Bates Motel Season 3 Epis 9-10 Reviews: We Are All Doomed In The End Right? (Season Finale)

We have reached the end of season 3 with two episodes entitled "Crazy" and "Unconscious". With only 10 per year, there is little room for filler for filler episodes in "Bates Motel". And that's just the way I like it. I MUCH prefer this format to the network television 22 episodes per year format.

After finding Bradley on the road, Norman takes her back to the motel. I at first was suspicious as to if Bradley actually existed. We dont see her interact with anyone except Norman. But, after knocking it around a bit, I'm siding with the "she's real" camp. Please let me know if I'm wrong. Norman "almost" has sex with Bradley but then freaks when Mother is watching. When Norman leaves the motel arm in arm with Mother. Great camera work from behind. Norman is not holding Mother's arm because she's not there. Norman is walking alone.

Caleb has left town but not before telling Norman that something is seriously wrong with her kid. He has blackouts and thinks he's Norma. I'd say Caleb will probably be back at some point (as will Chick).

Norma visits a nice mental hospital to inquire about having Norman committed. It looks like a pretty good place but Norma doesnt have enough money. Psychiatric facilities are expensive ya know! She later tells Norman about Pineview. Didnt she perhaps think that would set Norman off further? Apparently not.

Can Emmy And Dylan Have A Happy Ending? You At Least Owe Us That.

Emma's dad tells her she has mysteriously moved up the donor list and will get a new set of lungs soon. We know its because of Dylan's secret $20,000 donation. Emma is very frightened since many people never survive the transplant. Dylan finds her at the lake. She shares her feelings and they kiss. That was a lovely moment.

I Ship Nomero But Anyone That Comes Within Norma's Orbit Ends Up Dead... So Run Romero, Run Outta This Crazy Town!

Norma still cant bring herself to tell Romero the truth (even though he already knows thanks to Bob). Norman confronts Alex. Romero says he's tired of everything in this town and almost kisses Norma but she pulls away. Romero learns that the DEA is going to bust Bob Paris. Romero later meets Bob on his boat. We think Bob will get away but then he opens his big mouth. Romero shoots him the neck. Bye, bye Bob! I'm still not entirely sure of Romero's intentions but I do like him and hope he stays alive.

See This Is Why You Should Never Fake Your Own Death. Lesson Learned.

Norman tells Norma he's running away with Bradley. Of course Norma thinks Bradley is dead and Norman is even farther of his rocker than she suspected. They struggle on the stairs and Norma falls down. I was worried Norman would do something to her at that point. She then slugs Norman in the head and ties him in the basement. Norman (being shifty) escapes and leaves town with Bradley. But who shows up in the back seat besides Mother. Excellent shot of Norman going around the back of the car and in a split second, Mother emerges at the driver's window. She drags Bradley from the car. Bradley tries to escape but her head is repeatedly bashed against some rocks. Norman awakes from his blackout and believes Norma has killed Bradley. He floats Bradley's car into the lake (just like Norman did in the movie "Psycho). Nice touch. Also just a reminder Norman-- there's a big deep hole in front of the motel. It would hold a lot of bodies.

Favorite Quotes:

"People are generally disappointing. You cant let it kill you."-Norma to Dylan.
"There's a cord between our hearts, remember?"- Mother to Norman.
"Mother would like to speak to you."- Norma to Bradley about Mother.
"We will always be together."- Norma to Norman.
"You've given up on me."- Norman to Norma after she tells him she's price shopping at mental hospitals.
"Were all doomed in the end right?"-Norma to Romero.

We'll Meet Ya Back Here Next Season Kiddies!

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). Maybe not the strongest season finale of the series but still a solid one. I'm here for Norma and Norman so dont really care if some minor story lines flounder (such as Arcanum). After watching for three seasons, I find myself hoping the story will end differently. But we all know what happens. "Bates Motel" is anticipated to run 5 season total so we have a little longer to watch Norman and Norma completely fall apart. And I've said it many, many times before but Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore are simply perfection in these roles.