‘Bates Motel’: Should Newest Outing ‘Hidden’ Have Stayed Tucked Away?
By Joey Click
Four episodes into “The Final Season”, A&E’s ‘Bates Motel’ begins setting up the series’ end with the stellar ‘Hidden.’ Welcome back Tenants.
The following review of Bates Motel: Hidden contains spoilers. Do NOT continue if you aren’t caught up. Enjoy Bates Buffs
THE PLOT:
After Caleb’s “accident”, Norman begins to be at his most vulnerable. The new sheriff becomes suspicious, his relationship with Chick straining and Mother is out of control. On top of that, Romero is getting closer to vengeance in spite of being shot. The closer they get, the closer Norman gets to being caught. And if he’s not careful, the motel will be the least of his problems. Welcome to Hidden.
THE REVIEW:
“I think it’s the nature of relationships. They shift constantly, they change shape. Sometimes even minute to minute.- Norman Bates
Last week, the long-running Bates Motel arguably gave us its best outing in Bad Blood. A perfectly plotting itself, the outing truly shows how good Bates Motel can be. This weeks Hidden shows us how good the end of the series is going to be.
Written by Torrey Speer, Hidden is essentially, and thematically, about relationships. Norman’s torn-friendship with Chick, his deadly rivalry with Romero, his deteriorating relationship with Norma and his progressive romance with Madeline — his relationship with himself. It’s what the regression, or in some cases progression, of these relationships which fuels the 44th Bates Motel outing.
‘Bates Motel: Hidden’ – Courtesy of A&E
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Moreover, because of this, Hidden is truly the beginning of the end of Bates Motel. It’s essentially the start of what will become the downfall of Norman Bates. Chick knows too much. Newly appointed Sheriff Jane Greene is getting too close to the fire. Romero is gaining traction. And most of all, Norman is getting too far from sanity.
Directed by Dylan himself, Max Thieriot, Hidden quickly paces itself. While jumping around like a pogo stick, Bates Motel’s newest is moving at a breakneck speed. Again featuring a strong performance by Freddie Highmore, Hidden moves from moment to moment– all while building the final season arch.
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So, will Norman become increasingly in the crossfires of Jane Greene? Will Romero heal fast enough to end this nightmare? Will Chick let secrets slip? You’ll have to check into A&E to find out Tenants.
THE VERDICT:
Max Thieriot‘s Hidden is mainly setting up the remaining six episodes and it’s much stronger for it. While not getting into the meat of it like Bad Blood, Hidden is the glue holding the overall narrative together. Honestly, Bates Motel’s latest is a fine example of utility. And for that, I’m extremely happy. See you next week Tenants.
THE GRADE: A-