Underwater (13 May 2013)

Bates Motel: 'Underwater' (2013)

Rating: B

A&E's "Bates Motel" mini-series is basically going to be re-working PSYCHO IV. If you've seen that film then you know it shows what was going on with Mrs. Bates and Norman before the events in the original Alfred Hitchcock film. While that prequel wasn't perfect, it at least put a nice wrap-around story to the original film.

This next to last episode finds Norma deciding enough is enough and she plans on moving. While her breakdown continues, Norman finds that he has a skill at writing, which his teacher wants to help him with but he's worried what mommy might think. Dylan gets involved with Bradley after she asks him for a favor.

This episode certainly isn't going to go down as the best so far but there's no question that it remains entertaining from start to finish.

Much like the previous one, this here is really laid back and it takes its time building up the story. I think some might complain that there's not too much going on here and that might be true but I like the fact that the series is now taking its time a bit more and not just rushing through everything. I'm not sure if this is due to a second season getting picked up and the writers know they don't have to throw everything in but whatever the reason it's something good. The highlight of the episode is some comedy that's thrown in dealing with some guests at the motel who are smoking pot, which of course doesn't sit well with Norma. This episode also features quite a few strange moments including one between Norman and his teacher. There's also the ending, which I won't ruin but it certainly makes your mouth water for what is going to follow (and lets hope they don't resolve it in the matter of seconds).