It was well written, tense, the foreshadowing was a little on the nose. The acting of our leads was great. There is one scene in the middle of the episode that went WAY farther than likely neccessary. But, I want to see where the show goes from here.
15 Reviews
Dark, secretive, and intriguing
suebutrichard8 June 2019
The setup for this show is great and the dark, horrorific tone of this show has me excited for the episodes to come. The casting of Vera Farminga as Norma Bates was perfect. Can not wait to see where Bates Motel goes from here!
A promising start
Stevieboy66624 February 2021
Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" is on of the best films ever made in my opinion and I often believe that some things should just be left as they are (the remake was utterly pointless in my opinion). And so I was in two minds as to whether I should watch Bates Motel. I wrongly assumed that it would be set in the 1940's/50's to tie in with the original movie but to my surprise it is set firmly in the 21st Century, which is by no means a bad thing. Brit Freddie Highmore is really good as young Norman, though he looks older than the 17 year old that he's playing (he was 21), and Vera Fermiga makes for a very hot looking Mom. There are some nice retro touches, for example Mrs Bates drives a lovely looking classic Mercedes, bit of a nod to the original maybe. First time viewing for me, hopefully I will stick with the rest of series 1.
First You Dream, Then You Die
Michael_Elliott18 March 2013
Bates Motel: 'First You Dream, Then You Die' (2013)
Rating: B+
A&E's "Bates Motel" mini-series is basically going to be re-working PSYCHO IV. If you've seen that film then you know it shows what was going on with Mrs. Bates and Norman before the events in the original Alfred Hitchcock film. While that prequel wasn't perfect, it at least put a nice wrap-around story to the original film.
This first episode introduces us to Norma (Vera Farmiga) and her 17-year-old son Norman (Freddie Highmore). As the episode opens we see Norman finding his father dead and a short time later he moves with his mother to a new home with a hotel that she bought. From here we see Norman try to become friends with people at school and try to connect with others but it's clear that his mother wants him for her own.
It's clear that this episode was just meant to make the viewer become familiar with the characters as this here is the major selling point. There's really nothing story wise that really jumps out at you and I think it might be fair to say that there were a few too many moments that weren't all that believable. This includes Norman being accepted by a cute group of girls at school. This here just seemed like a stretch especially when you consider that this film takes place in current times and just look at how Norman is dressed. Highly unlikely he's going to be accepted. There's also a major twist that happens to mother near the middle of the picture, which was a bit of a stretch but I certainly won't ruin it for people. Still, there's no question that what is here was enough to keep me interested throughout the running time and it left me wanting more, which is the most important thing. Farmiga is really good in her role of mother and I really loved the more tender side she shows but the evil that's lying beneath is hinted at and the actress appears perfect for certain events that should follow. I also thought Highmore was extremely believable in the role of Norman and it seems like he's going to do the part justice.
Rating: B+
A&E's "Bates Motel" mini-series is basically going to be re-working PSYCHO IV. If you've seen that film then you know it shows what was going on with Mrs. Bates and Norman before the events in the original Alfred Hitchcock film. While that prequel wasn't perfect, it at least put a nice wrap-around story to the original film.
This first episode introduces us to Norma (Vera Farmiga) and her 17-year-old son Norman (Freddie Highmore). As the episode opens we see Norman finding his father dead and a short time later he moves with his mother to a new home with a hotel that she bought. From here we see Norman try to become friends with people at school and try to connect with others but it's clear that his mother wants him for her own.
It's clear that this episode was just meant to make the viewer become familiar with the characters as this here is the major selling point. There's really nothing story wise that really jumps out at you and I think it might be fair to say that there were a few too many moments that weren't all that believable. This includes Norman being accepted by a cute group of girls at school. This here just seemed like a stretch especially when you consider that this film takes place in current times and just look at how Norman is dressed. Highly unlikely he's going to be accepted. There's also a major twist that happens to mother near the middle of the picture, which was a bit of a stretch but I certainly won't ruin it for people. Still, there's no question that what is here was enough to keep me interested throughout the running time and it left me wanting more, which is the most important thing. Farmiga is really good in her role of mother and I really loved the more tender side she shows but the evil that's lying beneath is hinted at and the actress appears perfect for certain events that should follow. I also thought Highmore was extremely believable in the role of Norman and it seems like he's going to do the part justice.
Young Norman Bates!
gab-1471214 January 2019
At first glance, I did not think Bates Motel sounded like a good idea. Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is an amazing film, and all remakes or sequels/prequels of that film has failed because they could not stand up to the original. Plus there is that thing in today's world where it is considered cool to make new material based on pre-existing material often to mediocre results. Which is understandable why I and many others were hesitant when this show was announced. After this pilot episode, "First You Dream, Then You Die, " I came away rather impressed. Yes, the episode feels like a pilot, but there was enough material to keep me intrigued.
I loved the setting of the film. The showrunners moved the film to modern day but I love the use of outdated fashion, technology, etc. It gives the show more of a creepy vibe. Speaking of which, I liked how they kept the house and motel intact from the original film, although it became more clearer because you know, it is not 1960 anymore. The small-town feel is great and is important in a series like this.
I think the characters we are introduced to (or reintroduced) work well and the cast is great and well-rounded. Let's start with the characters and actors whose chemistry will make or break the show; Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates and Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates (also known to us as "Mother"). Highmore as Bates is a little dry in the pilot, but he gets way better. He has big shoes to fill, but he is just getting used to those shoes here. He has his tendency to look/act nervous very well and we see the buds being placed which of course would blossom into him being a full-fledged serial killer. Vera Farmiga impressed me. She gives Norma a complete range of emotion. She is a caring and loving mother to Norman, but she is also manipulative, demanding, and only wants Norman for herself. Other characters here: Max Theriot as Norman's brother, Dylan Massett. We only hear his voice here, but we will meet him next episode, Nestor Carbonell as the Sheriff Alex Romero. Carbonell is great in these kind of roles so it is a no-brainer he plays the town's sheriff, Nicola Peltz as Bradley Martin who is the typical teenage girl that gets around, but she welcomes Norman to her group, and Olivia Cooke as Emma Decody, who is also a teenaged girl that welcomes Norman and she suffers from a disease that can make her not breathe well. Other characters to take note are W. Earl Brown as Keith Summers, Keegan Connor Tracy as Miss Watson and Mike Vogel as Deputy Zach Shelby.
Let's discuss the story of this pilot, shall we. Six months after the untimely death of her husband, Norma Bates and her son Norman moves to White Pine Bay, Oregon. Norma purchased a motel from a foreclosure sale. She has plans to patch the place up and have it open for business. There are problems she must face including the constant threats from previous owner Keith Summers and the town's plan to build a bypass around the town thus taking business away from the hotel. Norman gets accepted at his new school, despite his mother not being pleased. When Norman escapes in the middle of the night to party with them, Keith Summers will show exactly why he does not like Norma.
Overall, this is a very intriguing start to this new series. There is much to take in and it gives me hope that this show will actually turn out well. The showrunners Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrlin seems to know what they are doing. They can tighten up the dialogue and maybe we could do without that vicious and rather degrading sexual assault scene, but this episode marks a good start to the series. I love the creepy, small-town atmosphere and I like how these characters are being developed.
My Grade: A-
I loved the setting of the film. The showrunners moved the film to modern day but I love the use of outdated fashion, technology, etc. It gives the show more of a creepy vibe. Speaking of which, I liked how they kept the house and motel intact from the original film, although it became more clearer because you know, it is not 1960 anymore. The small-town feel is great and is important in a series like this.
I think the characters we are introduced to (or reintroduced) work well and the cast is great and well-rounded. Let's start with the characters and actors whose chemistry will make or break the show; Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates and Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates (also known to us as "Mother"). Highmore as Bates is a little dry in the pilot, but he gets way better. He has big shoes to fill, but he is just getting used to those shoes here. He has his tendency to look/act nervous very well and we see the buds being placed which of course would blossom into him being a full-fledged serial killer. Vera Farmiga impressed me. She gives Norma a complete range of emotion. She is a caring and loving mother to Norman, but she is also manipulative, demanding, and only wants Norman for herself. Other characters here: Max Theriot as Norman's brother, Dylan Massett. We only hear his voice here, but we will meet him next episode, Nestor Carbonell as the Sheriff Alex Romero. Carbonell is great in these kind of roles so it is a no-brainer he plays the town's sheriff, Nicola Peltz as Bradley Martin who is the typical teenage girl that gets around, but she welcomes Norman to her group, and Olivia Cooke as Emma Decody, who is also a teenaged girl that welcomes Norman and she suffers from a disease that can make her not breathe well. Other characters to take note are W. Earl Brown as Keith Summers, Keegan Connor Tracy as Miss Watson and Mike Vogel as Deputy Zach Shelby.
Let's discuss the story of this pilot, shall we. Six months after the untimely death of her husband, Norma Bates and her son Norman moves to White Pine Bay, Oregon. Norma purchased a motel from a foreclosure sale. She has plans to patch the place up and have it open for business. There are problems she must face including the constant threats from previous owner Keith Summers and the town's plan to build a bypass around the town thus taking business away from the hotel. Norman gets accepted at his new school, despite his mother not being pleased. When Norman escapes in the middle of the night to party with them, Keith Summers will show exactly why he does not like Norma.
Overall, this is a very intriguing start to this new series. There is much to take in and it gives me hope that this show will actually turn out well. The showrunners Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrlin seems to know what they are doing. They can tighten up the dialogue and maybe we could do without that vicious and rather degrading sexual assault scene, but this episode marks a good start to the series. I love the creepy, small-town atmosphere and I like how these characters are being developed.
My Grade: A-
A decent beginning to this series.
Hey_Sweden29 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This prequel series, designed to give us the details of Norman Bates' young life before the events in the original "Psycho", does so by somewhat keeping to the original story. In this case, the house & motel are pre-existing, bought by Norma Bates (the fantastic Vera Farmiga, "The Departed") in a foreclosure. She's moved, with Norman (Freddie Highmore, "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory") reluctantly in tow, from Arizona to Oregon in the attempt to "start over" after the death of the husband / father.
The local high school gals immediately take a shine to Norman, despite him tending to be shy & awkward. But the main thrust of this debut episode is that a resentful local named Keith Summers (W. Earl Brown, 'Deadwood') - resentful because that property used to belong to his family - attempts to assault Norma, and she ends up killing him.
This sets up Norma quite well right away, showing that she possesses a real determination to make a go of things. She's not going to let this incident derail her plans. Forcing Norman, of course, to participate in the disposal of the body later.
Some of the changes to the original mythology - setting this in Oregon, setting it in the "present day", and giving Norman an older brother (Max Thieriot, "My Soul to Take") - are jarring, so it may take this series a while to really catch hold for this viewer, but this episode does make for good, solid entertainment. It helps that the house & motel remain such iconic images. A good dose of suspense / dark humor that Hitch himself might have appreciated occurs when the sheriff (Nestor Carbonell, "The Dark Knight") goes to relieve himself in a bathroom where Summers' dead body just happens to be occupying the bathtub. But the performances by Farmiga and Highmore are key to making this work. Highmore doesn't just try to mimic Anthony Perkins, getting to put his own spin on the character.
At least 'First You Dream, Then You Die' makes this viewer interested to see all of the places that this series will take him.
Seven out of 10.
The local high school gals immediately take a shine to Norman, despite him tending to be shy & awkward. But the main thrust of this debut episode is that a resentful local named Keith Summers (W. Earl Brown, 'Deadwood') - resentful because that property used to belong to his family - attempts to assault Norma, and she ends up killing him.
This sets up Norma quite well right away, showing that she possesses a real determination to make a go of things. She's not going to let this incident derail her plans. Forcing Norman, of course, to participate in the disposal of the body later.
Some of the changes to the original mythology - setting this in Oregon, setting it in the "present day", and giving Norman an older brother (Max Thieriot, "My Soul to Take") - are jarring, so it may take this series a while to really catch hold for this viewer, but this episode does make for good, solid entertainment. It helps that the house & motel remain such iconic images. A good dose of suspense / dark humor that Hitch himself might have appreciated occurs when the sheriff (Nestor Carbonell, "The Dark Knight") goes to relieve himself in a bathroom where Summers' dead body just happens to be occupying the bathtub. But the performances by Farmiga and Highmore are key to making this work. Highmore doesn't just try to mimic Anthony Perkins, getting to put his own spin on the character.
At least 'First You Dream, Then You Die' makes this viewer interested to see all of the places that this series will take him.
Seven out of 10.
First You Dream, Then You Die
Prismark1025 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A modern day prequel to Psycho.
I am not sure if Hitchcock's Psycho needed two sequels, a prequel and a shot for shot remake.
Now here is a prequel television series about young Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his clingy mother Norma (Vera Farmiga.)
After the death of her husband, Norma has bought a motel and is refurbishing it. Norman starts high school but discovers that although this is a new beginning, his mother has still clipped his wings.
It is not long before trouble comes to the Bates. The motel was foreclosed and Keith Summers is not happy that Norma has taken away his family business.
He later attacks Norma but finds out that Norma is not a woman to be messed with. Norman gets a quick tutorial on how to dispose of a body.
Highmore does well in showing some quirks. The teenage angst as well the arousal of being smiled at by pretty high school girls or being touched by that nice attractive teacher. Although it was a bit much to take in that pretty highschool girls would stop by to talk to Norman, never mind give him a lift to school.
Farmiga was impressive as the passive-aggressiveness Norma. She has a lot to hide and I did wonder even only watched the first episode if Norma did not bring the demise of her husband.
There were flaws. The police turning up in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night rang hollow. Why did they show up unless they were somehow in cahoots with Summers.
Although I am not sure at this stage whether I could check in for all five series of Bates Motel.
I am not sure if Hitchcock's Psycho needed two sequels, a prequel and a shot for shot remake.
Now here is a prequel television series about young Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his clingy mother Norma (Vera Farmiga.)
After the death of her husband, Norma has bought a motel and is refurbishing it. Norman starts high school but discovers that although this is a new beginning, his mother has still clipped his wings.
It is not long before trouble comes to the Bates. The motel was foreclosed and Keith Summers is not happy that Norma has taken away his family business.
He later attacks Norma but finds out that Norma is not a woman to be messed with. Norman gets a quick tutorial on how to dispose of a body.
Highmore does well in showing some quirks. The teenage angst as well the arousal of being smiled at by pretty high school girls or being touched by that nice attractive teacher. Although it was a bit much to take in that pretty highschool girls would stop by to talk to Norman, never mind give him a lift to school.
Farmiga was impressive as the passive-aggressiveness Norma. She has a lot to hide and I did wonder even only watched the first episode if Norma did not bring the demise of her husband.
There were flaws. The police turning up in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night rang hollow. Why did they show up unless they were somehow in cahoots with Summers.
Although I am not sure at this stage whether I could check in for all five series of Bates Motel.
Welcome, to the Bates Motel!
cgarbera9228 February 2013
BATES MOTEL "First You Dream, Then You Die (PILOT)" Advanced Screening Review Courtney Garbera
As the pilot episode of A&E's Bates Motel drew to a close, I actually dreaded not knowing what was going to happen next. I wanted it to continue and had hoped that a bonus episode would close my night out. But, alas, I must wait with the masses to find out how this contemporary prequel to Psycho unfolds.
Starting out with a death, Bates Motel automatically introduces us to Norma and Norman Bates (played by Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, respectively). Young Norman is dragged by his mother to a dingy motel in what appears to be a small and quiet town. Their relationship isn't inappropriate, yet the lingering looks and constant touching make this mother/son relationship borderline disturbing. The chemistry that Farmiga and Highmore have is what will definitely make this show a much watch, wanting to see how this doomed relationship plays out on our television.
I do not wish to reveal much more of what happens in the pilot, for fear of being taken out by a sniper hired by A&E. However, I can say that this show will most likely be a critical darling, yet may struggle to find an audience. Disturbing and mysterious, this show evokes Poe as much as it does Hitchcock, a show the masses may not appreciate. I wait eagerly for March 25th, when I can see the second chapter of this intriguing prequel. Well played, A&E. Well played.
As the pilot episode of A&E's Bates Motel drew to a close, I actually dreaded not knowing what was going to happen next. I wanted it to continue and had hoped that a bonus episode would close my night out. But, alas, I must wait with the masses to find out how this contemporary prequel to Psycho unfolds.
Starting out with a death, Bates Motel automatically introduces us to Norma and Norman Bates (played by Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, respectively). Young Norman is dragged by his mother to a dingy motel in what appears to be a small and quiet town. Their relationship isn't inappropriate, yet the lingering looks and constant touching make this mother/son relationship borderline disturbing. The chemistry that Farmiga and Highmore have is what will definitely make this show a much watch, wanting to see how this doomed relationship plays out on our television.
I do not wish to reveal much more of what happens in the pilot, for fear of being taken out by a sniper hired by A&E. However, I can say that this show will most likely be a critical darling, yet may struggle to find an audience. Disturbing and mysterious, this show evokes Poe as much as it does Hitchcock, a show the masses may not appreciate. I wait eagerly for March 25th, when I can see the second chapter of this intriguing prequel. Well played, A&E. Well played.
Too many unbelievable moments.
alerasoul24 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm just starting this series from a recommendation I got. I'll continue the series because of what I'm aware will apparently happen in later seasons, but if I'd just started watching with no recommendation, I'd have stopped watching after episode 1.
SPOILERS: There are too many fantastical things in this. Norman getting accepted by a bunch of wildly attractive girls on the first day he's in the town? The school room literally looking like it's straight out of 1955, despite this taking place in 2013 (might be a style choice, but still)? A man who formerly owned the motel breaking in to rape Norman's mom? There's not enough of a buildup for that to be believable! Cops showing up for absolutely no reason on the night of the first murder in the motel (not to mention this motel being literally miles from anything else)? Also, the cops are somehow suspicious because... why? The dialogue throughout the episode being on the level of M. Night Shyamalan's "Lady in the Water"?
END OF SPOILERS. This whole episode was just not thought out that well. I'm sorry. Sure, it introduced us to the characters, but as far as a compelling pilot that'll suck audiences in, it really didn't do the job for me. Luckily, I know it'll apparently get better, but still. This was pretty bad.
SPOILERS: There are too many fantastical things in this. Norman getting accepted by a bunch of wildly attractive girls on the first day he's in the town? The school room literally looking like it's straight out of 1955, despite this taking place in 2013 (might be a style choice, but still)? A man who formerly owned the motel breaking in to rape Norman's mom? There's not enough of a buildup for that to be believable! Cops showing up for absolutely no reason on the night of the first murder in the motel (not to mention this motel being literally miles from anything else)? Also, the cops are somehow suspicious because... why? The dialogue throughout the episode being on the level of M. Night Shyamalan's "Lady in the Water"?
END OF SPOILERS. This whole episode was just not thought out that well. I'm sorry. Sure, it introduced us to the characters, but as far as a compelling pilot that'll suck audiences in, it really didn't do the job for me. Luckily, I know it'll apparently get better, but still. This was pretty bad.
Before either dreaming or dying, you should actually think of a decent plot.
stillworkingfortheknife13 September 2014
Bates Motel offers a good deal of things to be grumbled about: setting the backstory to Alfred Hitchcock's classic Psycho in contemporary surroundings would be one. Embroidering the 1960 film noir's rather complete story in the first place, apparently for no other purpose than NBCUniversal holding the rights for it, another. Those I could reconcile myself to, but the programme falling prey to one of the most prevalent faults in present-day television is what disappointed and irked me, considering that however hostile you may be to the whole idea of this production, the Psycho 'universe' holds a potential for engrossing television.
This metaphorical blow to the face of viewers asking for more than just diversion I'm referring to is, of course, Bates Motel passing up the prospect of a pilot that properly establishes characters and situations in favour of one that hurls action and violence and surprises at its audience, regardless of that being most incongruous at such an early stage, in a desperate attempt to secure financially adequate ratings. There is justification for the existence of a standard storytelling formula involving a gradual build-up to a climax and, whereas someone as Alfred Hitchcock can use a non- observance of that practice - murdering his film's presumed lead early on - for a virtuoso plot twist, a less Hitchcockian director such as Tucker Gates or three less Hitchcockian writers such as Anthony Cipriano, Carlton Cuse, and Kerry Ehrin might not be able to.
Why am I saying 'might not'? They were not. The rape/murder scene taking place at about the halfway point of "First You Dream, Then You Die" is unfitting and unnecessary on various levels and poorly executed to boot. It did commence appealingly, but as soon as Keith Summers, the former proprietor of what now trades under the name of Bates Motel, stops by for a late visit that turns out not be for coffee and cake, the entire sequence goes down the tube. Honestly, if the writers decided to equip this man with a moustache to bring out a resemblance between him and Hitler, it would be compatible with the rest of his character in every respect, since he is depicted as quite the incarnation of evil. - Isn't it peculiar that I've never come to meet such a person in real life, yet I stumble across them all the time when watching sub-par films or television?
Be that as it may, this amalgamation of Adolf Hitler, Osama Bin Laden, and Anders Behring Breivik then begins to abuse Norma, something that Gates and the writing squad were, for whatever reason, keen to show on screen, and the audience is put through to what feels as long as a minute of staged rape that is ultimately put an end to through a slightly tardy deus ex machina in the form of Norman. Adolf Bin Breivik is laid out, mother and son proceed to handcuff him (instead of using the manacles to bind him to the table, which would prevent any further bother), and Norma forgets to be angry at her son for having sneaked out of the house beforehand, even though he could have deus ex machinaed much more timely had he stayed. *mutters insults at the idiocy of everything that has occurred up until now*
As Norman simply leaves for a moment - making himself a sandwich or something, I have no clue Adolf Bin Breivik gets back up, which causes Norma to knife him to death, which in turn leaves the Bates family with two or three fairly urgent items on their to-do list. The approach that is arrived at is not to make the incident public (although Rape/Murder Motel would have been a more thrilling title for this programme, if you ask me) and the outcome is probably the first brick in Norman becoming a little mad sometimes later in his life.
There's more to "First You Dream, Then You Die" than this one sequence, but it clearly represents the general problems of Bates Motel. Intriguing moments – the foreshadowing in lines such as »As long as we're together, nothing bad can really happen.« for example, together with Norma and Norman's odd relationship or Norman's discovery and the final scene somehow related to it – can be counted on the fingers of one hand, and despite Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga acting very well, the pedestrian writing impedes the develop-meant of any connection to them.
Twelve cabins, nine notations: Teenage girls, do not offer a boy you've only just met a ride, he could be a serial – oh, wait Selfies within the first ten minutes– Hitchcock would have been proud. »I thought I was going to study, but they took me to a party.« – Extraterrestrials having abducted you would be a more credible excuse than that, Norman. Seriously, this young man needs to get his s h i t together. Parents of adolescents ought to show their progeny this episode, as it teaches them a lesson on what will happen if they secretly leave their homes. Their mothers will be raped. "The air in Arizona" – From now on, Deputy Zack Shelby will only be known as 'Bad Pun Cop' in my reviews. Why are the policemen switching on the blue lights when driving away from the motel? And, perhaps more importantly, why did they even go there? If there were indications to the disappearance of Mr Summers, I assume they'd ask some questions. Don't cadavers have a certain distinguishable odour to them? And wouldn't a Sheriff smell one that is lying right next to him? It seemed to me as if Norman was not vomiting but spitting out a mouthful of orange juice. Well, that is the least of Bates Motel's flaws, I guess. Is it normal for oxygen tanks to look like decorated metal umbrellas?
This metaphorical blow to the face of viewers asking for more than just diversion I'm referring to is, of course, Bates Motel passing up the prospect of a pilot that properly establishes characters and situations in favour of one that hurls action and violence and surprises at its audience, regardless of that being most incongruous at such an early stage, in a desperate attempt to secure financially adequate ratings. There is justification for the existence of a standard storytelling formula involving a gradual build-up to a climax and, whereas someone as Alfred Hitchcock can use a non- observance of that practice - murdering his film's presumed lead early on - for a virtuoso plot twist, a less Hitchcockian director such as Tucker Gates or three less Hitchcockian writers such as Anthony Cipriano, Carlton Cuse, and Kerry Ehrin might not be able to.
Why am I saying 'might not'? They were not. The rape/murder scene taking place at about the halfway point of "First You Dream, Then You Die" is unfitting and unnecessary on various levels and poorly executed to boot. It did commence appealingly, but as soon as Keith Summers, the former proprietor of what now trades under the name of Bates Motel, stops by for a late visit that turns out not be for coffee and cake, the entire sequence goes down the tube. Honestly, if the writers decided to equip this man with a moustache to bring out a resemblance between him and Hitler, it would be compatible with the rest of his character in every respect, since he is depicted as quite the incarnation of evil. - Isn't it peculiar that I've never come to meet such a person in real life, yet I stumble across them all the time when watching sub-par films or television?
Be that as it may, this amalgamation of Adolf Hitler, Osama Bin Laden, and Anders Behring Breivik then begins to abuse Norma, something that Gates and the writing squad were, for whatever reason, keen to show on screen, and the audience is put through to what feels as long as a minute of staged rape that is ultimately put an end to through a slightly tardy deus ex machina in the form of Norman. Adolf Bin Breivik is laid out, mother and son proceed to handcuff him (instead of using the manacles to bind him to the table, which would prevent any further bother), and Norma forgets to be angry at her son for having sneaked out of the house beforehand, even though he could have deus ex machinaed much more timely had he stayed. *mutters insults at the idiocy of everything that has occurred up until now*
As Norman simply leaves for a moment - making himself a sandwich or something, I have no clue Adolf Bin Breivik gets back up, which causes Norma to knife him to death, which in turn leaves the Bates family with two or three fairly urgent items on their to-do list. The approach that is arrived at is not to make the incident public (although Rape/Murder Motel would have been a more thrilling title for this programme, if you ask me) and the outcome is probably the first brick in Norman becoming a little mad sometimes later in his life.
There's more to "First You Dream, Then You Die" than this one sequence, but it clearly represents the general problems of Bates Motel. Intriguing moments – the foreshadowing in lines such as »As long as we're together, nothing bad can really happen.« for example, together with Norma and Norman's odd relationship or Norman's discovery and the final scene somehow related to it – can be counted on the fingers of one hand, and despite Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga acting very well, the pedestrian writing impedes the develop-meant of any connection to them.
Twelve cabins, nine notations: Teenage girls, do not offer a boy you've only just met a ride, he could be a serial – oh, wait Selfies within the first ten minutes– Hitchcock would have been proud. »I thought I was going to study, but they took me to a party.« – Extraterrestrials having abducted you would be a more credible excuse than that, Norman. Seriously, this young man needs to get his s h i t together. Parents of adolescents ought to show their progeny this episode, as it teaches them a lesson on what will happen if they secretly leave their homes. Their mothers will be raped. "The air in Arizona" – From now on, Deputy Zack Shelby will only be known as 'Bad Pun Cop' in my reviews. Why are the policemen switching on the blue lights when driving away from the motel? And, perhaps more importantly, why did they even go there? If there were indications to the disappearance of Mr Summers, I assume they'd ask some questions. Don't cadavers have a certain distinguishable odour to them? And wouldn't a Sheriff smell one that is lying right next to him? It seemed to me as if Norman was not vomiting but spitting out a mouthful of orange juice. Well, that is the least of Bates Motel's flaws, I guess. Is it normal for oxygen tanks to look like decorated metal umbrellas?
One scene was entirely unnecessary and ruined the episode for me
fuzzbll13 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The first episode is promising, in theory. I really like the actress for Norma.
But what I hate with a fiery passion is her r*pe scene. Why? Why was this necessary? It would've been plenty if the creep simply broke in. Or if you must, he could've beaten her or slapped her or whatnot. Why the hell do writers feel the need to degrade a woman even further? In what way did this serve the plot? Why not stop at hitting her?
I simply hate this trope because it rarely, if ever, serves the plot and is just a lazy, degrading, messed up tool to "shock" the viewers.
I'll continue watching but I just got so mad at this particular scene which is so insanely unnecessary.
But what I hate with a fiery passion is her r*pe scene. Why? Why was this necessary? It would've been plenty if the creep simply broke in. Or if you must, he could've beaten her or slapped her or whatnot. Why the hell do writers feel the need to degrade a woman even further? In what way did this serve the plot? Why not stop at hitting her?
I simply hate this trope because it rarely, if ever, serves the plot and is just a lazy, degrading, messed up tool to "shock" the viewers.
I'll continue watching but I just got so mad at this particular scene which is so insanely unnecessary.
Bates Motel First You Dream, Then You Die
dalydj-918-25517518 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
As a big fan of the 1960 Hitchcock thriller "Psycho" I was interested in seeing what could be done with a modern version of the Bates and when their first arrived at the Motel. I was disappointed especially since it was obvious the creators of the show took inspiration from the Hitchock style from some moments that even felt like replicas of the film. The episode starts and ends with some creepy images of Norma (Freedie Highmore) finding his father and ending with injections which looked like a photo in the picture book Norman found which seemed like a future look into where the show is going. Vera Farmiga plays the mother Norma and I believe she has created such an original character and I really did like her in the role. From the horrifying rape scene to her emotional distress over the murder of her rapist she and her son Norman decide to keep as a secret. The modern take was OK but the high school girl drama for Norman just lost me and even the performance by Highmore adds nothing as he has the iconic Anthony Perkins to try live up to. The show is good but it was a slow start and once the murder/rape scene I was aware of the future for the show and what it could become which I think could be interesting to watch week to week.
EPISODE GRADE: B- (MVP: Vera Farmiga)
EPISODE GRADE: B- (MVP: Vera Farmiga)
Every modern TV show I've ever seen
theobvious-354281 April 2022
Hour-long "psychological" drama? Check. Unnecessary modern adaptation of a superior work? Check. Overdone mood lighting in every scene? Check. Teenagers interacting in ways that teenagers do not interact in? Check. Unpleasant and draining to watch? Double check.
They're all very similar, so if you are into any dramatic shows made in the last ten years or so you will probably enjoy this too. I lost interest before the end of this first episode, in which a young Norman Bates (a perfectly cast Freddie Highmore) moves to a new town following the mysterious death of his father. Naturally his mother Norma (Vera Farminga, who I usually enjoy watching) is right there with him. Together they open the soon-to-be-infamous Bates Motel and more bad things happen from there.
I gave it a shot, but it's not my cup of tea. I think I'll watch "Psycho" instead.
They're all very similar, so if you are into any dramatic shows made in the last ten years or so you will probably enjoy this too. I lost interest before the end of this first episode, in which a young Norman Bates (a perfectly cast Freddie Highmore) moves to a new town following the mysterious death of his father. Naturally his mother Norma (Vera Farminga, who I usually enjoy watching) is right there with him. Together they open the soon-to-be-infamous Bates Motel and more bad things happen from there.
I gave it a shot, but it's not my cup of tea. I think I'll watch "Psycho" instead.
12 Cabins 12 Vaccancies, Slow start.
Payback101618 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
It's off to a slow and steady start I can tell you that much. We get a little insight to the mind of a Modern Day Norman Bates. Highmore took Perkins good traits and added a little of his own. Though he seemed naturally nervous rather than simply acting nervous during his first episode. Who wouldn't be when you are filling the shoes of one of the most influential characters in horror history? That being said, that natural nervousness fits in rather well as Norman's awkward side. As for Norma we see two sides. The first side being the kind and caring mother that was only hinted at by the cops in Psycho. Whilst we see true Norma, that clinging demanding woman that tries to control every aspect of Norman's life. Also the build up of the motel itself was excellent. Though if I were to nitpick on one thing, I don't want to spoil it but I have to on this one. They shoulda hid the body in cabin 1, that way it would show meaning to why Norman was so hesitant to give that key to Marion in the movie these people are prequel-ing. Other than that, it was a slow start and I hope it gets better.
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