Bates Motel - Refraction - Review

I’ve never been so impressed by a show's ability to keep me completely captivated. This season is outstanding with every episode drawing me in more and more. If you know the story of Psycho, then you can’t help but think things are not going to end well. Regardless of that nagging feeling I have I will maintain the hope and enjoy the ride. And what a crazy ride this show is! We’ve reached the midway point in the season with this episode, Refraction. I can’t help but think this episode is the foundation for all bad things to come. I’ve personally been waiting for this episode for a long time for numerous reasons. One of them, being Chick, is back and now he’s entered Norma’s life. I think we can all agree that Norma’s had enough trouble in her life. The past episode was a treat to see her happy but there’s a storm ahead, and it’s called Chick Hogan!

The incredible writing and extremely well planned storylines of this show are so unbelievably astonishing! Nothing in Bates Motel happens by accident and I love that! Ever since season three’s episode, The Arcanum Club I’ve been waiting to see why the only one that Caleb was introduced to as Dylan’s father was Chick. Now thirteen episodes later we observe Chick piece together one of Norma’s darkest secrets. It didn’t take long for him to connect the dots and it’s apparent that Chick having this information is not going to be good for Norma. I can’t wait to see how that unfolds but I’m fearful that things will deteriorate for her. One thing that I’ve become accustommed to with this show is when things appear peaceful and when people are happy, mainly Norma, it isn't too long before something disastrous is going to happen. As we witness in the last scene, Norma looked unbelievably happy as she sat in the kitchen looking at the newspaper article of her and Romero attending the winter festival. Moments later her world comes crumbling down when Chick confronts her. How will Norma handle this situation I wonder, as we know that this is most likely something she’s not going to be able to turn to Romero for help. I’ve always wanted to see her share that part of her life with him but somehow I feel that she doesn’t want to divulge that secret. Just another reason why I keep coming back for more, I have to see what crazy thing Norma is going to do next!

Another extraordinary aspect of this episode was the scenes with Norman and Dr. Edwards. Freddie Highmore has always been incredible but his acting this season has been beyond breathtaking. Seeing Norman in the therapy sessions was fascinating. In the beginning I felt that there was a glimpse of old Norman but it doesn’t take long for Dr. Edwards to trigger “Mother” to the surface, when he informs Norman that he believes Norma didn’t actually visit him, but instead she was a figment of his imagination. Having Edwards come face to face with “Mother” is such a pivotal moment. Will it be a good thing? I can’t help but be afraid for Edwards as in the past whoever meets “Mother” isn’t long for this world. Let's hope I’m being overly apprehensive and this is the start of Normans rehabilitation. I say this with complete denial of the inevitable ending. The great debate that I’m left with is was that Norma in the courtyard or was it “Mother”. Again, just another example of how amazing the writers are. It seems like Norma, but at the same time something appeared to be off. Would Norma tell Norman to do what he needs to to get out of Pineview? That sounds more like what someone would tell themselves in order to justify their way out of a situation.

As many of us suspected it was Rebecca that trashed the house and it looks like she had more reasons for doing so, beyond just looking for the key. With her visit to Romero outside the Sheriff’s station, she made it clear that she is in love with him and hasn’t taken to the news of his marriage. I can’t help but think she’s going to be a thorn in Romero’s side until she gets that key. Another aspect of this show that worries me, will Romero be able to handle this Rebecca situation or is this going to be the straw the broke the camel's back? She’s a loose end and when you add in the feelings of betrayal and jealousy that she is displaying it most likely will end badly. Let's pray that things work out in favour for Romero.

Being an Immense fan of Norma and Romero, I have to say that last scene of them just melted my heart. It was an emotionally stunning moment between those two and the kicker is it's what wasn’t said that was the most powerful aspect of that scene. What was said was amazing as well. I’ve been waiting for Norma to discover that Romero killed Bob and that he did it for her. I do have to say the “did you kill Bob Paris?” caught me off guard just like I’m sure it did for Romero. Witnessing his smile fade away and Norma following up with the “why did you do it?” was just perfect! You can tell that we are just starting to scratch the surface with these two. I can’t wait to see more of this new dynamic that they have going on. That being said, I’m very fearful this happiness isn’t going to last with all the external factors in play.

In what seems like a whole different world then the rest of the show, we have some sweet moments between Dylan and Emma. They’re very adorable as their relationship deepens and they move closer to leaving White Pine Bay. Is it possible there will be happy ending for them? I’m interested to see how that will unfold. How will Norma and Norman take the news? And will Audrey’s disappearance come to light, putting a hold on their plans? So many questions and so many reasons why I can’t wait for the next episode! What about you?

About the Author - Alexandra

Alexandra is an avid TV, film, and music fan from Canada. She attended film school and was a camera operator for a local sports show. Growing up she watched shows like Due South, Pretender, X-files, Early Edition, and Frasier. Her favourite shows are Bates Motel, The Mentalist, and The Closer. Alexandra will be reviewing Bates Motel, Proof, The Whispers and Masters of Sex.

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