Bates Motel - Double Review - Inseparable & The Body

Sorry for the small delays on the reviews, but life happens. Still, that didn't prevent Bates Motel from delivering two amazing, jaw-dropping episodes. The writers certainly shifted into a higher gear and let the story fly to new heights.

Inseparable - Cover Up

The very first positive thing about Inseparable was that it had both Alex and Dylan in it and that it pushed both stories closer to Norman and the main plot in general. But before I dig into what they contributed to the episode let's talk about Norman and his newly discovered craziness.

The first half hour was all about Norman interacting with his other side and it was truly amazing. I loved the opening montage with a stunned Norman besides Sam body and "Norma" in a cleaning lady outfit fixing it all up. It was a great statement to the role reversal. Norman took a step back in his mind and let "Norma" do the dirty work. I really appreciate that the writers dig deep and let Norman explore this side of him and all the bad stuff he did under Mother's control. Their confrontation at the lakeside after witnessing that the Sheriff's department fished out bodies was stunning. Norman's reaction to all the reveals felt truly human and Freddie added another layer of humanity to the character. Norman really wasn't guilty, all the bad things were committed by Mother. Mother was born out of his fear and pain and as those feelings grew Mother lost more and more of her boundaries till they were gone.

It was truly weird seeing Norman still call her mother and keep the intimacy alive while struggling to accept all the bad stuff he did. I can't stop praising Freddie enough though. His body language and facial expression during the talk with Sheriff Greene were exceptionally convincing. The way he portrays this stressed out and hurt boy just fascinates me week after week. It was unusually moving to see Norman struggle to confess to "Norma" that he'll move Norma's body for their protection. The following scene in the woods with Norman burying the body was beautifully shot. The white-green forest colors combined with Norma's wardrobe were a true vision. Never saw something soooo creepy look so beautiful at the same time.

Still, in my opinion, Max Theriot was the true MVP of this episode. The emotional journey he went through upon returning to the Bates Motel was extraordinary and truly gripping. The whole Bates Motel crew pays so much attention to details and you could see it so well on Dylan's character. His body language was different, he was as strong and confident as usual, his nose was constantly red, indicating he was crying a lot and he was so sad and full of sorrow and most important afraid. Afraid of all the terrifying things he could possibly encounter and discover while he reconnected with his brother. Dylan's breakdown in Norma's room was heartbreakingly convincing. He truly feels responsible as he left her to fight alone with a sick Norman.

A very beautiful nod was Norman's surprise towards Katie's existence, it was Mother who found out about that. It once again proved that Norman isn't aware of all the things Mother does when she takes over. I loved how Dylan wanted to do everything he could to protect his brother and salvage the pieces of him that were alive. I was truly shocked when they revealed that Norman's psychiatrist was revealed as dead. It was so shocking to me, really didn't expect that he as well was a hallucination of Norman's mind.

The story perfectly culminated at the dinner Norman prepared for him and Dylan. Norman was crumbling under the pressure "Norma" and Dylan put on him and tried to push Dylan away. I teared up when Dylan fought for his brother and gave him the pills he acquired at the pharmacy. But Norman couldn't handle the pressure what resulted in Mother taking over and trying to take Dylan out. The speech Mother gave as she took was truly moving and brought tears to my eyes. Norman fighting with "Norma" for his brother's life was exceptionally shot and kudos to the whole team for pulling that scene off. I certainly didn't expect the episode to end with Norman's confession, but I am so ready for the down road spiral from here on.

As said earlier, Romero was back and it was truly great to see him on screen. His interactions with Maggie were great, they carried so much emotional weight and the writers took their time to show us how deeply broken Alex is. Nestor is such an exceptional actor, he gives so much with so little words.

The only real issue I had with this episode was why did the Sheriff search for bodies in the lake, to begin with? Please let me know if I missed something?

The Body - No Control

The writers certainly got the memo that there are just 3 more eps of Bates Motel left and they ain't playing around anymore. Besides pushing the story towards the finish line this episode finally gave more screen time to Brooke Smith's Sheriff Jane Greene and got time to introduce Julia Cordova-Buckley's character Julia Ramos.

Romero finally reached White Pine Bay and delivered one shocker barely anyone excepted. Chick got a bullet to the head, as Romero did what most of us behind the small screen think, we ain't got time for your BS. Chick loves to talk a lot and he tried to talk his way out with Romero, but it really didn't end well for him. The cold look in Alex's eye was just priceless and I can't wait to see how he'll play out his revenge.
I did feel sad for Alex as he was inspecting the mansion and saw Norma in every corner. So heartbreaking.

This was another episode highlighting Vera's and Freddie's acting skills as Mother was done with Norman's behavior and wasn't letting anyone wash her out of his body with meds. I honestly sometimes feel like a broken record while writing these reviews but the performances these two actors pull off week after week just impresses me so much. Also major kudos to Freddie's directorial work and crew who edited the material with so much precision not missing a single beat.

Mother blaming Sam's murder on Madeliene was a masterpiece, it was so diabolic and executed so well. Mother was so convincing and terrifying as she sold the story of killing Madeliene to Sheriff Greene. Natalia Cordova's Julia Ramos played great along Mother, she really didn't care much about the truth she just cared about getting the job done and she was so so good at the job.

Also major kudos to Brooke Smith. She isn't the best actress and I can't see he play anything else besides pushy strong women wanting for things to go her way. But what she plays she plays amazing. She is such a "ball buster" and she gives this type of role so much passion that I just enjoy it so much. The way she was pushing Norman and Dylan around was just so entertaining and her trying to get the upper hand, in this case, wasn't really going her way.

I loved Mother's final scene in that interrogation room. Mother was missing Norman while being in control for so long and she just hoped that after she bails them out that they could spend time together again.

Dylan took a backseat in this episode again, but that is okay as it was mostly about Mother taking over. We did get to see a lovely telephone call between Dylan and Emma. I do hope both of them survive this season.

With only two more episodes left what is your guess? How will Bates Motel end? Will there be a happy ending for Norman or will Mother make hell freeze over? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section down below.