5 Moments of Goodness From Bates Motel “A Boy And His Dog” 

I’ve had some really bad days over my lifetime, but I can laugh at them all after watching tonight’s Bates Motel because Norma (Vera Farmiga) had the humdinger of them all.  This episode was packed full of memorable moments (including some really good ones with Emma and Norman) but I decided to dedicate tonight’s Top 5 to my favorite OMFG Norma scenes.

5.  Norma & Norman’s “Fit In” Talk

We really haven’t seen Norman (Freddie Highmore) and Bradley (Nicola Peltz) interact much at school lately, but after last week’s big showdown between the two, we knew it was only a matter of time.  And, of course, just like in last week’s episode, Norman is completely humiliated by Bradley, except this time it’s in front of everyone at the school.

This results in another big Norman meltdown, leading to Norman storming out of the school and getting suspended.  Norman is told by his mother that he needs to “try and fit in more” and stop “being so emotional”, at which Norman responds with one of the most hilarious quotes of the episode:

          I do think I fit in… for the most part.  Oh, Mom, I’m going over to Mr. Shaw’s house.  He’s teaching me taxidermy – Norman to his mother

Yes, Norma, you got some major issues brewing with that boy.

4.  Norma’s and The Sheriff’s Awkward Conversation

Let’s see, Norma, you kill one of the Sheriff’s best friends, Keith Summers.  Then, you also kill his Deputy, and make him look like a blundering idiot because the whole sex-slave business was going on in White Pine Bay right under his nose.  So, of course, he’d love to recommend you for the City Planning Commission.  Not!!

You trying to say you have something on me, because if you are, that wouldn’t be really good for you.  I might have to burn you to the ground, you know.  Don’t ever try and intimidate me.  Don’t walk into my office and ask me for political favors or anything else, based on nothing.  You and I have no connection.  We’re not on the same playing field, don’t ever assume we are.  Go home, Ms. Bates. – Sheriff to Norma

Uh, Norma, I think that was a “no”.

3.  Norma Gets Shrunk

Boy, this is a scene I’ve been waiting for since the beginning of the series – both Norman and Ms. Bates sitting in front of psychiatrist.  Of course, we don’t get long before Norma gets them both out of there, but even in that short period of time, the doctor sees some really screwy about that twosome.  Norma’s a control freak, and Norman… well, there’s something not really right about how clingy he is to Mommy.

             I have absolute control over everything in my life.  I have a lot going on, but I don’t feel powerless.  Ever.  – Norma to shrink

2.  Dylan & Norma “Mom” Moment

Remember when Dylan (Max Thieriot) first showed up on Norma’s doorstep at the beginning of the season?  You just could feel the bad blood between the two, and no one would have guessed that they eventually would come, well, … to actually like each other?

Norma has had a day from hell, had to reimburse her only hotel guest and kick him out, but surprisingly, Dylan shows up to save the day.  All twelve rooms at the Bates Motel are vacant, and Dylan has seven of his “employees” who need rooms for the next few days.  That was music to Norma’s ears, and that look between Dylan and Norma was the first real mother/son moment between the two the entire season.

Of course, let us not forgot that these seven “employees” are there to harvest marijuana, but I think after Norma’s day with the crazed Mr. Abernathy, she wouldn’t really mind.

1. Deputy Shelby Has Risen

I had all of these theories of how I thought the episode would end, but honestly, nothing in my wildest dreams came even close to what actually happened in that final scene.  It was clear that Mr. Abernathy (Jere Burns) was pissed about getting evicted from the Bates Motel, and we all probably could have guessed that he might try and get revenge.  But, stealing Deputy Shelby’s corpse and putting it in Norma’s house!  I did not see that coming at all, and if this is only a glimpse of what Mr. Abernathy is capable of, I have a feeling Norma has got some serious trouble coming her way.

Bates Motel airs on Monday nights at 10 p.m. EST on A&E.