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.