“Bates Motel”: A dark, creepy, yet thrilling adventure

Bates Motel: A dark, creepy, yet thrilling adventure

Looking for a new show to watch? Something to give you the heebie-jeebies? Well, once you’re done finishing up “Breaking Bad,” now that the latter half of season five is up, check out this contemporary series prequel to the original slasher film: “Psycho.”

Welcome to White Pine Bay, Oregon (there are some differences between the movie and the show; it is a modernized prequel, after all). Norma Bates, looking to start a new life with her Norman after the sudden death of his father, relocates to this idyllic little town. She purchases a motel, which then becomes the infamous Bates Motel. Thereafter, her son from a previous marriage, Dylan, arrives. The three learn that the town is not as peaceful and calm as it seems to be.

The series follows the adolescent Norman Bates, as he traverses through his new life, new school and with that the teen angst of relationships, schoolwork and home life. But as the season progresses, we start to see his psychopathic tendencies that make up his famous reputation. Norma tries to protect her son, literally, from anything like girls, strangers and even dogs. But when she’s not on Norman’s case, she’s running the motel or entangling herself with the local law enforcement. Dylan has a strained relationship with both his mother and half-brother. He moves in with them after having no place to go and takes part in the shady works that envelops the town.

If you like the show “American Horror Story,” you’ll love “Bates Motel.” Freddie Higmore, whom you might remember from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” displays such a gravita in his performance. His quiet demeanor belies disturbed psyche, and his piercing eyes give legitimate intimidation/fright. Vera Farmiga has been nominated for an Emmy for her performance as the neurotic Norma Bates. Her relationship with her son Norman is kind of Oedipan. Again, this show is creepy; But it’s creepy good. Max Thieriot plays Dylan. He plays his character with confidence, and gives off an air of security. You’ll feel that the vulnerable Norman and Norma are secured whenever Dylan is with them.

Bates Motel is certainly worth a view. It’s 10 slow-burning episodes that has a harrowing ending, setting up for a darker, potentially more explosive second season.