HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 2023

 

Bates Returns for the Fifth and Final Stab!!!

It's been quite a psychotic ride for A&E's "Bates Motel": a parallel path to the acclaimed "Psycho" literary and film franchises. At times, it's been more of a mad soap opera than all-out horror. There's no doubt that the new-century Norman Bates, played to chilling effect by Freddie Highmore, certainly experienced more success with the ladies (well, at least of a potential sort) than his towering predecessor, portrayed by the legendary Anthony Perkins. I can't say that's necessarily a plus, but for better or worse, it's simply a bloody (pun intended) fact. 

It does appear that the teenage mush has at long last gone bye-bye, which for the sake of the show's lead character, only leaves more demented paths for him to travel. For example, as we begin Season 5, two years have passed, with the endearing but domineering Norma (Vera Farmiga) long defunct, yet lingering as an imaginary specter/Sister Hyde, as well as a preserved corpse. Her haunting presence should give Highmore lots to work with through the new season's inevitable, unsettling scenarios. With this in mind, the set-up could gain an even stronger Hitchcockian slant, along with the appropriate nods to Robert Bloch's novel and sequels. I, for one, would delight in such a blend. 

Also, Marion Crane will make her mythic entrance, this time played by pop-icon Rhianna. Will she arrive early or late in the season? Who can say, outside of those who've fashioned it? For certain, though, fans will be watching with great anticipation.  

I'm confident, too, that viewers will be biting their nails regarding the fates of steadfast Sheriff Romero (Nestor Carbonell); diligent Dylan Massett (Max Thieriot); woeful Caleb Calhoun (Kenny Johnson); faithful Chick Hogan (Ryan Hurst); and conscientious Emma DeCody (Olivia Cook). Where will the madness take them? Will they survive, flee, or...well, this is Norman's world, after all, and so...

Personally, I don't think Season 5 needs to end "Psycho'"s latest incarnation. Perkins made superb use of Norman for four terrific films. There's no reason why after a few years, Highmore couldn't return from, let's say, an institution, supposedly cured and start anew before slipping again. Perhaps we could even see his extended story unfold within a hospital, meeting people, killing them...escaping (maybe running off with his good buddy, Michael Myers, only then to be captured and analyzed by that compassionate crackerjack, Hannibal Lecter--ha,ha). Indeed, for those willing to broaden their minds, the sky's the hellish limit for our precious Hamlet of Horror, but for now, seeing the fruition of his early phases should more than fulfill. 

"Bates Motel: Season 5" commences Monday (Feb 20) at 10 pm.

A&E Presents a Damien/Norman Double Feature!!!

On March 7 (an already packed night in television programming), A&E will give horror fans a double-whammy treat, with a pairing of revisionist views on Norman Bates and Damien Thorn.

"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.