I’m still not sure what to think about “Bates Motel” after watching the first season. I mean, I kind of like it, but it also feels so arbitrary. The series is a modern reimagining of the character Norman Bates from the novel and film Psycho, only exploring his backstory. So it’s a prequel series, but set after the film. So this is a reimagining of the character. I liked how the film simply gave the character of Norman Bates a couple of problems that he couldn’t handle. Here we get the mother as well as her infamous son involved in a series of events that ramp up the weirdness of what we thought they might be like.
There’s the death of Norman’s father that took place before the series begins. The previous owner shows up after Norma (Norman’s mom) buys the motel and rapes her. He is killed and the body dumped. This is the beginning of the series. Then there’s Norman’s half brother, a marijuana field, vigilantism, budding romances, more people turn up dead, strange goings on, and… well, you get the idea. Frankly, I think “Bates Motel” was directly inspired by “Twin Peaks” and instead of coming up with an original premise to sell the show the creators took a known quantity of crazy and decided to use that. Sort of disappointing, actually.
“Bates Motel” is a decent show, but it’s almost like it is trying too hard. Because we know how Norman Bates is supposed to wind up, much of what takes place in the series feels like the proverbial tempest in a teapot. Of course there’s a cliffhanger ending and the promise of more for season 2, but I feel this is all trying to extend something that doesn’t need to be. What made it more palatable for me was sort of imagining these weren’t actually the Bates’ but another family.
Interestingly there was already an offering that explored some of Norman Bates’ past, Psycho IV. Then there was a failed television pilot for a continuing series based on a new owner of the motel, also called “Bates Motel” (which I admit to not having seen).
What does “Bates Motel” have going for it? The cast is solid. Freddy Highmore really nails down the young Norman Bates. The rest of the cast is solid, but it’s Norman that you’re there to watch.
This Blu-ray set comes with all 10 episodes, a few deleted scenes and a panel discussion with some of the cast and creative team.
Is “Bates Motel” worth watching? Well, yes, but if you’re a fan of Psycho, the liberties taken here with the characters and settings may be a bit too much. On the other hand, if you’ve perhaps seen the film once or twice and imagine saying to yourself “Wouldn’t it be cool if… ” then “Bates Motel” is for you.