Ep 2. Shadow of a Doubt

Norma (Vera Farmiga) and Norman (Freddie Highmore) are back for another season of creepy thrills and chills in the hit TV series Bates Motel. In season 2 episode 2, titled "Shadow of a Doubt," tensions continue to run high between mother and son, as Norman becomes increasingly unhinged and Norma struggles to keep their family together.

The episode opens with Norman having a nightmare about Miss Watson, the teacher he had a crush on who was murdered at the end of the first season. The dream quickly turns into a graphic and disturbing fantasy, hinting at the inner turmoil that Norman is struggling with. As he wakes up, we see that he's sharing a motel room with his mother, who is both loving and overbearing.

The episode really picks up when a new guest arrives at the motel, a wealthy man named Caleb (guest star Kenny Johnson) who just so happens to be Norma's estranged brother. Norma is hesitant to let him stay, but eventually relents, wary of the danger that Caleb could bring to their lives.

As Caleb settles in at the motel, tensions between him and Norma continue to simmer. It's clear that there is a lot of bad blood between the siblings, and as the episode unfolds, we begin to learn more about their troubled past. Norman, too, is affected by Caleb's arrival, becoming more agitated and prone to outbursts.

But it's not just family drama that's brewing in this episode. There's also a subplot about a new drug that's been introduced into the town, which Norman becomes involved in after he meets a troubled young woman named Cody (Paloma Kwiatkowski). As the drug storyline intersects with the family drama, things start to become increasingly tense and unsettling.

One of the strengths of Bates Motel is its ability to balance different storylines and genres. At once a family drama, a coming-of-age story, and a thriller, this show keeps audiences guessing and on edge. In "Shadow of a Doubt," we get a taste of all of these different elements, as the characters struggle to navigate their shifting relationships and ever-present dangers.

Visually, the episode is just as stunning as ever. Bates Motel has always had a distinct aesthetic, with its moody lighting, bold colors, and eerie settings. In this episode, we get some particularly striking shots of the motel and its surroundings, as well as some powerful close-ups of the characters' faces as they confront their demons.

Of course, at the heart of Bates Motel are its two phenomenal leads. Farmiga and Highmore bring so much depth and nuance to their roles, and it's fascinating to see the evolution of their characters over the course of the show. In "Shadow of a Doubt," they both have some truly standout moments, showing both the vulnerability and the madness that lurk beneath the surface.

Overall, "Shadow of a Doubt" is a strong episode of a strong show. It sets up some intriguing storylines for the rest of the season, while also giving us a satisfying slice of drama and suspense. Fans of Bates Motel won't want to miss this one.