Norman is in full form in this episode. He tells Pineview "I have reason to believe my mother is insane and might be killing people." (ahem, says the person who is the one in the mental hospital).
Cue flashback of Norma over his father covered in blood. This idea that the killer might be his mom is even starting to sound more and more real. But come on, we know it’s not.
I was trying to figure out the perfect word to describe Norman’s behavior in this episode, and after read another blog, I totally agree that the best word is “flippant.” He’s acting like he owns the place and like he’s totally in control. I’ve never seen this amount of confidence in him before. It’s like in a matter of two episodes he went from cute little shy Norman to the mentally ill serial killer that he really is.
“It’s about the price that we all pay for keeping secrets.” - Norman
Moving on…every time Alex Romero tries to be passionate or express emotion to Norma, it makes her uncomfortable and she pulls away. Which is beyond annoying because Alex Romero is certainly the hottest sheriff I’ve ever seen (oh and I’ve loved him and his natural eyeliner look since he was in LOST, so….I’m biased).
However, I think one of my favorite parts of this episode is seeing the relationship FINALLY develop between Norma and Alex when they get to the Winter festival, share that adorable look from far away, and share a dance together. Then, his protective hero instincts come into play after they come home to find it ransacked. Who did that by the way?! Of course I automatically assumed it was Norman, but since we then see him after the strip club near an ambulance, it couldn’t have been him….right??
Some additional thoughts:
Emma’s moving to Seattle…..NOOO! After everything Dylan went through to get you those new lungs?! Also, move with her Dylan, leave your psycho family behind or else you have no chance to have your own life and be happy. Hooray! He agreed! #silverlining
“Do you think Norman will understand? I know he’s been dealing with a lot” - Emma’s understatement of the century regarding her and Dylan being together.
On another note, why did you give Norman a screwdriver while escaping?! Good job Julian. Was it just me or was anyone else terrified that when Norman went to the VIP room he would kill the girl?
The second they pull up to the strip club, I am immediatelythinking “oh god, Norman and his issues with women/sex”…this isn’t going to be good, and I’m thinking one of two things will happen— Norman will murder one of the strippers with the screwdriver, OR, he will envision his mother as one of them (as weird as that sounds).
Of course, in creepy Bates Motel fashion, the latter happens (in a way).
The last scene was another one of my favorites, we finally see Norman return back to his old self, vulnerable and scared. Him begging the psychiatrist to please please help him when they’re in the car and that he will be willing to try ANYTHING, was so endearing. I teared up. It was such a real depiction and raw moment of what mental illness can really look like especially in an unexacting, innocent, young individual. We are starting to see more and more how his mental illness is starting to unravel. Yet again, I’m back to hoping Norman gets the help he needs and being on his “side” so to speak (but just rooting for him!)