TV Review: Bates Motel S3, Episode #9 (Crazy)

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

EPISODE 9: Crazy

CHECKING IN: Norman (Freddie Highmore) fesses up as to his "mommy attraction", Norma (Vera Farminga) has to deal with a "pool" being dug up in front of her Motel,  Dylan (Max Thieriot) goes on a gun-run with his dad/uncle (Kenny Johnson) while Sheriff Romero (Nestor Carbonell) is looking for somebody to trust… with little luck… Busy time in Bates Land!

THE ROOM: Last night’s BATES MOTEL didn’t really move the story further much. It was all about heartfelt tete a tetes and confrontations. Norman (Freddie Highmore) and Norma (Vera Farminga) had it out and what came out of that is the “suggestion” that Norma may have killed Norman’s father and not him. I doubt that is the case, but the show put it out there for a reason A- Cause it’s true. B- To mess with us.  Not being content with one verbal beat-down in one day, Norma also exchanged harsh words with Sheriff Romero (Nestor Carbonell) in what was probably the most memorable scene of the episode.  

Sure, the sexual chemistry and the audience teasing in terms of them sharing spit was cranked up to HIGH but what truly grabbed me was witnessing Romero come undone, if for only a brief moment. Throughout 3 seasons, Romero has always had his shit together and skillfully hid any weaknesses being his token deadpan façade; this was the first time that I saw him be full on vulnerable and that humanized him even further. Good on ya Nestor Carbonell! They gave ya more meat to chew on; you ran with it and delivered! Kudos! Caleb’s (Kenny Johnson) mano et mano with Chick (Ryan Hurst) stood out too! But why in Crom’s name would Caleb mess the dude up, not kill him and book out of town?  We all know that Chick will now go after Dylan for some good old fashion retribution which in turn will probably lead to Caleb returning and getting killed. Or maybe I’m just too cynical. If I’m right, that was a shoddy piece of writing right there… Bates Motel is better than this!

Is she real or not real… I'm still on the fence…

Speaking of Caleb, I really dug his heart to heart with Norma about her tendency to run from the truth (oh so true) and how loony-tunes Norman really is. That bit re-opened Norma’s eyes for a moment and got her to re-focus on what matters: Norman being NUTS. A sturdy set-up for the final episode! Shit’s gonna get real! Finally, the winners of the “awww” moment of the week goes to Dylan and Emma who once again battled their mutual attraction for each other and managed to NOT take it to the nest level (they’re taking a cue from Norma and Romero). Max Thieriot and Olivia Cooke have an endearing chemistry together – it’s always swell (yes, swell, go with it) when they share a scene. I’m just wondering how long the show is gonna dick us around with their “thing”. In my book, lip service is long overdue with these two! Lets get to it!

On a sour note, I really don’t get WHY they brought back Bradley (Nicole Martin). I’m still not 100% sure that she’s real to be honest. If she winds up being in Norman’s head, that may lead to something bigger. But if she’s truly there, the only logical outcome will be Norman killing her (nobody will miss her, everybody thinks she’s already dead) and if that’s what goes down, I say “so what”?  I stopped caring about Bradley eons ago (I actually forgot she even existed) and having Norman whack her wouldn’t leave much of an impression on me – he has killed before ya know? So yeah, I am not 100% as to what the show's angle is with her… 

The blind leading the blind…

On the whole although last night’s episode basically threaded the same ground story wise; it still made for an enjoyable sit down due to the stellar performances and the minor shifts in the story line (Caleb leaving, Emma’s dad getting the dough etc.) They got one episode left to tie it all up and leave us satisfied and wanting more! Will they pull it off? Next week will tell! See y’all then!

RANDOM THOUGHTS: So who’s gonna wind up dying in the pit? Chick? Emma? My money is on Caleb…sadly… or Bob Paris if I’m lucky!

Now that her dad has the dough, will Emma live long enough …

Will Norma and Romero kiss in the last episode? How about Emma and Dylan? Place you bets!  I think Emma and Dylan will get it on but Romero and Norma won't… what think you?

One last time: is Bradley Martin REAL or in Norman's head? SHOOT!

RATING ON 10

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