In a small, seemingly tranquil town in Washington state, the body of high school homecoming queen Laura Palmer is discovered, wrapped in plastic, on the riverbank. Her murder sends shockwaves through the community, uncovering the darkness lurking beneath its idyllic facade. FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper arrives to investigate and is quickly drawn into a complex web of intrigue and deception. As he delves deeper, he encounters a host of eccentric townsfolk, each with secrets of their own. The town's quirky inhabitants include the haunted and secretive Palmer family, the resourceful and inquisitive waitress Shelly, and the seemingly omniscient Log Lady, among others. As Cooper unravels the mystery, he experiences strange visions and encounters mystical elements that suggest there is more to Laura's death than meets the eye.

Cooper's investigation reveals the dual nature of the town and its people, where good and evil coexist in unexpected ways. The narrative explores themes of innocence lost and the pervasive influence of an unsettling presence tied to the woods surrounding the town. As the investigation progresses, Cooper's interactions uncover a sordid trail of betrayal, passion, and hidden identities. Yet, just as answers seem within reach, new questions arise, deepening the mystery. The eerie, surreal atmosphere is punctuated by unexplained phenomena and symbolic dreams that guide Cooper through his case. The line between reality and fantasy blurs as danger closes in, leaving both characters and viewers questioning what is real and who can be trusted.