Bates Motel: “ ‘Til Death Do You Part” — March 21, 2016
On this week’s Bates, Norma Louise and Alex jump the broom; Norman has a real problem with turkey pot pie; and Dylan wants to be a better man for Emma. Tracey M. gives us the crazy lowdown in her recap. – David F.
Photo: A&E
Norma can’t bear to look at Norman’s empty room. Meanwhile, Norman is being whisked through orientation at Pineview, wondering why his belt has been taken. Because you’re scary, Dude, really scary.
Norma and Alex wait their turn at the courthouse, preparing for their wedding. Alex asks Norma if she could at least lean on his shoulder and phone-in the affection. She obliges and they are married by the justice of the peace. Alex slides a nice rock onto Norma’s finger, and kisses her like he means it – and I think he does. He’s into Norma Louise. In her baby-blues, he sees mysteries as deep as the ocean, and he’s determined to figure her out. As they leave the courthouse, Alex mentions he’ll be bringing his things to her house after work. Norma is taken aback, but he reminds her they’re married now and must keep up appearances.
Dylan is with Emma, and they walk outside the hospital with her IV pole in tow. Emma is happy and blushing – almost glowing. Dylan tells her he wants to do something better with his life and give up the weed farming. He plans to return to the farm, fire his assistant Gunner (Keenan Tracey) and move on. I’d like to see them get the hell out of White Pine Bay while Norman’s still confined.
Having gone through the rigors of orientation, Norman repeatedly asks when he can go home. He’s scared to start talking at his intake session with Dr. Edwards, explaining that he’s been to therapy before but had to leave due to problems with Norma Louise. Huh? Red flag number one. He “knows” his mother has committed him, and he’s angry. Uh, dude, you signed the papers yourself. He says his mother is the one who needs help – which is probably true, having to cover for Norman most of his life would mess with anyone’s head. Instead of sharing his feelings, he commits to a silent stare-down with Dr. Edwards. Freddie Highmore has the ability to be lovable, vulnerable, and detestably condescending all at the same time. He has found that delicate balance between himself and Norma Louise, and plays out that emotional conundrum flawlessly with those killer dimples. And I do mean killer.
Norman makes a friend in the cafeteria named Julian (Marshall Allman) who wants to know all about Norman’s brand of Crazy. Norman is seething looking at Julian’s lunch. It’s turkey pot pie. It was the last meal Norma fixed for him.(Red flag number two) Julian asks if it’s okay if he finishes his lunch.
We already know Norma has impulse control issues. She calls Pineview, asking to speak with Norman. The operator informs her there is a 72-hour wait before any contact may be made.
As promised, Alex arrives with his belongings, and Norma looks like she forgot they got married. While Alex is upstairs unpacking, she offers to cook dinner for him, but Alex decides they will go out for dinner. It’s their wedding night. There is palpable relief in her eyes when he takes charge. The newly married enjoy a complimentary wedding night dinner at a swanky local restaurant and indulge in the bubbly. Tongues loosen and they start getting to know each other (no, not like that). They talk of their past marriages, one for Alex, two for Norma. She avoids the fact that Dylan is her child with her brother Caleb. She recalls Norman’s dad was a jerk and then he died. The end.
Giggling and tipsy, they make their way home and up the stairs. It’s nice to see Norma’s eyes shining with joy instead of tears and frustration. Alex wishes her goodnight and surprises her by heading to his own room. Norma falls asleep smiling. She wakes in the morning to find a note from Alex – he’s having the pit in front of the motel filled in. Nice wedding present, kudos to Alex! .
Dylan returns to the farm just in time to bid farewell to Gunner. He has also had enough of the weed business. Dylan was so looking forward to firing him; Gunner used to dig Emma. Dylan calls Emma to update her. While they chat on the phone, dusty mountain wacko, Chick (Ryan Hurst) hobbles into Dylan’s cabin looking for Caleb. He wants to thank him for the ass whuppin’…
Um, not in that condition pal. And when’s the last time you had a bath?
Alex is packing up at his place, making sure his cash stash is still there. It is and he bags it. He returns to Norma’s with a few more of his things. Dylan stops by the house, and Norma is so glad to see her son. She asks how Emma’s doing, and tells him she and Alex got married. Dylan’s a bit suspicious of Alex’s motives. It can’t just be about the insurance. Norma is surprised to find Alex in the basement, in Norman’s taxidermy studio. He jokes that he was down there to hide a bunch of money. Norma is taken with those paint-brush eyelashes of his. She laughs and offers to make him some dinner.
Back at Pineview, Norman mentions his blackouts. He angrily insists to Dr. Edwards that he’s there for help with his mother. Norman is so angry with her- she asks too much of him! Maybe that’s why he blacks out – yeah, that’s it. His defenses crumble and he explodes, his words coming faster and faster. His face is red, and his eyes full of tears and he’s afraid of what he might say. He storms out.
Norma, being the (s)mother she is, ignores that whole 72 hours thing. She too is worried about what Norman might say, but instead tells the staff he might benefit from seeing that she’s okay. Dr. Edwards makes an exception, and Norma finds her son in the recreation room. Unseen, she slips off her wedding ring and they go to a more quiet area to talk. Norman is livid and shouting at her. He refuses to keep his voice down. He says he will never forgive his mother for Pineview and walks away, leaving her stunned.
Back at home, Norma finds some peace with Alex. She’s so afraid Norman will admit the things he’s done. Alex comforts her with a passionate kiss and carries her up the stairs like Scarlett O’Hara, minus the struggle. Norma’s a frisky kitty. Back at Pineview, Norman has gone from zero to blast off, and is now confined in a secured room. Dr. Edwards comes to check on him. Norman tells the doctor that he believes his mother is crazy and may have killed some people. Dr. Edwards says if that’s true, that’s where the confidentiality ends. Norman is satisfied. He’s got Dr. Edwards right where he wants him.
Bates Motel airs Monday at 9/8c on A&E
