Ep 2. Nice Town You Picked, Norma

Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga) and her son, Norman (Freddie Highmore), continue to navigate their new life in the small town of White Pine Bay in the second episode of "Bates Motel" season 1, entitled "Nice Town You Picked, Norma."

As Norman starts his first day of school, he quickly realizes that the town is not as idyllic as his mother had hoped. He is relentlessly bullied by a group of boys, but finds a kindred spirit in his English teacher, Miss Watson (Keegan Connor Tracy). Meanwhile, Norma has her own problems to deal with as she tries to get the motel up and running. After a mysterious man shows up at the motel and demands a room, Norma starts to realize that there may be more to White Pine Bay than meets the eye.

The episode takes a darker turn when a young woman is found dead on the beach. Norma becomes increasingly paranoid and convinced that the town is out to get her family, especially when Sheriff Romero (Nestor Carbonell) starts questioning her about the murder. As tensions mount and secrets are exposed, the episode ends with a shocking twist that will leave viewers itching to watch the next installment.

Overall, "Nice Town You Picked, Norma" offers a compelling look at the psychological turmoil that the Bates family is experiencing as they try to make a new life for themselves. With strong performances from the cast and a plot that keeps you guessing, this episode is not to be missed.