10 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
"Bates Motel" Season 1 introduces Norma Bates, a fiercely protective mother, and her shy, troubled teenage son, Norman Bates, as they move to White Pine Bay, Oregon, to buy and run a motel for a fresh start after Norman's father's mysterious death. Their attempt at a new life quickly unravels as dark secrets emerge in their seemingly idyllic new town.
Soon after their arrival, the motel's former owner, Keith Summers, rapes Norma, leading her to kill him in self-defense, with Norman's help in disposing of the body. Norman begins experiencing blackouts and visions, hinting at a deeper psychological disturbance. The arrival of Norman's rebellious half-brother, Dylan Massett, further complicates family dynamics. Norman and his new friend, Emma Decody, uncover a sex slavery operation linked to Deputy Shelby, who is holding a girl captive. A confrontation ensues at Shelby's house, where Dylan shoots and kills Deputy Shelby to protect his family. Later, a mysterious man named Jake Abernathy arrives, threatening Norma and revealing he knows about Keith Summers, even placing Shelby's corpse in Norma's bed as a warning.
As Norman's mental state deteriorates, the season concludes with his English teacher, Miss Watson, found murdered in her home, strongly implying Norman's involvement during one of his blackouts.
Season 1 of Bates Motel covers episodes 1-10. Here's everything that happened:
Season 1, Episode 1: First You Dream, Then You Die - Norma and Norman Bates relocate to White Pine Bay, Oregon, after Norman's father's mysterious death. Norma buys a motel to start a new life. However, the former owner, Keith Summers, rapes Norma. In a rage, Norma kills Keith, and she and Norman dispose of the body. The episode concludes with the "Bates Motel" sign being installed.
Season 1, Episode 2: Nice Town You Picked, Norma... - Dylan arrives, causing tension. Norman and Emma investigate a sketchbook, discovering a potential sex slavery operation. Norman attacks Dylan after he calls Norma a "whore". Norma and Deputy Shelby grow closer. The episode concludes with a burning body displayed in town.
Season 1, Episode 3: What's Wrong with Norman - Norman's blackouts intensify, causing him to faint at school after visions of his teacher. Norma takes Norman home from the hospital against doctor's orders. Emma and Norman find a clue related to the missing girl, leading them to Deputy Shelby's house, where Norman discovers a disturbing secret in the basement. The episode concludes with Norma seemingly manipulating Norman to retrieve the belt from Shelby.
Season 1, Episode 4: Trust Me - Dylan helps Norman escape Shelby's house after finding Jiao. Norman tells Dylan about Shelby's secrets, strengthening their bond. Norma's relationship with Shelby intensifies, but Norma is arrested for Keith Summers' murder. Norman sleeps with Bradley. The episode concludes with Norma in jail and Shelby watching as she is taken away.
Season 1, Episode 5: Ocean View - Norma is released after Shelby tampers with evidence. Dylan's attempt to get money for a place with Norman results in Ethan's death. Norman and Emma find the missing Asian girl from Shelby's basement. Norma is horrified when the girl confirms Shelby held her captive, realizing his true nature.
Season 1, Episode 6: The Truth - Norma and Norman grapple with Shelby's dark side after discovering he held Jiao captive. Shelby returns, leading to a confrontation where Dylan shoots and kills him. Norma reveals to Dylan that Norman killed his father in a rage, which he doesn't remember. The episode concludes with the police arriving as Norma vows to protect Norman.
Season 1, Episode 7: The Man in Number 9 - Sheriff Romero covers up Shelby's murder, spinning a tale of a shootout. Norma hires Emma to work at the motel. Norman finds a stray dog, but the dog is hit and killed by a car. Jake Abernathy, a creepy man, checks into room 9, seeking his regular "standing room reservations". Norman is rejected by Bradley. The episode ends with Norman taking the dead dog to Emma's father to have it fixed.
Season 1, Episode 8: A Boy and His Dog - Norma confronts Abernathy, a mysterious motel guest, about his intentions. Dylan and Remo go on a road trip, facing challenges in their criminal endeavors. Norman explores taxidermy, a hobby that feeds his growing psychosis. The episode concludes with Norma discovering Shelby's corpse in her bed, a threat from Abernathy.
Season 1, Episode 9: Underwater - Norman dreams of drowning Bradley, foreshadowing his growing dark side. Norma, threatened by Abernathy, wants to sell the motel and move to Hawaii, causing conflict with Norman. Dylan helps Bradley visit her deceased father's office, where she finds love letters. Miss Watson encourages Norman's writing, creating tension with Norma. The episode concludes with Norma stuck in White Pine Bay, unable to escape her problems.
Season 1, Episode 10: Midnight - Norma confides in Romero about Abernathy's threat. Norma tells Norman about her traumatic past. At the school dance, Norman is punched after staring at Bradley. Miss Watson offers Norman a ride, but Norman hallucinates his mother. The episode concludes with Miss Watson murdered in her home.
