Ep 10. Midnight

In Bates Motel season 1 episode 10, titled "Midnight," tensions are running high at the Bates household as they prepare for the town's annual dance. Norma (played brilliantly by Vera Farmiga) is desperately trying to keep up appearances, but secrets from her past threaten to destroy everything she's built in the town of White Pine Bay.

As the episode begins, Norma is frantically cleaning the motel in anticipation of the dance. Despite her best efforts, she can't seem to get the stains out of the carpet and is growing increasingly irritable. Meanwhile, Norman (played by Freddie Highmore) is struggling to deal with the aftermath of his encounter with Bradley (Nicola Peltz) in the previous episode. He's convinced that she's in love with him, even though he's not sure if he reciprocates those feelings.

As the night of the dance approaches, tensions between Norma and her sons start to mount. Dylan (Max Thieriot) is growing increasingly restless, and Norman is becoming more distant. It's clear that something is weighing heavily on all of their minds. When Norman finally confronts his mother about his feelings for Bradley, she reacts much more strongly than he anticipated. Believing that Bradley is a bad influence on her son, she forbids him from seeing her again.

Meanwhile, Dylan receives a surprise visit from his former boss, Zane (Michael Eklund). Zane wants Dylan to come back to work for him and threatens him when he refuses. This, combined with the knowledge that Norma is hiding something from him, sends Dylan over the edge. He shows up at the dance and causes a scene, leading to a violent confrontation that sets the stage for the season's explosive finale.

As the clock strikes midnight, tensions come to a head in an unforgettable climax that leaves the Bates family forever changed. With stunning performances from the entire cast and a story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, "Midnight" is a perfect example of the gripping drama that makes Bates Motel a must-watch series.