Based off of Alfred Hitchcock’s most infamous film Psycho, “Bates Motel” is a prequel to the film. Comprised of the life and times of the film’s focus point, Norman Bates, the show tries to tell us what the events were that lead to his subsequent psychotic state. Following Norman and his dearly beloved Mother, Norma, we get an inside-look at how their bond between mother and son grew to the point of insanity.
“Bates Motel” is an exceptionally adventurous and major risk-taking show. There are certain times where one may not actually be sure of just which character is supposed to be the figurative “good-guy.” Norman is really the only likeable character, although certain decisions he makes aren’t exactly agreeable. Freddie Highmore (of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fame) plays Norman Bates, and it helps that he bears an odd resemblance to Anthony Perkins, the man who portrayed Norman inPsycho.
On occasion though, Highmore lets loose his noble British accent. I wouldn’t exactly call it a struggle, but every once in a while it’s clear he is having a little trouble keeping it toned down. As for Norma (played by Vera Farmiga, from Up in the Air and The Departed), she is excellent. Answering any questions you might have that concern the older Norman’s mental state; an over-protective mother that makes any helicopter-parent look like a Vuia 1. (Look it up.)
During the pilot episode, one question is raised. What CAN’T be shown on television? This is an MA-rated show that could easily be transferred to a premium channel with just a few curse-words dropped that are otherwise blocked by FCC regulations. Right from the beginning you see murder, rape and drug use all in a quite graphic matter. If you are at all squeamish, don’t tune in and if you are at all homophobic, most definitely do not tune in. If you are a fan of ambitious and dark shows such as “Dexter”, “American Horror Story”, “The Following”, you should definitely sit down and watch.
It should be interesting to see just how far this series goes. A&E is clearly seeing what FX has been getting away with, and it certainly seems like this should make for some good competition. This channel has only been known more popularly as of late for its reality programming. Hopefully the series runs long enough so we can witness just why Norman believes “a boy’s best friend is his mother.”