Bates Motel: Season 1, Episode 5, "Ocean View"

Bates Motel: Season 1, Episode 5, "Ocean View"

April 15, 2013


I seem to be in the minority, but I liked this episode, “Ocean View.” Granted, many plot developments are thrown at us but I was more interested in the character development in all of our characters. In this episode, Norma is even loonier than usual, Norman continues to fall out with his mother but furthers his relationship with Emma (and moves further away from Bradley?), and Dylan decides to act brotherly towards Norman. As we progress farther into Season 1, Freddie Highmore is becoming more and more like Norman Bates and Vera Farmiga continues to shine as Norma.



After an eventful night with Bradley, Norman returns home to see that Norma has been arrested for the murder of Keith Summers. The judge posted bail for one-hundred grand, so Norman decides to post the motel as collateral. Norma, still salty over Norman opening up to Dylan, tells them both to stay out of her business. Dylan mentions to Norman that he can live with him and his new friend/co-worker is shot, so he seeks revenge. Meanwhile, Dylan and Emma continue on their adventure for the Chinese sex slave and they discover her on Officer Shelby’s boat. After a sexually-charged night, Bradley ignores Norman’s texts.



This episode has a lot going on so it’s best to pay attention or you may miss something. The tone is all over the place so I can see why it would be jarring. One moment it is a teen drama, next moment it’s an adventure story, and the next moment a bumbling comedy. I think that worked well with me because this does not have to be entirely a psychological horror drama, but it can be about the growing pains of a teenager. The relationships between Norman and the girls affected me here. It is clear that Emma has a crush on Norman, but it is painful to see because her illness is getting in the way and Norman is still pining over Bradley despite her being a no-show. I also liked how the Norma is introduced to the Chinese sex slave drama, but she does not believe a single word of it mainly because she believes in Officer Shelby. That might be a big mistake, Norma.



My Grade: A-

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