5x09 Visiting Hours

The second-to-last episode of Bates Motel really leaned into the emotional and dramatic scenes, especially because of Emma. She’s always been kind of sidelined in the series, but here she gets her moment, even if it’s in a way that’s unexpected yet intense. It’s great to see how the writing dives deep into Emma’s grief and anger, giving Olivia Cooke the chance to finally show the full emotional weight her character deserved. It’s almost like a farewell for her, also closing the loop with the Bates family, who she’s been tied to in so many ways throughout the seasons.

Emma has always been the lighter side of the show, the heart in the middle of all the darkness surrounding Norman and Norma. Seeing this character, who’s usually so full of compassion, get overwhelmed by a justified anger when she finds out about her mother’s death was shocking, but it made sense. What’s more interesting is that she has to face this pain alone because Dylan, even though he’s there, can’t really give her the support she truly needs. The scene where she scatters her mother’s ashes to the sound of “Crimson and Clover” is one of the most touching in the episode, a moment of reflection that shows just how deep her grief runs.

Emma’s final meeting with Norman, or rather with “Norma,” is without a doubt one of the saddest moments in the series. Facing her friend, or at least what’s left of him, is a testament to Emma’s strength. She realizes she’s no longer talking to the real Norman, and that realization just makes everything even sadder. It’s in moments like these that you see how admirable Emma is as a character—she has the courage to do what many others wouldn’t. And in the end, when she asks “Norma” to tell Norman she misses him, it’s heartbreaking.

Throughout the episode, the visual shift between Norman and the “Norma” persona happens in such an interesting way. Using Vera Farmiga to bring this duality to life has always been one of the show’s best decisions, and I love how they’ve played it out throughout this season. The idea that “Norma” has complete control over Norman’s body adds more weight to the narrative, especially when we see Norman negotiating with his own madness, whether it’s through lame excuses or the evasions he uses to justify his actions.

Another highlight of the episode is Romero, who’s reached the absolute limit of his thirst for revenge. When he storms into the police station, the tension is nerve-wracking. He doesn’t care about anything anymore; he’s lost it all, and his only motivation now is to take justice into his own hands by killing Norman. The tragedy of Romero’s story is that, at some point in the past, he decided not to try and fix his own life. Now, he’s just a shadow of who he once was, driven by a desperate need to finish what he started.

Dylan is also weighed down by guilt, and even though he’s supporting Norman in some way, the distance between the two brothers is clear. He’s always been an empathetic guy, but now it seems like he’s drowning in his own pain and the inability to help the people he loves. The end of the series promises to be bittersweet, and it feels like there’s no escaping the tragic fate awaiting them.

Overall, this was an episode packed with tension, sadness, and reflection. The soundtrack, sharp dialogue, and direction all help build an atmosphere that’s setting us up for the final climax. And while Norman might end up in a psychiatric institution, it feels like the final destination of the series is going to be even darker...