The first two seasons of Bates Motel are essentially one long story, establishing the relationship between Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga) and her troubled son Norman (Freddie Highmore) at their new motel business in White Pine Bay (alongside all the other characters and goings-on). But when S3 opens with Sheriff Alex Romero (Nestor Carbonell) burning the pot fields, it is clear that Bates Motel is moving in a new direction--and I would argue an even better one!
The most abundantly clear aspect of S3 right from the get-go is that Norman is now largely beyond saving in terms of normalcy. He is now basically the Anthony Perkins version from the Psycho film. There are scenes this season that will absolutely leave your jaw on the flow as they relate to the utterly strange Norman/Norma dynamic. Norman playing "peeping tom" and Norman flying off the handle into the arms of another man? It's all here! Easily some of the best character work you'll ever see in a televised drama.
Meanwhile, my main criticism of Bates Motel as a series is usually that all the "other stuff" surrounding the always-on-point Norman/Norma arc is a little hit or miss. But in S3, most of those work better than they have previously. A few examples...
-Romero coming to terms with who he is and what his father's legacy in him will be.
-Dylan (Max Thieriot) & Caleb (Kenny Johnson) building the cabin is likely a placeholder plot, to be honest, but at least provides the type of character development for both figures that the drug wars of the earlier seasons largely eschewed.
-Emma (Olivia Cooke) getting an opportunity for better health--yet questioning the risks that may spring from it.
The singular thing that doesn't work in S3? The return of Bradley Martin (Nicola Peltz) for a mini-arc. As much of a fan-favorite as she was in the early goings, it is clear now that the show has moved beyond her arc. Fortunately, these proceedings aren't drawn out and that arc's wrap-up is another key piece of Norman's legacy.
Also, the note I'm leaving on every season review of this series: Through S3, Bates Motel can still be thoroughly enjoyed as a Psycho prequel. Not the explicit intent, to be sure, but fans of that movie can absolutely marinate in the "what if" scenarios that this show provides.
So, I consider this third season of Bates Motel to be the best thus far (I gave the first two 8/10 stars each). The Norma/Norman material is magnificent, and all the other plots/characters are stronger than ever before. A show truly hitting its stride.
The most abundantly clear aspect of S3 right from the get-go is that Norman is now largely beyond saving in terms of normalcy. He is now basically the Anthony Perkins version from the Psycho film. There are scenes this season that will absolutely leave your jaw on the flow as they relate to the utterly strange Norman/Norma dynamic. Norman playing "peeping tom" and Norman flying off the handle into the arms of another man? It's all here! Easily some of the best character work you'll ever see in a televised drama.
Meanwhile, my main criticism of Bates Motel as a series is usually that all the "other stuff" surrounding the always-on-point Norman/Norma arc is a little hit or miss. But in S3, most of those work better than they have previously. A few examples...
-Romero coming to terms with who he is and what his father's legacy in him will be.
-Dylan (Max Thieriot) & Caleb (Kenny Johnson) building the cabin is likely a placeholder plot, to be honest, but at least provides the type of character development for both figures that the drug wars of the earlier seasons largely eschewed.
-Emma (Olivia Cooke) getting an opportunity for better health--yet questioning the risks that may spring from it.
The singular thing that doesn't work in S3? The return of Bradley Martin (Nicola Peltz) for a mini-arc. As much of a fan-favorite as she was in the early goings, it is clear now that the show has moved beyond her arc. Fortunately, these proceedings aren't drawn out and that arc's wrap-up is another key piece of Norman's legacy.
Also, the note I'm leaving on every season review of this series: Through S3, Bates Motel can still be thoroughly enjoyed as a Psycho prequel. Not the explicit intent, to be sure, but fans of that movie can absolutely marinate in the "what if" scenarios that this show provides.
So, I consider this third season of Bates Motel to be the best thus far (I gave the first two 8/10 stars each). The Norma/Norman material is magnificent, and all the other plots/characters are stronger than ever before. A show truly hitting its stride.