The season two premiere is twice the length of a normal episode, and covers a staggering amount of ground in that time. It contains so many classic scenes that I had to keep a list just to remember them all. And yet, despite how packed it is, the first twenty minutes are blissfully slow and surreal. This opening sequence is a slap in the face to first time viewers, as it directly follows the cliffhanger-riddled season one finale. Rather than receiving eagerly awaited answers, viewers are given twenty minutes of a bumbling old waiter and a soft-spoken giant. The placement of this sequence in the episode makes it all the more brilliant and all the more excruciating. It has also made it the scene most closely associated with this episode.
However, the episode does eventually start providing answers. Once it gets rolling, it doesn't slow down. Jerry reveals his dark side. Audrey finds a way out of her predicament. Leland makes a triumphant return (and sings Mairzy Doats). Donna experiments with a new lifestyle. Numerous characters are interviewed at the hospital. Bobby reconnects with his father in a surprisingly touching scene that comes out of nowhere. Leland gets happy. Audrey prays. The giant makes a second appearance. The murder is shown. And that's just the standouts! When people discount season 2, they are often forgetting how strong it starts out. The quality actually only starts to drop off after the killer is arrested. Season 2 has just as many classic moments as season 1, and this episode is one place where they are highly concentrated.