Netflix's 'Wayward' Series: A Fresh Look Beyond 'Twin Peaks' Comparisons

Discovering 'Wayward': A Series Forging Its Own Path

The Enduring Legacy of 'Twin Peaks' and the Challenge of Imitation

David Lynch's creation, 'Twin Peaks,' holds a distinctive position in television history, having inspired numerous attempts to replicate its blend of otherworldly sci-fi dread. Although some productions, like 'Alan Wake II,' come close to its unique atmosphere, many others fail to capture its essence, a category into which Netflix's new horror entry, 'Wayward,' regrettably falls.

Unpacking 'Wayward': A Deep Dive into the 'Troubled Teen Industry'

'Wayward' is an eight-part miniseries spearheaded by Mae Martin, focusing on the harsh realities within the U.S. 'troubled teen industry.' Set in 2003, the narrative centers on Alex Dempsey, a trans police officer, and his pregnant spouse, Laura. They relocate to Tall Pines, Vermont, Laura's hometown, which is also home to the ominous Tall Pines Academy. This facility, disguised as a rehabilitation center for 'difficult' adolescents, is run by the manipulative Evelyn Wade, portrayed compellingly by Toni Collette. As Alex investigates a teen's disappearance from the academy, he uncovers its cruel practices and Evelyn's sinister influence over Laura, a former resident. Concurrently, two Toronto teenagers, Leila and Abbie, are sent to the academy, further exposing its brutal and manipulative methods.

'Wayward' Versus 'Twin Peaks': A Mismatched Comparison

Since its early promotions and recent launch, 'Wayward' has frequently been labeled as Netflix's equivalent of 'Twin Peaks' by cultural critics. However, this comparison is largely unfounded. Lynch's 'Twin Peaks' is a masterpiece of genre fusion, seamlessly blending various styles through his signature surrealism. The town's peculiar, dreamlike ambiance provided a consistent backdrop that allowed different tones to coexist harmoniously. Few filmmakers possess the ability to achieve such a delicate balance, a fact reinforced by 'Twin Peaks: The Return,' which showed Lynch's unparalleled skill. Consequently, despite Collette's powerful acting, 'Wayward' never quite measures up to the 'Lynchian' standard, raising questions about the necessity of such a comparison.

Navigating Genre Shifts: 'Wayward's' Narrative Structure

Throughout its eight episodes, Martin and the writing team experiment with various genres within the mystery framework, yet they never fully commit to a single one, leading to an inconsistent thematic delivery. Leila and Abbie's storyline often feels like a young adult thriller, whereas Alex and Laura's journey is steeped in sci-fi horror. While these narratives eventually intertwine, the constant genre shifts never achieve the smooth integration seen in 'Twin Peaks.' Although there are brief moments of surrealism, it does not permeate and ground the series in the same way it defines Lynch's groundbreaking work.

Atmosphere and Tone: Where 'Wayward' Diverges from Its Counterpart

Even when 'Twin Peaks' veered into youthful melodrama, it maintained an unsettling atmosphere, amplified by its haunting musical score, which sustained a sense of unease throughout every scene. In contrast, 'Wayward' can abruptly transition from a tense revelation to a montage set to contemporary pop music, reminiscent of a conventional teen drama, which undermines its dramatic tension. Beyond both series being set in a small, wooded town and incorporating high school and police investigations, their similarities largely end. A more fitting comparison might even be 'Riverdale.'

'Wayward's' Own Merits and Unfolding Potential

Despite these critical comparisons, 'Wayward' possesses its own strengths. It offers an engaging mystery that is worth exploring, even if it lacks the otherworldly qualities one might expect. Its open-ended conclusion suggests potential for a second season. In addition to Collette, Martin and Burchell deliver exceptional performances, providing the emotional core of the series.

Beyond Comparison: 'Wayward's' Unique Social Commentary

Ultimately, drawing parallels between 'Wayward' and 'Twin Peaks' is a disservice to 'Wayward.' Such comparisons can create misleading expectations and detract from the show's significant social critique regarding society's attempts to 'fix' adolescence. It also risks reducing 'Twin Peaks' to a mere teen drama with gratuitous eerie moments, which is far from the truth.

Themes of Identity and Resilience in 'Wayward'

At its core, 'Wayward' explores the refusal to be defined by familial trauma, themes of self-acceptance, the complex freedom of youth, and the dual nature of friendships in shaping one's journey. It also rigorously examines the problematic practices of the 'troubled teen' industry, an area Martin is personally familiar with through a friend. While the teenage drama sometimes feels disconnected from the police procedural, these storylines are interwoven through the characters' trans and bisexual identities, which also highlights how society labels them as 'troubled.' This narrative, shaped by Martin's personal experiences, was clearly intentional. In the end, the varying genres appear more as a means to produce 'Wayward' than a fully cohesive vision, which is why they don't quite coher