Ruth Wilson Names the TV Series That Changed Everything for Her
Ruth Wilson opens up about the TV show that left a lasting impression on her, praising its haunting atmosphere and unique storytelling. Discover which groundbreaking series inspired her and why it stands out among her favorites.
Ruth Wilson has made her mark in television with a string of acclaimed performances, but when it comes to the show that truly opened her eyes to what TV could be, she points to the work of David Lynch. Over the years, the line between film and television has blurred, with top-tier actors and directors gravitating toward ambitious TV projects that allow for deeper, more complex storytelling than many movies. While Wilson has delivered memorable roles in films like Saving Mr. Banks and See How They Run, it’s her television work that has cemented her reputation as a standout talent.
Her portrayal in the BBC’s adaptation of Jane Eyre brought new depth to the classic character, while her turn as the enigmatic Alice Morgan in Luther saw her matching wits with Idris Elba’s detective. On Showtime’s The Affair, Wilson explored the intricacies of psychological romance, earning praise for her nuanced performance. Despite her own influence on the TV landscape, Wilson credits a different series for sparking the current golden age of television.
Discovering a New Kind of Television
In a conversation with Rotten Tomatoes, Wilson revealed that her all-time favorite show is Twin Peaks.
“I watched that as a kid, and I just thought it was so weird and wonderful and scary,”
she recalled.
“I just didn’t get it, but I loved the music. It was so, sort of, haunting.”
Her candid admission that she didn’t fully understand the show as a child isn’t surprising—Lynch’s series confounded many viewers when it first aired, breaking away from the standard crime drama formula. Instead, it introduced a serialized mystery that grew more intricate with each episode, paving the way for later shows like Lost and Severance.
Wilson’s description of the show as “haunting” hints at her appreciation for the deeper layers Lynch wove into the story. While many have tried to decode the narrative, Twin Peaks resonated most when it delved into psychological horror and the impact of trauma, all set within a surreal, dreamlike world.
The Lasting Impact of Lynch’s Vision
Network TV in the early 1990s had its limits, but Lynch still managed to slip in some truly disturbing moments, especially in the jaw-dropping season two finale, “Beyond Life and Death.” The original series only hinted at certain dark themes, which Lynch later explored more openly in the prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, released a year after the show ended.
Although Lynch’s passing earlier this year means Wilson never got the chance to collaborate with him, she’s currently starring in the Apple TV+ mystery series Down Cemetery Road. The show has drawn comparisons to Twin Peaks for its sprawling ensemble and surreal atmosphere, echoing the qualities that first captivated Wilson as a young viewer.