editorgrrl March 13, 2015 Share March 13, 2015 The A&E page says: Norman and Norma fixate on Annika's disappearance. Norma learns what the Arcanum Club really is. Dylan and Caleb encounter a new neighbor. Guest star [sic]: Ryan Hurst, Tracy Spiridakos, Keenan Tracey. There's also a preview video. Link to comment
Primetimer March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 Emma's elated to be freed from the Friend Zone, but she doesn't seem to grasp that she's been sent to the Plausible Alibi Preserve, not Girlfriend Land. Read the story 1 Link to comment
JenE4 March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 "I don't know what it is, Norman. Unhinged women are just drawn to you!" Ain't that the truth, Norma. (Gives Norma the side-eye.) And this was after Norma talking about Annika being "all sexed up," while gesturing around her nether-regions. Lol! Norma is on fire tonight! Great scene in the motel office with Emma telling Norman how she doesn't tell his mother what they do together. Damn, Freddie is an amazing actor! You could see the Norma flash as he couldn't compute keeping a secret from Norma. Then over fruity umbrella drinks Emma has the Norma-Norman dynamic all figured out--and she still wants to date him! Creepy new character alert: Chick (that's his name? ) and his "tomahto farming." I suppose he's a contender to take over the town drug business? Every time Dylan gets rid of one hothead who's pissing off the wrong person and risking getting them killed, here comes another one! Norman might attract unhinged women, but Dylan attracts unhinged business partners! Why is Caleb even still there?! (I missed the last few minutes of the last episode and the first few of this one.) Norma and Romero sittin' in a tree... I liked the exchange at the party: Norma, "What are YOU doing here?" Romero, "Not THAT!" They're in loooove. Best performance by a traffic cone: Norma throwing it at the Lee Berman Memorial Bridge sign and it bouncing off and hitting her in the head, then it ending up lodged in her bumper. 14 Link to comment
whyjen8 March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 Opie is back on my TV, that's all that matters. I will gladly call him Chick if that's what it takes to have him on my TV once again. Norma is so damn crazy, take away the creepy incest stuff and she's still bat shit. Climbing a tree in heels. Oh my! Loved the scenes with her and the sheriff, they belong together. You know, I love Emma and feel sorry for her because she's in love with a psycho but when Norman told her, nothing in my life makes sense except me and you....I swooned a little. 4 Link to comment
AlwaysWatching March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 Best performance by a traffic cone: Norma throwing it at the Lee Berman Memorial Bridge sign and it bouncing off and hitting her in the head, then it ending up lodged in her bumper. JenE4 I got a good gut laugh with that one! All of the Dylan stuff bores me. I assume they do need that secondary plot going because too much of Norma and Norman might fry one's brain. VF and FH are simply amazing in this show. Totally love it when you don't need dialogue. 4 Link to comment
ganesh March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 I'm not buying this Dylan plot because he was pretty over all the shit last season. He's got to tell Caleb to take a hike. Norma stole the show though. Hilarious. Emma was a close second with her mad teh secks eyes at Norman over dinner. "Sex is *supposed* to be naughty." Then Norman makes some weird guttural noise, I swear he came in his pants. 3 Link to comment
thuganomics85 March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 I don't think I'll ever tire of Norma freaking out and wrecking shit. Bates Motel just wouldn't be as awesome if we didn't have that a couple of times this season. And then her actually getting annoyed that Norman asked if it was an accident. She really seemed offended that someone would think she was a bad driver. Vera Farmiga is the greatest. It's too bad her Emmy nomination back in S1 might be her only one. She really should be nominated every season and win at least one. I usually don't care about shipping, but I so want Norma/Romero to happen. Those are just hilarious together. Farmiga and Nestor Carbonell seem to be having so much fun in those scenes. The Norman/Emma date actually went better then expected. I would have thought it would be a complete disaster, but it actually wasn't. Norman is still being an odd duck, but they actually seemed to enjoy each others company. And, I liked that they openly talked about sex, even if it did lead to Norman making a sound where I almost thought he totally finished before anything even happened. Sadly, I fear Dylan is stuck in another boring story-line. Sure, the addition of Caleb leads to some unpredictability, and I like Ryan Hurst as much as the next person, but I'm not quite happy of him stuck in another drug war again. Just get him out of the business, and let him interact with the other Bates. Max Thierot is too good to be stuck in this filler stuff. So, assuming that body at the end is Annika (it would be weird for cast Tracy Spiridakos for one episode, unless she comes back in flashbacks or visions), I guess the big thing is was the killer Norman or is it part of this mysterious gathering of rich guys, that like to hire hookers. And, I have to think Norma telling Romero that Norman was the last person to see her, will totally set him off on another suspicious quest. Bad move, Norma. 12 Link to comment
turbogirlnyc March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 How the hell did Norma scale that wall at the party? When Norma sets her mind to doing something, there's no stopping her. Gotta love the crazy! I'm not sure what's going to happen with Emma & Norman but it can't end well. Poor Emma. Please get Caleb off my TV. I believe Norma's accusations of rape and the guy creeps me out. I don't know if it's the actor or what. Freddie is so spot on that I often wonder if he IS acting. Creepy! And VF deserves an award for her performance. 4 Link to comment
Andromeda March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 (edited) Every time Dylan gets rid of one hothead who's pissing off the wrong person and risking getting them killed, here comes another one! Norman might attract unhinged women, but Dylan attracts unhinged business partners! Why is Caleb even still there?! (I missed the last few minutes of the last episode and the first few of this one.)Caleb had an excuse that his car had additional issues and parts were on order (it would take a couple of days). I love this show!! The acting is so good. For so many other shows, I only half watch while doing other things. Not so with Bates Motel. Especially the Norma/Norman scenes, of course. Norman is so close to losing it completely. I actually unwittingly said "OMG, he's such a pyscho!" after last week's show. Heh. That preview of Dylan saying "Norman?" and a high-pitched voice replying "Norman isn't here" sent chills down my spine. Norman's reactions to everything fascinate me. Freddy is just excellent in this role. I'm always trying to puzzle out what Norman knows and is lying about, versus what he really doesn't remember about what he might have done. That weird reaction to Emma talking about Wendy and Peter Pan not having sex was so bizarre, yet oddly perfect for Norman. The casting of Dylan's Uncle Dad was so well done -- he really looks like he could be his father. I hate when they cast people who are obviously in no way blood related. Edited March 17, 2015 by Andromeda 8 Link to comment
Bec March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 (edited) I like it best when Dylan interacts with Norma and Norman. There was none of that at all this episode! What the hell, show? Norma's epic meltdown over the Bypass sign almost makes up for it. I love that it's named after the councilman she called a dick in public last season. Bwahaha! This episode was a Norma showcase. There were like three Norma freakouts in this hour when usually it's only one per episode. I also loved Dylan's WTF face when Caleb shot that dog. It's like he was thinking "Nooo don't hurt the doggie!" Even Gunner looked like he was thinking "dude, that was harsh." Here Dylan was planning to set up his own business for himself and now two people have just waltzed in and insisted on being a part of it, and he's too nice to tell them to f**k off. How much money would he make from 99 plants, anyway? Does that make enough profit to share among three people? But Gunner and Caleb sure seems to want to make this operation bigger than 99 plants. Dylan's neighbors are incredibly well-armed hippies! That book Chick was referring to, with two guys and rabbits... I'm trying to figure out what he's on about. It's Of Mice and Men, right? Insinuating their plans will go awry. At first I thought Watership Down, but that doesn't make any sense in context. So Dylan is George Milton and Caleb is Lennie Small? Or is it the other way around? I wish Dylan would tell Caleb to STFU when Caleb was ordering him around. And, The Arcanum Club - that Eyes Wide Shut looking club - Why would Romero be telling Norma it's dangerous to be there? Do they hire lone women from out of town, obstensibly for "entertainment", and then hunt them for sport? Is that what that is? Just throwing my wild guesses out there. But I guess it's dangerous enough to be a woman in there if it's the kind of party where the only women invited are the hired "entertainment", so if any of the creepy rich dudes run into her, they would assume she is there for them to do whatever they want with. Edited March 17, 2015 by Bec 8 Link to comment
Charlotte Vale March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 Gosh I've missed this show, and how I love Norma & The Sheriff. Anyone else notice Nestor Carbonell looks eerily like middle-aged Tony Perkins? No one can play crazy like Vera, she is Lucille Ball and Lizzie Borden all wrapped in one. And those outfits--she must shop online at J. Peterman. She need an Emmy. Road Cone needs one too--amazing performance! I hope Road Cone shows up again in future episodes, though there are so many shows he is needed, to bounce off people's heads. 5 Link to comment
Charlotte Vale March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 Spin-off show for Vera and Nestor: "The Misadventures of Sheriff & Loco!" 5 Link to comment
peacheslatour March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 Do they hire lone women from out of town, obstensibly for "entertainment", and then hunt them for sport? This is a very interesting theory. Hmmm..now I am wondering. 2 Link to comment
Nutjob March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 I definitely fear for Emma, and wish she would get far away from the Bateses. I realize she probably doesn't have long to live because of her CF anyway, but it would be so horrible to see her meet her end because she trusted those two crazies. That said, Norma's freak out at the overpass was THE BEST. Vera Farmiga is a treasure. 1 Link to comment
ganesh March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 I guess the big thing is was the killer Norman or is it part of this mysterious gathering of rich guys, that like to hire hookers. And, I have to think Norma telling Romero that Norman was the last person to see her, will totally set him off on another suspicious quest. Bad move, Norma. I was thinking maybe she was part of some kinky sex that went wrong, so the club dumped the body. Did everyone see Romero's eyes slightly widen when Norma said Norman was the last person to see the escort? How much money would he make from 99 plants, anyway? Does that make enough profit to share among three people? But Gunner and Caleb sure seems to want to make this operation bigger than 99 plants. Dylan did tell Romero he just wants a small farm to get by. It seems like the other two want a bigger crop. Dylan needs to interact with the Bates more though. His side plot isn't good enough to stand on its own. Link to comment
whydoiwatchtv March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 I am a huge original Psycho movie fanatic so I just love this show. I think FH totally is nailing the role. I love Vera, as well. Anyway, the one thing that puzzled me during this episode was the invitation that Norma had. Wouldn't the call girl need that to get in to the club? The girl left that behind when Norman drove her to town. Maybe she only needed the password but it was enough to make me wonder if the girl never went to that club in the first place. Loved Norma's bypass freak out. 4 Link to comment
Spartan Girl March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 That said, Norma's freak out at the overpass was THE BEST. Vera Farmiga is a treasure. Heh. Norma's freakouts are why I live for this show. And her failed attempt at going undercover was just priceless. And I love how Norma saying how unhinged women are always drawn to Norman. Looked in a mirror lately, Mother? Seriously, I could laugh at her horrified face when she began to suspect Norman was involved in that girl's disappearance. She knew from season 1 that Norman had blackouts, had killed his own father, but she just blew all possibilities of getting him real help because that would mean growing up and facing her own problems. So I don't really feel bad for her, knowing what's coming. Link to comment
BatmanBeatles March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 I kept calling the new guy "The Dude". 1 Link to comment
Guest March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 This is a very interesting theory. Hmmm..now I am wondering. I am a huge original Psycho movie fanatic so I just love this show. I think FH totally is nailing the role. I love Vera, as well. Anyway, the one thing that puzzled me during this episode was the invitation that Norma had. Wouldn't the call girl need that to get in to the club? The girl left that behind when Norman drove her to town. Maybe she only needed the password but it was enough to make me wonder if the girl never went to that club in the first place. Loved Norma's bypass freak out. It seemed to me that Annika disappeared the night before the club invite. So it wouldn't make sense the club people killed her, right? She met some private date at a bar that night, I thought? I must be confused, though, because I could not for the life of me understand why Norma busted that party (except of course as a plot device). The girl was missing, she didn't have the invite, she didn't dress for the party, she wasn't going to be there... what reason did Norma have to go? Except that she is maybe the nosiest person in the world? Link to comment
JenE4 March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 I must be confused, though, because I could not for the life of me understand why Norma busted that party (except of course as a plot device). The girl was missing, she didn't have the invite, she didn't dress for the party, she wasn't going to be there... what reason did Norma have to go? Except that she is maybe the nosiest person in the world? My impression was that she was hoping to find Annika there because she suspected that Norman killed her. To me it made sense that Norma, come hell or high water, was going to do everything in her power to locate Annika to quell her fears that Norman harmed her. I even think that's why she told Romero that Norman was the last person to see her. Norma and Romero almost kissed; he's protected her, Norman, and Dylan in murders, etc.; and she trusts him completely to protect her family--the only person she trusts to protect her family. She knows that Romero knows that Norman could be dangerous, despite Norman passing the lie detector test about Ms. Watson. So, I think Norma has made it very clear to Romero that she's worried about Annika because Norman was the last person to see her. I can't wait to see what Romero will do with knowledge once Annika's body is found. Will he protect Norman once again because of a potential budding romance with Norma? Will he instead go after Norman as the prime suspect, blowing up everything between him and the Bateses? Next week can't come quickly enough! 9 Link to comment
peacheslatour March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 I kept calling the new guy "The Dude". Me too! Will he protect Norman once again because of a potential budding romance with Norma? Will he instead go after Norman as the prime suspect, blowing up everything between him and the Bateses? Next week can't come quickly enough! Confused? You won't be after next week's episode of Psoap. 2 Link to comment
ganesh March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 It could be that Annika was meeting someone the prior night who wanted to take her to the club as a date. Would she need the paper invite if she's on the list and knows the password? I agree that it doesn't look good for Norman but I don't think he did it. 1 Link to comment
Racj82 March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 It seemed to me that Annika disappeared the night before the club invite. So it wouldn't make sense the club people killed her, right? She met some private date at a bar that night, I thought? I must be confused, though, because I could not for the life of me understand why Norma busted that party (except of course as a plot device). The girl was missing, she didn't have the invite, she didn't dress for the party, she wasn't going to be there... what reason did Norma have to go? Except that she is maybe the nosiest person in the world? Because, she's desperate to find out if Anika is indeed alive and Norman didn't kill her. Seemed pretty clear to me. That little sound that Norman made when Emma was talking about Wendy and Peter Pan combined with Norma scurrying away after Romero shooed her away makes this one of the funniest shows on TV. I love this weird little show. 3 Link to comment
maczero March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 Did everyone see Romero's eyes slightly widen when Norma said Norman was the last person to see the escort? I'm surprised she even mentioned that to Romero. Norman was already on Romero's radar once as a suspect in Blair Watson's murder. I'm wondering if Norma is no longer willing to protect Norman if he murders someone else. She did say this very episode that she can't do this any more. Speaking of Romero, I am vehemently opposed to he and Norma becoming a couple. I think it would destroy the awkward chemistry they have. For instance, that weird hug or handshake moment they had at the hotel. Romero likes Norma but you can tell she frustrates the hell out of him. Not much else interested me this episode. The Chick guy already annoys me. Is it me, or does the average person in this town come across as a slightly menacing asshole? I'm beginning to think Norman may be fairly easy going compared to the rest of the town's citizenry. 5 Link to comment
truthaboutluv March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 (edited) Ah the Norma crazy was on fine, fine display last night. Man I love that nutty woman and I too cracked up at her telling Norman how he just seems to attract unhinged women for some reason. Well played writers, well played. Norma was just hitting on all cylinders. She had me from the beginning of the episode when she found Norman working on his dead goat and realized he was using her freezer to store the body. Norma's "you didn't put it in the freezer did you, we keep food in there..." killed me. So I guess we're going to have another season long Ms. Watson situation where it'll look likely that Norma was the killer but there will be enough other things to suggest it could have been someone else, like with this sex club/society. Emma and Norman's interactions were interesting and it is amazing how accurately she has pinpointed Norman's issues without realizing so. She was definitely right about his weird relationship with Norma and is clearly aware of that. But when she was talking about the aftermath of sex and it having to be a magical thing, not shameful, that was hitting on exactly what is wrong with Norman without her realizing it. It's why he's clearly so awkward with the physical intimacy with her even though he is clearly no virgin as we all know. However, I think the more he slips into his insanity, the more fucked up he's getting about sex and intimacy and becoming more twisted about things that had only been simmering below the surface before. I mean if one thinks back to Season 1, there was his passing out in class when he had all the weird images of Ms. Watson interspersed with the sex trade victim. Thanks to Norma and her creepy co-dependent relationship with Norman coupled with his general nuttiness and her not letting him get therapy when he clearly needed it, he's developed this very unhealthy complex about sex, particularly when it comes to women who aren't very "nice girls." If Norman did kill the hooker, my suspicion is that he probably slept with her and much like Ms. Watson, snapped during the act. I think when he told her to turn off the road, he was probably turned on and interested in having sex with her and I definitely got the impression the woman might have been willing. For some reason she seemed amused by Norman. But he likely snapped during it because he felt dirty and wrong and probably had mother's voice in his head telling him "she wasn't a very nice woman, that what kind of woman just has sex with someone so easily and in a car and that he knows what he had to do" and so he killed her. Once again, the drug storyline continues to bore. I don't know why the writers insist on making this Dylan's story. It's not interesting and it's never been interesting in my opinion. Enough already. That's the only thing hurting this show for me. Everytime the focus shifted to that, I found my attention waning. And I really need Dylan to get away from creepy Caleb. Nothing good is going to come from that guy hanging around and I have no idea why Dylan seemed to just be okay with letting him lead and telling him what to do. I'm surprised she even mentioned that to Romero. Norman was already on Romero's radar once as a suspect in Blair Watson's murder. I'm wondering if Norma is no longer willing to protect Norman if he murders someone else. She did say this very episode that she can't do this any more. Yeah that surprised me too, especially considering how suspicious she herself was finding out Norman was the last to see the woman. So she must know that would make Romero suspicious. But I do think she meant it when she said she thought of Romero as a family friend and I think maybe on some level she's hoping Norman is innocent and he'll figure it out just like they did with Ms. Watson (ignore the fact that Norman did kill Ms. Watson) or, as you noted, she mentioned not being able to do it anymore. And maybe she's hoping if Norman gets caught he can be helped that way without she having to do it. Norma's a pretty complicated woman so who the hell knows what's going on with her at times. It seemed to me that Annika disappeared the night before the club invite. So it wouldn't make sense the club people killed her, right? She met some private date at a bar that night, I thought? She disappeared before the big event at the mansion but there's no proof that the event she was going to that night wasn't something smaller by some of the same members of that club. Maybe they required a "pre-show" of sorts to decide if she was good enough for the big mansion event. What is clear is that she was definitely meeting someone and was definitely going to some kind of party because we saw telling Norman as much. And remember that she asked for directions because the club was apparently so difficult to find which I would think would be the perfect spot for a private, secret type event. Edited March 17, 2015 by truthaboutluv 3 Link to comment
Avaleigh March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 Ah the Norma crazy was on fine, fine display last night. Man I love that nutty woman and I too cracked up at her telling Norman how he just seems to attract unhinged women for some reason. Well played writers, well played. Norma was just hitting on all cylinders. She had me from the beginning of the episode when she found Norman working on his dead goat and realized he was using her freezer to store the body. Norma's "you didn't put it in the freezer did you, we keep food in there..." killed me. So I guess we're going to have another season long Ms. Watson situation where it'll look likely that Norma was the killer but there will be enough other things to suggest it could have been someone else, like with this sex club/society. The minute that Norma got disgusted with Norman for using their freezer and he said he needed his own I was like 'Oh great, a little Dahmer in with the Gein now?' Yikes. You so know he's going to end up with a body in that freezer at some point. I agree that Norma was great in this episode. Being totally undaunted about climbing the tree in evening dress. I can't believe I'm shipping her and Romero just because of that one scene but I totally am now. The awkward hug and the side kiss--I'm totally blanking, have they had sex before? I need to rewatch the first two seasons at some point. Next week's trailer looks disturbing. I think I'm going to freak out the first time we see Norma dressed up as "Mother" assuming it happens. 1 Link to comment
BatmanBeatles March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 Next week's trailer looks disturbing. Where can I find said trailer? I want to get creeped out. Link to comment
truthaboutluv March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 I'm totally blanking, have they had sex before? I need to rewatch the first two seasons at some point. No they haven't. They've never even kissed if I remember correctly. Link to comment
Avaleigh March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 Where can I find said trailer? I want to get creeped out. I was talking about the TV spot where Norman uses a high pitched voice to say that he isn't there. Link to comment
Fable March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 (edited) I'm having a hard time with the Dylan/Caleb story. Dylan is obviously involved in questionable activities, though he seems to be generally good-hearted guy, but by no means a pushover. I don't understand why he is letting Caleb insinuate himself more and more into his life without taking a stand. It seems out of character for his usually level-headedness. The only thing I have come up with is that he is possibly intrigued by Caleb's interest in him, since most of his life, he had experienced disinterest by Norma or perhaps anyone. I'm just throwing this out there as a ridiculous theory, but maybe their crazy neighbor offed the call girl, if only to tie this arc back to the main storyline, because somehow the story has to be connected to the main plot. As much as the drug trade and/or Dylan's activities seem to be another story, peripherally it has always been part of the narrative! I also would like to see the promo for next week and can't find. Help is appreciated! Edited March 18, 2015 by Fable 2 Link to comment
Avaleigh March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 (edited) Here's a link to the preview for next week. http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/93636/preview-and-first-images-from-bates-motel-episode-3-03-persuasion/ That isn't the one I was talking about where Norman uses the high pitched voice. I can't find it. ETA: I didn't realize that the actor who play Ted Chaough on Mad Men had a brief appearance in this episode. Looking forward to finding out what his character is all about. Edited March 18, 2015 by Avaleigh 1 Link to comment
sunshine2288 March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 The only thing I have come up with is that he is possibly intrigued by Caleb's interest in him, since most of his life, he had experienced disinterest by Norma or perhaps anyone. While Dylan isn't a fool and he clearly sees the potential problem Caleb is, I can buy him reluctantly letting Caleb stay around simply for the reason you mentioned. He's a grown man but deep down he's still a little boy who just wants to be loved and accepted. 4 Link to comment
Garnett7 March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 Norma is such a hot mess. Yet I still kinda want her and Romero to get together. But at the same time I don't because I feel like that means (spoiler mention for the movie "Psycho"/possible Bates spoiler) Romero will be the ill-fated lover of Norman's mother mentioned in "Psycho". The casting on this show is brilliant. All the actors are so good but "Norma & Norman" really shine. I love Kenny Johnson. He and Dylan actor resemble so much you'd really think they were related. 2 Link to comment
truthaboutluv March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 (edited) Freddie is so spot on that I often wonder if he IS acting. Creepy! Obviously I don't know him personally but from everything I've seen of him away from the show, I'm pretty positive he's just really that good. Which is why it's such a pity the show gets ignored like it does by the Academy because he is doing such an amazing job. Speaking of Norman, that ending scene when he was telling Norma she was not being herself and telling her how it would all be okay struck me as so manipulative on his part. And more evidence of his morphing into what he eventually becomes. I did crack up though at Norma's initial "are you kidding me" when Norman first said she was acting strangely. Like the thought of Norman telling her she was acting strangely was just too ironic. Edited March 18, 2015 by truthaboutluv 2 Link to comment
Guest March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 Norman seems to have Madonna-Whore Complex. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna%E2%80%93whore_complex Link to comment
SometimesBites March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 Opie is back on my TV, that's all that matters. I will gladly call him Chick if that's what it takes to have him on my TV once again. Couldn't agree more! And he's one ODD dude here in Batesland. Love, love, loved the Of Mice and Men reference he made, too. Link to comment
rue721 March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 Love, love, loved the Of Mice and Men reference he made, too. I loved how difficult it is to figure out who he thought was Lenny and who he thought was George! But yeah, Chick is a lot of fun. He's the best thing to happen in the boring drug storyline since Remo. Or maybe even ever. While Dylan isn't a fool and he clearly sees the potential problem Caleb is, I can buy him reluctantly letting Caleb stay around simply for the reason you mentioned. He's a grown man but deep down he's still a little boy who just wants to be loved and accepted. Yeah, I don't find it difficult to believe that Caleb is ingratiating himself to Dylan. Caleb clearly knows what buttons to press. When Caleb stood up to Chick for Dylan, is that the first time anyone has stood up for Dylan on this show? When Caleb introduced himself to Chick, and introduced Dylan as his son, and started driving Chick off the property as though the land was *both* his and Dylan's -- I couldn't really read Dylan's expression. It seemed to me like he was angry, but that he also sort of liked to be treated as this man's son and being protected like that. Not sure, though. Something I like about the characters on this show in general is how much security really matters to them. It was so touching when Norma said that she felt safe at the motel as long as Romero was there, and last season, imo it was also really touching when Norman told Cody that he felt safe with her. Dylan's been trying to ingratiate himself with Norma by trying to protect her -- with Shelby, trying to give her money and motel business etc etc etc -- and imo she's warmest with him when she does see that he's protecting her or offering her more security. And he did ingratiate himself with the drug people by being a really good guard dog for them. I wonder how he feels about being protected, and having Caleb standing up for him. Idk, maybe he's never really been in that position before. And obviously Caleb's protection is fake, because something is bad about Caleb, and while he's lulling Dylan into a sense of security, he's also laying claim to his land -- and I think Dylan *knows* it's fake. But I think he's still feeling more tempted by the (fake) offer of security that Caleb's giving him than he would have expected to, and I think he's going to have a hard time letting go of it (when Caleb inevitably turns on him or otherwise becomes more trouble than he's worth). The dog thing stood out to me, because it seems to me that the dynamic that Caleb and Norma seemed to have as children, was basically that Caleb "protected" Norma (from their dad), and in return, Norma was his "bitch." And then she got "released" (leveraged herself into that first marriage with her pregnancy) and he was upset that their relationship didn't continue. Anyway, so having dogs popping up and becoming a plot point seemed like it was "symbolic" to me (in a skin-crawling way) of Caleb working Dylan in order to make him his bitch. On the one hand, that's a kind of off-the-wall interpretation, I know. On the other hand, it weirdly fits the tone of the show somewhat? Idk. Just putting it out there. Anyway, it's too bad imo that Dylan (and now Caleb) are getting segregated to their own storyline (again), because I think they're really interesting characters and the whole family dynamic is really interesting. But sadly, the drug stuff isn't interesting at all. I don't need to know the ins and outs of Dylan's hipster farm. Oh well, at least Chick spices that storyline up a bit. Obviously, I loved Norma's awkward is-this-a-friend-kiss-or-a-real-kiss thing with Romero and her freakout on the bridge. But for just the same reasons as everyone else, nothing interesting to add! Norman is really, really offputting this season. Last season I still sort of cared about him, but this season, they've apparently decided to go full on "He's a PSYCHO!!!"...I'm not sure how I feel about that, tbh. 2 Link to comment
green March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 Norma vs The Bypass Sign was right up there with Wil vs The Ice Globe. (The Amazing Race fans know what I mean). Link to comment
amensisterfriend March 18, 2015 Share March 18, 2015 (edited) The Norma/Norman aspects of this show are so perfect that I almost can't believe these same otherwise stellar writers think more 'Dylan in a drug war with generic jerks' stuff is a good idea for a storyline. Maybe this is just a mislead and his actual season-long storyline will go in a wholly unexpected direction...? (Yeah, I know, but a girl can dream!) The creepiness and pitch black comedy just blend so perfectly on this show, and the acting is absolutely sublime. The first two seasons of this show are atop my very long Amazon wish list! Edited March 18, 2015 by amensisterfriend 6 Link to comment
Sakura12 March 19, 2015 Share March 19, 2015 Has Emma been hanging around the Bates too long and doesn't see their creepiness? It's not like she doesn't have other options, she hooked up with Cupcake boy. I kinda of wonder if she finds out Norman kills people in his blackout stage she will help Norma cover up from him. Although it was funny when Emma was talking about Peter Pan and Wendy, I thought Norman would need to bring a napkin with him to cover up his pants. I see role playing in their sexytimes. Emma's not long for this world she might as well get the whole adult experience while she can. Dylan is still the only normal in that family and maybe that town. 1 Link to comment
amensisterfriend March 19, 2015 Share March 19, 2015 Dylan is still the only normal in that family and maybe that town. Heh---I actually think Emma is the most normal one in that town. I agree that Dylan is the sanest Bates, though that's an exceptionally low bar :) Nestor Carbonell and his permanent guyliner makes Romero more awesome than he would be otherwise. I agree with those who love his dynamic with Norma, irrespective of whether they ever actually get together. Whoever does the casting on this show is a freaking genius. In my idea of a just world, Freddie and Vera would both be perennial Emmy recipients. (Then again, I'm still not over Sarah Michelle Gellar never winning an Emmy for her portrayal of Buffy Summers, so take my opinions with several grains of salt!) One more random observation after rewatching: I love how layered and 'real' a character they managed to make Annika (sp?!) feel to me despite being on our screens for such a blink-and-you-miss-it period of time. So many shows could take lessons from this one about how to quickly and effectively establish characterization....granted, it helps when you have some of the best actors working in TV today! Link to comment
Timetoread March 19, 2015 Share March 19, 2015 (edited) Yay! I finally caught up in real time so I can read and discuss on these boards! The casting of Dylan's Uncle Dad was so well done -- he really looks like he could be his father. I hate when they cast people who are obviously in no way blood related. I love good family casting too and I've noted in scenes with Dylan and Norma that he looks like her. They have the same eyes. And yes he does indeed look like Uncle Caleb could be his father. Gross. Speaking of Romero, I am vehemently opposed to he and Norma becoming a couple. I think it would destroy the awkward chemistry they have. For instance, that weird hug or handshake moment they had at the hotel. Romero likes Norma but you can tell she frustrates the hell out of him. I SOOOO want Norma and Romero to hook up, I think that they are perfect for each other. It is the very fact that she frustrates him that makes her good for him. He is such a cold and controlled man, though you can tell that there is hot lava burning inside him. He reads people and figures them out and I imagine that he's quite the aloof, controlling lover with most women - if not just a bit scary, because he is quite violent. Norma, however, is utterly uncontrollable and his frustration is dissolving into amusement because he is learning that it is best to not even try to control her. And yet the pathos of her is definitely there and I think he gets it and responds to it. Her freakouts are hilarious but she really is dealing with some heavy stuff. She's a good woman, though. She takes care of her boys. When Romero was at the hotel, she took care of him too. So she's on his radar and my guess is that he will ALWAYS protect her from now on. A. she needs it and B. he needs to do it, she's stuck in his craw. The need for protection is the oil that runs in Norma's engine. She never felt safe in her home as a child and was victimized by those who were supposed to protect her. She married violent and abusive men. So she turned to her sons at first for comfort but then for protection. Her relationship with Dylan was so complex because of his origin story and then Dylan, by personality, is very dismissive of her quirkiness, so they clashed. Although we see, now that she and Dylan are on the mends, she does run to him for protection too - and he provides it. But Norman from the beginning was both her son AND her man. She sleeps with him like that not for sex (she's never shown any sexual interest in Norman) but because I imagine sleeping inside the increasingly stronger arms of the one person in the world who loves her unconditionally and is protective and comforting makes her feel safe and warm - so that she CAN sleep. It's not appropriate but it IS understandable. But because of that inappropriate closeness with her child who is now a man and the fact that he is psychotic, he feels that he owns her BECAUSE he protects her and so far he's been correct in that assumption. But we know where this is going, right? I am speculating that as Romero takes his place as a rightful and appropriate "man" for Norma, being the protector she's always needed in a true romantic partner, that it will be THIS coupling that drives Norman to murder his mother. We've seen that Norma responds to other men who protect her AND are sane. She's listening to Dylan and trusting him. And Dylan (who I fear will also fall victim to Norman eventually - especially if they keep with the Gein story ) is slowly making her come to terms with the reality of Norman. Romero may do this even more and even force her to make a choice with Norman. But when Norman realizes that she no longer needs him, he will kill her and absorb her, keeping her, forever, all to himself. Love this show! It gives me lots to do in my armchair psychoanalyzing practice. Edited March 19, 2015 by Timetoread 11 Link to comment
ganesh March 19, 2015 Share March 19, 2015 Emma's not long for this world she might as well get the whole adult experience while she can. I defy anyone to find a better example of DTF as Emma was on 'date night.' 1 Link to comment
J----av March 19, 2015 Share March 19, 2015 (edited) Has Emma been hanging around the Bates too long and doesn't see their creepiness? It's not like she doesn't have other options, she hooked up with Cupcake boy. I kinda of wonder if she finds out Norman kills people in his blackout stage she will help Norma cover up from him. Although it was funny when Emma was talking about Peter Pan and Wendy, I thought Norman would need to bring a napkin with him to cover up his pants. I see role playing in their sexytimes. Emma's not long for this world she might as well get the whole adult experience while she can. Dylan is still the only normal in that family and maybe that town. Norman has never really been all that creepy around Emma. When he is with Emma he isn't blacking out or spooning his mom. When he is with her he is just a normal but kinda awkward kid. She is probably the only person in his life that he is normal around Edited March 19, 2015 by J----av 2 Link to comment
Avaleigh March 19, 2015 Share March 19, 2015 I have to remind myself that from Emma's perspective, Norman was the guy who even attracted the pretty and popular girl Bradley. Yes, Bradley was vulnerable because of what she'd recently been through but for whatever reason she turned to Norman and Emma was a witness to all of this. I thought it was interesting that Emma mentioned Bradley in this episode. 1 Link to comment
peacheslatour March 19, 2015 Share March 19, 2015 Yay! I finally caught up in real time so I can read and discuss on these boards! I love good family casting too and I've noted in scenes with Dylan and Norma that he looks like her. They have the same eyes. And yes he does indeed look like Uncle Caleb could be his father. Gross. I SOOOO want Norma and Romero to hook up, I think that they are perfect for each other. It is the very fact that she frustrates him that makes her good for him. He is such a cold and controlled man, though you can tell that there is hot lava burning inside him. He reads people and figures them out and I imagine that he's quite the aloof, controlling lover with most women - if not just a bit scary, because he is quite violent. Norma, however, is utterly uncontrollable and his frustration is dissolving into amusement because he is learning that it is best to not even try to control her. And yet the pathos of her is definitely there and I think he gets it and responds to it. Her freakouts are hilarious but she really is dealing with some heavy stuff. She's a good woman, though. She takes care of her boys. When Romero was at the hotel, she took care of him too. So she's on his radar and my guess is that he will ALWAYS protect her from now on. A. she needs it and B. he needs to do it, she's stuck in his craw. The need for protection is the oil that runs in Norma's engine. She never felt safe in her home as a child and was victimized by those who were supposed to protect her. She married violent and abusive men. So she turned to her sons at first for comfort but then for protection. Her relationship with Dylan was so complex because of his origin story and then Dylan, by personality, is very dismissive of her quirkiness, so they clashed. Although we see, now that she and Dylan are on the mends, she does run to him for protection too - and he provides it. But Norman from the beginning was both her son AND her man. She sleeps with him like that not for sex (she's never shown any sexual interest in Norman) but because I imagine sleeping inside the increasingly stronger arms of the one person in the world who loves her unconditionally and is protective and comforting makes her feel safe and warm - so that she CAN sleep. It's not appropriate but it IS understandable. But because of that inappropriate closeness with her child who is now a man and the fact that he is psychotic, he feels that he owns her BECAUSE he protects her and so far he's been correct in that assumption. But we know where this is going, right? I am speculating that as Romero takes his place as a rightful and appropriate "man" for Norma, being the protector she's always needed in a true romantic partner, that it will be THIS coupling that drives Norman to murder his mother. We've seen that Norma responds to other men who protect her AND are sane. She's listening to Dylan and trusting him. And Dylan (who I fear will also fall victim to Norman eventually - especially if they keep with the Gein story ) is slowly making her come to terms with the reality of Norman. Romero may do this even more and even force her to make a choice with Norman. But when Norman realizes that she no longer needs him, he will kill her and absorb her, keeping her, forever, all to himself. Love this show! It gives me lots to do in my armchair psychoanalyzing practice. Quoted in it's entirety for sheer brilliance. You captured the essence of the genius of this show perfectly. Well done, indeed. 1 Link to comment
opus March 20, 2015 Share March 20, 2015 Didn't get all your Chick/Opie references (the only Opie I know is Ron Howard), so I had to look it up. Get it now. 1 Link to comment
tennisgurl March 20, 2015 Share March 20, 2015 We have more creepiness from the town of Creepyville! The only place in the world where the Bates family is considered not so disturbing. I was getting a major Eyes Wide Shut vibe from the party stuff. I assume the call girl died there, maybe some kind of sex or drugs game gone wrong? I love the new drug neighbor. He cracks me up. Caleb`s tough guy posturing makes me roll my eyes though. Get away from him, Dylan! Get away from him now! I don't blame Emma for not really getting the Bates weirdness. To her, Norma probably just seems overworked, and a little too attached to her son, which isn't all that uncommon. And Norman is a quiet, slightly awkward kid who can even manage to hang out with cool kids sometimes. I can understand why she would get attached to them, and not pick up on any weird vibes. Plus, she lives in Creepyville, so maybe you just get used to weirdness. 2 Link to comment
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