Bates Motel returned with a third episode tonight that revealed the fate of Annika, let Dylan argue with Caleb about wood (ugh) and gave Freddie Highmore some great acting moments. I know I’ve been recapping the episodes before I get to the review in my previous posts, but I’m going to try out just reviewing the episode this week. Not that I don’t love writing the recaps, but I want to make sure people actually read them if I’m writing them. So if you’re reading this let me know what you want to read! Just a review? Or a lengthy recap with my commentary and a review.That being said, let’s get to the review!

Truthfully, I was worried about this episode during the first half, but man did that second half more than make up for a lackluster beginning! We actually got some closure on the Annika front, and leading up to the big reveal in the final scene, we were treated to some fantastic scenes with Freddie Highmore, who probably had his best acting moments since the series began. Out of the first three episodes, this should definitely be his Emmy submission (though something tells me there are probably better scenes in store for him later in the season).

After the body at the end of last week’s episode was revealed to be another escort, and not Annika, doubt begins to plague Norman’s mind again. I’ve got to hand it to some of you commenters last week. You were right about the body not being Annika. I tip my imaginary hat to you. Norman finally gets to stand up to Norma after Romero shows up at the Bates’ house to question him. Once the interrogation is over, Highmore gets to really let loose and ask Norma why she would tell Romero that he was the last one to see Annika alive. Later, after venting to Emma about it he runs back to the house and really lets Norma have it.

All of this craziness leads up to the best moment of the episode: Fake Norma comes back! Making her first appearance since the season 2 finale, Fake Norma comes to Norman while he is in the bathroom trying to remember what happened the night Annika disappeared. She undresses him (gross) and convinces him to hold himself underwater to shock the memories back into him. It’s a great scene between Farmiga and Highmore and even more proof that the show is at it’s best when they have scenes together.

After Norma pulls Norman out of the bathtub she breaks down in the office only to see Annika pull up in her car, hand her a bloody flash drive and die in her arms. I’ve got to say, I didn’t see that storlying heading that way so kudos to the writers for pulling a fast one on me. My only concern is that this makes it clear that Norman didn’t kill her, so are we going to be treated to a season of Norma battling the Arcanum club? I’m not sure how interesting that sounds.

Elsewhere in the episode, Norma is going to school and, after a rather awkward meeting with her psychology professor (Joshua Leonard, of The Blair Witch Project), ends up considering going to him for therapy sessions. I really liked the conversation they had in the parking lot, and I can only imagine that therapy sessions with Norma will prove to be incredibly entertaining. More of this, please.

Sheriff Romero had some drama of his own with Bob, head of The Arcanum Club. None of it is particularly interesting, but is clearly buildup for more conflict in future episodes. We do find out that the dead girl from the end of the last episode is an escort named Lindsey Davis, most likely working for the same company Annika worked for. Oh, and the whole subplot with Marcus Young, the other guy running for Sheriff is a thing now. Yawn.

Dylan’s storyline proves yet again to be the weakest part of the episode (seriously, give him anything else to do). The entirety of his storyline consists of arguing with his dad/uncle about wood. That’s it. I don’t see this going anywhere interesting and I don’t have enough faith in the writers to take it anywhere worthwhile since Dylan’s plots have always been a weak link. The only bright spot is when Emma shows up with his weed (and a hilarious visual of Emma driving a car full or marijuana plants) and has an awkward introduction with Caleb.

Overall I’d say this episode is a step down from last week’s episode, only because the first half of the episode was a bit of a snooze, but it was better than the premiere. Highmore was the MVP of this episode, and Farmiga had some great moments as well. Here’s hoping Dylan’s storyline and all of the Romero stuff becomes more interesting, though.

Random Notes

• Norma can recognize a dead body based on the toenail polish. Alright.
• The look on Norma’s face when she is inspecting Lindsey’s body is PRICELESS.
• Emma was looking great when she was getting dressed. But the visual of her wearing the sexy outfit whilst carrying the oxygen tank is kind of funny.
• I know I’ve mentioned it a lot, but Freddie Highmore was fantastic in this episode. He’s really getting into Norman Bates’ mind.
• “When she said she was working a party I didn’t think she was a magician.” Smooth, Norman.
• Completely forgot that Gunner and Emma had sex last season. Whoops. But now he at least seems like less of a random character.
• “I guess we’re all dicks sometimes.” Possibly Norma’s precursor to the infamous “We all go a little mad sometimes” line? I’m for it!
• “Why would that be nice?” Sheriff Romero to Marcus Young saying it might be nice to talk to each other.
• “Why are you glaring at me like that?” Norma to Norman, who was glaring at her “like that.”
• Dream Norma undressing Norman is really weird. I like it.
• Here’s the promo for next week’s episode, titled “Unbreakable.”