Bates Motel Review: The Convergence of the Twain (Season 5 Episode 2)

Well, that was a trip.

Bates Motel Season 5 Episode 2, “The Convergence of the Twain,” continues from where we left off where Norman finds out that it was Romero that sent a hitman to kill him all along. Dear old step-dad Romero is out for vengeance.

Norman visits Romero in prison, and that whole interaction is full of awkwardness and intensity. You can definitely tell that Romero is trying so hard not to jump out at Norman and choke him right then and there.

But, you know, Romero is smart so he already has other plans to avenge Norma’s death. He’s not going down without a fight.

I feel really bad for Romero — he doesn’t deserve this. Norman took away the one true happiness Romero found in his life and it doesn’t look like he will forgive him anytime soon. Heck, I wouldn’t either if I was him.

Romero sending a hitman to kill Norman is a ballsy move on his part. I didn’t think he had it in him to come after Norman like that. I get his anger — we all do. But he’s coming after a minor, and a mentally ill minor as well.

Norman’s illness is getting worse, while at the same time, his sass is also increasing.

I’m not sure where it all comes from, but I’m guessing it has something to do with him picking up Norma’s own personality as he takes on more of her demeanor to keep for himself. Creepy.

He’s obsessed with his mother, and the attachment that he has onto her is nerve-wracking. Killing Norma has made everything worse for him and I feel like it’s going to build up a lot more on his sickness in the upcoming episodes of this final season.

Norman is falling deeper into his imaginary world with his mother, and it’s scary. He is literally unpredictable, dangerous, and who knows how he’ll be able to juggle everything around him now that Caleb knows about Norma’s tragic death? Then it’ll be Dylan and Emma next to find out.

He’s going to be in for a lot of frustration, and I’m worried that might have a next victim lined up just out of spite of everything.

Speaking of Caleb, I’m surprised he automatically knows that Norma did not commit suicide. Rather, he goes straight to the house to confront Norman because he knows Norman is 100% responsible.

Caleb and Norma never had a good childhood, and it still doesn’t excuse him for what he did to her all those years ago. But his reaction to her death shows us that he’s heartbroken about it. Eh, I still don’t like him though.

I’m not quite sure what exactly are Norman’s motives to continue on a life without Norma, but he constantly has her wrapped up in his conscience. It’s like he wants Norma’s qualities and persona, but at the same time he wants to avoid it and be his own person. Pick one, Norman.

All of this is as confusing as it is intriguing, and I’m here for it.

Dylan and Emma have yet to find out that Norma is dead. It is going to break Dylan and the happy life that he has built with Emma. I don’t think my heart can take his heartache.

So, what’s up with David Davidson…errr…I mean Sam Loomis?

He’s cheating on his wife, Madeline, who is also the girl who Norman has a thing for. Austin Nichols’ portrayal of Sam Loomis is interesting, however I hate to say this but I can’t seem to take him seriously in this role. This whole threatening demeanor he has against Norman is funny.

I wonder who he had in that motel room on Bates Motel Season 5 Episode 1. Something tells me Norman is going to have a fit if it happens again.

Norman is onto Sam, and the way that he approaches him about it is quite funny. Where did Norman pick up all this sass?

Madeline literally looks like Norma, as she describes her to be a 10 years younger version of herself. Norman, you’re one of those guys that develops a fetish for someone who looks like their mom. Ew.

But then again, it’s not surprising. Because he is Norman Bates and he is dubious.

Other stray thoughts:

• Chick is creepy, but he’s interesting. He also just witnessed Norman smack Caleb in the back of the head so I’m curious to see what will happen next. Can he be able to save Caleb?
• Romero is actually breaking my heart, I feel so bad for the guy.
• Norman better not harm Madeline. You know how he gets around girls that he fancies…

What did you think of this episode of Bates Motel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Bates Motel airs Mondays at 10/9c on A&E.

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