Bates Motel (TV Series) Norman (2016) User Reviews

Television done right

[evanbro · 10/10 · 16 May 2016]

From start to finish this has been one of the best seasons of television I have watched in quite some time. The writing, acting and directing all season long had kept me engrossed each episode. The season started off with him murdering Emma's innocent mother, to him inevitably killing his own mother which I thought was a great parallel. I also enjoyed seeing Norman's psychological progression throughout the years. He started off in season one as a tormented individual, to the absolute psycho he was bound to become. The show is finally coming full circle and although I'm not sure how many seasons are left now that this one is done, I can't wait to see how it concludes.

The grave robbing scene had to be one of the most disturbing things I have seen on television in a while. I mean, him coming home with Norma's body, and then glueing her eye open was absolutely terrifying. I couldn't helped but feel disturbed. Also the scene where Norman was about to take his life was menacing as well. And the fact that his hallucinations are becoming even more vivid just shows how far gone Norman really is.

I also found the scene where Norman cuts ties with Dylan very depressing as well. However, I guarantee Dylan will find out about Norma's death eventually next season and the confrontation that will play out b/w him and Norman will be great.

Also, Romero punching that twisted psycho Norman square in the face was the most satisfying thing I've seen on television in a while. I was really excited for the confrontation b/w Norman and Romero when Romero picked up his gun, but he was arrested just before hand. Damn. Oh well, hopefully we will see more Romero and Norman action next season and what happens b/w them.

Also, I'm not quite sure what will happen to that big guy with glasses, but I thought for sure Norman was going to murder him before he left his house. What will happen to that guy I'm not quite sure, but it won't end well for him if he keeps visiting Norman.

All in all, while no big deaths happened in the final episode, it was still a very excellent way to conclude the season. Everyone involved in the show should be commended for putting together this great show. I for one, am truly looking forward to what the next season brings. Bravo Bates, bravo.

Nestor Carbonell

[kreed34202 · 10/10 · 15 July 2020]

Gotta' be honest here, other than seeing Nestor Carbonell in the Dark Knight movies, I really only remembered him from his Suddenly Susan days. Watching his performance in this series has really opened my eyes up to what an incredibly talented actor he is, I was bawling my eyeballs out during his scenes with Norma after her death. This episode and the last had to be the absolute best of the entire series so far. Will be checking out his filmography here on IMDB to find other film and TV he has been in to add to my watchlist as well. Looking forward to binging season 5!

Season 4 (10/10 Stars): Bates Motel Goes "Full Psycho"

[zkonedog · 10/10 · 3 July 2019]

One of the most impressive things about Bates Motel as a series is that it can draw viewers from so many different quarters. But there will always be a core--like myself--who consider the film Psycho to be an all-time favorite and watch Bates Motel as a sort of prequel to those Hitchcockian events. If that is your vantage point, Season 4 will be an utter masterpiece.

After the shocking and deadly conclusion to Season 3, this slate focuses on two primary arcs:

-Finally admitting to herself that Norman (Freddie Highmore) needs help, Norma (Vera Farmiga) gets him into Pineview--a psychotherapy center--working with Dr. Edwards (Damon Gupton) to help with his blackouts and mental disassociation.

-While Norman is away, "mother" develops a relationship with Alex Romero (Nestor Carbonell) and experiences perhaps the first prolonged stretch of happiness in quite some time. But what happens when Norman catches wind of this?!

As per the usual with this series, neither Norma nor Norman can ultimately escape each others' orbit, so the sparks fly in the endgame.

The hallmark of S4 is that it is here where Norman essentially becomes the genial corn-nut munching weirdo (with a deep dark secret) of Anthony Perkins Psycho renown. Highmore absolutely transforms himself into that "Perkins Norman" and it is chilling to behold.

Not to be outdone, Farmiga gets plenty of moments to shine herself, as Norman's fate is so closely intertwined with that of his beloved mother. Your heart will bleed for Norma as she struggles to know the right path to take with Norman while also trying to find happiness for herself.

The Emma (Olivia Cooke) surgery and burgeoning relationship with Dylan (Max Theriot) angle is also perfectly balanced in these ten episodes. Everything moves along nicely with what seems to be an understanding at a certain point that the proceedings are going "full Psycho" for a little bit. But there is much set up for another season with those characters, to be sure.

While S4 might start off a tad slowly--having to wrap up the loose ends of S3--by the end it is 10/10 episodes almost the entire back half. Showrunners Carleton Cuse & Kerry Ehrin also make an intriguing choice in S4's endgame that really sets the stage for the rest of the series going forward.

Through four seasons of Bates Motel, these episodes are my favorite by a considerable margin thus far. The absolute perfect balance of "potential Psycho prequel" material while still honoring the original characters and arcs the show has been nurturing since S1.

One of the best episodes

[amesmonde · 20 May 2016]

Norman and Alex deal with the death of Norma quite differently while Dylan is unaware of the tragedy.

What's clear from the current four seasons of American drama- thriller Bates Motel is that Vera Farmiga and Nestor Carbonell are exceptionable notable actors with plenty of screen presence. Here at the end of the 4th series' Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) delves deeper into madness when he stops taking his medication in a bid to see his mother again. Not only that he becomes more devious as well as vulnerable.

Alex Romero almost reflects the viewers feelings of frustration and despair with the yearning to seek some justice or revenge for the loss of Norma. Carbonell is excellent as we see the mature Sheriff crumpling and crumbling in handling her death.

While the episode handles the aftermath Norma's death perfectly, you can't help ask couldn't writers have faked her death instead of killing her off, for Farmiga's Norma to return and face off with Normans "Mother" persona further down the line? Alas, I didn't write it, it wasn't meant to be. Still with Norman in full delusional mode no doubt Farmiga will remain part of the cast in his visions and alter ego.

Interestingly story wise writer Kerry Ehrin lead us to where the original Psycho film began (albeit this is in a contemporary setting, sort of cancelled Hannibal-esque). But hopefully Bate's won't retread Psycho but just echo its beats. Ehrin's dialogue is perfect and Highmore shines in this episode as he struggles to deal with the death of his mother. Highmore has really settled into the role and fittingly this episode really show how far he has come.

With Dylan's (Max Thieriot) story arch (one of the characters really to change throughout) somewhat complete with him settled down there some closure in this episode. Director Tucker Gates handles Norman's vision transitions faultlessly and there are some eerie scenes involving Norma's corpse especially her haunting eyes and some dark comedic parts with Norman's handling of the body.

After season two Bate's Motel, even though still interesting, it arguably became somewhat uneven. However, the last few episodes has put it back on track. In the closing act as Norman is about to commit suicide, here Juno returns again along with his dead mother and Norman ends up celebrating a beautiful Christmas.

It's an excellent, ghoulishly creepy and emotional season end.

Season 4

[IPyaarCinema · 10/10 · 5 October 2021]

Review By Kamal K

Normans time in the mental institution really magnifies our feelings of empaty for Norman. A poor boy unaware of the crimes hes committed. Easily a 10 star season and this (in conjunction with season 5) is why the show is as good as it is. Huge twists and this time, we see the consequences.

"But he had an axe in his hands. He was aiming for my head...."

[devinthadude · 10/10 · 14 September 2022]

Spoiler!!!!

"He had a ace in his hands. He was aiming for my head."

"Well, yeah, but are you dead?"

DUDE!! That scene is sooo heavy & so funny in a twisted way. I'm not sure if the term 'gaslighting,' was a thing. This episode shows the gaslighting Norma does to individuals who go after her "baby." It's wild because she knows the kind of monster her son is but rather not see it clearly.

The performance from Vera F(Norma) is immaculate in this episode. Yes other episodes with her are grand as well. But this one is where she pulls it all out. Knowing she is wrong or somewhat wrong but still writing the letter to Alex. Then placing her wedding ring in the envelope as well. For now on I am referring child & parent creepy ships as Bates aka Norman Batesing. It's a working terminology.

Series Starting To Get More Unrealistic

[mts-78680 · 5/10 · 18 December 2016]

Am really enjoying the series and trying not to judge by knowing how it will end. BUT writers are getting lazy and not trying to keep it realistic, sigh. Police and other professionals are being portrayed as less competent as Norman is being shown as some sort of boy-genius.

Plot is very compelling and I guess the only way to keep Norman going is too show everyone else as idiots. I only hope next season brings back some realism or they will lose me and get further critical reviews.

I give it 5 as the acting remains consistent and very good (esp. actors playing Norma & Norman).