A&E debuted Bates Motel last week, following in the footsteps of many other drama/thriller cable shows. This show isn’t an entirely new idea of course. The show is based off of Psycho, and the events leading up to the popular book/movie. Mother and son, Norma and Norman Bates relocate to Oregon after the death of Mr. Bates. Not only do they move, but Norma decides to open up a motel and start a new family business.
The series stars Vera Farmiga, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Up in the Air. Fun fact, Vera’s sister Taisa Farmiga, played violet in the first season of American Horror Story. Playing Norman Bates is actor Freddie Highmore, who is best known for his role as Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005 version of course).
Personally, I think this series is destined for success. Not only did the series premiere bring in over three million viewers, but the show was ordered in full without even shooting a pilot. Typically, a pilot episode is made and presented to a network. A&E must have realized how great this concept was and ordered a full season.
It’ll be interesting to see how this twist on the famous Alfred Hitchcock movie will play out. Already we see the odd relationship between Norman and Norma. She is very protective of him in a very creepy way. Something is very strange about their relationship, and already knowing about the Psycho movies, I am wondering what will happen in this prequel type series.
Bates Motel is on at 10pm on A&E, and it is definitely a new must see show!
THE EXCLUSIVE 