way, he can be compared to Audrey Horne, a Twin Peaks main character whose MBTI type hides an insecure and lonely character. This is a hallmark of Twin Peaks – that nothing is what it seems. Nothing makes it more apparent that both Bobby and Audrey are kids playing grown-up than their interactions in the Great Northern in season 2 when they’re both trying to make business moves, wearing a comical amount of hair pomade.

(Bobby's) evolution is helped by his understanding father, Major Garland Briggs, who later gives him a sermon about teenage rebellion as a rite of age...

In Bobby’s case, his pain becomes apparent very early in the series in the form of rage at Laura’s funeral. Two key coping mechanisms for pain are established – James is avoidant, initially saying he is not going. Bobby is confrontational and makes it clear he’s going to be disruptive (“I’m gonna turn it upside down!”) His evolution is helped by his understanding father, Major Garland Briggs, who later gives him a sermon about teenage rebellion as a rite of age. Despite making Bobby recoil, it pretty much turns out to be right.

His healing relationship with his father comes to a crescendo in an episode directed by Lynch, a rarity in season 2, which is the worst-ranked Twin Peaks season. It could have gone differently – according to Twin Peaks’ Dana Ashbrook himself, Mark Frost directed him to play Bobby as not being receptive to the conversation with Garland in the diner, whereas David Lynch advised the opposite with touching results. The Major’s vision of Bobby foresees his redemptive character arc that played out in season 3 decades before it happened, despite many viewers being surprised:

“There came a knock at the door. My son was standing there. He was happy and carefree, clearly living a life of deep harmony and joy.”

Why Dana Ashbrook's Bobby Briggs Deserved More Respect

All Bobby Needed Was A Little Guidance

Bobby Briggs’ redemption arc builds throughout the series, and he doesn’t always behave well but there are times when his aggressive spirit tells the truth about situations better than other characters. He was the only character to speak up at Laura’s funeral. His disrupting the proceedings is disrespectful, but pointing out the hypocrisy of the town foreshadows the corruption unveiled throughout the series. Pointing out the complicity if not participation of the sleepy town makes him instrumental in unraveling the mystery. Much like Dale Cooper, his disruptive and unconventional approach breaks other characters out of their patterns.

Twin Peaks’ Bobby also deserves more credit concerning Laura. During interrogation, Dale Cooper claims, “You never loved her anyway,” but Bobby clearly had a lot of love for Laura Palmer and grieves her loss deeply, despite their complicated relationship. His opening up in therapy with Jacoby also displays a sensitivity long before his touching outburst over Laura’s portrait in season 3. He didn’t help her in the way she needed to be helped, but his character arc shows he was only misguided. Bobby’s redemption in Twin Peaks season 3 is the result of a healthy network – something Laura didn’t have.

Source: Welcome To Twin Peaks, The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer