Bates Motel – S04xEp04 – Lights of Winter

Norman’s escape didn’t do much for his freedom, but the first 20 minutes were very entertaining, because watching Norman being so flippant while at Pineview, so certain he wasn’t crazy with the idea that Dr. Edwards was freeing him, after his confession about his mother, lightened him up well beyond reality.

It was almost sad that Norman was worried about getting into a car with strangers and that Julian had to remind him they were the crazy ones.

Dr. Edwards seems to be the only person that can still get through to Norman and still reach the little that’s left of him that wants to get better. And in a fantastic performance, Damon Gupton’s turn as Dr. Edwards is so comfortable and believable in this role that even I feel much more calm and collected after his scenes. Meanwhile, Freddie Highmore has really crafted the crazy of Norman so well, as the escalation of paranoia, mistrust and rage is steady and scary as hell.

Again, my heart just breaks for Norman in a way that, sometimes, BATES MOTEL is hard to watch.

Meanwhile, Norma and Romero play husband and wife over breakfast, talking about joint checking accounts, Emma’s surgery and her burgeoning relationship with Dylan. Norma says “It’s weird how people aren’t at all together and then all of a sudden they are,” and Romero takes her hand in a really beautiful (but brief) moment that suggest this fake marriage may not be as pretend as either could have predicted. Yet that kitchen, that very table, has seen such violence; just weeks ago, it was exactly where Norman’s psyche broke before her eyes, and that’s not even touching upon the most despicable actions that happened beforehand. But in that moment, that table hosts this very beautiful moment; something about that touched me in a very profound way. It is a true testament to the perseverance and strength of Norma Bates, and one of the many reasons I admire the character.

The relationship between Emma and Dylan is now moving at lightning speed, with Emma asking Dylan to come with her to Seattle as he impulsively agrees. Obviously, this isn’t quite in character to the fiery, independent Dylan we’ve seen in the past; rather, this Dylan is forging a new identity altogether, a lovesick puppy who barely considers the impact of moving away with his brother’s ex-girlfriend.