Bates Motel Season 4 Episode 4 Review: Norman Makes A Break For It

"Lights of Winter" opens with Norman determined to get out of Pineview. He has reported his mother as a killer and is expecting to be released by the end of the day. He's a pompous ass to the hospital staff. When he's not sprung as planned, crazy new friend Julian has another idea. They create a diversion and head straight for a strip club called "The Landing Strip". I assume it's the only one in White Pine Bay but who knows.

In an interesting scene, Norman gets a private dance from one of the ladies. When things turn sexual Norman turns into Mother. She seems to be having a good time. I dont know about you but I found that particularly titillating. Norman has a screwdriver nearby. I was sure it would soon be in the poor girl's head. Luckily for Athena, Julian gets into a fight with the club's guards and is beat to a bloody pulp. It turns out he pulls this stunt every few months.

The cops, an ambulance and Dr Edwards arrive. Norman finally realizes that he has a problem and is not sure what is real. He breaks down crying. Freddie Highmore acted the hell out of that scene. Admitting you have a problem is the first step towards recovery. Unfortunately we know it won't help in this situation.

Meanwhile Norma visits Emma in the hospital. They share a warm scene. Emma assures Norma that she is doing what's best for Norman by getting him help. Emma later informs Dylan that she's moving to Seattle (because they have a an excellent pulmonary unit). Dylan is at first bummed but perks right back up when Emma asks him to join her. I'm not sure where they're going with this story line but I hope these kids survive Norman.

Norma and Alex settle into a happy married life. They go to a winter festival and look very much in love. Lots of trouble is brewing though. When Norman finds out, he's going to go ballistic. The feds are investigating the disappearance of Bob Paris. Rebecca Hamilton tells Romero that she laundered $3 million for Bob. It's locked in a security box in the bank. She thinks he has the key and that he killed Bob (which is true). When Norma and Alex return from the fair, the house has been ransacked. I hope Norman gets out of the hospital soon so Mother can do away with Rebecca.

Grade: 3 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). This episode was more of a filler but that's fine. The previous episode seriously knocked it out of the park. I continue to be sadder and sadder for Norma--given her eventual fate. Extra points for Mother at a strip club. More of that please!