The second episode of Bates Motel has aired, and the main plot of this episode is split between Norman's brother returning, and Norman discovering more about a book he found in episode 1. Also in this episode, the cops crack down on their hunt for the man Norma killed, Norman becomes more murderous, and Norman discovers some strange things in the woods with a new friend.
Now, I thought this episode was slower than the first one. While episode 1 really felt like Psycho, this episode more goes in its own direction. Personally, I like that. I don't want this to just redo Psycho, I want it to start something new. But, I also don't want it just inventing stuff in order to fill episode time, kind of like Smallville did later on in its run. It seems they are adding in some weird stuff when it comes to the book Norman found, and the strange occurrences in the woods. But overall, I was intrigued, and am definitely still interested in this show.
I also want to touch on an important scene. In the beginning, one of Norman's friends' father is found half dead and set on fire. At the end of the episode, Norma is driving through town and sees a crime scene. When she looks closer, she sees it is a body on fire hanging from a lamppost. I think that they are setting up a story arc with a killer lurking in Norman's town. This will probably teased throughout the season and it will lead to a cliffhanger at the season finale. Then season two will probably focus on the killer. Maybe this murderer even inspires Norman to kill?
Lastly, I want to talk about some very interesting character development between Norman and Norma. There is a very awkward, tense scene where Norma gets dressed in front of Norman. Norman finds it strange, but Norma tells Norman that she's his mother so it doesn't make it weird. Now, Psycho IV showed that there may have been some physical attraction between the two. I am wondering if they are setting that up for later in the season, or even season two.
So all in all, a good episode filled with great character and plot development. Not as much happens as in the first episode, but I enjoyed this episode thoroughly, and I will continue watching the series.
What did you think of this episode? Sound off below, and let me know!