Norma gets an unwarranted visit from her eldest son, Dylan. He's jobless and has no place to stay. Norma reluctantly brings him into the fold after she realizes he won't go away with just money. Norman is extremely jealous that somebody else is living with them, and gets even angrier with how much Dylan loathes Norma. Norman also has issues with the woman he started liking in the first episode, Bradley. Bradley's Dad's car veers off the road at a dangerous speed, and he is badly burned from a warehouse fire. Norman agrees to work with another woman named Emma Decody on a school project. She discovers the book of erotic drawings that Norman is fascinated over. Emma becomes fascinated herself, and insists the events depicted in the book happened for real. Sheriff uncovers Keith Summer's truck, and hassles Norma about it. Norma heads off to hang out with his deputy, Zach Shelby to protect her family, but Norman doesn't like that his Mother is seeing other guys.
While I wait for Season two, I decided to get reacquainted with season one, in preparation for season two. It's amazing that such a little town can provide so much excitement. It's only the second episode, and they've really made things chaotic. It works most of the time, but there are moments where I had to suspend my disbelief. I highly doubt all of these stressful events commencing could happen that fast, especially in a little town, but believe it or not they manage to pull it off with excellent suspense. Dylan's inclusion into the storyline was a very smart choice. Dylan adds a whole new dynamic to the show with his unpredictable, yet calm and collective character. For the viewers that happen to be new to this show, you'll probably have trouble relating to him, but that will change in the later episodes, trust me. Dylan is an amazing character. Max Thieriot does him justice with his brilliant portrayal. His confidence is uncanny, and I relished every second he was on screen. Norman and Bradley's relationship is somewhat furthered, but it's all about Norman & Emma in this one. Olivia Cooke is briefly introduced in the first episode, and she gets much more screen time. What's great about Emma's character is that she's a bit of an enigma herself. She has this unique condition, but she's beautiful as well. Wait until you see Norman introduce her to Norma. You'll be amazed at how subtly cold Norma is to Emma. She's not mean to her, but her intentions are incredibly selfish.
Norma feels pity for Emma, and even asks her what her life expectancy is, because she knows she's not a big threat to Norman, while Bradley could get in the way of Norma & Norman. Speaking of Norma Vera Farmiga continues to blow me away with her portrayal.She's so conniving, yet so sweet at the same time. She's a really complex character. We get hints at attraction between Norma & Norman, especially on Norman's end. It disturbs me, but you can't look away. This would be explored even more in future episodes of season on. Freddie Highmore makes an amazing Norman Bates. His quirky mannerisms, his unusual style, and his overall weirdness made a huge impression on me. He's got the Betty and Veronica thing going on, only more twisted, Bradley being Veronica, and Emma being Betty. As I explained in the review for the first episode, it doesn't bother me that Norman is a chick magnet. I'm glad this show has its own vision. Deputy Shelby is a very interesting character, and the exact opposite of his superior, aka Sheriff Romano. The finale provides some truly memorable suspense. The chase scene while Norman and Emma are searching for the shack of where the drawings commenced had my heart pounding, especially with Emma's condition. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, and I loved it. For a transitional episode, I couldn't have asked for more. Everyone is developing perfectly.
Final Thoughts: I enjoyed this episode just as much the second time. Yes. It does get suspiciously chaotic at times, but it's done in amazing fashion. It's highly recommend for fans of this show. Chances are, you've seen it already. Everyone has their opinions. Die-Hard psycho fans may question some things, but i'm just enjoying the ride. As a die-hard Psycho fan myself, I don't see how you can't enjoy this show
8.7/10
While I wait for Season two, I decided to get reacquainted with season one, in preparation for season two. It's amazing that such a little town can provide so much excitement. It's only the second episode, and they've really made things chaotic. It works most of the time, but there are moments where I had to suspend my disbelief. I highly doubt all of these stressful events commencing could happen that fast, especially in a little town, but believe it or not they manage to pull it off with excellent suspense. Dylan's inclusion into the storyline was a very smart choice. Dylan adds a whole new dynamic to the show with his unpredictable, yet calm and collective character. For the viewers that happen to be new to this show, you'll probably have trouble relating to him, but that will change in the later episodes, trust me. Dylan is an amazing character. Max Thieriot does him justice with his brilliant portrayal. His confidence is uncanny, and I relished every second he was on screen. Norman and Bradley's relationship is somewhat furthered, but it's all about Norman & Emma in this one. Olivia Cooke is briefly introduced in the first episode, and she gets much more screen time. What's great about Emma's character is that she's a bit of an enigma herself. She has this unique condition, but she's beautiful as well. Wait until you see Norman introduce her to Norma. You'll be amazed at how subtly cold Norma is to Emma. She's not mean to her, but her intentions are incredibly selfish.
Norma feels pity for Emma, and even asks her what her life expectancy is, because she knows she's not a big threat to Norman, while Bradley could get in the way of Norma & Norman. Speaking of Norma Vera Farmiga continues to blow me away with her portrayal.She's so conniving, yet so sweet at the same time. She's a really complex character. We get hints at attraction between Norma & Norman, especially on Norman's end. It disturbs me, but you can't look away. This would be explored even more in future episodes of season on. Freddie Highmore makes an amazing Norman Bates. His quirky mannerisms, his unusual style, and his overall weirdness made a huge impression on me. He's got the Betty and Veronica thing going on, only more twisted, Bradley being Veronica, and Emma being Betty. As I explained in the review for the first episode, it doesn't bother me that Norman is a chick magnet. I'm glad this show has its own vision. Deputy Shelby is a very interesting character, and the exact opposite of his superior, aka Sheriff Romano. The finale provides some truly memorable suspense. The chase scene while Norman and Emma are searching for the shack of where the drawings commenced had my heart pounding, especially with Emma's condition. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, and I loved it. For a transitional episode, I couldn't have asked for more. Everyone is developing perfectly.
Final Thoughts: I enjoyed this episode just as much the second time. Yes. It does get suspiciously chaotic at times, but it's done in amazing fashion. It's highly recommend for fans of this show. Chances are, you've seen it already. Everyone has their opinions. Die-Hard psycho fans may question some things, but i'm just enjoying the ride. As a die-hard Psycho fan myself, I don't see how you can't enjoy this show
8.7/10