+phreshian It's like that U2 song, "Love is Blindness." Although one could easily argue that she was simply delusional with mindless adoration, I would say that she intentionally chose to give up the world for her son. The world never treated her too kindly, anyway. Norman was the crux of her happiness for much of her life. Despite a childhood spent in the "care" of absentee parents, an illicit, trauma-based relationship with her brother, and an abusive marriage, Norma had Norman - in her eyes, the paragon of innocence and joy. She poured EVERYTHING into him, and understandably so. Of course, she held him so tightly that he began to suffocate. Therein lay the source of her impending doom, but perhaps there's no sweeter way to go. ;) This stuff is insane, but I adore it.
EmmightySofia It's entirely her fault that Norman is the way he is, and up to the end she didn't give enough discipline or put Norman in his place. I, as too my own mother, would have gotten very tough with him and told him to shape up or get the hell out! And I certainly wouldn't have allowed him to come home from the hospital when he did. And after that dinner gone wrong, I would have sent him back as well. The co-dependency between these two is staggering, and a mother should have never relied on her adolescent child to be her emotional support in the way Norman was (as he recognized). One of many things that was highly inappropriate. That said, I was also very pissed at Norman for making everything about him and for his black-and-white all-or-nothing latitude. He knows better than that, if he'd stop and think instead of letting his emotions run wild and take control. He turned very selfish towards the end, way out of bounds nosing around in things that were none of his damn business. If he'd have shut out the outside world and focused on recovery while in the hospital - which is what you're supposed to do (and is why they don't allow phone calls for 72 hours). I've been in the psych ward three times from severe depression and you do completely shut off the outside world. But Norman _didn't even try_, despite what Norma kept telling herself and Alex. He would for a second, then twist everything around making all these straw man arguments when he really knew better. Ahh I gotta remind myself this is FICTION. Re-watched seasons 3 & 4 to remind myself of the goings-on now that season 5 is in full swing. So damn tragic! Even though I *know* what happens (we all did from before the first episode!), I keep wanting something different to happen!
What made this episode so shocking was that it happened so soon. Looking at episode 9's promo, I did not suspect Norma would be killed. But I totally think she is dead even though it seems early. They built up her impending doom really well by foreshadowing that furnace and all the warnings from both Dylan and Alex. If she survives it will be a cop out and won't have as much of an impact if they redo it in season 5. She'll be pronounced dead next episode and we'll get to see everyone's reactions to it in the finale and how things will be able continue without her.
+unoiamacutie These are my thoughts exactly. They can't undo what's clearly been done. It would be unthinkably foolish for them to psyche the audience out like that. This was the perfect farewell; albeit a shockingly soon one, but it worked in ways that I couldn't have anticipated.
+EmmightySofia Exacltly! The ENTIRE episode a biuld up for this moment. Looking back all the scenes had a sense of closure to Norman and Norma. He bringing up something that she planed way back on the first season, Mr. Sandman playing during the scene (They sang this song together on ep on season 2 and there Norma says that he used to sing this before he go to bed when he was little) OH writers what a cruel but brilliant stab at our hearts. I regret all the times i underated them and complained about the script flaws); also other moments before like when they were in the car going heading to Pineview, it was practly a throwback when they were going to White Payne Bay: Norma being optmistic making plans etc. Anyway everything led to their farewell and was so well written and beautifuly than that , if she didn't really die yet, all this construction will lose the effect. And any other death scene that should come afterwards won't be as powerful as the one we just saw.
I'm going to be honest, I cried. I cried so hard. I knew Norma was going to die, I know psycho's story, but I thought it would happen at the very end of the entire show. I thought they would do a sequel or something. Dreaming big because I knew I couldn't bare it. As soon as they started on the screen with Norman closing all the vent, I put my hand over my mouth and I literally started crying. I knew that it was actually about to happen. I actually did have hope when Alex came. I really did think that he would save her. When he gave up, I literally fell forward and started crying my eyes out. 4 years of Norma and Norman and... that's over. I know, I'm too emotionally attached, there are reasons. Any who, I kinda don't want to watch what happens next. They invested this entire season to Norma and her FINALLY being happy and becoming stronger, just to kill her off at the end. That really disappoints me.
I have been so saddened since the airing of the Forever seen. Your review was amazing, and allowed me to feel the grief that I do for Norma. I watched with my husband and refused to believe she was gone, but he was explaining that Alex did not revive her and no one could have survived that much carbon monoxide, having lost his younger brother from that very thing. You covered every thought and issue I have thought of since watching the show. I watched it a second time to confirm what I didn't want to believe. Can't wait for Monday's finale.
+jocaruso106 Thank you so much for sharing that story. Incredibly humbled by your transparency and your husband's perspective. I SO want to re-watch the penultimate episode, just to take in every scene in light of what happens by the end. Monday's finale is going to simultaneously transport us back in time and into the future - the Psycho that we know, love, and fear is almost here. :)
I like how you described this. It was so horrible and so sad and I was so angry with Norman, but in the end I actually understood why he did it and where he was coming from. The pain they both endured their whole lives had just become to much for him. Norma would always suffer through but only for the sake of her son. In this way Norman was almost setting her free. It is sad and heart shattering because we care so much for the character of Norma, but to see her impact even after she is passed is incredible. To see how much this woman draws people in even beyond her death is so astonishing. She will always live on in the story line because she has such a powerful way about her. Norma draws people in and creates such a incredible hold on others, it's crazy to watch. She drew in Alex and she drew in Dillion even though he doesn't want it to be true. Norman is so attached he will never forget her. Even if Alex ends up dying he will live on in the story as well because Norma and Alex have
This episode caught me off completely! I missed it when it aired and somehow managed to avoid any spoilers and I just sat there in shock! Also the fact Alex went back and also pulled Norman out made me love that man! Also this is the first of your reviews I've seen. I'm glad I came across it :D just subscribed.
+Eoin Warne Welcome, welcome! xo Romero's a good man, no question. He did his damnedest to love and accept Norma, even after months of getting acquainted with her erratic behaviors around town and finding out about her disturbing past with Caleb. His instincts as a cop and as a spouse kicked into high gear when he found Norman unconscious. Unfortunately, it's likely that Romero has only brought Norman back to unleash Mother's violence on White Pine Bay. Oh, the irony! Thanks so much for watching!
+Garry Williams I'm pretty in touch with my emotions when it comes to my favorite TV shows, so this isn't the first time I've become a blithering mess. ;) It was quite a stunning episode, though. I think it caught everyone off guard. I applaud the writers for their bravery and nerve. I'm reminded of how Game of Throne's "Red Wedding" episode was actually the penultimate episode of the season, y'know? Everybody thinks that a finale is supposed to be the climax and pinnacle of action, but there's a whole "denouement" period yet to come!
Yeah, exactly. I was spending all my time worrying about Romero and Dylan that it didn't occur to me that Norma's time was up. I also shed a tear in episode 6 when Norma told Romero to pack his bags and his response really got to me.
+Garry Williams Right!? It was the perfect misdirection. There we were, thinking that Norma's respective crises with Dylan and Romero were the focal points of the episode. We were so naive - so blissfully unaware of Norman's true intentions. He saw his actions as the natural solution to her relational breakdowns, her brokenness and inability to function in the world. And now we know.
In the movie Norman actually kept her body and stuffed it so I think it's critical that they keep that part of the story intact because that was one of the signature parts of the story. I mean that was the whole point in Norman getting into taxidermy in the first place to ultimately perform it on Norma.
+IamSSAINVINCIBLEx Chances are, he could find a way to snatch her body from the morgue. Maybe THAT'S where he'll get his part-time job. ;) In all honesty, I wouldn't put anything past this show. It would shock me if they overlooked that integral part of the Psycho narrative.
I was not expecting that ending so I was emotionally caught off guard. Even though this is a television show, I've experienced unexpected death before and I got the same feeling of shock and grief watching that end scene with Norman's mom that I did when I experienced a relatives death that was unexpected. The fact that we can experience such great emotion with these characters shows how great the writing and development for Bates Motel is.
+BlueBirdMasquerade9 What a beautiful comment. I can fully sympathize you. And isn't it incredible how television has the power to evoke such authentic responses? It isn't always about pure entertainment and escapism. There's so much to connect to and internalize.
I find the end to Norma extremely fitting. They call carbon monoxide the silent killer, interestingly enough, much like Norman. Norma and Norman suffocated each other with their love for one another emotionally and now fittingly, physically. As devastated as I am that Norma is gone, I think this was the only way they could have done it.
I thought that when he saw Audrey's luggage and clothes, he remembered/realized that he himself killed her. And the realization sunk in that he is a monster who needs help/death to stop all this trouble he cause. Maybe he also suddenly felt guilty and responsible for his mother being so depressed about the whole Romero situation. But maybe not. And of course, he wanted to put Norma out of her misery because of how broken she is and he knows she will always go through this cycle. When Romero was trying to resuscitate Norma, and Norman woke up, I think he saw the intense grief and love flowing out of Romero over Norma and understood that Romero actually felt more real feelings for Norma than Norman had thought.
+Aaron Lynn You're too kind! Luckily I've got a mouth on me when it comes to mind-consuming TV. ^__^ I dare say Romero's not going to last much longer. He's the one who tore Norman away from an afterlife in Norma's company. He's got some explaining to do, but probably not before Mother loses her temper...
+EmmightySofia by the way, gonna check out hannibal now. when you said it was the best TV show ever, first thing that came to mind was how much of a dexter fan you are. hannibal must be pretty damn good lol
+Aaron Lynn I owe Dexter everything. I always have and I always will. However, Hannibal is a far superior show in terms of its consistency, its quality, and its unwavering sense of direction. The show never faltered and constantly upped the ante with every twist and turn. The finale was mind-meltingly good - the polar opposite of Dexter's finale, in my book. ;)
Blown away at how great this season has been and I really hope they made the right choice placing this episode before the finale because idk how they're going to top it. This is similar to Mizumono from Hannibal both are mind blowing and can serve as a series finale.
+The Black Hood Amen to that. Luckily we have a whole new season of Bates Motel to enjoy next year, and I am praying that by some miracle Hannibal will be able to make its triumphant and gorgeously visceral return!
+EmmightySofia Hands down, Hannibal is the greatest show of all time and it didn't even get to complete its intended run. I truly believe within time, hopefully not too much time, someone somewhere, a network or studio that doesn't have their head up their ass, will contact Bryan Fuller to finish it.
what was the jingle playing at the end last night ? i was singing it when i went up to bed and now i cant remember (dont get old..lol) ps- i hope norma did not die
+fnkycoldmedina It was a more modern rendition of the old 1950s song, "Mr. Sandman" (made popular by The Chordettes, I believe). Norman and Norma sang that song together in one of the earlier seasons. This was kind of a callback to their happier days, when the motel was thriving and their hearts were soaring. Poignant stuff.
It's astonishing how hard it can be to find other Bates Motel fans! I'm not really on Tumblr anymore, but that's one of the only places where I've really spoken at length with people about the show. Glad you found me, though! ^__^
+EmmightySofia Haha same here! I'm very picky on shows so it's either The Walking Dead, or Bates Motel. I decided to find someone for this episode and you were the lucky one I suppose :)
Accidentally!? Gasp! So long as it wasn't against your will. I'd hate to drag anyone else through my own personal sorrows, but, y'know. Candid is candid! It was a surprisingly tough episode. I'd watch it again in a heartbeat, but I'm not ready to shed further tears. Even one of the comedies I watch made me cry this week. The odds are besting me.
There is debate going on imdb as to whether or not she is actually dead. Some think she will be revived, and that her actual death will be later. I think it is great that the writers are trying to keep us on our toes like that, instead of just simply giving us the expected outcome. I would like to think that the writers would want to be creative enough to keep us invested and keep us guessing. After all, that is part of the fun.
This could be the perfect time for them to trick us into seeing the world from Norman's perspective. He's often unable to separate Mother from Norma, and now we may very well be led to believe that Norma's "back." Taking Norman's point of view, how will anyone be able to tell!? I'm excited to see how experimental the storytelling becomes from here on out.
+EmmightySofia That's a great point to!! I never thought of that!! Yes, because they tricked us that way before, didn't they? Wow, what a great idea to have this premise for a television show!!
+faith bethurum Season five will be the final season! A&E reviewed the show for seasons four and five. Shortly afterwards, it was announced that the fifth would in fact be the last chapter. I'll miss this show something fierce when it's all over, but I'm really happy that the show runners got to tell the story in as much time as they wanted to. :)
Did anyone else watch a steam of this online, and did you also not get to see the ending? I'm absolutely gutted I didn't get to see it properly, after all the buildup as well :(
+Teddy Phipps I'm so sorry to hear that! The episode ran longer than an hour with commercials. On A&E, it aired from roughly 9 PM to 10:05 or 10:10 PM. Perhaps your stream was cut off early? Either way, my apologies. :(
I managed to find the ending on Facebook, but it was spoiled for me by someone on IMDB when I went to check if the ending I saw was the actual ending.. Eh I knew she would die eventually, I've been waiting since last season lol, and I have seen Psycho. It was a great episode anyway
Words can't analyze how happy I am the Norma met her demise by Norman wanting her to have a new beginning. Him killing her out of spite and jealousy would have been too much heartache for me to handle. I was angry when Romero attempted to save them which woke Norman up because I just wanted for Norma/n to lay together and die so they could be together, Forever. Norma may me dead but Norman will defiantly keep her alive in spirit.
+olivia slusser Right!? For as soul-crushing as it was to lose Norma, watching her die peacefully was strangely enchanting. All her life, she has fought tooth and nail for what she believes in. She has had her heart wrung out and thrown on the threshing floor, time and time again. To see her drift away into a serene reverie was blissfully bittersweet. Had Norman offed her in a fit of jealous rage, the sting would feel different. It would have left a very sour taste in my mouth. And wouldn't you know it, Alex Romero was actually the one who ultimately separated Norman from Norman once and for all... now he's gonna GET it.
Every time I think about it, I feel gravity failing. Like I'm drifting toward the afterlife against my will. Easily one of, if not THE most powerful scene in the series to date.
i'm absolutely distraught over the death of Norma but i'm confused because in one of the promos she gets arrested and there's a whole sequence and it hasn't happened yet??is she really dead?
Maybe I'm in denial, but there are scenes with Norma in the promos that haven't aired this season so I refuse to believe it's the end. I guess it does makes sense that she goes out now considering the aftermath of that is going to be a shitshow. 😭
Apologies for my long absence this season but my dislike of Normero and the relentless in your face presentation of it caused me to snap a little bit and I couldn't continue to watch and comment on a weekly basis. I became almost as bitter as Norman about it. Almost ;-) Luckily along with "Unfaithful" the show pulled me back in at the exact right time to stomp on my soul with the mother of all double bills. Although they didn't go in the direction i'd hoped for with Norma and Norman, their last moments together being a pledge of forever undying love, I can handle that. Norma being dressed all in white almost had a hint of marriage vows about it too. This vlog was literally the first thing I watched when I woke up this morning, and it's such a beautifully eloquent summation and tribute to the episode and Norma, so thank you for that. I wish I had something of value to add, but I can only partially pull my mind together to speculate where we go from here. I can see them trying to pull a fast one to make us think Norma survived next week before confirming her death by the episodes end. (The writers seem very coy on her fate) but if Norman and Mother aren't putting up the christmas tree together next week I'll be very surprised. If anything else occurs to me I'll be back to comment more because I can't imagine that this won't be on my mind all week, but yeah, I'm pretty shellshocked right now. //Virtual hug// Take care for now.
+germjack The way I understand it, Normero is really a metaphor in the show. He's not real - as Norman stated. The point was to show that when Norma is presented with this idyllic life, perfect husband, friend, partner, stable financial situation, permanent shot at happiness wrapped up in this package called Romero - she will give it all up in a minute just to be together with Norman.
Oh I absolutely understand his function in the story and was fine with them doing it in principle even though I wasn't a fan. But I completely hated that they dragged it out over 8 episodes and Norman/Norma didn't have one scene together for 5 episodes in a row. Vera and Freddie ARE this show to me, and without them sharing a screen I was getting more and more disenchanted with it. Put together with my experience of the Bates twitter fandom where a large vocal group of Normero fans were constantly insulting Norman and filling my feed with judgy comments and I just had to get the hell off social media and put the show out of my mind. Had I known what was coming I may have been more tolerant, but you live and learn. And yes, that Norma ultimately came down on Norman's side was so moving to me.. They pulled out all the stops to make me feel their special bond again and it totally worked. I'll miss her terribly.
+germjack I'm SO thrilled to see that you've returned. For as much as I understand your hiatus, I'm glad to see that my number one gun in the realm of Bates Motel is back on the premises! It was very trying to see Norman and Norma kept apart from one another for so long, and Norma falling head over heels for Romero over the course of that seemingly endless separation. Norma and Romero's chemistry pales in comparison to what Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore served up on a deliciously frequent basis. And then, after the purgatorial estrangement, the show almost instantly returned to form and made us feel for these broken vessels, choked out by the cord between their hearts. I can't get over how moving this episode was. I never would have seen it coming this soon, and it played out to near perfection regardless. Here's hoping that our final season is a satisfying one through and through. :3
+germjack Yes, I fully understand your frustration with the whole Normero campaign. It seemed a bit over the top to me as well. Which is why I'm glad Ep 9 made it clear that Norma & Norman's priority is and has always been each other, no matter what else might be going on in their lives.
+Wuilmer Arana I have no idea... I would find it hard to believe that Norman and Norma could both come back from this, however. Especially since this type of scenario frees Norman of culpability for her death. He can now go forward and become more intimately acquainted with Mother. I LOVE Norma to death and beyond, but I'm actually content with this ending for her. I really hope they don't pull an elaborate ruse, only to kill her off even further down the line.
I'm so sorry I just watched the promo for next weeks ep and yup she's back and had the nerve to say I'm Fish Mooney Bitch(Damn you David Chapel even though I'm Rick James Bitches was classic)
Devious- I was praying to God because I like Jada but that character is just silly and returned like 20 time already just stay dead please but I do like this season its a Little off the Batman traditional timeline buts its FUN(watch the promo for next week for the Fish return)
I told JvS channel the same thing I might like the new Fish with power, the over the top act might work plus the show has so many other odd characters...I like her in real life too I thing she's so fine
Keep your eyes peeled! All will not be as it seems. For Norma's sake, I hope that she IS truly gone. That may sound weird, but man, talk about a peaceful way to go. If she survives this, things are only going to get more deleriously saddening and violent. It might be Mother's turn to play.
+Invisible Monster So did I!! I think many other people are in the same boat. The sheer unexpectedness of it all makes people eager to discover that she's still alive, but I can't help but feel like this was just the perfectly devastating surprise.
In the big picture Norma essentially dug her own grave. That was bound to happen eventually because of her blindness and denial.
It was her son, she simply was never going to give up on him.
+phreshian It's like that U2 song, "Love is Blindness." Although one could easily argue that she was simply delusional with mindless adoration, I would say that she intentionally chose to give up the world for her son. The world never treated her too kindly, anyway. Norman was the crux of her happiness for much of her life. Despite a childhood spent in the "care" of absentee parents, an illicit, trauma-based relationship with her brother, and an abusive marriage, Norma had Norman - in her eyes, the paragon of innocence and joy. She poured EVERYTHING into him, and understandably so. Of course, she held him so tightly that he began to suffocate. Therein lay the source of her impending doom, but perhaps there's no sweeter way to go. ;) This stuff is insane, but I adore it.
+EmmightySofia Great hypothesis👍I definatly wouldn't rule out her giving up on the world.
EmmightySofia It's entirely her fault that Norman is the way he is, and up to the end she didn't give enough discipline or put Norman in his place. I, as too my own mother, would have gotten very tough with him and told him to shape up or get the hell out! And I certainly wouldn't have allowed him to come home from the hospital when he did. And after that dinner gone wrong, I would have sent him back as well. The co-dependency between these two is staggering, and a mother should have never relied on her adolescent child to be her emotional support in the way Norman was (as he recognized). One of many things that was highly inappropriate.
That said, I was also very pissed at Norman for making everything about him and for his black-and-white all-or-nothing latitude. He knows better than that, if he'd stop and think instead of letting his emotions run wild and take control. He turned very selfish towards the end, way out of bounds nosing around in things that were none of his damn business. If he'd have shut out the outside world and focused on recovery while in the hospital - which is what you're supposed to do (and is why they don't allow phone calls for 72 hours). I've been in the psych ward three times from severe depression and you do completely shut off the outside world.
But Norman _didn't even try_, despite what Norma kept telling herself and Alex. He would for a second, then twist everything around making all these straw man arguments when he really knew better.
Ahh I gotta remind myself this is FICTION. Re-watched seasons 3 & 4 to remind myself of the goings-on now that season 5 is in full swing. So damn tragic! Even though I *know* what happens (we all did from before the first episode!), I keep wanting something different to happen!
What made this episode so shocking was that it happened so soon. Looking at episode 9's promo, I did not suspect Norma would be killed. But I totally think she is dead even though it seems early. They built up her impending doom really well by foreshadowing that furnace and all the warnings from both Dylan and Alex. If she survives it will be a cop out and won't have as much of an impact if they redo it in season 5. She'll be pronounced dead next episode and we'll get to see everyone's reactions to it in the finale and how things will be able continue without her.
+unoiamacutie These are my thoughts exactly. They can't undo what's clearly been done. It would be unthinkably foolish for them to psyche the audience out like that. This was the perfect farewell; albeit a shockingly soon one, but it worked in ways that I couldn't have anticipated.
+EmmightySofia Exacltly! The ENTIRE episode a biuld up for this moment. Looking back all the scenes had a sense of closure to Norman and Norma. He bringing up something that she planed way back on the first season, Mr. Sandman playing during the scene (They sang this song together on ep on season 2 and there Norma says that he used to sing this before he go to bed when he was little) OH writers what a cruel but brilliant stab at our hearts. I regret all the times i underated them and complained about the script flaws); also other moments before like when they were in the car going heading to Pineview, it was practly a throwback when they were going to White Payne Bay: Norma being optmistic making plans etc. Anyway everything led to their farewell and was so well written and beautifuly than that , if she didn't really die yet, all this construction will lose the effect. And any other death scene that should come afterwards won't be as powerful as the one we just saw.
+Bob Braga I seriously can't add anything more to this. You nailed it. :)
+EmmightySofia Thanks! Sorry for some bad English. It's not my first language.
I'm going to be honest, I cried. I cried so hard. I knew Norma was going to die, I know psycho's story, but I thought it would happen at the very end of the entire show. I thought they would do a sequel or something. Dreaming big because I knew I couldn't bare it. As soon as they started on the screen with Norman closing all the vent, I put my hand over my mouth and I literally started crying. I knew that it was actually about to happen. I actually did have hope when Alex came. I really did think that he would save her. When he gave up, I literally fell forward and started crying my eyes out. 4 years of Norma and Norman and... that's over. I know, I'm too emotionally attached, there are reasons. Any who, I kinda don't want to watch what happens next. They invested this entire season to Norma and her FINALLY being happy and becoming stronger, just to kill her off at the end. That really disappoints me.
I have been so saddened since the airing of the Forever seen. Your review was amazing, and allowed me to feel the grief that I do for Norma. I watched with my husband and refused to believe she was gone, but he was explaining that Alex did not revive her and no one could have survived that much carbon monoxide, having lost his younger brother from that very thing. You covered every thought and issue I have thought of since watching the show. I watched it a second time to confirm what I didn't want to believe. Can't wait for Monday's finale.
+jocaruso106 Thank you so much for sharing that story. Incredibly humbled by your transparency and your husband's perspective. I SO want to re-watch the penultimate episode, just to take in every scene in light of what happens by the end. Monday's finale is going to simultaneously transport us back in time and into the future - the Psycho that we know, love, and fear is almost here. :)
as much as she loved Romero and wanted a healthy happiness...she ultimately chose sick broken Norman,her son. Its tragic.
Any straight man who doesn't want to rescue Norma Bates, has no pulse. And when Norman killed her our hearts were broken, and a fit of rage ensued.
I like how you described this. It was so horrible and so sad and I was so angry with Norman, but in the end I actually understood why he did it and where he was coming from. The pain they both endured their whole lives had just become to much for him. Norma would always suffer through but only for the sake of her son. In this way Norman was almost setting her free. It is sad and heart shattering because we care so much for the character of Norma, but to see her impact even after she is passed is incredible. To see how much this woman draws people in even beyond her death is so astonishing. She will always live on in the story line because she has such a powerful way about her. Norma draws people in and creates such a incredible hold on others, it's crazy to watch. She drew in Alex and she drew in Dillion even though he doesn't want it to be true. Norman is so attached he will never forget her. Even if Alex ends up dying he will live on in the story as well because Norma and Alex have
Such strong impacts and stories
This episode caught me off completely! I missed it when it aired and somehow managed to avoid any spoilers and I just sat there in shock! Also the fact Alex went back and also pulled Norman out made me love that man!
Also this is the first of your reviews I've seen. I'm glad I came across it :D just subscribed.
+Eoin Warne Welcome, welcome! xo Romero's a good man, no question. He did his damnedest to love and accept Norma, even after months of getting acquainted with her erratic behaviors around town and finding out about her disturbing past with Caleb. His instincts as a cop and as a spouse kicked into high gear when he found Norman unconscious. Unfortunately, it's likely that Romero has only brought Norman back to unleash Mother's violence on White Pine Bay. Oh, the irony! Thanks so much for watching!
I've never cried in a show before but I came pretty close tonight. Really didn't expect it to happen this way and so soon. Really great review.
+Garry Williams I'm pretty in touch with my emotions when it comes to my favorite TV shows, so this isn't the first time I've become a blithering mess. ;) It was quite a stunning episode, though. I think it caught everyone off guard. I applaud the writers for their bravery and nerve. I'm reminded of how Game of Throne's "Red Wedding" episode was actually the penultimate episode of the season, y'know? Everybody thinks that a finale is supposed to be the climax and pinnacle of action, but there's a whole "denouement" period yet to come!
Yeah, exactly. I was spending all my time worrying about Romero and Dylan that it didn't occur to me that Norma's time was up. I also shed a tear in episode 6 when Norma told Romero to pack his bags and his response really got to me.
+Garry Williams Right!? It was the perfect misdirection. There we were, thinking that Norma's respective crises with Dylan and Romero were the focal points of the episode. We were so naive - so blissfully unaware of Norman's true intentions. He saw his actions as the natural solution to her relational breakdowns, her brokenness and inability to function in the world. And now we know.
It was beautifully done.
In the movie Norman actually kept her body and stuffed it so I think it's critical that they keep that part of the story intact because that was one of the signature parts of the story. I mean that was the whole point in Norman getting into taxidermy in the first place to ultimately perform it on Norma.
+IamSSAINVINCIBLEx Chances are, he could find a way to snatch her body from the morgue. Maybe THAT'S where he'll get his part-time job. ;) In all honesty, I wouldn't put anything past this show. It would shock me if they overlooked that integral part of the Psycho narrative.
I was not expecting that ending so I was emotionally caught off guard. Even though this is a television show, I've experienced unexpected death before and I got the same feeling of shock and grief watching that end scene with Norman's mom that I did when I experienced a relatives death that was unexpected. The fact that we can experience such great emotion with these characters shows how great the writing and development for Bates Motel is.
+BlueBirdMasquerade9 What a beautiful comment. I can fully sympathize you. And isn't it incredible how television has the power to evoke such authentic responses? It isn't always about pure entertainment and escapism. There's so much to connect to and internalize.
I find the end to Norma extremely fitting. They call carbon monoxide the silent killer, interestingly enough, much like Norman. Norma and Norman suffocated each other with their love for one another emotionally and now fittingly, physically. As devastated as I am that Norma is gone, I think this was the only way they could have done it.
Who sang that amazing version of "Mr. Sandman"?
I thought that when he saw Audrey's luggage and clothes, he remembered/realized that he himself killed her. And the realization sunk in that he is a monster who needs help/death to stop all this trouble he cause. Maybe he also suddenly felt guilty and responsible for his mother being so depressed about the whole Romero situation. But maybe not. And of course, he wanted to put Norma out of her misery because of how broken she is and he knows she will always go through this cycle.
When Romero was trying to resuscitate Norma, and Norman woke up, I think he saw the intense grief and love flowing out of Romero over Norma and understood that Romero actually felt more real feelings for Norma than Norman had thought.
you seem upset about something. Its almost like you want to cry in this review and it kinda makes me want to give you hug
+tim gersh I believe Norma's upcoming death is what's making her upset.
i could listen to you talk all day haha. that was a crazy episode. i feel bad for alex. gonna be an interest dynamic between him and norman now.
+Aaron Lynn You're too kind! Luckily I've got a mouth on me when it comes to mind-consuming TV. ^__^ I dare say Romero's not going to last much longer. He's the one who tore Norman away from an afterlife in Norma's company. He's got some explaining to do, but probably not before Mother loses her temper...
+EmmightySofia by the way, gonna check out hannibal now. when you said it was the best TV show ever, first thing that came to mind was how much of a dexter fan you are. hannibal must be pretty damn good lol
+Aaron Lynn I owe Dexter everything. I always have and I always will. However, Hannibal is a far superior show in terms of its consistency, its quality, and its unwavering sense of direction. The show never faltered and constantly upped the ante with every twist and turn. The finale was mind-meltingly good - the polar opposite of Dexter's finale, in my book. ;)
***** I look forward to checking it out! your opinion carries much weight to me! :D
Blown away at how great this season has been and I really hope they made the right choice placing this episode before the finale because idk how they're going to top it. This is similar to Mizumono from Hannibal both are mind blowing and can serve as a series finale.
+The Black Hood Amen to that. Luckily we have a whole new season of Bates Motel to enjoy next year, and I am praying that by some miracle Hannibal will be able to make its triumphant and gorgeously visceral return!
+EmmightySofia Hands down, Hannibal is the greatest show of all time and it didn't even get to complete its intended run. I truly believe within time, hopefully not too much time, someone somewhere, a network or studio that doesn't have their head up their ass, will contact Bryan Fuller to finish it.
what was the jingle playing at the end last night ? i was singing it when i went up to bed and now i cant remember (dont get old..lol)
ps- i hope norma did not die
+fnkycoldmedina It was a more modern rendition of the old 1950s song, "Mr. Sandman" (made popular by The Chordettes, I believe). Norman and Norma sang that song together in one of the earlier seasons. This was kind of a callback to their happier days, when the motel was thriving and their hearts were soaring. Poignant stuff.
Yesssss! I couldn't find any other reviews haha
It's astonishing how hard it can be to find other Bates Motel fans! I'm not really on Tumblr anymore, but that's one of the only places where I've really spoken at length with people about the show. Glad you found me, though! ^__^
+EmmightySofia Haha same here! I'm very picky on shows so it's either The Walking Dead, or Bates Motel. I decided to find someone for this episode and you were the lucky one I suppose :)
I accidently watched this review.I didn't mean to dang.Now I'm just crying everywhere.
Accidentally!? Gasp! So long as it wasn't against your will. I'd hate to drag anyone else through my own personal sorrows, but, y'know. Candid is candid! It was a surprisingly tough episode. I'd watch it again in a heartbeat, but I'm not ready to shed further tears. Even one of the comedies I watch made me cry this week. The odds are besting me.
There is debate going on imdb as to whether or not she is actually dead. Some think she will be revived, and that her actual death will be later. I think it is great that the writers are trying to keep us on our toes like that, instead of just simply giving us the expected outcome. I would like to think that the writers would want to be creative enough to keep us invested and keep us guessing. After all, that is part of the fun.
This could be the perfect time for them to trick us into seeing the world from Norman's perspective. He's often unable to separate Mother from Norma, and now we may very well be led to believe that Norma's "back." Taking Norman's point of view, how will anyone be able to tell!? I'm excited to see how experimental the storytelling becomes from here on out.
+EmmightySofia That's a great point to!! I never thought of that!! Yes, because they tricked us that way before, didn't they? Wow, what a great idea to have this premise for a television show!!
You had me crying a little..
How many seasons are there?
+faith bethurum Season five will be the final season! A&E reviewed the show for seasons four and five. Shortly afterwards, it was announced that the fifth would in fact be the last chapter. I'll miss this show something fierce when it's all over, but I'm really happy that the show runners got to tell the story in as much time as they wanted to. :)
Did anyone else watch a steam of this online, and did you also not get to see the ending?
I'm absolutely gutted I didn't get to see it properly, after all the buildup as well :(
+Teddy Phipps I'm so sorry to hear that! The episode ran longer than an hour with commercials. On A&E, it aired from roughly 9 PM to 10:05 or 10:10 PM. Perhaps your stream was cut off early? Either way, my apologies. :(
I managed to find the ending on Facebook, but it was spoiled for me by someone on IMDB when I went to check if the ending I saw was the actual ending..
Eh I knew she would die eventually, I've been waiting since last season lol, and I have seen Psycho. It was a great episode anyway
Words can't analyze how happy I am the Norma met her demise by Norman wanting her to have a new beginning. Him killing her out of spite and jealousy would have been too much heartache for me to handle. I was angry when Romero attempted to save them which woke Norman up because I just wanted for Norma/n to lay together and die so they could be together, Forever. Norma may me dead but Norman will defiantly keep her alive in spirit.
+olivia slusser Right!? For as soul-crushing as it was to lose Norma, watching her die peacefully was strangely enchanting. All her life, she has fought tooth and nail for what she believes in. She has had her heart wrung out and thrown on the threshing floor, time and time again. To see her drift away into a serene reverie was blissfully bittersweet. Had Norman offed her in a fit of jealous rage, the sting would feel different. It would have left a very sour taste in my mouth. And wouldn't you know it, Alex Romero was actually the one who ultimately separated Norman from Norman once and for all... now he's gonna GET it.
Can you review American horror story.
This show is my favorite.
I really felt like someone I knew and love died watching that.
So gothic,so tragic!
The scene gave me chills...
Every time I think about it, I feel gravity failing. Like I'm drifting toward the afterlife against my will. Easily one of, if not THE most powerful scene in the series to date.
Also I am a new subscriber, keep up the great content.Also too, great video and channel as always, later buddy.
i'm absolutely distraught over the death of Norma but i'm confused because in one of the promos she gets arrested and there's a whole sequence and it hasn't happened yet??is she really dead?
Ten bucks says its Norman as Norma
yeah i get how that would happen
She has to be alive. They can't have season 5 without her.
she's dead. Norman is going to imagine her Vera Farmiga will be there but her character is dead.
she will now be "Mother"
+Cody Falsetto can't be. in the Promo for next week Romero is in the hospital. still a chance.
Have you seen Damien it's pretty good
+Baconn Godd I have not! I've caught glimpses of the previews when I tune in for BM week after week. Looks pretty dark and supernaturally sinister. ;)
its pretty good you should check it out
i find out now that norma probably is dead .... oh no :( i mean i can't think of the season 5 without her .....
Maybe I'm in denial, but there are scenes with Norma in the promos that haven't aired this season so I refuse to believe it's the end. I guess it does makes sense that she goes out now considering the aftermath of that is going to be a shitshow. 😭
+dudeitskory Ohhh, that's gotta be Mother in the previews. ;) To think - we get a whole freaking SEASON with Mother. Things are about to get juicy.
Apologies for my long absence this season but my dislike of Normero and the relentless in your face presentation of it caused me to snap a little bit and I couldn't continue to watch and comment on a weekly basis. I became almost as bitter as Norman about it. Almost ;-) Luckily along with "Unfaithful" the show pulled me back in at the exact right time to stomp on my soul with the mother of all double bills. Although they didn't go in the direction i'd hoped for with Norma and Norman, their last moments together being a pledge of forever undying love, I can handle that. Norma being dressed all in white almost had a hint of marriage vows about it too.
This vlog was literally the first thing I watched when I woke up this morning, and it's such a beautifully eloquent summation and tribute to the episode and Norma, so thank you for that. I wish I had something of value to add, but I can only partially pull my mind together to speculate where we go from here. I can see them trying to pull a fast one to make us think Norma survived next week before confirming her death by the episodes end. (The writers seem very coy on her fate) but if Norman and Mother aren't putting up the christmas tree together next week I'll be very surprised.
If anything else occurs to me I'll be back to comment more because I can't imagine that this won't be on my mind all week, but yeah, I'm pretty shellshocked right now.
//Virtual hug//
Take care for now.
+germjack The way I understand it, Normero is really a metaphor in the show. He's not real - as Norman stated. The point was to show that when Norma is presented with this idyllic life, perfect husband, friend, partner, stable financial situation, permanent shot at happiness wrapped up in this package called Romero - she will give it all up in a minute just to be together with Norman.
Oh I absolutely understand his function in the story and was fine with them doing it in principle even though I wasn't a fan. But I completely hated that they dragged it out over 8 episodes and Norman/Norma didn't have one scene together for 5 episodes in a row. Vera and Freddie ARE this show to me, and without them sharing a screen I was getting more and more disenchanted with it. Put together with my experience of the Bates twitter fandom where a large vocal group of Normero fans were constantly insulting Norman and filling my feed with judgy comments and I just had to get the hell off social media and put the show out of my mind. Had I known what was coming I may have been more tolerant, but you live and learn. And yes, that Norma ultimately came down on Norman's side was so moving to me.. They pulled out all the stops to make me feel their special bond again and it totally worked. I'll miss her terribly.
+germjack I'm SO thrilled to see that you've returned. For as much as I understand your hiatus, I'm glad to see that my number one gun in the realm of Bates Motel is back on the premises! It was very trying to see Norman and Norma kept apart from one another for so long, and Norma falling head over heels for Romero over the course of that seemingly endless separation. Norma and Romero's chemistry pales in comparison to what Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore served up on a deliciously frequent basis. And then, after the purgatorial estrangement, the show almost instantly returned to form and made us feel for these broken vessels, choked out by the cord between their hearts. I can't get over how moving this episode was. I never would have seen it coming this soon, and it played out to near perfection regardless. Here's hoping that our final season is a satisfying one through and through. :3
+germjack Yes, I fully understand your frustration with the whole Normero campaign. It seemed a bit over the top to me as well. Which is why I'm glad Ep 9 made it clear that Norma & Norman's priority is and has always been each other, no matter what else might be going on in their lives.
so mother actually died. I thought in the season finale she recovers in the hospital :(
+Wuilmer Arana I have no idea... I would find it hard to believe that Norman and Norma could both come back from this, however. Especially since this type of scenario frees Norman of culpability for her death. He can now go forward and become more intimately acquainted with Mother. I LOVE Norma to death and beyond, but I'm actually content with this ending for her. I really hope they don't pull an elaborate ruse, only to kill her off even further down the line.
You need to start watching Gotham again its pretty good and no sign of Fish this season
I'm so sorry I just watched the promo for next weeks ep and yup she's back and had the nerve to say I'm Fish Mooney Bitch(Damn you David Chapel even though I'm Rick James Bitches was classic)
Devious- I was praying to God because I like Jada but that character is just silly and returned like 20 time already just stay dead please but I do like this season its a Little off the Batman traditional timeline buts its FUN(watch the promo for next week for the Fish return)
I told JvS channel the same thing I might like the new Fish with power, the over the top act might work plus the show has so many other odd characters...I like her in real life too I thing she's so fine
I though he's gonna kill romero, I was wrong.
+Joe 889 Just wait - Romero may not be in the clear yet! ;)
She's not dead....
Keep your eyes peeled! All will not be as it seems. For Norma's sake, I hope that she IS truly gone. That may sound weird, but man, talk about a peaceful way to go. If she survives this, things are only going to get more deleriously saddening and violent. It might be Mother's turn to play.
I thought she was going to die in the next season :(
+Invisible Monster So did I!! I think many other people are in the same boat. The sheer unexpectedness of it all makes people eager to discover that she's still alive, but I can't help but feel like this was just the perfectly devastating surprise.
+EmmightySofia it was so surprising I couldn't even prepare my tears :(
Norma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I cried
+WolfGuy
you are cute and you love this show just like me? umm perfect lol
Check out a shout out to you at my site 1428elm.com. I put your video at the end of review for 'Forever'
Are you a poet? Because holy shit your vocabulary
U talk to much
Seriously