Anyone watch Bates Motel?

[madmarva]

Did anyone else catch Bates Motel?

It was properly creepy and graphic with a rape and murder that were as disturbing as just about anything I've seen in a TV series other than maybe American Horror Story.

I'm interested but the crux of the first episode centers on the icky relationship between Norman (Freddie Highmore) and Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga). Is it incestuous or not? Not sure how long I'll find that interesting before it becomes offputting because it was very creepy in the first episode. It's one thing to broach the subject in a 2 hour film, but to expect viewers to come back for another serving week after week may be a bit much.

Both of the leads are strong although Highmore does struggle with an American accent. Farmiga has always been interesting to watch to me since I first saw her in "The Departed." I was surprised to see her doing a TV series, but it may be a better role than the ones being offered to her in films. She's certainly alluring in the show and brings a sensuality to her performance that's creepy because at least in the first episode it's aimed at her son, whom she counts on as a surrogate spouse.

Norman attracts the attention of several high school girls and even one female teacher, making you wonder if he does have a certain charisma that certain real serial killers have supposedly had or if is it going to be a setup for "Carrie"-like hyjinks? Maybe both.

The series is set in the present with modern tech, but Norma and Norman dress as if they could have just guest starred on "Leave It to Beaver," which ads too the creep factor.

Certainly, there are plenty of nods to Hitchcock's "Psycho," which I won't spoil. A couple of mysteries are set up and Farmiga captures the eye of at least one if not two local law enforcement officers, which probably will develop into something.

I'm obviously intrigued. i just don't know for how long. With the Following, the Cult already airing and Hannibal on its way and Dexter's seventh and final season coming this summer, there is a load of entertainment based on serial killers and with each of them in there own way attempting to up the ante, how much is too much?

[johnnystorm]

I watched the first episode, and agreed it was creepy, but the crazy ex-owner bit seemed forced. A LOT happened in one showing. Better they dragged a few things out longer. I'll give it another couple episodes to see where it goes. I'm hoping it all stays to crazy people as well, no supernatural stuff like ghosts & demons getting thrown in.

[toys2cool]

Haven't yet, but heard it was good

[The Toyroom]

I liked it and although it was weird and creepy the relationship between Norma and Norman I wasn't getting the domineering mother vibe that the movie series laid out. Maybe that will come in to play more once Norman starts showing more interest in all the young girls that are hanging around him like flies.

And I agree that Freddie Highmore stumbled a lot through the American accent...plus I keep having flashback to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"....

[Jerry68]

I watched it with my Wife. I think it is better than some of that other crap that has been on. I agree the relationship with hismother is very creepy. She seems to have nailed it.

[Hector]

It was shocking and graphic for the average cable show...but not nearly as the paid cable ones like Dexter, Spartacus, Empire Boardwalk, etc...

I think it's graphic content is on a par with Sons of Anarchy and Breaking Bad though.

It is well made, Farmiga is a good actress, I have enjoyed her past performances in many feature films.

The young actor playing Norman Bates is good, perfectly cast (physically)...he does resemble a teen version of Anthony Perkins.

It had a couple of cliche moments...like the Sheriff acting all suspicious of Farmiga for no reason (other than it was 2 am)...and the way he just goes into the bathroom and urinates was odd...not only unprofessional...but it just didn't make sense other than worry the Bates.

Also...I find this Norman Bates already too old to be influenced on killing (soon) by his mother...I don't get a sense that he's nuts, just shy and introverted...I mean...he obviously likes girls and wants to do what teens do...perhaps further down the line, his mom will just mentally torture him to the point of insanity...well...that's what the entire story is all about...duh...lol.

It was a good first episode...I will continue watching...I hope it doesn't get old fast.

On the previews of future episodes...looks like Mommy Bates has another son (I'd say he's Norman's older half brother)...look like he's going to be a major jerk...clashing with his mom...and bullying young Norman...I kinda like that new twist.

[madmarva]

I agree that it didn't have as much blood or any nudity that it would have had on an Showtime or HBO, but it went further than I expected. Seeing the knife entering the chest and seeing the guy thrust, even from a low angle from beneath the table, seemed pretty rough to me. However, in hindsight, my feelings about the scene may be more from the fact it was a rape rather than a consensual sex scene.

As for the killing's affect on Norman, who knows how many dudes she's killed. The implication is she killed the guy Norman found at the beginning of the show before they moved. And Norman told the teacher that he moves around a lot. Who knows how many people Norma has killed?

[Megospidey]

I've been watching it - the first two episodes at least. Apparently it's not just his mother that has a psychological effect on him. The older brother casts a creepy shadow on the whole family as well.

[emeraldknight47]

Watched the whole season and now I'm chomping at the bit for the NEXT season! I don't get hooked on television shows too frequently, but BATES MOTEL just has a cool and creepy vibe to it that makes me want to watch. Vera Farmiga is TOTALLY hot as Norma, exuding both a sense of control AND a sense of helplessness at the same time. She pretty much KNOWS her son is 'round-the-bend nutsy-***en and I think part of the quasi-mother/son romance vibe is generated by the fact that Norma will go to any lengths to protect her son and the fact that he IS nuts. Freddie Highmore really nails young Norman Bates. He's got that ultimately calm air around him, but when you look into the eyes, you can just tell there's some serious **** going on beneath the surface. There are certain times when you hear him shout "Mother!" that you can really hear Anthony's Perkins timber in his voice, even if only for a split-second. I love Nestor Carbonell as the Sheriff, too, 'cause you can tell there's something going on behind the scenes with him, as well, we just haven't been clued in yet as to what it is. Also, has anyone else noticed the uncanny resemblance between Carbonell and Anthony Perkins at the age when he played Norman? It's kinda spooky and I definitely wonder if it's something the producers had in mind when they cast him. The season finale was absolutely freakin' perfect and a great set-up for Season Two!!! Can not wait!!!!