Mother and Norman Bates in “Unfinished Business”

Do you remember when you were little, and your dad would get so scary and you and I would hide?

Norman Bates

Stop talking like you're her. We both know you're not.

Okay. You are a big boy now. Let's talk on an even level, one adult to another. Your mother suffered.

Norman Bates

You kept me from feeling things, didn't you? Feeling bad things.

Yes. That's why you created me. When you were little and you were so scared. And your dad got violent, and your mom was so scared, over and over. And you were so afraid that you sent me out to handle things for you. Things that you couldn't stand to feel because they were so painful and so scary, and you were so little.

Norman Bates

So you've always been here with me to keep me safe.

Yes. We are two parts of the same person. Both are very real. But there's one thing you don't know. The pain that I keep you from feeling, you need to feel. Like Adam wanting all the knowledge and eating the apple in the Garden of Eden. You get the truth, but you also see the pain. We are partners now, Norman. You have no choice. We are on even footing.