Bates Motel Season 2 Episode 2-3 Recaps: Baby Daddy Issues

Episode 2 (entitled "Shadow Of A Doubt") seemed more of a setup for future story lines. Episode 3's "Caleb" definitely picked up the pace though.

Norma becomes increasingly concerned that Norman killed Ms Watson (he has her pearls etc). Norma tries to distract him by having them both try out for community theater. They're putting on "South Pacific". Norman is just placating his mother. He'd rather be at home with Bradley (who is currently hiding in their basement). Norman finally goes ballistic and tells his mother off. I did enjoy Norma's song though. How super talented is Vera Farminga?

And there's some stuff about the drug business that I dont care much about. It does give them a reason to ratchet up the violence quotient though. Gil is dead and someone must pay. Sheriff Romero is on the case. Bradley of course killed Gil to avenge her father. Norman calls his brother from the theater tryouts to take Bradley to the bus stop (so she can get out of town ASAP).

"Caleb" opens with Norma's brother visiting White Pine Bay. Norma had previously told Norman that Caleb raped her as a young girl (and it only stopped when he moved away). Needless to say Norma is not happy to see him. She throws him out of the house but Dylan later secretly meets with him and gives him money (since Caleb says he wants to buy a motel in Costa Rica, yeah right).

Norma makes a new friend in Christine Heldens. She seemed a little too good to be true (quitting her job as theater director because they would not cast Norma as the lead). Christine invites Norma to a party where she meets other White Pine Bay residents (including Nick Ford who is also against the bypass). We know that his is Ms Watson's father but Norma does not know this. That Norma, always picking the bad boys.

Emma thinks Bradley is dead (they made her departure look like a suicide) and arranges a memorial service at the beach. Norman of course knows better but plays along. The memorial is actually a drunken party. It looks like Emma will hook up with Gunner (remember cup cake kid from last season?). Norman sees Cody (the girl from the grocery and the theater tryouts) at the memorial. He walks her home. Will she become his new love interest?

Dylan tells Norma he has been speaking to Caleb. Norma breaks down and says Caleb raped her. Dylan does not believe her (and says Caleb has been nicer to him in a day than Norma has in his entire life). Norman returns home and sees them arguing. He tackles Dylan and proceeds to beat the crap out of him. And in the biggest shocker of the season, Norma blurts out that Caleb is Dylan's father. I can honestly say I didnt see that coming. Is it really true? If so, what is that going to do to the already strained relationship between Norma, Norman and Dylan?

Favorite Quotes:

"We sleep just six inches away from one another with nothing but a thin wall between us."- Norman to Norma about their "too close" relationship.
"Statistical speaking most people who fall into the Grand Canyon do it while faking falling into the Grand Canyon...Quick honey take a picture...whaaaaaa... THUD"- Norma at Christine's party. That was funny.
"Make bad choices with me."- a very drunk Emma to Gunner. He offers to take her home. I fear something bad is about to happen.

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). I really loved "Caleb". It's one of my most favorite episodes to date.