Bates Motel (TV Series) Shadow of a Doubt (2014) User Reviews

The girl of Norman's dreams fades into the distance, but her blood trail points in so many directions.

[Amari-Sali · 9/10 · 6 April 2014]

In another episode in which Emma seems more like a reoccurring role than regular, Norman deals with Bradley's issues the best he can, as Norma tries to deal with Norman's the best she can. Meanwhile, the town has another murder on their hands, and though someone is arrested for Ms. Watson's murder, Gil's murder by Bradley has no suspects, so new character Zane, or Zayn, thinks the Ford family did it. Leading to a possible drug war in the future.

Topic 1: All the Issues One Girl Caused (Bradley, Norman, and Dylan)

With Gil's murder comes a new character named Zane, or Zayn, who is ready to reassert himself in the family. According to Remo, Zane is the type who doesn't belong in the business and already got incarcerated once due to his idiocy. But, with him being the brother to the boss, he has a place, and unfortunately with said power he decides to murder someone of the Ford family to send a message.

Meanwhile, Norman is hiding Bradley in his basement and seemingly trying to play her white knight. But, while she is thankful, even when they have what seemed to be an almost kissing scene, things remain platonic. And, with her name not really focused on in terms of being the killer, she plans to head to Boston to start anew. Which doesn't make sense since she, I think, isn't even 18 yet so how will she take care of herself? But over-analyzing that nonsense isn't going to get us anywhere.

What is known though is that seemingly Dylan is going to make it seem like she killed herself to cover her tracks, and though I think only the town will think that, not Norman or Dylan, there is a chance Dylan may keep that a secret from Norman, if just so he'll think she is dead and will move on. Which would be nice since between Emma, and this random girl at the market, I wouldn't mind a new love interest for Norman.

Topic 2: I Know What You Did Norman (Norma)

Between Norman talking about blacking out the night Ms. Watson died, a pearl necklace, and worries that he is becoming distant, Norma tries to get closer to her son and he starts to push away again. But, being that Norman is a mother's boy, he finds himself back in her grasp. Thing is, while watching Norma obsess over her son, you do wonder what she could possibly do if Norman did actually leave? Emma runs the motel, it seems, and Norma just goes around looking for something to do. And perhaps the writers were thinking this was a problem because between her brother arriving, and her auditioning for South Pacific, it seems Norma will have less reason to focus solely on Norman. Especially since someone was arrested for the murder of Blair Watson.

Topic 3: The Unfolding Mystery that was Blair Watson

Who you may ask? Well, his name is simply Kyle. He is someone that got away with murdering before, and due to his semen, along with another man's, being in Ms. Watson, he is a prime suspect. But I must admit, the more we learn about Ms. Watson, the more I hope for some flashbacks. Between her dad showing up, what Kyle says, and everything we heard in the first episode, I sort of want to see this side to her, we never got to see, through Norman's eyes.

Overall

Be it because of the first season, us being familiar with the story through previous works, or something I can't put my finger on, Bates Motel feels like the type of show which always seems to be waiting for the right moment to freak you out or just make your eyes pop. In the first season it came in numerous forms, like with the scene with Norma and Keith Summers; then you had when Norman nearly killed Dylan; and I have to admit, I am jittery waiting for something big like that to happen. For, to me, Bradley killing Gil wasn't that "Oh My God" worthy. And with them possibly writing her off, it just seems like a good send off more than something to really give you that "What will they think of next?" type of moment. But, even with this criticism, I remain in love with the show. Especially because of Highmore who, through Norman's love for Bradley and his mom, puts on such a wonderful performance. Farmiga though is starting to feel like hit and miss to me though, but with Norma being over the top, it is hard to really say it is her because it really is the character.

No peace in White Pine Bay

[callanvass · 9/10 · 17 March 2014]

Spoilers below!

After Bradley kills her deceased Father's boss, Gil, Norman hides Bradley Martin in her basement to protect her from the law. He tells her he'll put her on a bus at 8:00. Norma is deeply concerned with Norman's blackouts, decides to do a musical with him to help his mind a bit. Sheriff Romero gets into a minor verbal spat with Blair Watson's father, Nick Watson, about how Romero is handling the murder case. The Police, ostensibly catch the murder culprit not too long after. Dylan and Remo dislike their new boss, Zayne, because he's a loose cannon. Much to Norman's chagrin, Norman has to take care of his Mother and asks Dylan to take Bradley to the bus station instead.

After a first episode that was absolutely dynamite, I had high expectations for this episode. I'm happy to say it completely lived up to my expectations. Is this a goodbye to Bradley? The end of this episode seemed to imply that heavily, but you never know. She isn't killed off, but she seems to be done. Bradley garnered heaps of praise from yours truly in my review for episode one of season two, and she's about to get more. I like Nicola Peltz as an actress, but the Bradley character grated my nerves on one occasion. Weirdly enough, I've taken a liking to her in these first two episodes. She's really won me over by adding another dimension to her character. Her manipulative and promiscuous character has given way to somebody that is vulnerable, frightened, and slightly demented. I say slightly, because she isn't fully crazy. I thought she might be after the first episode, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Could they have gone father with it? Perhaps, yes, but I was perfectly content with what they did. After some great character development with the Bradley character, I truly hope this isn't the end for Nicola Peltz in this series. We also have some new characters in this show. They all brought some interesting elements to the show, but the one that intrigues me the most is the new character at the end of this episode. I can't reveal who it is, but it has me pumped for all the possibilities. It made for another fantastic cliffhanger, leaving me with a "Oh my god" expression. If you saw the last episode of season one you'll see why I'm so excited about it. It has unlimited potential. They have to be careful though. There is only so much credence you can lend somebody with all the drama before it gets too convoluted. You have to suspend your disbelief already as it is.

It's remarkable how so much drama is happening in a small town like Pine Bay. I've just learned to ignore all the contrivances and how unlikely the situations are. The show is done so well that it really doesn't matter. What really intrigued me was a side of Norma's character that I had hoped to see. In this episode, you see a caring side from her. They have given us snippets of it sporadically, but it happened for most of the episode in this one. Seeing Norma genuinely discern Norman's health was riveting stuff. It was for selfish reasons as well, but there was genuine care. What makes it even more of a dynamic situation is that Norma is also doing it to get closer to Norman. It's a disturbing development because Norma is already close enough to Norman as it is, with her clinging demeanor. I'm very engrossed by it all, anxious to see how it all unfolds. Norma reluctantly ditching Bradley is a sign of things to come. The twisted relationship between Norman and Norma will be must see television going forward. Psycho fans know that Norma is the catalyst for Norman's insanity. I can't forget Vera Farmiga's voice either. That woman can sing. I also liked the subtle humor as well. Norma buying female supplies with a cashier staring awkwardly at him was very amusing. Dylan's character is exactly as I thought he would be. This guy is a man you can trust and depend upon. He is most likely the most genuine person on this show. My only carp is Emma's lack of development. She's barely been on at all. I hope this is just because Bradley had been a major focus. I still believe Miss Watson was murdered by Norman, but that may be too obvious. Then again, they may trick you by thinking it's too obvious, and then doing the obvious to surprise you.

Not as good as the first episode of season two, but fantastic nonetheless. I know I said I was concerned about them throwing in too many things at once, but the ending to this episode gives this series amazing potential. Is Bradley gone for good, will she make a return in the next episode or down the line? Either is very possible. I'm also interested to see if Norman and Emma heat up, now that Bradley is "seemingly" out of the picture. All I know is that Bates Motel is one of the best television shows to come along in eons

9.6/10

What is this?

[torstenpeters-85376 · 5/10 · 5 February 2022]

The drug trash town stuff is taking over a prequel series about Norman Bates, one of the best film psychopaths in movie history. Really?

The nice girl from season one is a revenge killer now and starts a drug war. Really?

That's the whole story the writers found interesting? Meanwhile Norman Bates and his mother are singing a musical cue. Really?

After Breaking Bad came so many bad Breaking Bad clones and this is now one of them. So sad to waste the interesting core plot of domestical abuse, maybe incest and one of the great serial killers in movies. I don't know who the target group for this is, but it surely ain't no fans of Hitchcock or Psycho. What a waste.