On that note, I don’t know if I exactly needed flashback scenes between a young Caleb and Norma where he talks about being her protector and that they’ll always be safe together, but I suppose it’s useful to get a bit of a read on just how messed up things are for Caleb right now. In spite of all the wrong that he’s done, he is in a uniquely depressing situation here.

Weirdly enough, Caleb’s history and unusual bond with his sister is used as the backbone to the episode this week. Chick acts as therapist for Caleb in some other very perplexing scenes, but it’s admirable to see Bates Motel playing with the characters they have at this point rather than throwing new people into the mix (although say hello to Marion Crane in episode six…). In a bizarre, sad way Caleb is able to atone for his sins and come to term with his past using this Norma Surrogate to heal.

Another new welcome dimension that we get to the series this week is the novelty of Norman operating in full Norma regalia while talking to other individuals. After Chick “caught” Norman last week, that seems to mean that he qualifies as his confidant. Meaning he becomes Norma(n)’s new foil to bounce off of and field questions like whether Caleb should be flayed or not. Highmore continues to come into his own when it comes to his Norma performance and while in the past the character has been accompanied with a certain rage or urgency, he attempts to smolder and ooze sexuality in his scenes with Chick.

This relationship Chick’s found himself in is definitely problematic, but watching Norman edge infinitesimally close to Chick’s face, perpetually on the cusp of kissing him, makes their material deeply creepier. It’s noble to watch Chick push himself deeper in this situation with the intention of fixing everything. I have no idea how successful Chick is going to be in his plan, but at this point he’s the closest one capable of taking Norman down.

There’s a certain tenderness present in their scenes together that feels reminiscent of Norman’s moments with Dr. Edwards last season. Maybe, somehow, this guy will get through to him. The complicated conversations that Chick tries to negotiate between the “three” of them also acts as a nice reminder of the voices that Norman is constantly hearing in his head, even when we’re not privy to them. Also, when Chick was introduced into this series, who thought that he’d be the one going into the final endgame and the possible savior of White Pine Bay.