REVIEW: Bates Motel, Season 2 Episode Eight 'Meltdown'
REVIEW: Bates Motel, Season 2 Episode Eight 'Meltdown'
Slowly but surely, as we reach the eighth episode of Bates Motel's second season, it seems as though Norman's (Freddie Highmore) life is starting to fall apart. The police have linked his DNA with Blaire Watson's body, he doesn't feel as though he can trust his mother Norma (Vera Farmiga) and his most recent girlfriend has left the area.
And it starts badly for Norman this episode from the off. Sheriff Alex Romero (Nestor Campbell) pops by Bates Motel, just as Norman happens to be on the desk in the reception office. This makes for a brilliantly tense scene, as we as the audience know from the previous episode that Alex is aware of the matching DNA, but Norman is yet to discover that Alex and the police have this new piece of information. Norman knows that something is up, but he doesn't quite know what, and the show does such a great job at making us worry for Alex's safety.
This is particularly true in the scene where Alex helps Norman put up a new curtain rail in the shower. Those of us who have seen Psycho know that the shower is the last place you want to be at the motel, and so we can't help but feel somewhat concerned for him when he starts asking Norman questions relating to his teacher. Bates Motel is a show that is so good at these intense moments, leaving us constantly wondering if a murder is about to occur, and it's a testament to the writing and direction that it feels as though Alfred Hitchcock could be behind the camera. It contains his same sensibilities for sure, and really feels like a true extension of the original film.
It also can't help but feel wrong when Alex states his belief that Norman had a steamy affair with his teacher rather than being the man who committed her murder. Given how Norman was so creeped out by the idea and that it was the visions of his mother implying what Blaire was about to do which sparked Norman into killing her, it really does make you cringe to hear Alex even utter such thoughts. It's a disturbing moment, but one that suits Bates Motel like a tea.
Norma has her own ordeal herself in this episode. She once again comes face to face with Nick Ford (Michael O'Neill), who demands a meeting with her son Dylan (Max Thieriot), and it's a very unnerving scene to watch unfold for sure. As a viewer it leaves you with so many questions, which are later answered in the episode: What does he want with Dylan? Does he plan to kill him? Where does it leave Norma?
It's great to see Norma and Dylan finally meet face to face again this week, after Dylan being so upset with his mother over the truth regarding his father. Their scenes in this episode together are great, demonstrating just how strenuous their relationship has become, whilst also showcasing this maturity in the way they are still able to talk. These are two characters who have their differences, but deep down they still care for one another, and they don't wish to see the other get hurt.
Overall, Meltdown is a truly gripping instalment of Bates Motel. As Norman's world starts to close in, we get a neat glimpse of the characters around him and how they react to the knowledge they hold regarding his behaviour, whilst also learning more about the seedy criminal underworld of the town in which the motel is located. Bates Motel is a show that really excels in exploring the psychology of these characters and why they react in the way they do, and you can imagine that if he was still around, Alfred Hitchcock would be a very proud man indeed.
To have future posts delivered direct to your inbox, click the three lines at the top and register for email notifications via the 'Follow by Email' box.
What are your thoughts on the eighth episode of Bates Motel's second season? Let me know in the comments section.
Comments
Post a Comment