Here we are again, another terrifying, intriguing, beautifully done season of a classic movie turned into a show, where both the iconic elements and the modernization of it all are intertwined ever so perfectly. Season three of Bates Motel begins with Sheriff Alex Romero burying a bloody dead man into a boat and then sinking that ship, as he rows away from it watching it on the horizon. This is a particularly significant way to open up the first scene, as we have observed the progression of Officer Romero’s struggle between good and bad, right and wrong, and now it just seems like he is at a loss at what to do at this point. Everything he once believed in and stood for has been destroyed and confused due to all of the disturbing crime he has had to deal with, particularly since Norman and Norma Bates’ arrival to the town. This is shown perfectly as you see him rowing away from the boat, hands covered in blood, but his sheriff’s badge still in plain sight on his waist.
Following that scene, we see one of the most real encounters between Dylan and Norma. Dylan has been as supportive as he can be as he tries to help Norma find Norman who has been missing. When Norman is found (in a creepy field, resembling the colors and cinematography and camera work that can only be compared somewhat to the show Hannibal), Dylan decides to tell Norma that he has to leave and won’t be staying to help her anymore. Based on Norma’s behavior, we would expect her to freak out at this, but Dylan’s reasoning is understandable: He wants to be there for Emma as she undergoes a lung transplant. Norma questions Dylan asking him “why didn’t you tell me about this?” and he responds that he thought she had enough on her plate than to worry about a lung transplant, but she corrects him and implies instead, why didn’t Dylan tell her that he and Emma had something going on. We know Norma has always had a soft spot in her heart for Emma, and it’s almost like as if this point she finally gains respect for Dylan and his choices to grow up, be mature and be responsible for consequences and for the relationships around him. I absolutely loved this scene. Amidst all the chaos, it seemed like a piece of normality for once.
Fast forward…Norma is trying to save Norman by any means. Norman after waking up in a field and having a conversation with himself (taking on the role of both he and his mother) gets knocked out by a farmer that is only trying to help. After Norma discovers that Norman is put in the psych ward in this terrible hospital, she is questioned by one of the employees there, who is shocked at the fact that she knew about Norman’s blackouts yet did not get him professional help. (Um, pretty sure we have all been in shock about this the entire time. And now Norma, you’re screwed because you’re son is 18, and you are seen as an incompetent mother, to say the least).
A part of me is sad for Norma, she would literally do anything to help and protect her son (except for the totally obvious solution which is to get him ACTUAL MEDICAL HELP.). But, at the same time, we have to remember that Norma in a way is mentally ill herself, and totally dependent on her disturbed son in the most unhealthy—and creepy—of ways.
“i didn’t get him help because i thought i could control it. I was afraid of the doctors because I thought they would take him away from me"
Okay, that makes sense Norma. But….your son is psychotic and you are only doing him a disservice by covering up all these terrible things that his body both mentally and physically don’t remember or have the ability to remember doing. It just drives him deeper and deeper into this dark hole of guilt and you are denying him any closure.
Side note—can we talk about the fact that Emma’s mom was cast PERFECTLY?! She looks JUST like Emma. And let’s not pretend to ignore the fact that she carries around a rolling suitcase behind her, JUST like Emma always rolls around her Oxygen tank.
"I need insurance, you have insurance, so I thought that maybe you could marry me, it’s not like you’re doing anything else" (Norma to Sherriff) #denied #areyoucrazy #yes
Norma has been particularly slutty in this episode. She is always screwing sensitive guys over. Remember that poor psychiatrist/teacher? She keeps getting turned away and like she has nothing else to offer or give.
Also, let's talk about those last couple of scenes...
Norman: but what sort of a person runs away from their sick child (cue evil smile as he is dressed in Norma's robe)...
Norman starts choking Emma's mom and kills her....hmmm the dynamics in this are insane, I can't wait to see where they take the story after this. What did you think about the first episode?! Share in the comments below!