The relationship between Norma and Norman on "Bates Motel" is already questionable and has danced on the line of inappropriate several times, though we've been left to infer much about their bond and the truth about the past.
We've already seen Norma undress in front of Norman and share her desire to cuddle in bed with him in order to relive his younger days when the two would have "sleepovers and watch movies." Their normal interactions with one another are far from acceptable, and Norma is constantly touchy-feely with her teenaged son. More than touchy-feely; more like smothering to the highest degree.
Norma's overprotective nature and her attempt to shield Norman from all women besides her, of course - and Emma - set the scene for their alarming closeness to be explored in season 3.
"These two will be emotionally closer than ever," Vera Farmiga, who plays the role of Norma, told People.
"Sexual feeling does crop up," the 41-year-old actress said. "You are going to witness some really unsettling bonding between them."
If that's not enough of a validation, Farmiga also revealed that Norma and Norman will lock lips yet again in another uncomfortable moment, but will this scene go further?
"Their physical closeness still has more places left to go," Freddie Highmore, who plays the role of Norman, told People.
The 23-year-old actor said that their relationship becomes more of a "husband and wife" dynamic.
In addition to the complicated romance aspect, Norma is clinging onto the last bit of her son's innocence (is there any left?), and she's grappling to come to terms with the fact that her son is a murderer.
"There is a desperation that comes with not knowing how to fix your child and you are going to do whatever it takes. Norma is really proactive in trying to find that magic bullet," Farmiga said.
This "brutal" season is said to be the darkest yet and has taken a toll on Farmiga who had difficultly immersing herself into the character of Norma and then leaving it behind; however, Highmore feels differently.
"It's usually pretty easy to leave Norman on set," he said. "I haven't taken up taxidermy or anything like that. I'm free of that for now."
Season 3 of "Bates Motel" premieres tonight at 9 p.m. EST on A&E.
