A new sheriff will take over White Pine Bay since Sheriff Romero (Nestor Carbonell) won't be able to fulfill his duties from jail. The season finale will damage Norman Bates' (Freddie Highmore) state of mind beyond repair.
Previously in season 4 of "Bates Motel," Sheriff Romero was brought to jail for perjury before he unveiled the truth about Norman. Because of this he won't be able to act as sheriff anytime soon, especially now that he will be on a mission to unravel the real Norman's dark motives.
Now, White Pine Bay will have a new sheriff named Dana Green — to be played by "Grey's Anatomy" star Brooke Smith — according to TV Line. Sheriff Dana Green is highly observant, moralistic, and sharp. Will Smith's Dana be the one to solve the mysteries surrounding the Bates Motel?
In "Bates Motel" season 5, Highmore shared at the San Diego Comic-Con last July that he will finally turn into the Norman that Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" created. He will be driven to madness, influenced by "Mother," and will be beyond repair.
A supporting element for Norman's worsening state of mind is the non-appearance of Dr. Edwards (Damon Gupton) in season 5. Dr. Edwards has the ability to make Norman better, but that would require him to be committed in overcoming his alternate personality. Since showrunners Kerry Ehrin and Carlton Cuse are not going in that direction, Norman will be clinging more than ever to "Mother" in the upcoming fifth and final season of "Bates Motel."
Cuse also shared that they will be doing their own version of "Psycho."
In the original film, Sam and Lila discovered Norman and his mother's dead corpse while searching for Marion in Bates Motel. Norman was then diagnosed by the psychiatrist of having an alternate personality — "Mother" — whom he reverts to when killing all the women he was attracted to.
In season 5, Marion will be played by Rihanna while Sam and Lila are already being cast. It is possible that Norman gets away with his secrets and "Mother," leaving the town or everyone involved dead.
"Bates Motel" season 5 premieres March 2017 on A&E.
