A KILLER MAGAZINE

BATES MOTEL, S3 E8 – Post Mortem

4/28/2015

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THE PIT

SEASON 3, EPISODE 8 - EPISODE REVIEW

★★★½ - 70%

Freddie Highmore shines, with one of his seasons-best performances.
Yet, even his brilliantly tortured soul cannot save the clunkiness of this uneven episode.

SPOILERS AHEAD

THE PIT, S3 E8
★★★½

Week after week critics muddle over the ideal plot direction of Bates Motel.
Yes, we know the tragic ending.
Yes, we have an unwritten obligation to the source material.

However, do we?
Moreover, should we or can we?
I know I'm speaking as if I'm one of the writers… Respectfully, my point is clear.

Are the writers obligated to follow the beaten path?
Is it necessary to judge Bates Motel, based on its ability to reference the source material authentically?

I yell, no.

Hannibal successfully deviated from the franchise, while still keeping the essence of the characters grounded. Bates can achieve that too, if they stop listening to us (the audience).

Episode 8 followed some powerhouse episodes and was not a great episode itself. Simply because the writers could not decide where to place Caleb and Dylan within the storyline. The consensus is that Caleb must die for his sins. The most provocative question is when will he die, how will he die and by who will kill him?

I applauded his reconciliation with Norma.

My anticipation for next week’s episode is fueled by potentially seeing the raunchy chemistry between Romero and Norma unfold. In addition, there is excitement to witness the chemistry between the tragic Emma and her hero Dylan.

Norman, predictably always breaks my heart.

Author: Neathen Kills
@NeathenKills
Editor in Chief

Highlights:

Emma & Dylan romance. I love that this destined for tragedy.
Norman / Norma bedroom confessional scene was beyond brilliant.

Lowlights:

The mystery behind the swimming pool/pit. It was simply unbelievable that a stranger could dig a large ugly hole in the front of the Motel and Norma would easily consent to it continuing, without seeing the plans.
Romero judging Norma for lying about her husbands cause of death. The ultimatum he gave her was a little forced and seemingly inserted into the script to create additional tension, which was unnecessary.
The Bradley (resurrection) in Normans mind – or she is actually back (which is deliberately unclear) I find her character underwhelming.