I understand what's at stake re: the bypass, and I'm not seeing Norma's current actions as quixotic. More like a progression. She has been more suspicious and skeptical in the past, with good reason, especially given what happened with Shelby. But she is being less suspicious now, and I think that's not only because of what's at stake for her. From the start of the season they've shown how much better life has gotten with the motel being booked (upping the stakes). Shelby's behind her, and we know how Norma likes to "move on" and shove the past down into a deep, dark hole. And now she's got what appears to be a decent woman seeking her friendship, despite her resistance. The most significant worries she's had (beyond the bypass) are personal (Norman and Mrs. Watson, but that appears to have been solved; and then her brother and Dylan...on the backburner for the moment).
Nick Ford lands in her lap; she goes to see him and he has A YACHT and personal assistants and guards...which should raise an eyebrow. He talks about how she can fight the bypass where he can't, going on about how nice and innocent a woman she is. He hooks her up with some guy who has a report ready to go. And then the councilman dies in an "accident." So, yeah, I do think Norma has been suspending her suspicions where she might not have before for a variety of reasons. It doesn't make her a fool, just back-up-against-a-wall and hopeful.
Re: 2.05 The Escape Artist
I understand what's at stake re: the bypass, and I'm not seeing Norma's current actions as quixotic. More like a progression. She has been more suspicious and skeptical in the past, with good reason, especially given what happened with Shelby. But she is being less suspicious now, and I think that's not only because of what's at stake for her. From the start of the season they've shown how much better life has gotten with the motel being booked (upping the stakes). Shelby's behind her, and we know how Norma likes to "move on" and shove the past down into a deep, dark hole. And now she's got what appears to be a decent woman seeking her friendship, despite her resistance. The most significant worries she's had (beyond the bypass) are personal (Norman and Mrs. Watson, but that appears to have been solved; and then her brother and Dylan...on the backburner for the moment).
Nick Ford lands in her lap; she goes to see him and he has A YACHT and personal assistants and guards...which should raise an eyebrow. He talks about how she can fight the bypass where he can't, going on about how nice and innocent a woman she is. He hooks her up with some guy who has a report ready to go. And then the councilman dies in an "accident." So, yeah, I do think Norma has been suspending her suspicions where she might not have before for a variety of reasons. It doesn't make her a fool, just back-up-against-a-wall and hopeful.