Bates Motel

I really don't have time to be hooked on another TV show, but I'm sucked in. This is very suspenseful - I have not been bored for a moment. I really like the addition of Dylan. He adds some edge to the show, although it's already pretty gripping. I really thought this would just be some gore-fest - it's not (although there are some grisly scenes). It really is intriguing - the family dynamics and characters. I look forward to more. I loved Vera Farmiga in Higher Ground and Orphan - I will check out more of her work. She is very versatile - a fine actress. I am not familiar with the others, but they are pretty awesome, too.

The pilot was quite riveting. The lovely and talented Vera Farmiga is excellent as the complicated possessive Norma Bates. Freddie Highmore doesn't yet have the creepiness of Anthony Perkins but it's early days lets see how things develop and he transforms. The supporting cast looks promising too.

Some unexpected things - it is set in the present day. A bit puzzling why all the pretty girls are so into the geeky Norman.

It is much better a prequel than Carrie Diaries which has too many inconsistencies. Norman Bates story is quite an open book and the coming story holds lots of possibilities. This is one to watch.

The last thing I like to do is watching a series. I prefer films. Ended stories. However I could not resist watching the first episode of this idea of a nowadays prequel which is to explain how Norman Bates could become like he did in the classic Hitchcock movie Psycho. A strange, but still kind of compelling idea.

And from the start I was really drawn into the story, due to Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore. They play so well, that is starts twisting your mind. Freddie Highmore is such a perfect cast. Or rather, he's such a talented young actor. He's been studying the body language of Anthony Perkins character in the classic film. It's literally like seeing the young Norman. And in a strange way, Vera Farmiga is just like how we would see tough mother afraid of losing grip of her last piece of family, her beloved son.

It's also great to see the house on the hill and the Bates Motel to good usage again, as it still is standing like it was back in 1960. Maybe the most iconic film featured house in the history of film. I started enjoying it because of the acting, and will have to see more of this, building up the interest of seeing Psycho amongst the younger generation, and getting to lean about the grand master of suspense, Sir Alfred Hitchcock.

Bates Motel is a binge worthy, down and dirty, yet artfully crafted masterpiece. Add the talents of Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore and Nestor Carbonell and you have the holy grail.

The story line is well thought out- the acting is superb, the texture dark and frightening.

Vera Farmiga is probably the most under rated actor in the business. She is similar to a shape shifter, able to morph into something unique to the part she is playing. I guess that is the definition of " great actor "

She reminds me of that line from a song by Billy Joel, " She has a way about her "

That way is pleasing, both to the eye, and to the soul.

And as for Freddie Highmore, as I watched him develop the character, I began to believe that he really was insane. Great acting.

Nestor Carbonell as Sheriff Romero. Everything you believe a Sheriff should be-a rough, tough, take no prisoners type of guy.

Things he did weren't always on the up and up, or even legal- but you found yourself still rooting for the guy.

Catch this show. You will find yourself thoroughly satisfied.

I am pretty picky when it comes to television shows... and I actually really enjoy this one. It isn't my favorite, but it's definitely a lot better than expected! It's certainly on the DVR list.

I think that the actors are actually quite good (so many bad shows with terrible actors/actresses). The cast seems to have been carefully chosen, as the mother suits the role very well and the actor who plays Norman is absolutely perfect for the role. He is endearingly awkward.

I was worried it would be too "teenage" but it is not. It's actually not quite as dark as I had thought, but it is working it's way in that direction... which is good. I like a slow build. We learn more and more about Norman and his "issues" slowly through each episode instead of having it all thrown right in our faces in the first episode.

I suggest giving it a try!!

(sorry if this sucked... it's my first review!!)