Having Norman beaten and bloodied while driving the car and happily thinking he's talking to Norma, that freaking ripped my heart out. First because, you see how broken he truly is. He just wants to be with Norma. The blood on his face, the messed up hair- and shifting from what he's so desperate for to his sad broken reality- that tore me up more than when he died. He was just so messed up. Physically and mentally. And then when he has Dylan over and is so sweet and happy. I don't know why but when he said "poor Dylan. Poor, poor Dylan. It's alright." Broken heart. He's so screwed. He can never go back to a life he can live with. That's what that scene was all about, and to see him be so caring to Dylan as he tries so hard to hold this imaginary reality together, trying to take care of Dylan as his own world is barely staying together-I'm going to cry again. The second thing about when he's driving and "talking to Norma" is that you remember how hopeful everything was. There were all these possibilities in front of them. A new life and happiness. And all of that is completely gone. Destroyed beyond any hope. And yet Norman wants to will it back- as we see him simply bloodied, battered, and alone. Gutted me 😞
Mayfloweralways Totally agree with you! Such a tragic story of a young man's mental torture. Poor Norman was so unwell- i think all the world-class psychiatrists and all the meds wouldn't have healed him. He was beyond help and too far gone in his world. Sadly, death was the only peace.
Well don't forget that mother went away in the end, so that part might have taken care of it. But it's sad he couldn't deal with things we all deal with - a parent falling in love with another partner, loss of a parent (we don't normally kill our parent, but Norman didn't know he killed her until the end anyway). Norman and Norma did not have a healthy relationship at any point, but I guarantee you I was as close to my mother as any daughter. It really hurt when she died. And I wish Norman could have just dealt with it. But he did have that little "mother" problem to deal with.
That juxtaposition was marvelous, wasn't it!? Magnified the tragedy like crazy. Faced with unimaginable grief, all he could do was go back to the start, when life was theirs for the taking and nothing seemed impossible. Trauma, abuse, and death behind them - coastal wind in their hair and keys to the motel - the future - in their hands. And there Norman was, just lucid enough to pull Dylan into the beautiful delusion of familial bliss. Even without Mother, he channeled the same kind of care that Norma always used to show him when he was overwhelmed and afraid. Gooooood, this show is something else. Nothing will ever adequately take its place.
***** Absolutely! Also, the little subtle scene I noticed was just after Dylan threw up after seeing "Norma". Norman heard him and came back, asking (with food in hand) "Are you two ok in there?" Norman's facial expression when he saw Dylan be sick and then looking over at Norma - that whole reaction - I just felt it brought back some reality to Norman and then he tried to cover it all up with the excuse Dylan was sick. The following scene of them in the kitchen confronting the reality and Dylan saying what he wished for Norman was truly heartbreaking! 😢
The scene with Norman trying to get his family to sit together at the table was SO incredibly sad. Norma's mascara running as if she's crying about the horror of the situation... so well written.
I think Norman dying was the best thing for him, that way no one else would get hurt and he'd be at peace. Plus that way they won't have to cash in on this in the future with more movies like the original Psycho did, I liked 2 tho. P.S. Love the whole purple vibe you got going, reminds me of Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix! :D
The story of the Bates family over the course of these 5 seasons has to be one of the saddest things that I have seen on TV. You just want Norman to get better, you want everyone involved to get him help, but we all knew that was never going to happen. The flashbacks were just painful to watch, to see what once was. And then Dylan talking about what could never be. You want the best for these incredibly compelling characters, but all everything was just meant for tragedy. And to me that is what made Bates motel stand out from the other shows about serial killers. It's making us understand the problems of Norman bates, seeing his journey and struggle with his mental health while knowing none of this is gonna have a happy ending. The dramatic irony in this show was the most powerful aspect of this show. I wonder how this show was for people who haven't seen Psycho, because I imagine their experience is very different.
Something about Norman speaking to Mother right after he kills Romero is the most chilling, and equally heartwarming portrayal of Norman's craziness and desperation ever. He has truly lost touch of reality completely, or has chosen to fully live in the one in his head. The scene with Norman smiling, covered in blood driving with Norma in the backseat truly captures the essence of the whole show and relationship between Mother and son perfectly. Hit me much harder than I expected, and truly heartbreaking how Dylan, the one person who was least present in Norman's life, ends up being both his demise, as well as the one who understood Norman the most, as much as a level headed person could. Beautiful and tragic. Wish it was longer! Great review, and gorgeous eyes btw!
I also cried last night. It was such a tragic and bittersweet ending but honestly, I couldn't see it ending any other way. Although I do feel a sense of loss with this finale, it is also oddly comforting to know that for this Norman Bates that we've come to know, love, and care about ultimately /does/ get a happy ending despite the tragedy of it all. I am going to miss this show. The chemistry between Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore is really what drove the show for me and many others no doubt. I shall revisit Bates Motel again someday.
I completely agree with you. The ending was tragic, but so, so fitting. I loved it. I know some people think the Norman/Norma love story is twisted and strange. Is it unconventional? Is it non traditional? Absolutely yes. However, Vera said it best once, Bates is a love story, one that transcends even death. The fact is, there was no other way. Norman was a killer, yes, and that's a bad thing. However, he was also very much a child, one who just wanted to feel safe and protected. He was completely broken at the realization that he was the one to take Norma's life. He never wanted to lose the only person who ever made him feel safe. Dylan knew that there would be no peace for Norman in his world, so he gave him the gift of returning him to a peaceful place with Norma. It was his last act of love for him, and, in a way, for Norma, too.
ive been here since your dexter reviews and every time you give a heartfelt, detailed analysis of everything. i hopped on this show late having to binge it to catch up. i really loved the how everything was tied up and how it fell down to the character i hated the most in season 1 and eventually became my favorite character of the series to put an end to this story. Im glad im still here and i cant wait to see what you review next. which reminds me that i need to finish legion 😂
I'm going to miss Bates Motel. Wish they could've done more episodes. Freddie did an amazing job as Norman and Vera as Norma. Would it be more tragic to see Norman getting lethal injection and slipping away peacefully? I still loved the finale though.
It was a marvelous finale to such an incredible run. My heart was full when Norman ran into his mothers arms into eternal bliss. If the cord would have severed my heart would have been broken. Also great reviews for this show. It's awesome how you've stuck with it all these years. You have eminent taste in television shows👍
Still processing that this is the end of this amazing show,I love everything about it although I'm Abit sad also happy the way it wrapped up.Thank you for doing these great reviews.
I absolutely loved this show! Sad to see it end, but relieved to see Norman joined together with Mother again. This show will always have a piece of my heart. ❤️
Fantastic show. Great drama, comedy and acting. Freddie did a great job playing Norman. And Vera, she was incredible, these two had an amazing chemistry together. Will miss the show very much.
Sarah Wedlund thing is, we don't know they're together in the end; they're both dead, and gone wherever dead people go. Many different theories on that, but it _does not_ tell us that they are together now.
Mooky Blaylock Lol I don't think you can cut a serial killer any "slack". But what this show did wonderfully was how they made us empathize for a Psycho like Norman and care for his well being
Arusha Braithwaite Norman didn't kill all those people, Mother did. He wasn't in full control of his actions. Norman himself killed only two people, one in self defense. Crazy circumstances that are sad all around, with no happy ending. He went through a lot, and far more than most people.
Filming In Portland He killed all those people. If a man with mental illness (multiple personalities) rapes a child, you're telling me he should have a "happy ending" bc he didn't do it?
LosAnggraito Of course you can. Norman wasn't in full control of what he did, with Mother taking over for much of his atrocities. It's a tragic situation that Norman had little control over. Anyone with that mental illness would do the same thing. There aren't always black and white "good" and "bad" people in life. And btw he wasn't truly a psycho, as in psychopath, which is what I think is assumed in the movie. These are not at all psychopathic traits. Severe mental illness of another kind.
Jess Miller Killer or not, this mental illness would cause _anyone_ to be a killer. Mental illness can be a horrendous thing, and with it can come horrible circumstances. Don't think you or anyone else would escape them. _That_ is what is deserving of sympathy, the horrendous things that are beyond one's control with some types of mental illness. There are no winners. And with Norman being completely fictional (and I'm not sure any mental illness exists quite like his in real life anyway), I think we can afford a little sympathy for him, as well as his victims.
I think since he was Normans DR and was missing about a year after Norma died, "Mother" most likely killed him because he probably was checking on him. Also, we know what happened to Caleb and Dylan didnt know about a lot of the bodies.
Mooky Blaylock I don't think so; others talked to and about the doctor throughout. The pharmacist was talking about him disappearing - that's a real person. Where did Carlton talk about this? Surprised I missed it, and I need to look it up now.
Such a great show I'm gonna miss watching Norman and his crazy life. My favorite episode is still the dinner episode from season 3 episode 7. Loved seeing Norma allow Caleb to join them and have dinner with her new family. Thanks for the reviews EmmightySofia I looked forward to watching them after every episode.
I just finished the finale . I know I'm 4 months late 😂😂 that finale was so tragic 😭😭 I cried but it was the only way it could've ended . It's low-key a dark twisted demented version of Romeo and Juliette . But it was a great finale . I've had to watch many of favourite shows end this year . Which is a first for me but by far Bates Motel had the best finale for me .
that ep was so SAD but so good! I love you(like a friend). thanks for the review bud. PS... I didn't realize that was Ella Fitzgerald I was wondering why it sounded familiar
bobbyw223 Yessss! I think it was a different recording of the song, but I know Ella's version so well. Yeah, talk about ending things on a high note. That's the "sweet sorrow" kind of parting right there. I will be reeling for the next few days.
EmmightySofia it's so crazy that the only reason I started watching this show was because the 1st ep was free back in 2013. an I ended up falling in love. now 4 years later we have to say goodbye.. bittersweet
Excellent review. I hope Freddie and Vera are recognized for their superior portrayals as Norman and Norma with awards they deserve. I will miss this show so much. RIP Norman and Norma...love lives on in the great beyond.😥
Garry Williams At first, i also~ wanted him to find out about Caleb. I'm glad he didn't, they dumped so much guilt,regret, sorrow, upon Dylan(in these past few episodes), learning about Caleb, would've been to much.
Garry Williams At first, i also~ wanted him to find out about Caleb. I'm glad he didn't, they dumped so much guilt,regret, sorrow, upon Dylan(in these past few episodes), learning about Caleb, would've been to much.
Wouldn't have tuned into Bates Motel without your recommendation back then following the Dexter days. Want to give some thanks for that. This was a very pleasant journey to follow and thankfully one that gives a satisfying conclusion. Still keeping hope up for someone to revive Hannibal.
Roger Smith I think a couple of things. 1 it's fitting to the character that he would find a way out for revenge. 2 he's the very reason Norman was able to get out of jail and back home. 3 his dying words made Norman finally see that he killed Norma, which lead to his final breakdown. Romero is the only character that has outright told Norman he killed his mother
I am DEFINITELY saving a Galavant review for a rainy day. I love that show so much, regardless of how short-lived it was. (Curse you, plug-pullers at ABC.) That series unfailingly pulled me out of my gloomiest moods. ^__^
Dillon was the only one spared. Romero got the short end of the stick (it would have been the opposite irl). Those flashbacks with Norma made it all worthwhile, though. Her character was perfection.
dudeitskory How did he get the short end of the stick? He wasn't an innocent either, and after Norma's death (that he assumed all along was Norman's fault without _any_ proof of any kind), he really went off the deep end into dark territory, very nasty and beyond what good people would normally do. I don't really feel too bad for him, despite how much I liked his character earlier in the show.
Filming In Portland My main point is that if any character was to take out Norman, it would have been and should have been Romero. Dylan would have been eaten alive. Lbr.
@dudeitskory Romero seeked revenge, it made sense that he didn't get it. Romero has always killed people he doesn't like or people who have gotten in his way. It was nice to see Norman take him out the way he did. Romero underestimated Norman and it lead to his death. As for Dylan, if Norman wanted him dead he would have been dead. But Norman loved Dylan and wanted to protect him from Mother. In the end Norman knew that he couldn't live without Norma so he silently begged Dylan to kill him. He never intended to actually hurt Dylan, he just wanted to push him to kill him. As for Dylan he wanted his brother to be happy even if that meant he had to kill him. Norman dying in the arms of someone who loved him was better than him dying at the hands of someone who hated him.
I love the song "Dream a little dream of me" but I feel they could have chosen a better recording of it, the one they chose felt like it wasn't the best recording of the song
I've always wondered why he didn't want to die until the end when his version of "Norma" left him after he killed Romero. I mean he found out at the end of episode 6 Norma was really dead. Why didn't he want to die as soon as he found that out?🤔 opinions anyone??
I just watched the episode, and while it was the best episodes in this season, it left me cold for some reason. I guess it just didn't do anything unexpected. It was clear that Norman would either get inprisoned or killed. I don't know, it just disapointed me...
Moritz Echsel the finale wasn't focusing on being unexpected in any way but having closure for all these characters and showing how much all the characters have grown. I loved the finale, I thought it was perfect for ending the series the way it should.
Moritz Echsel , surprise is overrated. Ever see "quantum leap"? It's on Netflix if you haven't. Fans that watched it all the way through were basically screwed. The ending made no sense whatsoever and gave no real closure. I love that Bates looked at the whole show and reminded us of where we started, to really see how far Norman had fallen, that Norman had gone so far into his own mental illness that his whole world was destroyed. At best he was going to a terrible state-run mental facility. Just like he said. He was truly out of options. I thought the finale showed that beautifully as well as the fact that Norman was not capable of being without mother and away from the house by that point. So really it ended the only way that made sense. If they had pulled some trick that didn't jive with what we were shown all along, I think people would be more upset.
I guess after watching Breaking Bad Game of Thrones The Walking Dead I expect a huge finish to such an amazing show. I really loved all the actors in the show. But I honestly think it could have closed out differently. If Romero would have killed Norman and Dylan would have killed Ramiro that would have blown my mind. but I'm definitely subscribing thank you
Am i the only who cried really hard when norma and norman finally reunited, i just want to call my mom and tell her that i love her so much. It is really emotional when you realised how much norman loves her mother so much and that he rather die to be with her forever
best episode ever = the death of Norma (still remember those feel) #SPOILER Norman altered his mind amazingly to made him not feel any hurt in his body & his mental/feeling. Mother became his 'cure' & the last time we saw he made all his house, motel & the past as his 'cure'/'super cure'*. - That scene when a fine lady asked Dylan to accompany him. That got me thinking.. is there any future season..? cause it's not coherent with that dynamic within Norman-Romero-Police-also The Cure*.
the execution for this episode, the big big end not so satisfying. but the writing of this just flawless. #BINGE WATCH IT just a right thing to do for everyone.
9:00 so Norma & Norman just went to paradise in their universe. white soft heart like Norma & not-a-serial-killer Norman, just happened to experience unluck in earth & their innocent essence sent them to 'heaven'.
I'm an emotional wreck! I didn't think I would be so emotional no matter what happened but the second I saw little Norman in Norma's arms I was bawling like a baby
I was in tears from the moment Mother left Norman. As soon as the endgame was truly in sight, my own vision was blurry with tears. My heart was so full. I knew he would go knockin' on heaven's door.
I was disappointed with the ending. It was too safe and predictable. That's the problem with American shows, they never end too fucked up. This was a horrific story. Why did Dylan have to be the one to kill him? If it wasn't for your review I would be sick. I love this show, I've watched almost all your reviews, but I'm not happy with this ending. They should've stuck to the story and had Norman put in the looney bin. There could be a whole other story there.
Edwin Rivas you guys are missing the point of the events of the finale, yeah it was expected but it was necessary. None of it was about being unexpected, it was about closure for all of these characters and how each character individually get what they always wanted and that's why I love this finale.
Edwin Rivas Do you even watch the show? Have you watched season 5? It's not a prequel, it's a reimagining. Season 5 does its own version of the original Psycho story, changing it up and making it relevant for the story they are telling in season 5.
totally disagree, i think this ending five you a bigger punch in the head, makes you cry, and just norman's in a mental institution, it was too true to the original psycho... i was betting on norman's death for a great ending, i didn't see it coming from dylan...
Mooky Blaylock they sprinkled bits from some of the major events of the original film, exactly. The show was still considered a prequel series when season 4 ended, but season 5 did its own thing with the source material, also completely changing the narrative and having Norman killed off. They went past the original ending which was Norman in the prison cell of the police precinct. I noticed Easter eggs from the original film watching Norman in the time that he was in the prison cell. You can't say season 5 is still a prequel story if it's directly recreating and redirecting events of the original. It may still be continuing Normans path to complete delusion, but that is just part of the overarching story of the entire show.
Edwin Rivas I don't think this was safe and predictable at all. Predictable would have been following the movie, which they never followed too close. This is the only way it _could_ have ended. I don't think him being in a loony bin would have fit the show at all. So I really disagree with you there. There are plenty of other shows that end sadly. Dexter, for one, and many much worse.
I'm ok with the ending but not with the episode... it should have been more climatic and less predictable. I found it so weak for such strong and solid season.
Having Norman beaten and bloodied while driving the car and happily thinking he's talking to Norma, that freaking ripped my heart out. First because, you see how broken he truly is. He just wants to be with Norma. The blood on his face, the messed up hair- and shifting from what he's so desperate for to his sad broken reality- that tore me up more than when he died. He was just so messed up. Physically and mentally. And then when he has Dylan over and is so sweet and happy. I don't know why but when he said "poor Dylan. Poor, poor Dylan. It's alright." Broken heart. He's so screwed. He can never go back to a life he can live with. That's what that scene was all about, and to see him be so caring to Dylan as he tries so hard to hold this imaginary reality together, trying to take care of Dylan as his own world is barely staying together-I'm going to cry again.
The second thing about when he's driving and "talking to Norma" is that you remember how hopeful everything was. There were all these possibilities in front of them. A new life and happiness. And all of that is completely gone. Destroyed beyond any hope. And yet Norman wants to will it back- as we see him simply bloodied, battered, and alone. Gutted me 😞
Mayfloweralways Totally agree with you! Such a tragic story of a young man's mental torture. Poor Norman was so unwell- i think all the world-class psychiatrists and all the meds wouldn't have healed him. He was beyond help and too far gone in his world. Sadly, death was the only peace.
Well don't forget that mother went away in the end, so that part might have taken care of it.
But it's sad he couldn't deal with things we all deal with - a parent falling in love with another partner, loss of a parent (we don't normally kill our parent, but Norman didn't know he killed her until the end anyway). Norman and Norma did not have a healthy relationship at any point, but I guarantee you I was as close to my mother as any daughter. It really hurt when she died. And I wish Norman could have just dealt with it. But he did have that little "mother" problem to deal with.
That juxtaposition was marvelous, wasn't it!? Magnified the tragedy like crazy. Faced with unimaginable grief, all he could do was go back to the start, when life was theirs for the taking and nothing seemed impossible. Trauma, abuse, and death behind them - coastal wind in their hair and keys to the motel - the future - in their hands. And there Norman was, just lucid enough to pull Dylan into the beautiful delusion of familial bliss. Even without Mother, he channeled the same kind of care that Norma always used to show him when he was overwhelmed and afraid. Gooooood, this show is something else. Nothing will ever adequately take its place.
Filming In Portland Yes, very true! And I'm so sorry that you lost your mum.
***** Absolutely! Also, the little subtle scene I noticed was just after Dylan threw up after seeing "Norma". Norman heard him and came back, asking (with food in hand) "Are you two ok in there?" Norman's facial expression when he saw Dylan be sick and then looking over at Norma - that whole reaction - I just felt it brought back some reality to Norman and then he tried to cover it all up with the excuse Dylan was sick. The following scene of them in the kitchen confronting the reality and Dylan saying what he wished for Norman was truly heartbreaking! 😢
The scene with Norman trying to get his family to sit together at the table was SO incredibly sad. Norma's mascara running as if she's crying about the horror of the situation... so well written.
I think Norman dying was the best thing for him, that way no one else would get hurt and he'd be at peace. Plus that way they won't have to cash in on this in the future with more movies like the original Psycho did, I liked 2 tho. P.S. Love the whole purple vibe you got going, reminds me of Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix! :D
The story of the Bates family over the course of these 5 seasons has to be one of the saddest things that I have seen on TV. You just want Norman to get better, you want everyone involved to get him help, but we all knew that was never going to happen. The flashbacks were just painful to watch, to see what once was. And then Dylan talking about what could never be. You want the best for these incredibly compelling characters, but all everything was just meant for tragedy.
And to me that is what made Bates motel stand out from the other shows about serial killers. It's making us understand the problems of Norman bates, seeing his journey and struggle with his mental health while knowing none of this is gonna have a happy ending. The dramatic irony in this show was the most powerful aspect of this show.
I wonder how this show was for people who haven't seen Psycho, because I imagine their experience is very different.
I ever seen Psycho . I started watching Bates Motel on netfix. And i am sad it is over.
Watch it! It's such a fantastic film that holds up to this day. :)
Did you know Norman was gonna end up being the way he did?
I was kind of surprised because I thought we was going to survive the whole series.
Henro T I don't see the "dramatic irony" - what's ironic?
anna nixon why? Why haven't you seen it??
I cried at that last episode! this summer I'm rewatching the series. it was too good. 😢😢😢
Claireness Punkster totally!!
Romero went through all that hell as a fugitive in pursuit of Norman just to end up getting killed by him lol.
Something about Norman speaking to Mother right after he kills Romero is the most chilling, and equally heartwarming portrayal of Norman's craziness and desperation ever. He has truly lost touch of reality completely, or has chosen to fully live in the one in his head. The scene with Norman smiling, covered in blood driving with Norma in the backseat truly captures the essence of the whole show and relationship between Mother and son perfectly. Hit me much harder than I expected, and truly heartbreaking how Dylan, the one person who was least present in Norman's life, ends up being both his demise, as well as the one who understood Norman the most, as much as a level headed person could. Beautiful and tragic. Wish it was longer! Great review, and gorgeous eyes btw!
I also cried last night. It was such a tragic and bittersweet ending but honestly, I couldn't see it ending any other way. Although I do feel a sense of loss with this finale, it is also oddly comforting to know that for this Norman Bates that we've come to know, love, and care about ultimately /does/ get a happy ending despite the tragedy of it all. I am going to miss this show. The chemistry between Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore is really what drove the show for me and many others no doubt. I shall revisit Bates Motel again someday.
I completely agree with you. The ending was tragic, but so, so fitting. I loved it. I know some people think the Norman/Norma love story is twisted and strange. Is it unconventional? Is it non traditional? Absolutely yes. However, Vera said it best once, Bates is a love story, one that transcends even death. The fact is, there was no other way. Norman was a killer, yes, and that's a bad thing. However, he was also very much a child, one who just wanted to feel safe and protected. He was completely broken at the realization that he was the one to take Norma's life. He never wanted to lose the only person who ever made him feel safe. Dylan knew that there would be no peace for Norman in his world, so he gave him the gift of returning him to a peaceful place with Norma. It was his last act of love for him, and, in a way, for Norma, too.
I broke down when the child Norman hugged Norma... it was so bittersweet
ive been here since your dexter reviews and every time you give a heartfelt, detailed analysis of everything. i hopped on this show late having to binge it to catch up. i really loved the how everything was tied up and how it fell down to the character i hated the most in season 1 and eventually became my favorite character of the series to put an end to this story. Im glad im still here and i cant wait to see what you review next. which reminds me that i need to finish legion 😂
Definitely going down in history as one of my favorite shows of all time.
One word for this show: bittersweet
I'm going to miss Bates Motel. Wish they could've done more episodes. Freddie did an amazing job as Norman and Vera as Norma. Would it be more tragic to see Norman getting lethal injection and slipping away peacefully? I still loved the finale though.
It was a marvelous finale to such an incredible run. My heart was full when Norman ran into his mothers arms into eternal bliss. If the cord would have severed my heart would have been broken. Also great reviews for this show. It's awesome how you've stuck with it all these years. You have eminent taste in television shows👍
Still processing that this is the end of this amazing show,I love everything about it although I'm Abit sad also happy the way it wrapped up.Thank you for doing these great reviews.
I absolutely loved this show! Sad to see it end, but relieved to see Norman joined together with Mother again. This show will always have a piece of my heart. ❤️
Fantastic show. Great drama, comedy and acting. Freddie did a great job playing Norman. And Vera, she was incredible, these two had an amazing chemistry together. Will miss the show very much.
Sarah Wedlund thing is, we don't know they're together in the end; they're both dead, and gone wherever dead people go. Many different theories on that, but it _does not_ tell us that they are together now.
They're together in the ground. It's just a show. No one actually died.
I feel like he didn't deserve a happy ending. In Norma's final days he treated her with so much disrespect and he killed multiple people.
Mooky Blaylock Lol I don't think you can cut a serial killer any "slack". But what this show did wonderfully was how they made us empathize for a Psycho like Norman and care for his well being
Arusha Braithwaite Norman didn't kill all those people, Mother did. He wasn't in full control of his actions. Norman himself killed only two people, one in self defense. Crazy circumstances that are sad all around, with no happy ending. He went through a lot, and far more than most people.
Filming In Portland He killed all those people. If a man with mental illness (multiple personalities) rapes a child, you're telling me he should have a "happy ending" bc he didn't do it?
LosAnggraito Of course you can. Norman wasn't in full control of what he did, with Mother taking over for much of his atrocities. It's a tragic situation that Norman had little control over. Anyone with that mental illness would do the same thing. There aren't always black and white "good" and "bad" people in life.
And btw he wasn't truly a psycho, as in psychopath, which is what I think is assumed in the movie. These are not at all psychopathic traits. Severe mental illness of another kind.
Jess Miller Killer or not, this mental illness would cause _anyone_ to be a killer. Mental illness can be a horrendous thing, and with it can come horrible circumstances. Don't think you or anyone else would escape them. _That_ is what is deserving of sympathy, the horrendous things that are beyond one's control with some types of mental illness. There are no winners.
And with Norman being completely fictional (and I'm not sure any mental illness exists quite like his in real life anyway), I think we can afford a little sympathy for him, as well as his victims.
after all, what really happened to the doctor?
He was probably killed by Norma because he was getting in the way, I mean he can still be alive but that wouldn't make sense on why he disappeared.
I think since he was Normans DR and was missing about a year after Norma died, "Mother" most likely killed him because he probably was checking on him. Also, we know what happened to Caleb and Dylan didnt know about a lot of the bodies.
Disney Just For You I was curious about that also
Mooky Blaylock I don't think so; others talked to and about the doctor throughout. The pharmacist was talking about him disappearing - that's a real person. Where did Carlton talk about this? Surprised I missed it, and I need to look it up now.
Filming in Portland,I think Carlton meant the lunch with the Dr was a hallucination. The Dr was real but that lunch wasn't.
I could listen to your beautiful voice all day! I recently watched this show for the first time, and then watched it again, absolutely loved it!
Can you do videos where you just sing or sound cloud? I can't be the only one that likes your singing.
jon doe your not the only one!
jon doe there are several, just go to her videos listing. They're older, so sort by age.
I intend to record more music. ^__^ And in the not-too-distant future, a podcast! Whee!
yay! thank you!
Such a great show I'm gonna miss watching Norman and his crazy life. My favorite episode is still the dinner episode from season 3 episode 7. Loved seeing Norma allow Caleb to join them and have dinner with her new family. Thanks for the reviews EmmightySofia I looked forward to watching them after every episode.
Awesome review. I love the way they chose to end it despite it being very tragic 😭
I just finished the finale . I know I'm 4 months late 😂😂 that finale was so tragic 😭😭 I cried but it was the only way it could've ended . It's low-key a dark twisted demented version of Romeo and Juliette . But it was a great finale . I've had to watch many of favourite shows end this year . Which is a first for me but by far Bates Motel had the best finale for me .
that ep was so SAD but so good! I love you(like a friend). thanks for the review bud. PS... I didn't realize that was Ella Fitzgerald I was wondering why it sounded familiar
bobbyw223 Always. ❤
EmmightySofia I didn't realize that was Ella Fitzgerald! no wonder that sounded so familiar. sad to see the show go but what a great/sad ending
bobbyw223 Yessss! I think it was a different recording of the song, but I know Ella's version so well. Yeah, talk about ending things on a high note. That's the "sweet sorrow" kind of parting right there. I will be reeling for the next few days.
EmmightySofia it's so crazy that the only reason I started watching this show was because the 1st ep was free back in 2013. an I ended up falling in love. now 4 years later we have to say goodbye.. bittersweet
Excellent review. I hope Freddie and Vera are recognized for their superior portrayals as Norman and Norma with awards they deserve. I will miss this show so much. RIP Norman and Norma...love lives on in the great beyond.😥
I really wish Dylan had found out about Caleb. Other than that, no complaints.
Garry Williams At first, i also~ wanted him to find out about Caleb. I'm glad he didn't, they dumped so much guilt,regret, sorrow, upon Dylan(in these past few episodes), learning about Caleb, would've been to much.
Garry Williams At first, i also~ wanted him to find out about Caleb. I'm glad he didn't, they dumped so much guilt,regret, sorrow, upon Dylan(in these past few episodes), learning about Caleb, would've been to much.
Mooky Blaylock yup, definitely!
I LOVED the finale! I was hoping Norman would be put out of his torture. So happy to see Dylan, Emma and their daughter were fine in the end.
nista 4ever yeah me too. I was afraid they wouldn't last :-( nothing good lasts in this show.
Wouldn't have tuned into Bates Motel without your recommendation back then following the Dexter days. Want to give some thanks for that. This was a very pleasant journey to follow and thankfully one that gives a satisfying conclusion. Still keeping hope up for someone to revive Hannibal.
I was hoping that they would recreate psycho for the finale.
I'm left trying to figure out what purpose Romero even served coming back this season.
Roger Smith I think a couple of things. 1 it's fitting to the character that he would find a way out for revenge. 2 he's the very reason Norman was able to get out of jail and back home. 3 his dying words made Norman finally see that he killed Norma, which lead to his final breakdown. Romero is the only character that has outright told Norman he killed his mother
#ahh! GALAVANT!
do the series or finale review.. wanting to watch that since couple of episodes watched
I am DEFINITELY saving a Galavant review for a rainy day. I love that show so much, regardless of how short-lived it was. (Curse you, plug-pullers at ABC.) That series unfailingly pulled me out of my gloomiest moods. ^__^
1. You have an awesome singing voice! 2. I love Bates Motel but I was hoping it would've been more like a prequel to Psycho.
There were many tragic scenes. Especially the girl that Norman loved. Was it Bailey? I can't remember her name.
Farewell Bates Motel & farewell Emily.....where ever you are.
one of the few finales that made me shed a tear such an amazing and great ending
Dillon was the only one spared. Romero got the short end of the stick (it would have been the opposite irl).
Those flashbacks with Norma made it all worthwhile, though. Her character was perfection.
dudeitskory How did he get the short end of the stick? He wasn't an innocent either, and after Norma's death (that he assumed all along was Norman's fault without _any_ proof of any kind), he really went off the deep end into dark territory, very nasty and beyond what good people would normally do. I don't really feel too bad for him, despite how much I liked his character earlier in the show.
Filming In Portland My main point is that if any character was to take out Norman, it would have been and should have been Romero.
Dylan would have been eaten alive. Lbr.
@dudeitskory Romero seeked revenge, it made sense that he didn't get it. Romero has always killed people he doesn't like or people who have gotten in his way. It was nice to see Norman take him out the way he did. Romero underestimated Norman and it lead to his death. As for Dylan, if Norman wanted him dead he would have been dead. But Norman loved Dylan and wanted to protect him from Mother. In the end Norman knew that he couldn't live without Norma so he silently begged Dylan to kill him. He never intended to actually hurt Dylan, he just wanted to push him to kill him. As for Dylan he wanted his brother to be happy even if that meant he had to kill him. Norman dying in the arms of someone who loved him was better than him dying at the hands of someone who hated him.
I love the song "Dream a little dream of me" but I feel they could have chosen a better recording of it, the one they chose felt like it wasn't the best recording of the song
I liked how it ended. A part of me wishes they used mothers anti- fly swatting at some point though.
J. F.G same!!!
I wonder how many people have seen the original.
Oh how I wish it never ended. however a great ending.
i wish i could get as emotional as you do when watching tv series.
Maybe you can?
this vid became reminder to watch the episode
Doooooo iiiiiiit. (To be fair, I'm currently behind on Better Call Saul because I got so wrapped up in this episode. We've both got our homework.)
I'm even not starting to watch Breaking Bad & Saul yet
I've always wondered why he didn't want to die until the end when his version of "Norma" left him after he killed Romero. I mean he found out at the end of episode 6 Norma was really dead. Why didn't he want to die as soon as he found that out?🤔 opinions anyone??
how could they kill Norman? wouldn't psycho never happen if Norman has died? can somebody help me please I'm so confused ahaha
I just watched the episode, and while it was the best episodes in this season, it left me cold for some reason. I guess it just didn't do anything unexpected. It was clear that Norman would either get inprisoned or killed.
I don't know, it just disapointed me...
Moritz Echsel the finale wasn't focusing on being unexpected in any way but having closure for all these characters and showing how much all the characters have grown. I loved the finale, I thought it was perfect for ending the series the way it should.
Moritz Echsel same.
Moritz Echsel , surprise is overrated. Ever see "quantum leap"? It's on Netflix if you haven't. Fans that watched it all the way through were basically screwed. The ending made no sense whatsoever and gave no real closure. I love that Bates looked at the whole show and reminded us of where we started, to really see how far Norman had fallen, that Norman had gone so far into his own mental illness that his whole world was destroyed. At best he was going to a terrible state-run mental facility. Just like he said. He was truly out of options. I thought the finale showed that beautifully as well as the fact that Norman was not capable of being without mother and away from the house by that point. So really it ended the only way that made sense. If they had pulled some trick that didn't jive with what we were shown all along, I think people would be more upset.
I remember your Hannibal videos... :)
you are such a good singer Emily lol
I guess after watching Breaking Bad Game of Thrones The Walking Dead I expect a huge finish to such an amazing show. I really loved all the actors in the show. But I honestly think it could have closed out differently. If Romero would have killed Norman and Dylan would have killed Ramiro that would have blown my mind. but I'm definitely subscribing thank you
Am i the only who cried really hard when norma and norman finally reunited, i just want to call my mom and tell her that i love her so much. It is really emotional when you realised how much norman loves her mother so much and that he rather die to be with her forever
Emrys Kyle Dalkan it was really sweet. he loved her dearly.
best episode ever = the death of Norma (still remember those feel)
#SPOILER
Norman altered his mind amazingly to made him not feel any hurt in his body & his mental/feeling.
Mother became his 'cure' & the last time we saw he made all his house, motel & the past as his 'cure'/'super cure'*.
-
That scene when a fine lady asked Dylan to accompany him. That got me thinking.. is there any future season..? cause it's not coherent with that dynamic within Norman-Romero-Police-also The Cure*.
#SPOILER
also Norman really really creating Mother with his mental illness-super power. that's a great interpretation of Psycho SAGA
the execution for this episode, the big big end not so satisfying. but the writing of this just flawless. #BINGE WATCH IT just a right thing to do for everyone.
9:00 so Norma & Norman just went to paradise in their universe.
white soft heart like Norma & not-a-serial-killer Norman, just happened to experience unluck in earth & their innocent essence sent them to 'heaven'.
24:50 now we know what really happened to Norman's mind we can start from season 1 as experts for stuffs.
Nice Video :)
the 5th season was my favorite. This finale was great.
Such a great ending. Beautiful way to end it although poor Dylan will probably be scarred for life.
Garry Williams he already was, and had been his whole life. Nothing new for him. But I think he'd manage and get through it ok.
this is one of those shows that you get so attatched too its ridiculous
"It's all gonna be good. You'll see. You'll see. -Norma
I did a fan trailer id fricking love if u checked it out and gave it some feedbaxk
This might be the last review for me. It's been nice.
Best show ever!
I'm an emotional wreck! I didn't think I would be so emotional no matter what happened but the second I saw little Norman in Norma's arms I was bawling like a baby
I was in tears from the moment Mother left Norman. As soon as the endgame was truly in sight, my own vision was blurry with tears. My heart was so full. I knew he would go knockin' on heaven's door.
watch Tramps (film) on Netflix!
it's less suspense than this, even Last Man on Earth
Jim Jam hi Jim
hello 👋
Brother kills brother... predictable.
This show followed in Breaking Bad's footsteps pushing the boundaries of story telling on tv and ended perfectly
I was disappointed with the ending. It was too safe and predictable. That's the problem with American shows, they never end too fucked up. This was a horrific story. Why did Dylan have to be the one to kill him? If it wasn't for your review I would be sick. I love this show, I've watched almost all your reviews, but I'm not happy with this ending. They should've stuck to the story and had Norman put in the looney bin. There could be a whole other story there.
Edwin Rivas you guys are missing the point of the events of the finale, yeah it was expected but it was necessary. None of it was about being unexpected, it was about closure for all of these characters and how each character individually get what they always wanted and that's why I love this finale.
Edwin Rivas Do you even watch the show? Have you watched season 5? It's not a prequel, it's a reimagining. Season 5 does its own version of the original Psycho story, changing it up and making it relevant for the story they are telling in season 5.
totally disagree, i think this ending five you a bigger punch in the head, makes you cry, and just norman's in a mental institution, it was too true to the original psycho... i was betting on norman's death for a great ending, i didn't see it coming from dylan...
Mooky Blaylock they sprinkled bits from some of the major events of the original film, exactly. The show was still considered a prequel series when season 4 ended, but season 5 did its own thing with the source material, also completely changing the narrative and having Norman killed off. They went past the original ending which was Norman in the prison cell of the police precinct. I noticed Easter eggs from the original film watching Norman in the time that he was in the prison cell. You can't say season 5 is still a prequel story if it's directly recreating and redirecting events of the original. It may still be continuing Normans path to complete delusion, but that is just part of the overarching story of the entire show.
Edwin Rivas I don't think this was safe and predictable at all. Predictable would have been following the movie, which they never followed too close. This is the only way it _could_ have ended. I don't think him being in a loony bin would have fit the show at all. So I really disagree with you there.
There are plenty of other shows that end sadly. Dexter, for one, and many much worse.
Your review is so beautiful..
Great review, and stay frosty EmmightySofia.
I like you to much
I'm ok with the ending but not with the episode... it should have been more climatic and less predictable. I found it so weak for such strong and solid season.
I remember your Hannibal videos... :)