I don’t know about you but I’m still trying to get over the last episode of Bates Motel. With Norman dealing with his first few days at Pineview, Emma and Dylan navigating the beginnings of a new relationship and the major turning point for Norma and Romero. It was all a lot to handle in one episode, so when watching this episode, entitled Lights of Winter, I wasn't sure I was ready for what was next. Regardless if I was ready or not, it was another spectacular episode. The phenomenal performance that Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga delivered is just jaw dropping. The whole cast is incredible with amazing chemistry. It's shocking that Bates Motel doesn’t get the attention it really deserves.
The first thing I have to mention is Norman’s adventure out of Pineview and his new friend, Julian. Being that Julian is in a mental institution, it wasn’t hard to guess that he would be a bad influence on Norman but was he ever! Helping him make calls to Dylan claiming that “Mother” is in trouble and worse, helping him escape Pineview. I couldn’t help but think “oh no, this is not good!” as I was worried Norman would beeline it to Norma. Thankfully I was wrong. Instead, Norman and Julian head straight to a strip club! That’s definitely Julian's influence there. I am grateful that's where they headed because I’m not ready for Norman to discover what’s going on at home. The scenes of Norman in the strip club were dark and dangerous as I couldn’t be sure what Norman was going to do. Especially when he went in the back room with one of the dancers and pulled out the screw driver that Julian handed him earlier. We got flashes of Mother and Norman with the dancer, which was really interesting to see. Though, I do have to say I’m surprised “Mother” would make out with a stripper! That split scene with “Mother” and Norman was just incredibly executed. The mannerisms that both Freddie and Vera displayed were fantastic, and it had me 100% convinced that Norman was “Mother” and vice versa. With all the other moments in this episode that were full of light and hope these scenes certainly brought me back to the reality that things are not going to end well!
We haven't had many moments of Dylan and Emma but when we do see what’s going on with them it gives the audience a chance to see the light in this very dark world they live in. Emma’s on the mend and with that comes endless possibilities for her. She revealed to Dylan that her and her father plan on moving to Seattle in order to receive better hospital care. It was cute to see them interact as she asks him to move with her and Dylan agrees. I’m interested to see how that turns out. It’s a little surprising that Dylan would leave White Pine Bay as we spent the past four seasons watching him struggle to be part of the Bates family.
My favourite part of this show is always watching the dynamic between Norma and Romero. The chemistry between those two is just outstanding and I can’t get enough of them. Lately with the newest events in their lives we’re lucky to get more and more scenes with them which is always fantastic. I’m just going to say it one more time as I’m still in shock… I can’t believe they’re married! Yes, yes, I know it’s a fake marriage but still this fake marriage is starting to look very real! The morning after scene was just too cute to comprehend. Norma making Romero breakfast and awkwardly saying that “he’s big and tall” line. I giggled a little longer then I should have. We are all pretty aware of how Romero feels about Norma. Now it was time for us to see how Norma feels about Romero. At first Norma was doing what she does best when things scare her, she pulls away. She literally pulled away from him as he was trying to make another move on her. Poor guy is getting all kinds of mixed signals from her. Not to worry though, things took a very interesting turn when Norma showed up to the winter festival. I just loved those scenes and if I had anything to complain about them, is that they weren’t long enough.
For the first time we see Romero and Norma genuinely happy together and having fun. I don’t know folks, this marriage doesn’t seem so fake anymore. I can’t help but think how crazy backwards these two are. Normally, you date and then get married but nonetheless I love these turn of events. We’re seeing a much softer side to Romero and we are seeing Norma happy. How long will it last? That's what scares me! Even though the festival scenes were amazing and buoyant that doesn’t last long when the next scene we get is watching Norman losing self-control and turning into “Mother”. Not only did that bring me back to reality, so did the trashed house back at Norma’s. I’m thinking Romero’s past is starting to catch up with him.
The very last scene of Norman with Dr. Edwards was just heartbreaking. Norman’s moment of clarity that he is possibly the one that is crazy, was colossal! If I’m recalling right, it's the first time he acknowledges that he needs help. I want Edwards to be able to help Norman, maybe this show doesn’t have to end like the movie, Psycho does!
Another amazing episode of Bates Motel. I can’t get enough of this show and as we approach the mid-point to season 4 I wonder what’s going to happen next! Will Dylan and Emma ride off into the sunset together? Will Dr. Edwards be able to help Norman before it’s too late? Is Romero’s actions going to be his downfall? And How long will this “fake” marriage last? Any guesses?
About the Author - Alexandra
Alexandra is an avid TV, film, and music fan from Canada. She attended film school and was a camera operator for a local sports show. Growing up she watched shows like Due South, Pretender, X-files, Early Edition, and Frasier. Her favourite shows are Bates Motel, The Mentalist, and The Closer. Alexandra will be reviewing Bates Motel, Proof, The Whispers and Masters of Sex.
I don’t know about you but I’m still trying to get over the last episode of Bates Motel. With Norman dealing with his first few days at Pineview, Emma and Dylan navigating the beginnings of a new relationship and the major turning point for Norma and Romero. It was all a lot to handle in one episode, so when watching this episode, entitled Lights of Winter, I wasn't sure I was ready for what was next. Regardless if I was ready or not, it was another spectacular episode. The phenomenal performance that Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga delivered is just jaw dropping. The whole cast is incredible with amazing chemistry. It's shocking that Bates Motel doesn’t get the attention it really deserves. 
