Bobby Briggs: Norma, I'll see you in my dreams.
Norma Jennings: Not if I see you first.
I remember watching the Mod Squad as a very young kid. I knew it was cool. Later I was aware of Lipton’s marriage to Quincy Jones and I knew that was cool too. But as with most of my generation, Norma Jennings is my Peggy Lipton.
I’m not going to try to describe the impact Twin Peaks has had on my artistic unconscious. I have no words. But it is there. Twin Peaks impaled itself on my imagination in a way no other television series has. The music, the images, the characters, the horror, and the quirk.
Every episode was so unsettling until those few solid and dependable characters stepped up and had something reassuring to say to us all.
Peggy Lipton’s sultry and soothing Norma was one of those characters.
Shelly Johnson: I've got one man too many in my life and I'm married to him. Sound familiar?
Norma Jennings: Maybe you should have a little talk with Leo.
Shelly Johnson: Leo doesn't talk, he hits. He was so great at first, you know. This flashy guy in his hot car. Then we get married and I find out all he was looking for was a maid he didn't have to pay. I feel so stupid.
Norma Jennings: Look at us. Two men apiece and we don't know what to do with any of the four of them.
Norma Jennings: I didn't come here to negotiate with you. This is it. It's over!
Hank Jennings: Fine. Go ahead. You're his whore Norma.
Norma Jennings: I'd rather be his whore,... than your wife!
Norma always knew what to say. Peggy delivered her lines with such grace and charm.
Damn. Damn fine. Damn fine performance. Damn fine performance, coffee, pie.
Everything Norma/Peggy touched was damn fine.
Side note: If you are like me and have trouble putting into words how Lynch’s films have unpacked your mind, this article might help: Asking the Wrong Questions: Reiteration and Doubling - David Lynch