Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
The body inside Earle's giant pawn is identified as Rusty Tomasky, and his friend describes the stranger who lured him into the woods. Cooper realises Earle has stopped following the announced rules of their chess game. Major Briggs brings information from Project Blue Book, including footage of Earle describing the Black Lodge as a source of immense power. Cooper now understands that revenge is only part of his former partner's purpose. He warns Donna, Audrey and Shelly that their encounters with disguised strangers and Leo's handwriting put them in danger. Earle hears the investigation through the hidden microphone and moves to intercept Briggs.
Donna finds a birth certificate without a named father and photographs linking Ben to her parents. Audrey rushes to the airport and reaches John before he leaves, spending their remaining time together in his plane. Bobby apologises to Shelly for the way he has treated her. Catherine and Andrew continue opening the nested boxes Eckhardt left behind. Earle captures Briggs, questions him about the cave and drugs him when he refuses to explain. Cooper dances with Annie as she announces her decision to enter Miss Twin Peaks, but the Giant appears with an urgent gesture of refusal. Earle finally recognises the cave design as a map, while BOB appears at the circle of trees surrounding a dark pool.