Twin Peaks

Prior to Twin Peaks, Cooper's strongest romantic relationship was his affair with Caroline Earle, the wife of his former partner, Windom Earle. Caroline had been under Cooper and Earle's protection for witnessing a federal crime that Earle committed when he lost his mind, but on one night when Cooper's guard was down, Caroline was murdered by Windom. He tried to kill Cooper for having an affair with her but barely survived. Caroline's death and his failure to protect her continues to haunt Cooper on his arrival to Twin Peaks, referring to a "broken heart" when discussing women with Truman and his deputies. He also relates the story of Caroline to the teenage Audrey Horne.

On arrival to Twin Peaks, Cooper becomes quickly aware that 18 year-old Audrey Horne, the daughter of local businessman Benjamin Horne, harbours a crush on him. The attraction initially appears mutual, as Cooper is clearly drawn to Audrey - but he is quick to rebuff her advances when Audrey turns up in his hotel bed. Cooper explains she is part of a case he is working on and too young, but that he does genuinely want to be her friend. However, following her disappearance (orchestrated by Jacques Renault), Cooper privately confesses to Diane that in Audrey's absence all he can think of is her smile. Following her rescue, there remains a deeply affectionate - almost close - friendship with the two, most notably when Audrey arrives to his hotel room for comfort following her father's arrest and her sad farewell when she believes Cooper is leaving Twin Peaks for good. They also slow-dance at the Milford wedding.

However, during the production of the series' second season, Kyle MacLachlan (as he notes during an interview on the 2007 Gold Edition Twin Peaks DVD set) vetoed the possibility of a romantic relationship, as he felt his character should not sleep with a high school girl. It is also alleged this was due to pressure from his co-star and then-girlfriend, Lara Flynn Boyle. [citation needed] Following the series' cancellation, it is often said by the show's writers that the Cooper-Audrey relationship was to be the main plot following the resolution of the Laura Palmer murder mystery - and forcing them to focus more on the supporting characters. [citation needed]

Following his reinstatement to the FBI, Cooper meets Annie Blackburn, the sister of Norma Jennings, whom he instantly falls in love with. Annie is established as being a kindred spirit to Cooper, experiencing the world with curiosity and wonder. Much like how Cooper is recalling his pain over Caroline Earle, Annie is also nursing a broken heart from someone in her past. (Which is implied may have resulted in suicide attempts, and affected her decision to later attend a monastery). Cooper helps her to prepare for participation in the Miss Twin Peaks contest. However, she is taken to the Black Lodge by Windom Earle to use her 'fear' to open the gateway, (and most likely became of relationship to Cooper).