Pilot symbolism
I’m sure this scene’s symbolism has already been discussed at length, but I noticed something as I was rewatching the pilot that I hadn’t really pieced together before.
When Cooper and Sheriff Truman are about to look in Laura’s safe deposit box, there is a stag head lying on the table. The bank employee mentions how it “fell down.” I feel like it could symbolize Cooper’s animus, and his ultimate downfall in saving/resurrecting or protecting Laura in The Return.
Also, on the wall behind Cooper where the stag head fell is the empty plaque with two antennae-like wires sticking out of the top. This plaque looks very similar to the symbol for Judy.
It seems like even from the first episode the cycle of suffering was set. No happy ending or knight in shining armor to save the girl.
Evil wins before we even go on Cooper’s journey.
It looms behind him as they find Ronette in Fleshworld, almost like it’s looking over Cooper’s shoulder.