Norma has issues accepting that Deputy Shelby is involved in sex trafficking, and drives a car around in circles like a maniac, until Norman stops her. Dylan nervously tells his boss Gill what happened to his partner Ethan, but Dylan shockingly gets lauded for his actions. Dylan doesn't like the new partner that is assigned to him. Norma tells Emma not to call the FBI, because she doesn't want the police involved. Norma wants Keith Summer's belt that Shelby took, but Dylan thinks it would be a better idea if he & Norman went after it. Dylan tells Norman that they are gonna move into Dylan's new place, and that Norma's crazy. Shelby makes an unwarranted visit, and discovers the Asian girl (Jiao) in one of the rooms, and runs after her. Dylan accuses Norma of killing Norman's father. After the aftermath, Norma explains to Dylan what happened to Norman's father, and how protection of Norman is imperative.
I was excited for one sole reason when this show was announced. It had been far too long since anything at The Bates Motel commenced. I love anything Psycho related, but I still had my reservations about the show. Doing a prequel series to Psycho was a risky scenario, but you know what? I couldn't be any happier if I tried with the quality of this show. It has its imperfections, but what great show doesn't? I love the direction of Dylan's character at the moment. His vulnerable, yet take charge type of persona is a blast to watch. I still don't get why they had to kill off Ethan. I was really staring to get into the work relationship between Dylan & Ethan, and it just feels like they killed Ethan to add shock value. With each episode, they slowly build up Norma to be more & more twisted. I've explained this a bit in past reviews, but Norma's talk with Emma is something else. She likes Emma because of her handicap, and she knows Emma isn't that big a threat to Norman. "If I had been lucky enough to have a daughter, I'd want her to be exactly like you" OUCH! And you know what the amazing thing is? She tries to come across as sincere with it. That's cold, man. She also leaves Dylan hanging out to dry during a pivotal moment in the ending, yet embraces him at the very end. It's quite a feat that this woman can be so charming, yet so vicious at the same time. Bradley is conspicuous by her absence again in this one. After an auspicious start to her character, she has seemed almost invisible these past couple episodes. Even Emma doesn't have much to do in this one. If you're a die hard fan of the movies like I am, then you'll love the continuity. It's all starting to add up, as to why Norman is so messed up. I can't praise the acting enough. Everyone is perfect. Those that liked the Shelby character will probably be disappointed with the events that transpire in this episode. I enjoyed him quite a bit, but not sure how much farther they could have gone with him. The finale is very adroit and exciting. If you're an adrenaline junkie like I am, you'll be on the edge of your seat. The big revelation at the end is far from surprising, but it's still done very slickly. I really enjoyed how the events from the first scene at the beginning of the first episode, come full circle here. I won't say anything more than that, as I think I've revealed enough already.
Final Thoughts: This is a bit of a step down from the last couple episodes, but it's still an awesome episode. It definitely leaves you waiting for what is to come next. Are the Bates gonna become more of a cohesive unit? Will there be repercussions for them? This show is very good at making you want more. I would have liked more Bradley & Emma, but they remain pivotal characters as the series progresses. If you have loved the show so far, I can't see why you won't love this one as well.
8.5/10
I was excited for one sole reason when this show was announced. It had been far too long since anything at The Bates Motel commenced. I love anything Psycho related, but I still had my reservations about the show. Doing a prequel series to Psycho was a risky scenario, but you know what? I couldn't be any happier if I tried with the quality of this show. It has its imperfections, but what great show doesn't? I love the direction of Dylan's character at the moment. His vulnerable, yet take charge type of persona is a blast to watch. I still don't get why they had to kill off Ethan. I was really staring to get into the work relationship between Dylan & Ethan, and it just feels like they killed Ethan to add shock value. With each episode, they slowly build up Norma to be more & more twisted. I've explained this a bit in past reviews, but Norma's talk with Emma is something else. She likes Emma because of her handicap, and she knows Emma isn't that big a threat to Norman. "If I had been lucky enough to have a daughter, I'd want her to be exactly like you" OUCH! And you know what the amazing thing is? She tries to come across as sincere with it. That's cold, man. She also leaves Dylan hanging out to dry during a pivotal moment in the ending, yet embraces him at the very end. It's quite a feat that this woman can be so charming, yet so vicious at the same time. Bradley is conspicuous by her absence again in this one. After an auspicious start to her character, she has seemed almost invisible these past couple episodes. Even Emma doesn't have much to do in this one. If you're a die hard fan of the movies like I am, then you'll love the continuity. It's all starting to add up, as to why Norman is so messed up. I can't praise the acting enough. Everyone is perfect. Those that liked the Shelby character will probably be disappointed with the events that transpire in this episode. I enjoyed him quite a bit, but not sure how much farther they could have gone with him. The finale is very adroit and exciting. If you're an adrenaline junkie like I am, you'll be on the edge of your seat. The big revelation at the end is far from surprising, but it's still done very slickly. I really enjoyed how the events from the first scene at the beginning of the first episode, come full circle here. I won't say anything more than that, as I think I've revealed enough already.
Final Thoughts: This is a bit of a step down from the last couple episodes, but it's still an awesome episode. It definitely leaves you waiting for what is to come next. Are the Bates gonna become more of a cohesive unit? Will there be repercussions for them? This show is very good at making you want more. I would have liked more Bradley & Emma, but they remain pivotal characters as the series progresses. If you have loved the show so far, I can't see why you won't love this one as well.
8.5/10
