Tread Perilously is a podcast in which hosts Erik Amaya and author Justin Robinson watch the “worst” episodes of popular TV shows, attempting to determine if they would continue to watch the series based on the most off-key moments.
This Week: Bates Motel‘s “Underwater”
Tread Perilously‘s month of slasher TV leads to Bates Motel for an episode called “Underwater.”
After dealing with dope-smoking young people staying at the motel, Norma is ready to pull up stakes and move to Hawaii. Norman, meanwhile, is getting positive reinforcement at school and is not happy about the possibility of starting life over again. Meanwhile, Dylan agrees to help Bradley recover some of her father’s belongings from his office. Emma enjoys a cupcake (not a euphemism). And, elsewhere, a largely unseen Ben Abernathy menaces Norma from afar. But did he send her the roses that really set her off?
Erik lays into Russell T. Davies for seemingly no reason. Carlton Cuse also gets examined. Both note his shows tend to disappear into irrelevance. Justin reveals Bates Motel was his first exposure to Olivia Cooke. The rest of the cast, which includes Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, also get high marks. Erik appreciates the way the episode deploys Jere Burns while Justin enjoys the presence of Nestor Carbonell. The clearly foreshadowed issues with Miss Watson lead to a long discussion. Justin explains the difference between Norman and Mother. Geography Corner applauds the choice to move the story to Oregon and the Ashmore Alarm needs adjustment.
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