"Bates Motel" is now in its fourth season (as most surely know) and this hit retelling of Norman's early years (a concept presented first in "Psycho IV") has gained a following that few series can match, with Freddie Highmore embodying Anthony Perkins' most celebrated role and Vera Farmiga as his dear, domineering mother, Norma. (Nestor Carbonell is also engaging as the diligent Sheriff Romero.)
As a lifelong "Psycho" fan (which includes all the Perkins films, the ill-fated "Bates Motel '87" pilot, and Robert Bloch's superb, literary submissions), I find A&E's excursion a splendid, demented diversion. This season promises to push Norman deeper into his psychotic depths, and I'm most anxious to embrace the oncoming depravity.
On the "Omen-ous" side, Bradley ("Merlin") James enters as a thirty-year-old, war photographer version of Damien Thorn. This Damien has a fuzzy memory, having supposedly tossed his devilish urges to the side, but for how long can the Son of Satan stay stable, especially with his faithful guardian, Ann Rutledge (Barbara Hershey), encouraging the evil along? (Say, isn't Ann Rutledge the name of Abe Lincoln's first love? Ah, no matter; what's in a name?)
How this extension will measure up to the film franchise is anyone guess, but as an "Omen" fan, I'm intrigued to see what diabolical paths it may travel. (And hey, for sentiment's sake, Gregory Peck and Lee Remick will make flashback cameos. Can't beat that.)
There's no doubt A&E has a strong set-up here. Too bad the executives were unable to throw "Hannibal" into the mix, but I guess when it comes to horror team-ups, one can't have everything...well, at least not yet.
"A Danger to Himself"--damn, good episode. Even the Emma backstory was enthralling. Norman in Norma's robe--perfect! It appears we're on the honest-to-goodness "Psycho" path now. Oh, and the rabbit--yes, yes, yes!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, was it me, or did the older gent who knocked Norman out have an Ed Gein look about him?
Delete"Beast Rises"--good intro to the Damien revitalized saga. It's odd to see the character out of loop with his satanic self, however. I mean, is he being played up to be like Marvel's Son of Satan, with the possibility of turning against his contemptuous father? Hell, that doesn't seem likely, does it? When will the real evil kick in; what will the catalyst be? (Was disappointed that the Peck/Remick cameos were no more than a fleeting flash in an old photo; then, should I have really expected anything more?)
ReplyDelete"Goodnight Mother" was even more "Psycho" than "A Danger to Himself". It bristled of Hitchcockian flair. Highmore channeled Perkins. The madness, the tension--hot damn, it was all there! This is where the series should have gone long before, but I'm so happy it's finally reached this twisted point. "Psycho" lives!!!
ReplyDeleteOn Damien's end, "Second Death" did a good job of probing further into our antagonist (or is he yet a confused protagonist?), wavering between the flows of good and bad. I like the flashbacks from "Omen '76" (that Holly Palance scene never fails to shock), but I wonder how long into the season it will grow dark. It's sinister all right, but the evil has yet to resonate. I find the series' approach interesting, though, so I'm willing to see it through. Intuition tells me a few surprises are yet in store. How could it be otherwise? It's an "Omen" tradition to present a slow-burn build.
ReplyDeleteAs I've been watching both "Bates" and "Damien", I'm come to the conclusion that their lead characters are heading in different directions.
ReplyDeleteNorman has gone so far over the deep end that I can't see how he'll be released from the institution to follow through in the manner he did in "Psycho '60".
Damien seems too much a nice guy to be Lucifer's kid. I realize there are forces tugging him toward evil, but at this point, I could randomly run into any number of folks on the street who would exude more menace than this poor guy.
I realize matters have yet to develop on each series and for each iconic character. However, I'm quite curious how the writers will steer the plots by each season's end. Will we get satisfactory resolutions, or will the set-ups paint Norman and Damien into confounding corners?
Okay, let me revise the Damien angle. Sure, he has the potential to harm, but I don't get the impression he really wants to do so. Others are manipulating his actions. To be evil, he must embrace the concept unconditionally and of his own free will.
DeleteWith Norman, he's got to conduct a mighty big con to set himself free. To stick to the "Psycho" mythology, he must do so at all costs; otherwise, he'll carry too much documented baggage to fulfill his murderous legacy.
"Damien" just ended with a significant episode that confirms a turning point for the lead; "Bates" is one away from season's end, with a surprise moment to cap the next to final episode. Excited to see where the latter goes.
ReplyDeleteBoth "Damien" and "Bates" have ended their seasons on high, appropriate notes. Damien is changing and certainly not for the better; Norman is now in that proper, Tony Perkins character mode.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if "Damien" will return for a new season, but I sure hope so; "Bates" is finally "Psycho", and for that I'm eternally grateful. The fifth season is assured to be dark and grand!!!
Just rewatched the "Bates" finale, and there's no doubt it's the most moving episode of the series so far. Yes, the macabre element is there, but gosh, there's also loads of sentimentality. The Christmas reverie is totally tender. It'll haunt me for a long time to come.
DeleteLearned that "Damien" has bitten the dust. Damn shame. There was so much story yet to retell.
ReplyDelete