Bates Motel is back for a third season on A&E, beginning Monday, March 9th, at 9/8c. Get up to speed with the latest on the major characters – killers and all. It’s the perfect course for fans as well as a great way for newbies to find out what the hype is all about!
TV Refresher Course
Norman Bates
Norman Bates
It is almost impossible to predict what’s next in store for Freddie Highmore’s character Norman Bates, a sly, sinister 17-year-old whose who took viewers on duplicitous roller coaster last season. He began the season determined to find Ms. Watson’s killer, but as his blackouts were clarified, and his relationships complicated, he confessed to having committed the murder himself. Norman also met Cody Brennen, an edgy wild-child who must eventually leave town. Norman is staunchly supported by his mother throughout his tribulations and, somehow, passed a polygraph test in the last episode when asked if he killed Blair.
Norma Bates
Norma Bates
Vera Farmiga continues to pull off the gripping role with aplomb, in spite of its complexities. The resilient, embattled and mercurial mother of 17-year-old Norman Bates had an interesting arc in season 2. From her brother’s unannounced arrival, and subsequent departure, to her convoluted relationship with her son, Norma remained an emotionally complex, relentlessly devoted character. While juggling her own needs and an immoveable trail of garbage, Norma continued to try to create a new, stable life and, at season’s end, planned to skip town with her son.
Dylan Massett
Dylan Massett
We’re eager to see what else the brooding Max Thieriot can do with his troubled character Dylan Massett. Dylan was perpetually sucked into bad situations last season, either a co-conspirator in killings or the perpetrator. Along the way, Dylan discovered that Caleb was his real father, a fact that gravely complicated his relationship with his mother, Norma. Later, Dylan was shot in a drive-by, entangling him in a web of danger along with Nick, his new boss Zane, and Zane’s sister Jodi. Somehow, he finished the season unscathed.
Sherrif Alex Romero
Sherrif Alex Romero
Nestor Carbonell’s Romero, the Sheriff of White Pine Bay, moved into Bates Motel after an unfortunate incident at his own house, involving Zane, for whom he has much contempt. He was understandably preoccupied with Miss Watson’s death for much of the season. When he tried to find Norman to perform a polygraph, he discovered, from Norma, that he’d been kidnapped. He successfully endeavored to save him and conducts the polygraph test that Norman will ultimately pass.
Emma Decody
Emma Decody
In Season 2, Olivia Cooke’s endearing and innocent Emma Decody, the 17-year-old employee of the Motel who also has cystic fibrosis, lost her virginity to Gunner. She’s put in a precarious situation when swimming in the ocean with Gunner, Norman and Cody, remaining close with Norman, her season 1 crush, throughout. By the end of the season, she was through with the motel, feeling undervalued and tuned out, but at Norman’s request, Emma considers staying. All in all, Emma functioned more as a foil character in season 2, and we hope to see her appearances increase.
Bradley Martin
Bradley Martin
Nicola Peltz’s storyline in season 2 was one of ominous ups-and-downs. Playing Bradley, she began the season with a failed suicide attempt, which found her in a mental hospital. No less volatile, she left the hospital, impulsively killing Gil when she shows up at his house. Norman hid Bradley in his basement and, with the help of Dylan, who advises that she write a suicide note, she leaves White Pine Bay on a bus headed for Boston. Nicola Peltz will be back in season 3 to play the eerie Bradley, something that can only mean good things for the show.
