Ep 1. A Danger To Himself And Others

Norman Bates is back and better than ever in the season 4 premiere of "Bates Motel," entitled "A Danger To Himself And Others." This episode opens with Norman still institutionalized in a mental hospital after the events of season 3. However, this time Norman is not the affable, doe-eyed teenager we met in season one, but a nearly catatonic shell of his former self. In contrast, his mother Norma is desperate to get him out of the hospital and back to their motel before it's too late.

As we saw in the previous season 3 finale, the truth about Norman's father's death became known to everyone, and the authorities are closing in on Norma. She hires a seemingly sympathetic doctor, Dr. Gregg Edwards, to assess Norman's mental state and help her convince the hospital to discharge him. However, things don't go as planned when Norman's condition worsens. Meanwhile, Norma receives some startling news and starts to fear for her own safety.

Sheriff Alex Romero is still trying to piece together the puzzle of the two murders in which Norman is implicated, but his suspicions are heightened when he's informed of Norma's attempt to remove her son from the hospital. With his investigation closing in, Alex is becoming more desperate to uncover the truth, but he's not the only one with an agenda.

This season, "Bates Motel" promises to deliver even more suspense, thrills, and nail-biting action as we see the battle between good and evil move to a whole new level. With the introduction of new characters, each with their own motivations and agendas, this season will keep viewers on the edge of their seat. As always, Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore deliver powerful performances that keep us invested in their characters' journey.

In "A Danger To Himself And Others," we see Norman at his most vulnerable, and the question of whether his imprisonment is necessary or if he's truly on the brink of full-on psychosis is left up to the viewer to decide. There's a palpable sense of danger lurking around every corner, and the characters are all in danger, even if they don't realize it. With such high stakes, "Bates Motel" once again proves itself to be one of the most tense and thrilling series on television.

While it's still early in the season, "A Danger To Himself And Others" sets up a promising storyline for the rest of season 4. With Norman's mental state clearly deteriorating, it's only a matter of time before the truth about his actions comes to light. Meanwhile, Norma must navigate the intricacies of keeping her son safe while also protecting herself from outside forces. As always, "Bates Motel" deftly mixes psychological horror with character drama, creating an experience that is both terrifying and emotionally satisfying.

In conclusion, "A Danger To Himself And Others" is an excellent start to season 4 of "Bates Motel." With its well-drawn characters, intense atmosphere, and tantalizing storylines, this season promises to be a wild ride. Whether you're a fan of horror, drama, or just great television in general, "Bates Motel" is a series that is sure to keep you hooked from start to finish.