‘Bates Motel’ survival odds: Chances are, Caleb’s done for

Just two episodes in and “Bates Motel” is wasting no time giving audiences exactly what they want — and in Season 5, what audiences want is Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) in all his “Psycho” glory. It’s an inevitable direction for the tale to take, and even though the series has now turned that deranged corner,  Monday’s (Feb. 27) episode — titled “The Convergence of the Twain” — remained unpredictable and surprising all the way through.

While certain story seeds have been planted — Madeline Loomis (Isabelle McNally) and her cheating husband Sam (Austin Nichols) are indeed setting the stage for the arrival of Marion Crane (Rihanna) — it’s the evolution of Norman’s mental state that has us firmly glued to the television. Highmore’s innocent danger, Vera Farmiga’s magnetism, and wild card characters like Caleb (Kenny Johnson) and Chick (Ryan Hurst) make for a consistently intriguing combo.

Die-hard fans of Hitchcock’s original film know the general direction the Marion Crane story is going to take — even though the series has shifted direction a little bit, fixing Norman’s growing obsession on Loomis instead — the fate of Dylan (Max Thierot), Chick and Caleb are uncertain mysteries.

Poor Caleb… Still battling the demons from his past,  and agreeing to Emma’s (Olivia Cooke) request that he leave for Dylan’s emotional well-being, his only option is to return to White Pine Bay — and much like Dylan, with no idea that Norma is dead. A lot can change in a year and a half — or in the half-second it takes for a stranger’s well-meaning comments to sink in.

RELATED: Mother takes the wheel in ‘Bates Motel’ Season 5 premiere

Claustrophobically small as this town is, Caleb and Chick are face-to-face once again almost immediately, with old resentments rising violently to the fore. Of course, that doesn’t stop Chick from coming to Caleb’s side when the grief truly sinks in. Chick may have good intentions, but Norman’s new taxidermy partner can’t stop Caleb from seeking revenge once he deduces Norman is the one behind it all.

A vengeful move is understandable, but barging into the belly of the beast without any real plan puts Caleb in a weak position. And while Chick has continually shown Norman mercy and compassion through this tough time, neither man expected to run into Mother. Yet, there she is, right in the basement — next to Norma’s body — knocking Caleb out cold… And revealing herself to Chick for the first time.

Which brings us to two very important questions: Will Caleb survive this confrontation? And does he deserve to die? If Norman’s behavior in Season 4 was any sign, that would be a resounding no.

Norman’s rage and hate for his uncle, mixed with his violent Mother persona, create themselves in part as a more powerful, and empowered, version of the woman Caleb damaged all those years ago — and seeing him again, prying into Norman’s secrets, is guaranteed to set off the most sadistic powder keg this small town has ever seen.

And what about Chick? Is he next? Something tells us his bond with Norman is strong enough to keep him safe… For now. With all his odd quirk and insights, it’s even possible the mountain recluse can see how far Norman’s psychosis will go. Now that they’re business partners, is it possible Chick will somehow help enable the madness steadily growing inside poor Norman? And how long until Sheriff Romero (Nestor Carbonell) finds his way back into this mess?

“Bates Motel” airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on A&E.

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