Ep 1. A Death in the Family

Norman Bates and his mother, Norma, are back for the third season of Bates Motel, and things are heating up in the small, sleepy town of White Pine Bay. In the season premiere, "A Death in the Family," the Bates family is dealing with the aftermath of a tragic event that took place in the season two finale.

The episode picks up with Norma (played by the talented Vera Farmiga) in a state of shock, reeling from the events that unfolded in the last season. She's trying to put on a brave face for her son Norman (Freddie Highmore), but it's clear that she's struggling to hold it together. As she tries to come to terms with what happened, she is forced to confront some tough questions about her own role in the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Norman is dealing with some serious issues of his own. After taking a major step forward in his relationship with Emma (Olivia Cooke) in the last season, things are now starting to unravel between them. Norman's erratic behavior and his disturbing hallucinations about his mother are causing him to pull away from Emma, leaving her hurt and confused.

And then there's the matter of the motel itself. There's a new owner in town, and he's not exactly what you'd call a friendly neighbor. Chick (Ryan Hurst) is a creepy, unpredictable character who seems to have some kind of ulterior motive for taking over the Bates Motel. Norma isn't sure what to make of him, but she knows one thing for sure: she needs to keep a close eye on him.

As the episode unfolds, the tension only continues to mount. There are rumors swirling around town about what really happened in the season two finale, and everyone seems to have their own theory about who's to blame. Norma is determined to protect her family's reputation at all costs, but as the investigation into the tragedy heats up, it becomes clear that there are some dark secrets lurking just beneath the surface in this idyllic little town.

Throughout the episode, we're treated to some stunning performances from the cast. Vera Farmiga shines as always, bringing depth and complexity to her portrayal of Norma Bates. Freddie Highmore is equally impressive, adding a disturbing edge to his portrayal of Norman that keeps us on edge throughout the entire episode. Together, the two actors have a chemistry that is both mesmerizing and unsettling.

Overall, "A Death in the Family" sets up an intriguing and suspenseful storyline for the third season of Bates Motel. Fans of the show won't want to miss a minute of the action as the Bates family struggles to come to terms with the fallout from last season's tragedy. Whether you're a longtime viewer or a newcomer to the world of Bates Motel, this episode is a must-watch.