I did not do weekly reviews on this show, because my schedule did not allow it. However, one week after the finale I think I can give a good review on the season as a whole. I must say this was way better than season 1. I liked season 1, but at times it felt a bit off to me. And while they were troubled by that this season, they did better at covering it up. Let's start on Norman's arc. I felt his was the best, as it should be. This kid has a problem. And he soon found out about his problem. I liked that he realized he was having issues and the fact that at the end of the season he started to remember what happened during his blackouts. But there is more to it, as we saw him descend into the madness that we know from the movies. That is the only problem I have had with Norman. At times it seemed his story was going too fast, but thinking about it seemed perfect. He still isn't dressing up like his mother, even though at times it he pretended he was her. This season left him at a very interesting place. As for Norma she got a bit tiring at times. She was always complaining about something, right or wrong. And that whole side story about her and George's relationship was poorly handled. It seemed like they just wanted to give her something more to do than be a mother. Still she had some great moments this season. She truly cares about Norman and thinks she is protecting him, which is sweet. She will do absolutely anything to protect her child , no matter what, and that was shown excellently this season. Dylan also had an interesting story. It was nice to see him and Norman have arguments, if only to show how messed up Norman is. I loved that he found out who is dad is, even though he didn't stay around. I also like that now he is in a power position at his job. I did feel one of his motives was weak, and it only bothers me because it was such a big deal. I hated that he forgave Norma for keeping his dad from him, and than forgave her because she bought him a plane ticket to go with her and Norman. That just felt a bit weak. I thought the inclusion of Sheriff Romero was smart. He is a good character and I liked him a lot because I never really could tell if he is a good or bad guy. I like the little romance/companionship that was going on between him and Norma at the end of the season. Hopefully they continue that story into season 3. The character done the most injustice this season was Emma. She was reduced to a sex-craving teenage for about 2 or 3 episodes during the season and it just felt so out of character. I also hated how they essentially tried to write her out of the story only to bring her right back in. She shouldn't have been written out at all, because she is essentially the heart of this show. She is the truly human character in a show featuring a bunch of caricatures. I hope they fix her next season.
The overarching story of the season was pretty good. It was basically Norman's departure from being a mother's boy. I think they handled it well, and again they hinted at the future with that kiss between Norma and Norman at the end of the season. That wasn't a mother/son kiss. I liked the position it left all the characters in at the end of the season. Dylan doesn't have to worry about Nick Ford (who was an underwritten character), but might have to worry about his group of people. Norma has to struggle with Norman distancing himself from her and Norman is still slipping into madness. Emma was also hinted at staying at the motel. Romero will most likely still be at the motel when season 3 rolls around, which can led to a furthering of relationship with Norma.
The only thing I really hated about this season was the setting around the aftermath of Ms. Watson's death. It was too big in the season for me. I hated Norman's infatuation with her. I know it set a lot of the events in motion for this season, but I just felt they should've moved on around episode 5.
Overall, this was a very good season. This season, in all its campy goodness, has launched this show to number 2 (sorry 'The Walking Dead') on my favorites list. I hope the can fix what they did wrong this season, while further showing Norman's descent into madness.
The overarching story of the season was pretty good. It was basically Norman's departure from being a mother's boy. I think they handled it well, and again they hinted at the future with that kiss between Norma and Norman at the end of the season. That wasn't a mother/son kiss. I liked the position it left all the characters in at the end of the season. Dylan doesn't have to worry about Nick Ford (who was an underwritten character), but might have to worry about his group of people. Norma has to struggle with Norman distancing himself from her and Norman is still slipping into madness. Emma was also hinted at staying at the motel. Romero will most likely still be at the motel when season 3 rolls around, which can led to a furthering of relationship with Norma.
The only thing I really hated about this season was the setting around the aftermath of Ms. Watson's death. It was too big in the season for me. I hated Norman's infatuation with her. I know it set a lot of the events in motion for this season, but I just felt they should've moved on around episode 5.
Overall, this was a very good season. This season, in all its campy goodness, has launched this show to number 2 (sorry 'The Walking Dead') on my favorites list. I hope the can fix what they did wrong this season, while further showing Norman's descent into madness.
HEROES:
| ZEROES:
|
8 out of 10 Stars