"Visiting Hours," the penultimate episode of Bates Motel's fifth and final season, directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi and developed by Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin, and Anthony Cipriano, delves into the harrowing consequences of Norman Bates' actions and the profound emotional toll it takes on those still entangled in his orbit. This episode acts as a crucial bridge to the series finale, intensifying the psychological burden on Dylan and Emma, while setting the stage for Romero's final, vengeful confrontation with Norman. It's a quieter episode, focusing on the ripple effects of murder and madness on the peripheral characters .
The episode primarily centers on Norman (Freddie Highmore) now in custody, facing legal ramifications for the murder of Sam Loomis. His legal problems worsen, and his increasingly fragmented mental state is on full display . Vera Farmiga, as the manifestation of "Mother" in Norman's mind, is fully in control, guiding Norman's interactions and dictating his responses. The transitions between Highmore's portrayal of Norman and Farmiga's "Mother" are expertly handled, serving as a powerful and simple yet effective storytelling tool .
A significant portion of "Visiting Hours" focuses on the immense emotional strain placed upon Dylan Massett (Max Thieriot). Dylan finds himself caught between his past and his future, burdened by the love for his brother and the horrifying reality of Norman's crimes . The episode portrays Dylan's ordeal with a raw honesty, as he is confronted by the grief and anger of those Norman has harmed. His wife, Emma Decody (Olivia Cooke), initially expresses harsh judgment, and Madeleine Loomis (Isabelle McNally) places blame on him, adding to his crushing guilt . Thieriot and Cooke deliver powerful performances, showcasing how much their characters have matured as performers . Dylan's compassion is highlighted as he shoulders the burdens of others' sorrow and frustration, even as Emma softens towards him by the episode's end, recognizing his need for support .
The narrative cleverly uses the reactions of characters like Emma and Madeleine to explore the complexities of grief when the deceased had a problematic relationship with the living. The revelation that Norman killed Audrey, Emma's mother, comes as a cold shock, as Emma had no prior suspicions about Norman's true nature . The episode suggests that sometimes the hardest losses are those where unresolved issues remain exposed, mirroring Dylan's own prior experience with Caleb . This thematic exploration adds layers of emotional depth to what could otherwise be a straightforward procedural plot point.
Adding to the tension, the episode begins to set the stage for Sheriff Alex Romero's (Nestor Carbonell) long-awaited revenge. While specific details of his plan are still unfolding, the narrative indicates his clear intention to destroy Norman and avenge Norma's death . The final moments of the episode hint at Romero's extreme measures, including a shocking move where he seemingly kidnaps Norman from police custody . Carbonell's performance as a vengeful and desperate Romero continues to be a highlight, with his facial expressions conveying a multitude of emotions and a deeply broken man .
Olatunde Osunsanmi's direction is praised for its quiet intensity, allowing the emotional weight of the various confrontations to resonate deeply with the audience . The acting is consistently strong across the board, supporting the nuanced exploration of how the murders affect everyone involved . The episode's effective use of transitions between Norman and "Mother" not only reinforces Norman's fractured state but also serves as a crucial storytelling device, keeping the audience immersed in his psychological world .
Culturally and cinematically, "Visiting Hours" continues Bates Motel's tradition of reinterpreting and expanding upon the foundational myths of Psycho. By focusing on the emotional aftermath and the psychological unraveling, the series elevates itself beyond mere horror, delving into the human cost of mental illness and unchecked familial codependency. The episode's emphasis on the personal toll of Norman's actions on those around him underscores a more contemporary approach to the genre, aligning with current cultural discussions on mental health, trauma, and responsibility.
While the episode is generally well-received for its character-driven focus and emotional depth, some viewers might find its quiet nature and emphasis on emotional processing a departure from the more suspenseful, action-oriented episodes of the season. The decision to not fully delve into Norman's trial, for example, might be seen as a missed opportunity to explore the intricacies of his mental state in a legal context . However, this choice allows the narrative to prioritize the raw, personal impact of Norman's condition on his family and victims.
"Visiting Hours" is a poignant and emotionally charged episode that lays crucial groundwork for the series finale. It excels in its raw portrayal of the human cost of Norman Bates' madness, primarily through the agonizing experience of Dylan and Emma. The episode skillfully balances the deepening psychological horror with moments of genuine pathos, demonstrating the show's consistent strength in character development and emotional resonance. It's a testament to Bates Motel's unique blend of psychological complexity and classic horror tropes, drawing the audience deeper into the tragic inevitability of the Bates family's fate.
