Bates Motel: Season 1, Episode 2 "Nice Town You Picked, Norma"

Bates Motel: Season 1, Episode 2 "Nice Town You Picked, Norma"

March 25, 2013


After watching this second episode of Bates Motel, consider me impressed. I am still skeptical how the entire series will shake out, but I enjoyed what I have seen so far. It is obvious the show is still trying to find its footing and it clearly toys around with ideas to keep the interest of its audience. Some things may come out of the blue such as an adventure in a pot field and the plot being connected to Chinese sex slaves, but the cast really is worth watching as every actor or actress elevates the sometime-jarring material to another level. Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga continue to show a striking, almost sexual energy with each other. You can really see Vera’s dominance over her son come into play with this episode. We are also introduced to Dylan, played wonderfully by Max Theriot and he provides drama as an antagonist to the rest of the Bates family.



Much to the dismay of Norma Bates, her eldest son comes to town and decides to live with them. She hoped he would grab money from her and leave, but that is not the case. Bradley’s father is involved in a car crash near the motel and during the investigation, Sheriff Romero discovers Keith Summer’s car. Romero asks Norma questions about Summer’s possible disappearance. Norman’s relationships with his women continues. We were briefly introduced to Emma in the pilot, but we spend a lot of time with her here. Emma looks at a book of drawings Norman discovered involving a sex slave, and she thinks the events depicted in the drawings are real. Norman and Emma decide to lead their own personal investigation in the matter.



I really liked “Nice Town You Picked, Norma”, even though it is still searching for its grasp. The acting is what made this episode fun to watch. There were interesting moments and some funny moments. I loved when Norman introduces Emma to Norma. Norma reacts in a cold manner and trying to pronounce Emma’s last name is a nice bit of comedy. I was wondering how the Bates would fare with the fallout of the event that occurred with Keith Summers last episode, and those events show us more characterization of Sheriff Romero and introduces us to Deputy Shelby. There may be pot fields, or a mystery concerning random sex slaves, or people suddenly burning up in town, but we get a good sense more about the town and its people. The townsfolk seem quite suspicious. I liked this episode, and I am curious to see what is next.



My Grade: A-

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