After the end of last week’s episode, Romero seems to properly understand the danger that Norman poses to the point that he doesn’t even want Norma being alone with her (he has no idea how right he is). Meanwhile, Norman suddenly can’t wait to open up in therapy now that he has his Oedipus Complex to vent about. As both of these men in Norma’s life continue down their paths, it’s painful to watch her wallow in blissful ignorance. The events of last episode seemingly did little to change her. She truly believes that this is just an awkward transition period that will smooth over in time, like dog that’s being toilet trained. She has no idea how close a homicide is from happening under her roof.

It’s even more tragic that Norman seems pretty on the money with his psychological evaluation of his mother. His description of her symptomatic behavior and her routine with people sounds like something that could happen. As icky as every scene of Norman and Norma in bed together, or dancing, or that kiss has been, there’s no denying that he does understand her. He’s also incredibly biased and deluded on the topic of his mother, but his fundamental understanding of how she works makes this “break up” they’re experiencing more devastating. As Norman pointed out last episode, the two of them have been conditioned to only survive with one another.

This season of Bates Motel has far and above been their most accomplished. While much of this season had efficient pacing and emotional storytelling, there are a few beats that feel a little reductive. It truly feels like we’re on the tenth call that Norma has made to Romero insisting that Norman is improving and that he deserves another chance. They’re just washing over me at this point and if any time ever needs to be filled, another one of these seems to be the answer.

Repetitive as they might be, they are beginning to show the dissolution of Norma and Romero because of her blinders towards her son, which is crushing. As ridiculous as this marriage has been, seeing Norma get closer and closer to happiness has been a steady highlight. Regardless of the circumstances that brought them together, there seems to be real affection, so seeing Norman’s poison take this away from Norma is almost too much. She’s always going to choose her son first, and that’s the tragedy to all of this. “I am your son, and I always will be,” Norman tells her. It hangs in the air like a death sentence.

Dylan is also a big part of the “Norman is Not Well” train. His actions are largely fueled by the fact that he’s pretty certain that his brother has murdered his potential future mother-in-law. When he brings this to Norma, badgering her over Emma’s mother’s earring, it’s a powerful scene that resonates just as strongly as all of those scenes of Norman in denial with Dr. Edwards.