Anyone watch?! I dvr'd but haven't checked it out just yet! As always it sounds like some enjoy it, while others hate it.
I watched it. I cannot discuss what I liked/didnt like about it until you watch it---or it will spoil things.
SPOILER -
I enjoyed it for the most part. The kid is a spitting image of Norman. One this that annoyed me was the cop's sudden suspicion. But I guess it comes from the town's general feeling of the land being repossessed.
The mom is pretty convincing.
I will continue to watch.
I watched it as well. Hmmmm- no spoliers...
I had to get used to the premise and setting. It took a lot of getting used to! After that...I sat back and enjoyed the acting, which was very good. The storyline should be entertaining, and I think it's going to hold my attention. I really like the cast.
I dunno. This was weird for me...but the weirdest thing was seeing and hearing cell phones! I'm not sure of the story of Norman Bates should be "contemporary." For one thing, who names their kid "Norman," anymore? The house looked good, and so did the motel...and the boy playing Norman did well hiding his British accent. But I really didn't like the actress playing the mother and really have to wonder just where they're going with this...I mean, beyond what we already know.
100 and 10% better than I thought it would be. Won't give any spoilers either. The question now is, can they maintain it. I'm even okay with the modern setting.
I wasn't sure if I should mention cellphones- teehee But that's what I was hinting at when I said that I had a hard time getting used to the modern setting. It felt odd, but midway through I got into the groove. I think I'm gonna like that policeman that gave the mom the third degree. He seems like he belongs in the town.
I enjoyed it, it was a bit more graphic than i thought it would be. in a good way.
You mean "American Horror Story-Motel"?
*Spoilers*
I'm sorry, this was not Psycho. It was an interesrting story, regarding a mother with a high school student (and another son she was estranged from) who happen to buy a motel, and horror ensues. This is quite different from the Robert Bloch book, or the Hitchcock film. There was nothing at all about the film that has to do with the sense of isolation that led to an unhealthy relationship between mother and son, and the grief over Norman killing his own mother, leading to his issues that led him to attempt keeping his mother alive. Many young girlsin his school found Norman cute, and it seems that his inability to deal with his attractiveness to women has more to do with his inability to properly to respond to his sexual attractiveness to the opposite sex. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more, if it wasn't supposed to be Psycho. Unfortunately, I kept comparing it to the book and movie (which are both excellent , although somewhat different), and to me it just wasn't "Psycho".
SPOILER-ISH
Seemed like a weird mix of "Twin Peaks," "American Horror Story," and "Psycho IV: The Beginning." Didn't care for the contemporary setting, and really don't care for the whole upcoming Norman's half-brother tracking them down thing.
SPOILERISH POST
I really enjoyed it. I honestly expected it to have a lot less of that Psycho flavor than it ended up having. I think they struck a decent balance of old and new, really. On one level, I didn't expect them to dive head-first into Psycho territory in the very first episode of a series that A&E probably hopes will last a little while. And yet, interestingly, they found a way to bring it in that direction with (BIG SPOILER) the murder of that crazy guy, and the subsequent attempt to cover it up by Norma and Norman, which I really liked. Still, I don't expect them to keep that up for too long. This is a TV series, not a movie, so the key points of the Norman Bates history shouldn't be hit too quickly, IMO. Not that it should overstay its welcome and completely butcher the mythology instead of expanding upon it (I'm looking at you Smallville). I'm just saying, I don't think we should expect the next episode to be another rehash of the Hitchcock film, or of the novel.
As for the modern setting, it was weird to me too, and that makes Norman stand out even more. But the more I thought of it, the more I kind of liked the idea of it. It adds a little something to his sense of isolation from the rest of society. Like he'd rather be living in more innocent times than today. If used wisely, that could go a long way to bringing him toward the Norman Bates we're familiar with.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised. The acting is good, I think the roles are cast well. I'm just curious to see what happens next week, when the elder Bates son shows up. Hopefully it doesn't ruin all the good work they did with the first episode.
The cell phones threw me off as well. From the beginning, I assumed it was in the 60-70's?
Quote from: scott_of_smeg on March 20, 2013, 11:10:58 AMThe cell phones threw me off as well. From the beginning, I assumed it was in the 60-70's?
All the advance press stressed its contemporary setting. So far, this is being demonstrated with cellphones, iPods, and repeated use of the word "suck." ::)
So, it appears part of Norma Bates' agenda is to prevent that highway bypass project from going through. That could be interesting. Just how far is she willing to go?
SPOILER!
Also, I can see where she'll be milking her rape for as much guilt as she can, helping to twist Norman up that much more.
Well---since spoilers have now beeen discussed: THAT RAPE SCENE WAS FAR TOO GRAPHIC for me. I also didnt much care for the "diary of illustrated bondage porn" or whatever the heck it was that ole Norman found when they pulled up the carpet.
I have a feeling that by the time the series has run its course, it will be compared more to the 1998 re-make of Psycho than Hitchcock's version. :-\
Quote from: Anton Phibes on March 20, 2013, 05:13:46 PMI have a feeling that by the time the series has run its course, it will be compared more to the 1998 re-make of Psycho than Hitchcock's version. :-\
Other than seeing Vigo Mortensen's butt and watching Vince Vaughn whack it, it was essentially the same script. I think they even removed the reference to Julianne Moore's character being a lesbian, at the last minute. Other than wasting William H. Macy as Arbogast, the remake just felt to much like treading water in the baby pool, instead of swimming with sharks.
No, unless they get very, very creative indeed, I think it will just feel like a drawn-out version of "Psycho IV: The Beginning." Which, don't get me wrong, had its moments. But, it wasn't as good as "Psycho II" or "Psycho III."
Quote from: Anton Phibes on March 20, 2013, 05:13:46 PM
I also didnt much care for the "diary of illustrated bondage porn" or whatever the heck it was that ole Norman found when they pulled up the carpet.
I have a feeling that by the time the series has run its course, it will be compared more to the 1998 re-make of Psycho than Hitchcock's version. :-\
The novel dealt with Norman having some kind of pornographic material, an idea that was dropped in the film!!
http://www.hitchcockwiki.com/wiki/Creative_Screenwriting_-_Interview_with_Joseph_Stefano (http://www.hitchcockwiki.com/wiki/Creative_Screenwriting_-_Interview_with_Joseph_Stefano)
Still haven't watched this but from what I'm reading it sounds more like the novel than Hitchcock's film! I'll never understand when someone thinks a subject is to much for a horror/thriller film?! Horror films have always pushed the boundaries of what is excepted, what is expected, social issues and societies underbelly!
And, besides, whom amongst us doesn't have a secret porn stash? Even if it's just old Playboys or vintage copies of Gent with early stories by Stephen King in them? :angel:
Quote from: Count_Zirock on March 20, 2013, 06:02:03 PM
Other than seeing Vigo Mortensen's butt and watching Vince Vaughn whack it, it was essentially the same script. I think they even removed the reference to Julianne Moore's character being a lesbian, at the last minute. Other than wasting William H. Macy as Arbogast, the remake just felt to much like treading water in the baby pool, instead of swimming with sharks.
No, unless they get very, very creative indeed, I think it will just feel like a drawn-out version of "Psycho IV: The Beginning." Which, don't get me wrong, had its moments. But, it wasn't as good as "Psycho II" or "Psycho III."
Yeah---it was the same script. But the acting was terrible. Vince Vaughn was disastrous, couldnt hold a candle to Perkins' performance. Anne Heche was nowhere near as likable as Janet Leigh. But they played the exact same character with the exact same lines. William H. Macy was, indeed, wasted....and Viggo came across as more creepy than Norman (to me anyway). The "whacking it" scene was (again--to me) just plain stupid. In Hitch's version when Norman was attracted to a female, Mother took over. So, um...yeah. I dunno what to make of that exactly, lol. ::)
I guess I am in the minority. I dont have a porn stash. Also--if this is set in the now, I have no idea why Normie would find the equivalent of "underground comics" appealing when he could just find real boobies on the web somehwere, or just walk past a Victoria's secret in the mall and see more real life nakedness,lol..
Quote from: zombiehorror on March 20, 2013, 06:07:24 PM
The novel dealt with Norman having some kind of pornographic material, an idea that was dropped in the film!!
http://www.hitchcockwiki.com/wiki/Creative_Screenwriting_-_Interview_with_Joseph_Stefano (http://www.hitchcockwiki.com/wiki/Creative_Screenwriting_-_Interview_with_Joseph_Stefano)
Still haven't watched this but from what I'm reading it sounds more like the novel than Hitchcock's film! I'll never understand when someone thinks a subject is to much for a horror/thriller film?! Horror films have always pushed the boundaries of what is excepted, what is expected, social issues and societies underbelly!
I know. Norman was a fat, balding, sort of half drunk jaded old pooper in the book. Totally unlikable.
I liked Bloch's story. I like a lot of his stories. Its not as good as the film. I think Psycho would just be a footnote in his literary career
if Hitchcock hadnt filmed it. I like a lot of Poe's stories too. But the one I think is the scariest was never made into film to the best of my knowledge. Its called
Berenice. For me---its utterly terrifying. Much more so than say Pit and The Pendulum or one of his better known horrors. Because the others were filmed, they get the spotlight. Berenice is seldomly cited. More of a small footnote or a "he also wrote this". I really think Psycho would be Bloch's Berenice if not for Hitchcock. But what do I know? :angel:
I am gonna give Bates Motel a try for awhile. But I am not that optimistic. My wife watched it with me. She thought the rape scene was too much as well. We were equally suprised by how much violence they showed on a regular tv show with the stabbing. But the fat tub of lard deserved what he got. >:(
Watching Bates Motel is kind of like watching The Thing prequel. It's gonna be hard to get too attached to anyone or anything. Because you know everybody in the prequel was doomed from frame one reel one. When its all said and done---Mother dies, Norman plays dress up, kills everybody who comes near him, eventually burns the house to the ground and then grows old and dies with his wife he met while in the nuthouse, after threatening to kill her because she got pregnant. If they bother to follow the continuity of the previous films. But they are being quite selective with regards to this already.
In Psycho 3, we learn Ms. Spool killed Norman's father. But in Psycho 4, they change it to him being stung to death by bees. Its obvious in Bates Motel, that Norma probably killed her husband and made it look like an accident. Or Norman did it because he's already bonkers, and then "blacked out", as we know he does after the whole mother affair later in his life. Mother is also cited as "not allowing liquor" by Norman....but she seems to be having some wine at dinner. So who knows what they will keep and what they will pitch? The Shadow, maybe. But he aint talkin'. :angel:
UPDATE: Berenice is getting a low budget picture. After 173 years. Better late than never, I guess. Lol. :o ??? ;D
Edgar Allan Poe's Berenice - TRAILER (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL5I-2pPghc#ws)
I think to make this work they're going to have to go the Dexter route. Norman's going to have to be so likeable that we want him to get away with the murders.
Going by Psycho 4, Norma is Norman's first victim (am I remembering that right?) Could be that until Norman snaps he just helps Norma with her kills. Just speculating.
I'm not really sure Bates Motel is actually supposed to restricted by any of the movie. Feels more like a complete reboot to me.
Quote from: FACTO2 on March 21, 2013, 01:22:50 AMI'm not really sure Bates Motel is actually supposed to restricted by any of the movie. Feels more like a complete reboot to me.
Yup, complete reboot. Some movie elements from the movie "Psycho" are being kept, others tossed out. Otherwise, this would have to be set in the late 1940s or early 1950s. They chose not to go that route with it.
Sadly, I also do not have a secret porn stash-hahahaha! But I have Showtime & HBO- so...
Anyways, since I feel comfortable enough to not blab out spoilers now- I immediately made the American Horror Story comparison as well! It seems like the writers are gonna throw out some curse words/naked rear ends and call it a day. But I hope I'm wrong, because the actors seem really dedicated and I hope they get to evolve. I really like the actress that plays Norma Bates. She seems to have all the right characteristics that I would imagine a younger "Mother" to have. She's bitter, beautiful, and loyal to Norman. I find her very believable. And of course, the kid playing Norman is an amazing little actor. I felt really pulled in during the carpet ripping/police scene. That's when I started enjoying it and stopped feeling sour about the things I didn't like.
I also have decided that I need to go to Barnes & Noble or Amazon and buy a copy of the book. I've never read it! As much as I love all things Psycho- I can't believe I've never read the book....I'm a poser! I also need to have it in paperback form, as I do not have an e reader. So I hope everything picks up next week- I'm also skeptical about the brother storyline.
I dug it!
The period was a little, WTF, at first but I noticed that in the beginning Norman does run past a modern tv (rectangular screen instead of square); So once the cellphones started popping up it wasn't like, "Uh?!". As a nod to the decor Norma does mention something like, "The place hasn't been touched since the 60's.", when talking to someone on the phone.
One possible real life counterpart/inspiration for Norman's character may be Ted Bundy, who by all accounts was handsome, well mannered and intelligent but he liked to assault/kill women as opposing to date them!
I'm not against a little blood, gore, t 'n' a or violence in my horror material, especially one that involves deranged individuals! One must remember that cable, even basic cable, channels get away with much more than standard (ABC, FOX, CBS, ABC) channels, that's why many producers are turning to F/X, AMC, A&E, History, etc. to present their shows the way they want to! I have no doubt that many a horror director from silent era to 80's would prefer the lenient censorship of cable over broadcast networks!
I'm still adding a SPOILER WARNING since some folks don't watch previews!!
It was evident right away to me that there would be another killer on the loose once Norman found that odd notebook! My guess is one of the police is the killer, leaning more towards Romero but who knows.?! Also wondering if they'll make Summers (the now dead rapist-previous owner) know about the killer's activities and/or be an accomplice.....possibly helping dispose of bodies!? If that's the case is Romero aware that Summers' body was in the bathtub and just kept mum? Did he enter the room in the first place hoping to retrieve the notebook?
Not sure how enthralled I am with this subplot but we'll see where it goes!
Ooh! Interesting! That's something I never picked up on, but I like your police theory- ZH!
I'm also trying not to be too spoil-y! I also had a funny feeling about the dark haired policeman (I couldn't remember his name), but I never thought about the possible twist you mentioned!
I broke down and bought the Hitchcock movie off of Itunes a few days ago, and I absolutely loved it! I can't wait til my husband gets back from his biz trip, so I can watch it again. It was so fascinating to see (Anthony Hopkins) Hitchcock struggle with the censors. I'm not sure how historically accurate the movie was, but I never knew how much trouble he had with the making of Psycho!
I watched it before I watched Bates Motel, so I think I was super excited about it and had ridiculously high expectations. But I will definitely keep watching the show! And now I must find the book :)
Quote from: Anton Phibes on March 20, 2013, 05:13:46 PM
I have a feeling that by the time the series has run its course, it will be compared more to the 1998 re-make of Psycho than Hitchcock's version. :-\
That was exactly what I was thinking. I saw the 1999 remake once, it was OK for what it was, but I wouldn't bother to see it again. The bondage book kind of reminds me of Vaugn's homage to Paul Rubens in an adult theatre when looking at Marion through the peephole, as unnescesary. Apparently it's not enough to have a character going through a psychotic episode over having to deal with having killed his own mother. Let's make Norman into a full fledged perv!
Promo for episode 2. So far only on Facebook so you'll have to be on Facebook to see it. Could the town be worse than Norma and Norman?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10101335289595837 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10101335289595837)
Quote from: Haunted hearse on March 22, 2013, 04:38:51 PM
That was exactly what I was thinking. I saw the 1999 remake once, it was OK for what it was, but I wouldn't bother to see it again. The bondage book kind of reminds me of Vaugn's homage to Paul Rubens in an adult theatre when looking at Marion through the peephole, as unnescesary. Apparently it's not enough to have a character going through a psychotic episode over having to deal with having killed his own mother. Let's make Norman into a full fledged perv!
This comes from the novel (Norman having porn) and I believe was originally part of the screen play!
Drank too much Scotch :-[ and fell asleep about 20 mins in. Hope it's back on again.
Hey Mike- You can probably catch a repeat of the show online or on A&E. I have a feeling they will try to air the pilot as much as they can. I've never tried scotch, but if it makes you sleepy...I better stay away! Milk makes me sleepy enough!
Quote from: Count_Zirock on March 20, 2013, 07:09:39 PM
And, besides, whom amongst us doesn't have a secret porn stash? Even if it's just old Playboys or vintage copies of Gent with early stories by Stephen King in them? :angel:
I, for one, don't!
The wife made me get rid of it a long time ago.
Well.. It's not the original cast, etc.
But it does look like an continuing story I might want to watch on its own merits. The photography is very good and the acting looks better than the average TV show.
Here is the extended first episode with an additional 5 minutes that was not aired:
http://www.aetv.com/bates-motel/video/first-you-dream-then-you-die-21892675898 (http://www.aetv.com/bates-motel/video/first-you-dream-then-you-die-21892675898)
Quote from: zombiehorror on March 22, 2013, 08:20:45 PM
This comes from the novel (Norman having porn) and I believe was originally part of the screen play!
If that was the case, it's the only thing that came out of the book. The problem for any of us who are huge fans of the movie, and the even fewer of us who are huge fans of the book, is this isn't Psycho. Psycho was inspored by Ed Gein, and dealt with a person, who through isolation and an unhealthy relationship to a family member goes Psycho. I loved both the Movie and the book, and in both, the esentails are maintained when the book was translated into the Hitchcock film. By the way, like changing Norman from middle aged to a youthful Tony Perkins, the record "Erotica" in Norman's room was a much better and more subtle device, then pornography would have been in a film made during the Eisenhower Administration. I kind of equate "Psycho" to the "Shinning". I also love both that book and the Kubrick movie, but Stephan King proved with his miniseries why Kubrick's film worked better as a movie, than King's more faithful adaptaion to the small screen. What worked in Bloch's book, worked very well. However, his Norman Bates, wouldn't have been nearly as effective on the big screen. I can't help but think if they had attempted to do a "faithful" adaptation of the book to the screen, Norman Bates as his mother, would have been too much like Harvey Korman playing the Jewish mother on the old "Carol Brunet show". I can understand people liking this new series, but I can't really watch it, because I keep making mental compariosns to the book and movie this sprang from. Just my humble opinion.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on March 24, 2013, 02:44:01 PM
The problem for any of us who are huge fans of the movie, and the even fewer of us who are huge fans of the book, is this isn't Psycho.
I, and many others here that enjoy the show are huge fans of Hitchcock's Psycho! I'm sure they are hoping this show lasts awhile and will eventually get to Norma isolating Norman. The odd relationship with his mother is already starting to peek thru! That being said, true this is not the novel, nor the Hitchcock version but Hitch's version wasn't the novel version either! It's one thing to dislike the show on its own merits but ridiculous to hate it based on liking the novel or movie incarnation and expecting it to fit that mold.
Quote from: zombiehorror on March 24, 2013, 06:50:21 PM
It's one thing to dislike the show on its own merits but ridiculous to hate it based on liking the novel or movie incarnation and expecting it to fit that mold.
So I'm ridiculous. I may have liked Tim Burton's "Dark Shadows" on it's own merits, but to me, that wasn't "Dark Shadows", and I couldn't help enjoy it on it's own merits, because (unlike the 1990's reboot) it wasn't what I wanted to see in a Dark Shadows film. By the way, I never said I hated it, I just said I wasn't interested in watching anymore of it. The new series has great production values, fine acting, but (and I know you think I have no right to be like this) I'm not enjoying this take on Psycho, so I guess I'm denying myself the most super duper spectacular horror series in the entire universe because of my personal biases.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on March 24, 2013, 08:26:34 PM
.............I never said I hated it, I just said I wasn't interested in watching anymore of it........because of my personal biases.
Well there's no arguing that!
As far as it being "the most super duper spectacular horror series in the entire universe", I highly doubt it will take that honor but you'll never know (or be able to make the decision for yourself) if you don't watch! :D After all it was only the first episode.
I could watch the show just for the House. I love the house. One day I want to go to California and see it. If Universal doesnt tear it down to build more toilets or something equally important in the CEO's point of view. :angel: Because those suits have got their finger on the pulse of the people. That's why you cannot find a single UNIVERSAL Monster at UNIVERSAL Studios. Boo-yah! ;) ;D
Quote from: Anton Phibes on March 25, 2013, 12:39:39 AM
I could watch the show just for the House. I love the house. One day I want to go to California and see it. If Universal doesnt tear it down to build more toilets or something equally important in the CEO's point of view. :angel: Because those suits have got their finger on the pulse of the people. That's why you cannot find a single UNIVERSAL Monster at UNIVERSAL Studios. Boo-yah! ;) ;D
I don't think it's likely they'll tear down the set, in the near future. Last time I was there, they even had a 1959 Ford parked at the motel, and an Actor played Norman carrying a body. I had no problem with them tearing down the Vince Vaughn dacade. As far as not finding a single monster at Universal Ca.; did they remove that walkthrough exhibit that was based on Univeral Horror films?
Quote from: Anton Phibes on March 25, 2013, 12:39:39 AM
I could watch the show just for the House. I love the house. One day I want to go to California and see it. If Universal doesnt tear it down to build more toilets or something equally important in the CEO's point of view. :angel: Because those suits have got their finger on the pulse of the people. That's why you cannot find a single UNIVERSAL Monster at UNIVERSAL Studios. Boo-yah! ;) ;D
If you can't get to California, maybe you could make it to Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada one day...then again you won't see all of the house there!!
http://atravelerslibrary.com/2013/03/22/traveling-bates-motel-t-v-canada/ (http://atravelerslibrary.com/2013/03/22/traveling-bates-motel-t-v-canada/)
"The chilling house and bleak setting appears to be plucked from the "Psycho" set and dropped into this show. In reality, the famous Bates home and motel were recreated for the show at the former Jackman Landfill site on 272nd Street in south Aldergrove, British Columbia.", " (although the top of the house was computer-generated in post-production)
Set photos~
(http://yvrshoots.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/bm10.9872.jpg)
(http://yvrshoots.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/bm10.4563.jpg)
http://yvrshoots.com/2012/11/bates-motel-set-in-aldergrove-just-like-hitchcocks-psycho.html (http://yvrshoots.com/2012/11/bates-motel-set-in-aldergrove-just-like-hitchcocks-psycho.html)
Really how about they start a Kickstarter program to give the Bates Motel a roof.....Hollywood is so pathetic nowadays!! What a letdown.
I was wondering if the TV show was using the Hollywood house or the Orlando house.
Nice to see there is now a third house - But it needs to be topped off. It could be turned into another minor tourist destination after the series ends.
I suppose Universal will insist that it be demolished.
Dear Lord---so we have an existing set in Hollywood from the film.....and it isnt being used? That's funny, actually. And I thought I was looking at the backlot of Universal. ::) Well---dummy me!!!! :blank:
I have only been to Universal Florida. Where all they had of classic monsetrs was a fast food joint. last I heard it was temporarily closed. I am unfamiliar with the walk thru. Must be a California attraction.
Still totally floored as to why they wouldnt film a show called Bates Motel at....the Bates motel,lol. :o ;D
I suppose it would have disrupted the tours - or interfered with their shooting schedule.
More likely, it is just cheaper to film the series in Canada. Having another house there is not only more convenient, it also makes a lot more economical sense than flying the cast back and forth btween U.S. and Canadian locations.
Money rules.
Whatever the reason, the series does have a good look. I hope the story holds up over the long haul.
The thing that bothered me is it isn't a period show. It's about Norman when he was a a kid but there are modern things in it. It bothered me and honestly it felt lacking. Will I watch a gain probally?
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on March 25, 2013, 02:57:39 PM
I was wondering if the TV show was using the Hollywood house or the Orlando house.
Nice to see there is now a third house - But it needs to be topped off. It could be turned into another minor tourist destination after the series ends.
I suppose Universal will insist that it be demolished.
Demolition or removal may be in the contract for using the land. That's why for "Addams Family Values", they used a model for the exterior. The exterior set was demolished after filming of the first Addams family was completed. The Florida Bates house was demolished, so the only complete Bates House (exterior only) is the one in Hollywood. What would be great would be if some wealthy person bought the set from Universal after filmings completed, and built a full house from it.
Quote from: Anton Phibes on March 25, 2013, 03:08:09 PM
Dear Lord---so we have an existing set in Hollywood from the film.....and it isnt being used? That's funny, actually. And I thought I was looking at the backlot of Universal. ::) Well---dummy me!!!! :blank:
I have only been to Universal Florida. Where all they had of classic monsetrs was a fast food joint. last I heard it was temporarily closed. I am unfamiliar with the walk thru. Must be a California attraction.
Still totally floored as to why they wouldnt film a show called Bates Motel at....the Bates motel,lol. :o ;D
I've only been to Universal Hollywood, so the exhibit is found there.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on March 25, 2013, 03:26:37 PM
Demolition or removal may be in the contract for using the land. That's why for "Addams Family Values", they used a model for the exterior. The exterior set was demolished after filming of the first Addams family was completed. The Florida Bates house was demolished, so the only complete Bates House (exterior only) is the one in Hollywood. What would be great would be if some wealthy person bought the set from Universal after filmings completed, and built a full house from it.
I didn't know that the Florida house was no more.
I wonder if the TV series house is even 4-sided? If it has only two walls, that would explain the lack of a roof. A TV budget would be a lot less than one for a theatrical movie.
If the series is successful and get renewed, they might budget for some more extensive (and complete) sets.
If the land were mine, I would let them build a four-sided set for nothing, on the condition that it be left standing and become my property when they were done.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on March 25, 2013, 03:24:31 PM
More likely, it is just cheaper to film the series in Canada. Having another house there is not only more convenient, it also makes a lot more economical sense than flying the cast back and forth btween U.S. and Canadian locations.
Money rules.
Yep, it is surprising (or maybe not) the number of shows/movies that are filmed in Canada!!
I don't think the current location, of the Hollywood Bates Mansion, is the greatest for filming either.....
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh10/zombiehorror01/Bates_zpsf391fc3d.png)
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh10/zombiehorror01/Batescloseup_zps4c6073ac.png)
Quote from: horror1o1 on March 25, 2013, 03:25:32 PM
The thing that bothered me is it isn't a period show. It's about Norman when he was a a kid but there are modern things in it. It bothered me and honestly it felt lacking. Will I watch a gain probally?
As far as period goes, this is the story of a young man that will eventually go on to resemble the Norman we all know but it is not the Norman from the Hitchcock movie! Why is it we can watch Dracula (1931) and then go on to watch House of Frankenstein/Dracula and not be bothered that Dracula doesn't look or act like Dracula!? At least in Bates Mansion's case they are trying to somewhat distance themselves from other incarnations by having the modern period setting, while still keeping some conventional Psycho elements!
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on March 25, 2013, 03:38:38 PM
I didn't know that the Florida house was no more.
Where else were they going to put the Curious George Goes to Town attraction!?!?
SPOILER
OK, this show seems more like Twin Peaks than PSYCHO. And how small is this town? There seems to be an awful lot of people everywhere. And for a town that burns a person in the middle of the town, I think 1 missing person is the least of their worries. I LOL'd when girl with CF was running through the woods. That being said, I actually don't mind it much. I like the dude burned alive in his car. I like the awkward sexual tension between Norman and Norma. The brother just seems like filler, but I will stick around for a while.
Also, everything about Norman and Norma seems so retro, until they answer their iPhone... Throws me off every time
Quote from: scott_of_smeg on March 25, 2013, 10:45:04 PM
Also, everything about Norman and Norma seems so retro, until they answer their iPhone... Throws me off every time
The original Psycho was done in 1960. That should make this series take place in the very early 50's or late 40's. It would have been very nice to have it set in that pre-electronic time.
Not having GPS cell phones and today's more sophisticated police crime labs with computers always makes it more believable that murders go undetected/unsolved.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on March 25, 2013, 11:20:49 PM
The original Psycho was done in 1960. That should make this series take place in the very early 50's or late 40's. It would have been very nice to have it set in that pre-electronic time.
Not having GPS cell phones and today's more sophisticated police crime labs with computers always makes it more believable that murders go undetected/unsolved.
Thank you! That's a major thing that is bothering me about this show.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on March 25, 2013, 11:20:49 PM
Not having GPS cell phones and today's more sophisticated police crime labs with computers always makes it more believable that murders go undetected/unsolved.
Plenty of disappearances/murders still go unsolved everyday.....unless they are on one of the CSI's or NCIS's or Law & Order's, etc.!! Believe me there are plenty of police/detectives that wish crime solving in reality worked like it does on those shows!!
From what I'm seeing, Norman will end up being the most normal person in this whackadoodle town, even if he is a cross-dressing serial killer. Sheesh!
Quote from: Count_Zirock on March 26, 2013, 06:43:50 AM
From what I'm seeing, Norman will end up being the most normal person in this whackadoodle town, even if he is a cross-dressing serial killer. Sheesh!
I can hear the kids making fun of him at school now, chanting, "Normal Norman, Normal Norman, he's so borin'"!
Exactly, Count.
Quote from: zombiehorror on March 25, 2013, 03:42:13 PM
Yep, it is surprising (or maybe not) the number of shows/movies that are filmed in Canada!!
I don't think the current location, of the Hollywood Bates Mansion, is the greatest for filming either.....
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh10/zombiehorror01/Bates_zpsf391fc3d.png)
As far as period goes, this is the story of a young man that will eventually go on to resemble the Norman we all know but it is not the Norman from the Hitchcock movie! Why is it we can watch Dracula (1931) and then go on to watch House of Frankenstein/Dracula and not be bothered that Dracula doesn't look or act like Dracula!? At least in Bates Mansion's case they are trying to somewhat distance themselves from other incarnations by having the modern period setting, while still keeping some conventional Psycho elements!
Actually, I think the show would be greatly improved if the Bates Motel was located just outside Whoville. If anything, I'd go back to watching the show, just to watch Norman off some of the little creeps from the Jim Carrey version of "Grinch".
As far as Dracula is concerned, so far, the only filmed versions of Psycho, have dealt with the Hitchcock version. As I've said, the show has it's merits, but I can't help but have my biases and preferances. It's human nature. there were several versions of Dracula, and even more so vampires prior to my being born, so having different interpetations of the Dracula story aren't an issue to me. On the other hand, you could make the point that why should so many people be bothered by sparkly emo vampires, and I could answer because I find the whole idea of sparkling emo vampires annoying. Since vampires are largely make believe (except in the case of IRS agents), one version is tecnically as valid as the other.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on March 26, 2013, 02:41:02 PM
As far as Dracula is concerned, so far, the only filmed versions of Psycho, have dealt with the Hitchcock version. As I've said, the show has it's merits, but I can't help but have my biases and preferances. As far as Dracula is concerned, so far, the only filmed versions of Psycho, have dealt with the Hitchcock version. As I've said, the show has it's merits, but I can't help but have my biases and preferances. It's human nature. there were several versions of Dracula, and even more so vampires prior to my being born, so having different interpetations of the Dracula story aren't an issue to me. On the other hand, you could make the point that why should so many people be bothered by sparkly emo vampires, and I could answer because I find the whole idea of sparkling emo vampires annoying. Since vampires are largely make believe (except in the case of IRS agents), one version is tecnically as valid as the other.
This would be more closely related if it dealt with a new version of Dracula being one of these new Twilight vamps but thank goodness they didn't go that route!!
Using the category of serial killer (vampire in your example) opens up a whole new ballgame for interpretation of the Norman character (Dracula in your example) and as you say could/would validate any and all versions of the character (lame Twilight vampires in your example). They are still sticking with an outlined characterization of Norman from both the novel and previous film(s) while adding their own (for better or worse) touches!
Quote from: scott_of_smeg on March 25, 2013, 10:45:04 PM
Also, everything about Norman and Norma seems so retro, until they answer their iPhone... Throws me off every time
;D
Thank you. I thought I was the only one who noticed?
Just watched the first two episodes on A&E On Demand on my Cox Cable -- I like the show a lot, but I hate the fact that the On Demand for this series does not allow you to fast forward through the endless commercials >:(
Quote from: McDougals House of Horror on March 26, 2013, 10:08:27 PM
Just watched the first two episodes on A&E On Demand on my Cox Cable -- I like the show a lot, but I hate the fact that the On Demand for this series does not allow you to fast forward through the endless commercials >:(
That is quite annoying. :(
On Demand has commercials? I love DVR
Quote from: zombiehorror on March 26, 2013, 03:48:46 PM
This would be more closely related if it dealt with a new version of Dracula being one of these new Twilight vamps but thank goodness they didn't go that route!!
Using the category of serial killer (vampire in your example) opens up a whole new ballgame for interpretation of the Norman character (Dracula in your example) and as you say could/would validate any and all versions of the character (lame Twilight vampires in your example). They are still sticking with an outlined characterization of Norman from both the novel and previous film(s) while adding their own (for better or worse) touches!
Not really anything from the book, which is understandable, because there would be little reason to show the middle aged hermit, living in isolation, and have much viewership. The Motel in the book and movie was off the beaten path, and the isolation helped Norman maintain the fiction his mother was still alive. The Bates Motel, in this version doesn't seem all that isolated, and Norman seems to have a lot of human contact. the Bates Motel from both the book (6 rooms) and the movie (12 rooms), was far more isolated, and what happened to the motel was something like what happened to a lot of motels on Route 66, when it was bypassed for interstate 40. You can see a lot of closed down motels, when sightseeing down Route 66. There is the possibility that the Motel may be bypaseed as the series progresses, but again, this is a whole new Psycho, with some of the elements (such as the iconic house) from the Hitchcock film.
Quote from: zombiehorror on March 25, 2013, 03:42:13 PM
Yep, it is surprising (or maybe not) the number of shows/movies that are filmed in Canada!!
I don't think the current location, of the Hollywood Bates Mansion, is the greatest for filming either.....
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh10/zombiehorror01/Bates_zpsf391fc3d.png)
It seems to me, looking at all the wreckage, that they could have filmed it at that location, if they set the series in New Jersey. :P
So much for season 2...
(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/578113_10151430074994177_1700084583_n.jpg)
Quote from: Gillfan on March 30, 2013, 06:33:10 AM
So much for season 2...
(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/578113_10151430074994177_1700084583_n.jpg)
I would love to have salvage rights to the set. With some of those architectural features, you could build a replica of the bates house to live in.
So the show is scrapped 3 episodes in? ???
From what I'm reading A&E skipped ordering a pilot of this and went straight out of the gate with 10 episodes! I don't think there is any decision on second season just yet, the set is probably just being secured during hiatus. It has had fairly decent rating numbers so far!
Quote from: zombiehorror on March 30, 2013, 02:39:36 PM
From what I'm reading A&E skipped ordering a pilot of this and went straight out of the gate with 10 episodes! I don't think there is any decision on second season just yet, the set is probably just being secured during hiatus. It has had fairly decent rating numbers so far!
This is my guess. The pilot did quite well.
By the way, for those who are upset when it came to the canadian Bates house, that they didn't build an entire facade, that's not uncommon. They still have the Universal Hollywood Bates House, if they wanted to do some pickup shots of the roof, or digitally add it in later. Even in the original Psycho movie, only the front and a side wall existed. The rest of the building was built over the years as needed. When I first saw the set in the late 1960's (on a Universal tram tour), it still didn't have a rear. In the recent Haunted Mansion film, they built the Gracey mansion facade without a roof. A baloon was floated over the set, to show what the height of the roof would be when it was digitally added later. Years ago, in "Mad Mad World", that large condemned building toward the end was largely a matte painting. Only the first two stories, and a partial wall representing the rest of the upper floors was built.
So anyway...
I have kind of a school boy crush on Norma :-[
who, as it turns out, is around 16 years younger then me,
so I'm not sure how that works...
Quote from: Street Worm on April 01, 2013, 08:17:13 AM
So anyway...
I have kind of a school boy crush on Norma :-[
who, as it turns out, is around 16 years younger then me,
so I'm not sure how that works...
Apparently for Norma age.....nor relation for that matter.......will play a factor in her love life!!!
I watched the first episode on Amazon the other night. I had the same problem with it that I had with the first ep of American Horror Story, in that the characters themselves aren't particularly interesting and it's just set up so you keep watching to find out the backstory for everything that's hinted at. Not enough for me to invest the time watching.
Norman went from being a sort of likable, awkward character who you felt incredibly sorry for to a really creepy one who you are scared to death of... in one episode's time.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 02, 2013, 09:55:27 PM
Norman went from being a sort of likable, awkward character who you felt incredibly sorry for to a really creepy one who you are scared to death of... in one episode's time.
I'm scared to death of his mother - and strangely attracted.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on April 02, 2013, 09:57:43 PM
I'm scared to death of his mother - and strangely attracted.
It's odd. I always thought Mother was the creepy one until Episode 3. Then she seemed far less "peculiar" than Norman.
I am not liking all the side stories of the creepy town, but yea, Norman definitely snapped. Great actor and believable! Can't wait for more crazy Norman!
Quote from: scott_of_smeg on April 02, 2013, 10:46:18 PM
I am not liking all the side stories of the creepy town, but yea, Norman definitely snapped. Great actor and believable! Can't wait for more crazy Norman!
I agree. I really just want to see the relationship between Norma and Norman. But, I guess that wouldn't allow for much excitement. They need filler, and the town's little secret is just that. But I can see how this little secret could ultimately lead to the town's destruction, which would be interesting to watch. I'm hanging in, filler and all, just so long as Norma/Norman makes up the majority of the show.
I cringed when they added the drug element.
Norman's brother is so irritating, I can't wait 'til they bump him off - at least, I hope they do.
At the end of the second episode, I was wondering why there were guys hiding out in the forest with guns... Then when they told us the reason in the third, I was really bummed. Couldn't it be something cooler than that? I mean, come on, this is a Horror TV series... Let's use our imaginations, people (AKA writers).
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on April 03, 2013, 12:01:14 AM
I cringed when they added the drug element.
Norman's brother is so irritating, I can't wait 'til they bump him off - at least, I hope they do.
The drug subplot is unnecassry. The writers could have easily picked a better sub- story.
Too much "Twin Peaks" and other nonsense. Not enough "Psycho." I knew that was going to happen. This isn't "The Walking Dead," where they can meander through a post-zombie apocalypse world endlessly. There comes a point where the story has to lead us to the fateful day when Norman does Norma in. Otherwise, it's all filler.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on April 03, 2013, 02:24:28 AM
Too much "Twin Peaks" and other nonsense. Not enough "Psycho." I knew that was going to happen. This isn't "The Walking Dead," where they can meander through a post-zombie apocalypse world endlessly. There comes a point where the story has to lead us to the fateful day when Norman does Norma in. Otherwise, it's all filler.
I think they are saving Norman killing his mother for the series finale.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on April 03, 2013, 03:52:30 AMI think they are saving Norman killing his mother for the series finale.
Well, obviously. But, the stuff leading up to it needs to be better than what we're getting. It's not a good sign when I'm sitting there thinking "been here, done this" with the subplots. I mean, we're only up to episode three!
We have now gotten to the point where Norma and Norman are two of the more normal people in the town. While everyone else is growing/selling drugs and trading sex slaves, they are just trying to make a new life. Sure, they killed a rapist, but c'mon, who hasn't?
Exactly. Less Twin Peaks and more Psycho! And is marijuana even a crime these days?
Quote from: Gillfan on April 03, 2013, 06:36:42 AM
We have now gotten to the point where Norma and Norman are two of the more normal people in the town. While everyone else is growing/selling drugs and trading sex slaves, they are just trying to make a new life. Sure, they killed a rapist, but c'mon, who hasn't?
I was thinking the same exact thing. I think the story would have been better had they made the place more like Cabot Cove (from Murder, She Wrote) or 'Salem's Lot, where the place was just too darned interesting because of the quirky, disconnected people in it, not because of these ridiculous activities. Nothing can be that simple or wholesome anymore, though...
Quote from: Count_Zirock on April 03, 2013, 02:24:28 AM
Too much "Twin Peaks" and other nonsense. Not enough "Psycho." I knew that was going to happen. This isn't "The Walking Dead," where they can meander through a post-zombie apocalypse world endlessly. There comes a point where the story has to lead us to the fateful day when Norman does Norma in. Otherwise, it's all filler.[/i]
Thats a bingo.
You know, for those who think there's too much "Twin Peaks", and not enough Norman, there is this remarkable thing called a DVD, where you can see a really great movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock. That's what I would rather do, that watch this new series. Now if you want to amuse your friends, you can always tell them that you'll be playing Psycho, and put in the Vince Vaughn version. Just make sure you have your healthcare insurance paid up before you do.
I'm also fading fast... Of course I'll keep watching the show, but I feel like my mind wanders a lot.
H.H.- I watched the movie Hitchcock (with Anthony Hopkins) twice last weekend, and I have been dying to watch Psycho all week!
I watched it 6 times last Mother's Day during that marathon, but only a couple more times since then. It is time- I must get the dvd out this week! Especially after sitting through Bates Motel!
The pot subplot is really frail.
I'll say this: A&E's "Bates Motel" is way better than the old TV-movie starring Bud Cort and Lori Nelson.
Yeah, I know...a ringing endorsement. :angel:
The only reason that I am going to stick with it is because of the acting. Norma and Norman are very well acted characters. And the writing for both was exceptional in the first episode. It was pretty good in the second. I felt the third episode was the weakest for the characters, especially Norman. But, as long as those two stay the focus, I won't turn away anytime soon.
I mean I am a huge Dark Shadows fan, and that show had some horrendous storylines (Okay... 2, but they dragged on forever), but I still watch every episode because of the compelling characters and the great acting of the key players. It's hard to find complex characters who are well acted on TV nowadays. Norma and Norman fit the bill. Besides, I've always favored character over story anyway.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on April 03, 2013, 11:44:48 PM
I'll say this: A&E's "Bates Motel" is way better than the old TV-movie starring Bud Cort and Lori Nelson.
Yeah, I know...a ringing endorsement. :angel:
They torture enemy combatants in foreign countries by maiing them watch that pilot. Its second only to forcing them to read Marvel's U.S. 1 comic. ;D ;)
I never hated the Bates Motel pilot. I like Bud Cort, and I was glad to see him doing something again. Also, there was no attempt to bring Norman into the series, so we didn't have to deal with them screwing up the character, like they might end up doing with the A&E series (or having something like Vince Vaughn paying homage to Paul Rubens in an adult theatre). The idea was to do a horror anthalogy, using the framing story of a former mental patient, which had been left the Motel by Norman in his will. This was before "Psycho 2" was released, and that may have had to do with Perkins not wanting to participate, so they simply have the character (like Ed Gein, whom Norman bates was based on) die in the institution. The motel was modified, but the iconoc house was left alone. I've liked a lot of Horror anthology series, and I don't remember the two stories in the pilot (Three if you count the pilot story) being all that bad.
Here's a thought: what if none of what's going on in the show is really happening? If its all just going on inside Norman's head as part of his fantasy/delusion? We've just seen in this week's episode how he wanders off into his own head and has imaginary conversations,etc.. It would be weird if the series ended with Norman waking up in the morning, going down to open the motel and having a conversation with his mother's corpse, barely remembering the "dream" he had the night prior.
It is done by the folks who contributed to "Lost"....so anything is possible,lol.
Bobby Ewing escape clause. :angel:
Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 04, 2013, 03:25:56 PM
Here's a thought: what if none of what's going on in the show is really happening? If its all just going on inside Norman's head as part of his fantasy/delusion? We've just seen in this week's episode how he wanders off into his own head and has imaginary conversations,etc.. It would be weird if the series ended with Norman waking up in the morning, going down to open the motel and having a conversation with his mother's corpse, barely remembering the "dream" he had the night prior.
It is done by the folks who contributed to "Lost"....so anything is possible,lol.
Bobby Ewing escape clause. :angel:
Interesting thought, A.P. At this point, anything is possible.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on April 04, 2013, 11:11:32 AM
Also, there was no attempt to bring Norman into the series, so we didn't have to deal with them screwing up the character, like they might end up doing with the A&E series................
Since this Norman is a present day incarnation there is no worry of them screwing up Norman as he is portrayed in previous films or the novels!
Quote from: zombiehorror on April 04, 2013, 06:52:08 PM
Since this Norman is a present day incarnation there is no worry of them screwing up Norman as he is portrayed in previous films or the novels!
The modern setting is what's keeping me away. I'll give it a shot eventually.
Quote from: zombiehorror on April 04, 2013, 06:52:08 PMSince this Norman is a present day incarnation there is no worry of them screwing up Norman as he is portrayed in previous films or the novels!
Which is good, in a way. Because there's no need to retcon things that don't mesh with the four movies starring Anthony Perkins. Even though this Norman looks like a young Perkins, he'll never become the Perkins character, because that character existed initially in 1960. Whatever happens, the very nature of the show guarantees that this Norman won't ever be the Perkins Norman Bates. And, that makes the show a little more palatable to me.
It's like "Mockingbird Lane." Those characters weren't the Munsters we know and love from "The Munsters." Once you got past that, the pilot wasn't that bad, and actually could be enjoyed on its own. Considering past attempts to replicate "The Munsters" usually tanked ("The Munsters Today," "Here Come the Munsters," etc), this seemed the smartest direction to go with it. That just might be the saving grace of "Bates Motel"; whatever expectations we have for it being close to "Psycho," we can pretty much forget. We'll get some touches and elements, just to keep a minimal connection, but that's it.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on April 06, 2013, 07:43:16 AM
Which is good, in a way. Because there's no need to retcon things that don't mesh with the four movies starring Anthony Perkins. Even though this Norman looks like a young Perkins, he'll never become the Perkins character, because that character existed initially in 1960. Whatever happens, the very nature of the show guarantees that this Norman won't ever be the Perkins Norman Bates. And, that makes the show a little more palatable to me.
It's like "Mockingbird Lane." Those characters weren't the Munsters we know and love from "The Munsters." Once you got past that, the pilot wasn't that bad, and actually could be enjoyed on its own. Considering past attempts to replicate "The Munsters" usually tanked ("The Munsters Today," "Here Come the Munsters," etc), this seemed the smartest direction to go with it. That just might be the saving grace of "Bates Motel"; whatever expectations we have for it being close to "Psycho," we can pretty much forget. We'll get some touches and elements, just to keep a minimal connection, but that's it.
Which leads inexorably to this question.........why not just call it SOMETHING ELSE? If it has only the most tangential connection to its namesake (for instance, "Dark Shadows", The Munsters", "Psycho"), and it can stand ON ITS OWN, why not let it DO SO?
Why "reinvent" (or to be more accurate, "eviscerate") a classic show so that it bears essentially no resemblance to its predecessor except on the title cards?
Why position yourself needlessly to receive an avalanche of VALID vitriol and criticism from substantial fanbases of the OS for a show which can and SHOULD stand on its own merits?
It seems to me that,given the tenuous grip any new series has on a PrimeTime timeslot while building an audience, it may not be the best course of action to antagonize the very people you're trying to reach by gutting something they love in the process.
Quote from: Scatter on April 06, 2013, 01:43:19 PM
Which leads inexorably to this question.........why not just call it SOMETHING ELSE? If it has only the most tangential connection to its namesake (for instance, "Dark Shadows", The Munsters", "Psycho"), and it can stand ON ITS OWN, why not let it DO SO?
Why "reinvent" (or to be more accurate, "eviscerate") a classic show so that it bears essentially no resemblance to its predecessor except on the title cards?
Why position yourself needlessly to receive an avalanche of VALID vitriol and criticism from substantial fanbases of the OS for a show which can and SHOULD stand on its own merits?
It seems to me that,given the tenuous grip any new series has on a PrimeTime timeslot while building an audience, it may not be the best course of action to antagonize the very people you're trying to reach by gutting something they love in the process.
I couldn't agree more. The whole point of using an existing title and property for a project, should be to access an already avid following. By making substantial changes, you're already deviating somehow from what fans of the show like. To the credit of the people making the Addams Family movies with Raul Julia, they made the point that this was specifically about the New Yorker Cartoons, and not about the Astin/Jones TV series. To the discredit of the people of Saban, they made a Addams Family movie. When it came to "Wild Wild West" and "Dark Shadows", a lot of time and money was put into making these respective big screen "tributes", but what was released would only alienate the very fans that these would have had a built in market for.
Quote from: Scatter on April 06, 2013, 01:43:19 PM
Which leads inexorably to this question.........why not just call it SOMETHING ELSE? If it has only the most tangential connection to its namesake (for instance, "Dark Shadows", The Munsters", "Psycho"), and it can stand ON ITS OWN, why not let it DO SO?
Why "reinvent" (or to be more accurate, "eviscerate") a classic show so that it bears essentially no resemblance to its predecessor except on the title cards?
Why position yourself needlessly to receive an avalanche of VALID vitriol and criticism from substantial fanbases of the OS for a show which can and SHOULD stand on its own merits?
It seems to me that,given the tenuous grip any new series has on a PrimeTime timeslot while building an audience, it may not be the best course of action to antagonize the very people you're trying to reach by gutting something they love in the process.
I can answer this, Scatter - but only in the instance of Bates Motel. This show specifically says the characters are based on the portrayals of characters in Alfred Hitchcock's movie. It says that, first thing, at the end of every single episode. Why? Because they know there would be little interest in this type of series if it didn't have characters based on the ones in the Hitchcock film. That is the only reason any of us are watching it. Quite frankly, if it didn't have the house and it didn't have this kid who channels Perkins, it would not be worth watching. Without the Hitchcock elements, it plays out like some run-of-the-mill CW crime drama that includes characters with seemingly incestial relationships. But, because it has Norman Bates -- who is based on Perkins's portrayal -- and the house, it interests us and a lot of other folks too. I don't like how "CW" it is, but I like the two main characters and the house. I love all of the Hitchcockian elements. They couldn't do this series without those trademark elements because it would be boring. And they couldn't have those trademark elements in a series without being a spin-off of "Psycho" because that would be plagiarizing.
There's no excuse for Dark Shadows, because that film had few of the elements we know and love from the original. And there's really no excuse for Mockingbird Lane either, though it was closer to committing plagiarism in concept than Dark Shadows was.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 06, 2013, 04:29:21 PM
I can answer this, Scatter - but only in the instance of Bates Motel. This show specifically says the characters are based on the portrayals of characters in Alfred Hitchcock's movie. It says that, first thing, at the end of every single episode. Why? Because they know there would be little interest in this type of series if it didn't have characters based on the ones in the Hitchcock film. That is the only reason any of us are watching it. Quite frankly, if it didn't have the house and it didn't have this kid who channels Perkins, it would not be worth watching. Without the Hitchcock elements, it plays out like some run-of-the-mill CW crime drama that includes characters with seemingly incestial relationships. But, because it has Norman Bates -- who is based on Perkins's portrayal -- and the house, it interests us and a lot of other folks too. I don't like how "CW" it is, but I like the two main characters and the house. I love all of the Hitchcockian elements. They couldn't do this series without those trademark elements because it would be boring. And they couldn't have those trademark elements in a series without being a spin-off of "Psycho" because that would be plagiarizing.
There's no excuse for Dark Shadows, because that film had few of the elements we know and love from the original. And there's really no excuse for Mockingbird Lane either, though it was closer to committing plagiarism in concept than Dark Shadows was.
I understand the exploitation of a known quantity in order to generate interest.............but that sword is 2 edged. When you're relying on a KNOWN entity,which you then bastardize in the eyes of the very people who love it most, you're not gaining the sort of LONG term fans that are needed to sustain viewership.
Sure, many who watch it do so because of the Hitchcockian elements, but the very people who do so with an eye to Hitchcock are the very ones most likely to be its severest critics when the core of the thing is unrecognizable as such outside of the place and character names.
I have to disagree with your contention as well that without the pilfered names and places no audience interest would be generated. 99% of the series on TV that become hits manage to do so without reference to a previous film or TV series. They stand on their own, just as this series has been said to stand on ITS own without regard to the "Psycho" pedigree.
A bad series is going to fail whether or not it employs familiar titles and characters from the past (Mockingbird Heights, The Night Stalker, Dallas, Dragnet remakes, etc etc ad nauseum) and a great series will be great whether or not it employs familiar titles and characters from the past.
Quote from: Scatter on April 06, 2013, 06:49:07 PM
I understand the exploitation of a known quantity in order to generate interest.............but that sword is 2 edged. When you're relying on a KNOWN entity,which you then bastardize in the eyes of the very people who love it most, you're not gaining the sort of LONG term fans that are needed to sustain viewership.
Sure, many who watch it do so because of the Hitchcockian elements, but the very people who do so with an eye to Hitchcock are the very ones most likely to be its severest critics when the core of the thing is unrecognizable as such outside of the place and character names.
I have to disagree with your contention as well that without the pilfered names and places no audience interest would be generated. 99% of the series on TV that become hits manage to do so without reference to a previous film or TV series. They stand on their own, just as this series has been said to stand on ITS own without regard to the "Psycho" pedigree.
A bad series is going to fail whether or not it employs familiar titles and characters from the past (Mockingbird Heights, The Night Stalker, Dallas, Dragnet remakes, etc etc ad nauseum) and a great series will be great whether or not it employs familiar titles and characters from the past.
But, you see, Scatter, without Norman and Norma and everything Hitchcock, this series is awful. That is the point.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 06, 2013, 07:12:15 PMBut, you see, Scatter, without Norman and Norma and everything Hitchcock, this series is awful. That is the point.
And, let's face it, "Bates Motel" isn't aimed at hardcore "Psycho" fans. It's aimed at people who are, at best, marginally aware of the original Hitchcock film. Maybe they've seen it once or twice, in their distant pasts, and remember it being "good". So, they'll check out "Bates Motel," on the off chance that it, too, is "good". As for the big fans of "Psycho," well, sure, they want us to watch, too. But, we're really outnumbered by the less familiar potential viewers. They'll toss us bones, but we're not their core audience.
The same thing goes for NBC's "Hannibal" (which I missed on Thursday, dammit). It's for people that have seen "The Silence of the Lambs," "Hannibal," "Red Dragon," and perhaps even the dreadful "Hannibal Rising." But, it's not really made for hardcore fans--although, it will hope to attract as many of them as it can, and hope enough of them stay with it.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on April 06, 2013, 09:44:19 PM
And, let's face it, "Bates Motel" isn't aimed at hardcore "Psycho" fans. It's aimed at people who are, at best, marginally aware of the original Hitchcock film. Maybe they've seen it once or twice, in their distant pasts, and remember it being "good". So, they'll check out "Bates Motel," on the off chance that it, too, is "good". As for the big fans of "Psycho," well, sure, they want us to watch, too. But, we're really outnumbered by the less familiar potential viewers. They'll toss us bones, but we're not their core audience.
The same thing goes for NBC's "Hannibal" (which I missed on Thursday, dammit). It's for people that have seen "The Silence of the Lambs," "Hannibal," "Red Dragon," and perhaps even the dreadful "Hannibal Rising." But, it's not really made for hardcore fans--although, it will hope to attract as many of them as it can, and hope enough of them stay with it.
I am just watching Bates Motel. Hannibal is good right out of the gate. Why did you hate Hannibal Rising specifically? Just curious. I watched it expecting nothing. So, by the time it was over I was actually entertained.
Is Hannibal the series set in the 80's? Because if it sint, he would have to be about 100 years old or his Nazi Germany origin to still work. :angel:
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 06, 2013, 07:12:15 PM
But, you see, Scatter, without Norman and Norma and everything Hitchcock, this series is awful. That is the point.
Then, by definition, it's awful WITH them. Are you seriously saying that the series is acceptable simply because they aren't named Daniel and Danielle? And from what I've heard, there is no "everything Hitchcock" about it.
I would rather the action was taking place in an earlier time - without cell phones, computers and such. I guess that is just my preference.
I would also rather they had not introduced drugs and mini-drug lords.
Even a very small town could have plenty of intrigue involving something as simple as Chamber of Commerce/town elders and crooked land deals with underhanded re-zoning and profit windfalls. It could even tie in to the re-direction of the highway that destroyed the motel's financial viability.
One big re-zoning scheme in past years was for city officials to quietly form a land holding group, buy up a huge tract of worthless land as close to the built up town as possible. Then they would level all the hills and dig a huge pit from which they would sell all the dirt as fill to construction companies, the highway department, etc. The city elders would re-zone the land for use as a dump. Then disposal companies (usually owned by the same elders) would be charged to fill it back up with garbage. Anyone wanting to remove recyclables was charged for rescuing usable items. When it was nearly full, they would top it off with some of the original dirt that had been held in reserve.
Then the elders would re-zone the land for subdivision and a construction company (owned by guess who) would build new housing tracts for the town which had been expanding outwards toward the dump in the intervening years.
These same elders would lobby very heavily to have new highways redirected in their favor - screw the small motel on the other side of town.
See? Plenty of opportunity for small town intrigue and reasons for Norman to hold bad feelings toward the townies. No need for drugs.
Even today, we sometimes see news stories about people who discover nasty, black sludge bubbling up in their yard
and learn that their house was built over and old dump.
I will hang in there for a while just to see more of the relationship between Norman and his mother. I think the mother character is much more interesting to me than the young Norman.
I think you guys dissect a little too much. You spend that much time thinking about everything that's wrong with a show you stop enjoying the show for what it is.
I do think the whole drug thing is a bit silly. I mean, come on, marijuana's gonna be legal in CA in the next few years, just like in CO.
I just would have preferred they keep the plotting to small town skullduggery.
The introduction of a drug cartel and international sex slave trafficking seems so overboard.
I will watch the next few episodes to give the show a fair trial.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on April 07, 2013, 03:09:55 AMI just would have preferred they keep the plotting to small town skullduggery.
The introduction of a drug cartel and international sex slave trafficking seems so overboard.
I will watch the next few episodes to give the show a fair trial.
That's pretty much my take on it, too.Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 06, 2013, 10:26:54 PMHannibal is good right out of the gate. Why did you hate Hannibal Rising specifically? Just curious. I watched it expecting nothing. So, by the time it was over I was actually entertained.
Well, I read the Thomas Harris book, and felt it was pretty weak. And, the film adaptation left out some pretty interesting stuff. (I thought it was a big mistake to write out the uncle that brings Hannibal to post-War France.) So, it was an even weaker version of fairly weak material, to begin with. I also didn't care for the actor playing Young Hannibal. He was unconvincing as a younger version of Hopkins' Lecter, and just wasn't very good, overall.
Quote from: Scatter on April 07, 2013, 12:12:16 AM
Then, by definition, it's awful WITH them. Are you seriously saying that the series is acceptable simply because they aren't named Daniel and Danielle? And from what I've heard, there is no "everything Hitchcock" about it.
Scatter, I'm saying that the story without the Psycho characters is awful. The story with the Psycho characters is acceptable. The whole drug lord thing and the sex trafficking thing, as everyone else has said, are awful. But because Norman and Mother are here, and they are such interesting characters, the series keeps our interest - at least for now. So, no, the series is not "awful" with them. I mean, you really have to watch it to see what I'm saying. Because, if you watch the first episode, you'll get it.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on April 07, 2013, 03:09:55 AM
I just would have preferred they keep the plotting to small town skullduggery.
The introduction of a drug cartel and international sex slave trafficking seems so overboard.
I will watch the next few episodes to give the show a fair trial.
I agree with this completely.
Quote from: FACTO2 on April 07, 2013, 03:01:51 AM
I think you guys dissect a little too much. You spend that much time thinking about everything that's wrong with a show you stop enjoying the show for what it is.
I do think the whole drug thing is a bit silly. I mean, come on, marijuana's gonna be legal in CA in the next few years, just like in CO.
I agree here as well.
I saw one episode, and it was enough not to wish to continue. If I want to see the iconic house, there's the films which had Tony Perkins in them. I really don't see the need to watch an actor (no matter how talented) chanelling Tony Perkins, when I can simply see Tony Perkins in one of the older "Psychos". For those of you who like (or love) the series, enjoy.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on April 07, 2013, 05:18:46 PM
I saw one episode, and it was enough not to wish to continue. If I want to see the iconic house, there's the films which had Tony Perkins in them. I really don't see the need to watch an actor (no matter how talented) chanelling Tony Perkins, when I can simply see Tony Perkins in one of the older "Psychos". For those of you who like (or love) the series, enjoy.
So if we were given a series that was perfectly Hitchcock, which this is not, and had an actor channeling Perkins, you would not want to watch it?
See, I feel that if the story was different and many of the elements were closer to what we'd expect of a "Psycho" series, more people would be open to the talents of the two main actors - which I honestly feel should not be undermined by the story arc.
The same, of course, could be said for Dark Shadows. That cast was one of the best assembled on-screen. It would have killed had the script and direction been good. So I get not liking it because of the sub-par elements, but if it was done 100% right, would there still be hold-outs? I wonder...
The show has worked for me so far and while it is cool to see the house and the spirit of a young Perkins for us Psycho fans, it is just not enough for the wider audience that any network is going to be looking to attract! So they threw in all the other crap and guess what, it worked (well ratings wise)....well so far it has! After the third episode the show is still pulling in some 2 million viewers!
It'sad to say but the story of Norman and his mother by themselves probably would have been canceled already. As some others have said, I'll take the good with the bad and continue to enjoy the show but then again I can't say I've ever seen a 100% perfect film or tv show.
I think Hollywood and television are both out of ideas. Its why we keep getting re-makes and re-interpretations of things....and quite possibly why tv is dominated by "reality tv" crud.
I hate to sound like an old foagy(because I am only 43), but look back on some tv shows from the past vs. now. Big Valley, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Star Trek, Twilight Zone, Outer Limits, Addams Family, Lost in Space (until it turned into Sesame St.), I Love Lucy, Bewitched---those shows were great compared to now. Heck, you dont even have to go back that far really. X-Files and Millennium were pretty good shows too.
Comics are the same way.
I think something has happened to our creativity and imagination. We watch mostly mediocre things now, read mediocre things now, and it takes something really stellar to come along and kick us in the head to remind us that we can still think of awesome new things when we arent being---lazy.
Bates Motel might turn out wonderful by the time its over---but I kind of doubt it.
Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 08, 2013, 09:19:35 AM
...Comics are the same way.
... We watch mostly mediocre things now, read mediocre things now, and it takes something really stellar to come along and kick us in the head to remind us that we can still think of awesome new things when we arent being---lazy.
I think I stopped watching TV and reading new comics because of the soap operaization of everything--even movies. Nothing is a complete story--it's one piece of a series (or "franchise") that barely attempts to stand on it's own merits.
I was never like some of my friends who read comics who were like, "I'll pick up the first six issues and see if it's going anywhere." TV is the same way... watch four or five episodes to get sucked in, then keep watching until ultimately disappointed. Well, with Netflix, and later Roku, Hulu, Creepster, even YouTube, I'd rather spend that three or four hours watching (or re-watching) a movie (usually older), good or bad, that is it's own thing.
I just read that A&E renewed Bates Motel for a second season.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 07, 2013, 07:41:35 PM
So if we were given a series that was perfectly Hitchcock, which this is not, and had an actor channeling Perkins, you would not want to watch it?
If that was the case, I wouldn't have watched the one episode. It only took the one episode, by the way, to know I had no interest in continuing. "Psycho 4" had someone playing the young Norman Bates, and I liked that. but then again, it would have been ridiculous for Anthony Perkins playing a 15 year old. I also saw the Vince Vaughn movie once in the theatre, and if it was something that bore a repeat viewing, I would have bought it on video. I'ld even buy the "Bates Motel" pilot if that became available, becuase I didn't hate that as much of some of the folks here (Of course, I'm a huge fan of "Harold and Maude", and Cort wasn't attempting to channel Norman Bates, so it wasn't a problem for me) Maybe someday, someone will make something "Psycho" related that I would want to see a second time, but as far as the A&E series is concerned, I'm glad that some are enjoying it, I'm just not among them.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on April 08, 2013, 05:07:56 PM
If that was the case, I wouldn't have watched the one episode. It only took the one episode, by the way, to know I had no interest in continuing. "Psycho 4" had someone playing the young Norman Bates, and I liked that. but then again, it would have been ridiculous for Anthony Perkins playing a 15 year old. I also saw the Vince Vaughn movie once in the theatre, and if it was something that bore a repeat viewing, I would have bought it on video. I'ld even buy the "Bates Motel" pilot if that became available, becuase I didn't hate that as much of some of the folks here (Of course, I'm a huge fan of "Harold and Maude", and Cort wasn't attempting to channel Norman Bates, so it wasn't a problem for me) Maybe someday, someone will make something "Psycho" related that I would want to see a second time, but as far as the A&E series is concerned, I'm glad that some are enjoying it, I'm just not among them.
The Vince Vaughn film was a disasterpiece. At least we can ALL agree when something is really bad. ;D
I was a little disappointed by tonight's episode 4.
It looks like Norman got laid. A near-sexual experience would have seemed more in keeping with the character.
I also didn't care for the rapid-fire explanation of what had happened to the previous owner that Norman gave to his brother - and his brother's very flat reaction. It would have seemed more fitting to have Norman begin the story and do a dissolve to his brother's reaction at the end. That would have left the viewers uncertain about just what all Norman had revealed to him.
Am I the only one who thinks there are too many plot elements and the whole narrative is moving along too rapidly?
I will stick in there for a few more episodes.
For ebook users, iTunes has a free download of the sketchbook that Norman found:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bates-motel-on-a-e-jiaos-story/id623432721?mt=11
"It's just a hand, Norman. It could have been a million hands."
I heard that and thought wtf? Was that just bad writing? But then the more I thought about it I thought, no, that was on purpose and meant to be funny. Thoughts?
Quote from: FACTO2 on April 09, 2013, 02:02:36 AM
"It's just a hand, Norman. It could have been a million hands."
I heard that and thought wtf? Was that just bad writing? But then the more I thought about it I thought, no, that was on purpose and meant to be funny. Thoughts?
Maybe it was a reference to the Vince Vaughn movie, where he's watching Marion from his office. :P
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on April 09, 2013, 01:14:12 AM
I was a little disappointed by tonight's episode 4.
It looks like Norman got laid. A near-sexual experience would have seemed more in keeping with the character.
I also didn't care for the rapid-fire explanation of what had happened to the previous owner that Norman gave to his brother - and his brother's very flat reaction. It would have seemed more fitting to have Norman begin the story and do a dissolve to his brother's reaction at the end. That would have left the viewers uncertain about just what all Norman had revealed to him.
Am I the only one who thinks there are too many plot elements and the whole narrative is moving along too rapidly?
I will stick in there for a few more episodes.
For ebook users, iTunes has a free download of the sketchbook that Norman found:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bates-motel-on-a-e-jiaos-story/id623432721?mt=11
I fear these news shows like Bates Motel and Hannibal are trying to be the next American Horror Story and Dexter. I've only seen one episode of Hannibal so i can't speak for it. As for Bates Motel which my parent's like a lot I'm really one the fence about. Seems like too much conspiracy, Norman is cool (Really?) and it is set in modern times. It's not a bad series but i feel like it's just whoring out the characters and is not keeping the characters true.
Technically---even though I am watching both shows (for the moment), they are both rife with flaws.
Bates Motel and Hannibal both appear to be set in modern times. I was hoping they wouldnt go that route with Hannibal---but they did.
Psycho clearly takes place decades ago. Yet Bates Motel takes place now. Uhm...ok
But Hannibal was born in 1938. He would be 75 years old for this to be happening now. :o ::)
If you squint a little, you might be able to ignore the language, clothing, hairstyles, car makes, use of a phone operator to connect calls, etc. and just move Ole Normie's timeline ahead a bit. If you squnit just right. Like a Ray Charles or Helen Keller squint. 8)
But for Hannibal? Nope. >:(If you follow the timeline set up...Hannibal and little sis were tormented (and in Misha's case eaten) by NAZIS during this little event called WORLD WAR 2. Which happened between 1939 and 1945. Uhmm---yeah. Hannibal is an old sonuvagun if this is happenign now.
In Hannibal episode 1, I thought perhaps they were going to keep things set around 1990. After all, in episode 1, Hannibal wears a huge honking tie and double breasted, large lapeled suit. I also dont recall seeing any modern tech. When Hannibal calls to warn the Shrike, he uses a landline. No cellphone laying about.
But then episode 2 came out and showed us all sorts of laptops, cellphones, digital cameras, and more horrifyingly---webpages and blogs. Eeek.
So why must both of these shows be set in the now? Can people not stomach period pieces anymore? Especially when the period piece is a mere 10-25 years ago? If that were the case: wouldn't Madmen be a big flop for AMC? Its a period piece.
I think its just laziness. How hard can it be to do a little research and say: "Well--we didnt have i-pads in 1990---so lets not include them in the show?"
Hannibal episode 2 just plain socked me in the eyes.... if his WW2 origin is being considered canon for the character in this show.
But they could always do what they do with the Punisher over at Marvel comics to keep him young. He initially served in Viet Nam. Then they made it Operation Desert Storm, then they changed it again to some random Middle Eastern war(s). I suppose if they re-did his origin I would feel better about it. Because all I can imagine (with the Nazi timeline running thru my head ) is him trying to be menacing and eat a victim ...while reaching for his dentures and a glass of Ensure to wash down the guest he had for dinner.
As for Norman---the entire isolation of his existence is being systematically dismantled. He now has a brother, a bunch of different gals who want to (and some have) sleep with him. He has a teacher thats clearly hot and bothered for him, and would like to give him a little private tutoring. I suspect it wont be long before he starts accumulating pets-- so he has something to kill and stuff for his parlor. Plus---if he gets bored, or feels isolated, he can always skype some dudes or gals from his previous town, or make a youtube video and get friends or start up a Facebook page with his nifty new tech. Isolation in the current era? Hard to do.
Let's not forget: "Norman and his mother lived as if there was no one else in the world for years." Yup. Except Dillon, Bradley, Sheriff pretty boy,Sheriff Romero, The little sick girl crushing on Norman,etc, etc, etc.
Plus---Norma was supposed to "have met a man that talked her into building the motel" after Norman's father died. But in our new series: Presto! Instant motel and home. Why it even has furniture! because every gothic manor house filled with antiques would stay filled with said antiques during a foreclosure. Because banks love people and want to shower them with gifts. Just change a sign and tear up the bloody carpet from the murder you commited and you are in business, girl!
I still havent seen them open for business yet...or have any guests. Maybe I blinked and missed it,lol.
Oh man---I have given myslef a headache. :-[I prolly just gave all ya'll one too,lol. Time for a nap. ;)
Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 12, 2013, 12:17:14 PM
Isolation in the current era? Hard to do.
I actually think isolation in the current era is easier than in years past. It's less physical and more psychological, which is probably where they will take the Norman story -- if they do it right. I still have not watched the latest episode, but I will come back with my thoughts when I do.
As for Hannibal... Despite all of the tech, which I did shudder at (as I dislike tech in stories of any time, except for telephones and cars), I think it was more interesting than the first episode and that Hannibal himself was more interesting. I don't know what they can do about his origins in regards to tying him to a war, but there are probably a number of localized crises, captivities, and otherwise very unpleasant events that could cause for an equally interesting back story. I'll wait and see.
In any event, Hannibal is much better than Bates. It's less YA than Bates seems to be.
Watched the first couple of episodes, I just couldn't get into it. The acting is good and it's great to see the old house (my favorite horror movie house) but the show just lacks any sort of thrills, in fact it's actually kind of dull.
I think i'm going to have to let this one go.
(http://24.media.tumblr.com/dffdcb85e36612aa67ff5c3fa618ece6/tumblr_ml3w6up0IE1qamybzo1_250.gif)(http://25.media.tumblr.com/3fa33eacf81e13ffa4a831e6585b2dfe/tumblr_ml3w6up0IE1qamybzo2_250.gif)(http://24.media.tumblr.com/3d15f8983e592a7d04760fe93cdf94a2/tumblr_ml3w6up0IE1qamybzo4_250.gif)(http://25.media.tumblr.com/24adc08fcacdabd2cc024d8e9de43b34/tumblr_ml3w6up0IE1qamybzo7_250.gif)(http://24.media.tumblr.com/7a62a17b4aa4432ac0dcc8114ab9b67d/tumblr_ml3w6up0IE1qamybzo5_250.gif)(http://25.media.tumblr.com/4cc2baeb5f0285d9ef7bc4c60df0aa09/tumblr_ml3w6up0IE1qamybzo6_250.gif)
I think you posted those in the wrong thread.
Quote from: FACTO2 on April 13, 2013, 05:46:36 AM
I think you posted those in the wrong thread.
We started to talk about Hannibal....
Honestly---they are both cut from the same cookie cutter and airing contemporary of one another. It was inevitable the comparisons and flaws of both merge into a single conversation at some point. Merge to form Devastator. From Cybertron. A decipticon. Which also ties in as Normie and Hannibal as both are also quite "deceptive". Heeeeeyyy-- there's an idea. Robot Norman and Hannibal. >:D
Does away with hannibal's age problem, and Normie's "tech". Hey Hollywood---you listening. ::) ::)
At the risk of being told I'm posting this in the wrong place, If you made Hannibal a victim of the Serbian conflict, it could still work. Otherwise, I guess since Hogan's Heros was filmed in the 1960's, a case could be made that, in come places,World War 2 continued after 1945. :P
Personally, this thread is more interesting than the Hannibal thread.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on April 13, 2013, 03:34:21 PM
At the risk of being told I'm posting this in the wrong place, If you made Hannibal a victim of the Serbian conflict, it could still work. Otherwise, I guess since Hogan's Heros was filmed in the 1960's, a case could be made that, in come places,World War 2 continued after 1945. :P
Ummmmmmm..........no. HH was filmed in the 60s but SET in the 40s. The "new" Psycho and Hannibal are both FILMED and SET in the present, when they COULD and SHOULD have been set in their proper periods.
Honestly.......I think we should all eat cake?! Yum!
Quote from: Scatter on April 14, 2013, 08:43:14 AM
Ummmmmmm..........no. HH was filmed in the 60s but SET in the 40s. The "new" Psycho and Hannibal are both FILMED and SET in the present, when they COULD and SHOULD have been set in their proper periods.
We saw what happened when they did that in Dark Shadows, Scatter. If they're going to do that, they have to find some way to take a jab at the era. Because society nowadays feels so inadequate it has to beat up on the previous decades. ;)
I'm just a sucker for Mid Century ANYTHING. :D
Quote from: Scatter on April 14, 2013, 01:16:40 PM
I'm just a sucker for Mid Century ANYTHING. :D
So am I. So am I...
Quote from: Scatter on April 14, 2013, 01:16:40 PM
I'm just a sucker for Mid Century ANYTHING. :D
Me too. There is just so much I love about the 1850's! :P
I liked it ! The Mom is yummy and somewhat spooky ;)
Quote from: FETT1 on April 14, 2013, 03:34:36 PM
I liked it ! The Mom is yummy and somewhat spooky ;)
Mom's a tramp. Which begs to ask: How did she become such a prude in her old age? There's a reason why Dylan refers to her as "The Whore". I suppose she will have a variety of relationships to "protect" Norman before the shows over. If Dylan is even real, and not just a fantasy brother playing out in Norman's twisted fantasy land.
Any similarities to Hitchcock's Psycho and Bates Motel are limited to the House exterior and the motel. :angel:
But I keep watching it. Because, while I hate it as a Psycho rip....I like it as...whatever the heck it is actually.
The house is pretty. 8)
Quote from: FETT1 on April 14, 2013, 03:34:36 PM
I liked it ! The Mom is yummy and somewhat spooky ;)
(http://mn-soc.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Morticia.jpg)
Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 15, 2013, 11:39:21 AM
If Dylan is even real, and not just a fantasy brother playing out in Norman's twisted fantasy land.
Multiple other characters interact with Dylan, from the people he works with, the police and Norma herself!
Quote from: zombiehorror on April 15, 2013, 11:52:10 AM
Multiple other characters interact with Dylan, from the people he works with, the police and Norma herself!
True. But what if the entire scenerio is playing out in Norman's head? IE--what if they pull a "Lost" and give you a quirky screwed up ending and its all revealed to be a dream, a hoax or an imaginary story?
Quote from: Haunted hearse on April 14, 2013, 02:00:42 PM
Me too. There is just so much I love about the 1850's! :P
Right delineation, wrong century. 1/2 credit. ;)
Quote from: Scatter on April 15, 2013, 01:27:18 PM
Right delineation, wrong century. 1/2 credit. ;)
That would be an F. Zombie No Smile
Quote from: zombiehorror on April 15, 2013, 11:48:06 AM(http://mn-soc.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Morticia.jpg)
My ultimate MILF fantasy! You can have your 72 virgins, that's what I'd want waiting for me in Paradise. :drool
Things are picking up on "Bates Motel," subplot-wise. It seems like they're heading towards a cliffhanger for the mid-season break. I know they're doing ten episodes this season, and it's already been renewed for season two. I wonder if there will be a break, or if they're going straight through.
Normie began his nervous infatuation with candy consumption this episode. Nice nod. Even the brown paper baggie routine. 8)
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 15, 2013, 05:49:17 PM
That would be an F. Zombie No Smile
If I known my repsonse would recieve a grade, I would have stduied harder, before I gave my answer. :P
Didn't waste my time on Hannibal, but I have been watching Bates Motel. It just doesn't work for me. I don't like any of the characters. The mom, who looked vaguely familiar until I figured out she was in The Orphan, is a character I absolutely detest. I don't like Norman's brother, I don't like the cop helping the mom (and who, apparently, likes Asian women for sex slaves), and I really don't like the characterization of Norman. We all know what this is leading up to, so it falls on the shoulders of the screenwriters to come up with a logical sweep into the Norman we all know and love from Hitchcock's original. They're just not doing a very good job of it, padding the story with needless asides and sub-plots. We could definitely do without Norman's brother, who seems shoehorned in to "broaden" the story. And the whole thing seems like an anomaly, as if it's displaced in time. They make a point of showing cell phones prominently in EVERY episode, as if to say, "yes, this is now, it's not then. It's now, now, now. Get it?" Yeah, we get it.
What they should've done was set this in the mid 1950s and done it as a period piece. Joan Allen should've played the mom; she'd be perfect casting. And it should've been done in black and white. This color stuff stands out like a sore thumb.
All in all, this was an intriguing experiment, but for me, it fails on almost every level.
Rod
Quote from: yendor1152 on April 16, 2013, 12:36:03 PM
Didn't waste my time on Hannibal, but I have been watching Bates Motel. It just doesn't work for me. I don't like any of the characters. The mom, who looked vaguely familiar until I figured out she was in The Orphan, is a character I absolutely detest. I don't like Norman's brother, I don't like the cop helping the mom (and who, apparently, likes Asian women for sex slaves), and I really don't like the characterization of Norman. We all know what this is leading up to, so it falls on the shoulders of the screenwriters to come up with a logical sweep into the Norman we all know and love from Hitchcock's original. They're just not doing a very good job of it, padding the story with needless asides and sub-plots. We could definitely do without Norman's brother, who seems shoehorned in to "broaden" the story. And the whole thing seems like an anomaly, as if it's displaced in time. They make a point of showing cell phones prominently in EVERY episode, as if to say, "yes, this is now, it's not then. It's now, now, now. Get it?" Yeah, we get it.
What they should've done was set this in the mid 1950s and done it as a period piece. Joan Allen should've played the mom; she'd be perfect casting. And it should've been done in black and white. This color stuff stands out like a sore thumb.
All in all, this was an intriguing experiment, but for me, it fails on almost every level.
Rod
I absolutely LOVE Joan Allen. She would have been a great choice.
There was a little throw-away line in the last episode that abruptly jerked me completely out of the story. It becomes known that Norman has slept with someone and another character asks if he has "updated his relationships" - referring to Facebook, I guess.
I was going to give this show one more episode - but, I doubt I will bother.
I never had high hopes, but I am still disappointed. It was a show I wanted to like.
Actually, she asked if Bradley (the girl Norman slept with) had updated her relationship status. And, yeah, it's distracting. I'm also annoyed whenever they cut to a cellphone and show the screen, because I can't read the damn things! Not everyone has a damn 90" HDTV!
Quote from: Count_Zirock on April 16, 2013, 04:23:14 PM
Actually, she asked if Bradley (the girl Norman slept with) had updated her relationship status. And, yeah, it's distracting. I'm also annoyed whenever they cut to a cellphone and show the screen, because I can't read the damn things! Not everyone has a damn 90" HDTV!
I didn't
think I had that quite right.
I am not on Facebook and never will be.
I am, because my friends are spread out all over the country now. Even have a few UMA members that added me, and show more concern for me than my own family.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on April 16, 2013, 10:19:32 AM
If I known my repsonse would recieve a grade, I would have stduied harder, before I gave my answer. :P
Study. Study. Study. The test will be next Tuesday. But all you have to do is watch Monster Movies.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 16, 2013, 08:13:58 PM
Study. Study. Study. The test will be next Tuesday. But all you have to do is watch Monster Movies.
Looks like I better get busy watching a "Twilight" marathon. Studying for an exam should never be enjoyable. :P
Quote from: Haunted hearse on April 16, 2013, 10:10:45 PM
Looks like I better get busy watching a "Twilight" marathon. Studying for an exam should never be enjoyable. :P
Monster movies, not monstrous movies!
Quote from: Haunted hearse on April 16, 2013, 10:10:45 PM
Looks like I better get busy watching a "Twilight" marathon. Studying for an exam should never be enjoyable. :P
This is a fun exam!
Quote from: Count_Zirock on April 17, 2013, 02:42:04 AM
Monster movies, not monstrous movies!
Zombie LOL It's a shame that we even have to identify it as a
movie. Monstrous pretty much sums it up. Zombie LOL
Loving this show its filling my void for the Walking Dead :)
Really excellent episode tonight. Didn't see ANY of that coming. :)
Quote from: MoreGore on April 18, 2013, 02:43:33 PM
Loving this show its filling my void for the Walking Dead :)
You could have satisfied that by simply attending a showing of the latest Stepahnie Meyer's film adaptation, when it comes to the audience. :P
Excellent episode tonight! Some truly Hitchcock-like touches sprinkled throughout. Glad they wrapped up the other storyline and are concentrating on the family dynamics.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on April 29, 2013, 10:05:12 PM
Excellent episode tonight! Some truly Hitchcock-like touches sprinkled throughout. Glad they wrapped up the other storyline and are concentrating on the family dynamics.
Yes, yes!! ;D
I really need to catch up.
**********SPOILER ALERT -- STOP READING IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE APRIL 29 EPISODE 7***********
I was stunned by Episode 7 - they should have called it "Gone in 60 Seconds" since that's about how long it took to wipe out the main storylines of the previous 6 episodes. I cannot conceive why the Sheriff, after continually hassling Norma, just completely buckled and flip-flopped under after hearing the whole story. Too simple, too convenient (for the writers) -- makes no sense to me???????????? Oh well, we'll see what new things they come up with.
Quote from: McDougals House of Horror on April 30, 2013, 05:09:19 PM
**********SPOILER ALERT -- STOP READING IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE APRIL 29 EPISODE 7***********
I was stunned by Episode 7 - they should have called it "Gone in 60 Seconds" since that's about how long it took to wipe out the main storylines of the previous 6 episodes. I cannot conceive why the Sheriff, after continually hassling Norma, just completely buckled and flip-flopped under after hearing the whole story. Too simple, too convenient (for the writers) -- makes no sense to me???????????? Oh well, we'll see what new things they come up with.
Looks like his is Adam's apple deep in the drug/sex business himself and does not want any in-depth investigations into what was going on around town.
What exactly happened to the Chinese girl? If she's dead, what was done to conceal the body?
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on April 30, 2013, 05:13:50 PM
What exactly happened to the Chinese girl? If she's dead, what was done to conceal the body?
Well if she was the victim of a cannibal, no doubt an hour later, the murderer would be hungry again. :P
Quote from: Haunted hearse on April 30, 2013, 05:27:05 PM
Well if she was the victim of a cannibal, no doubt an hour later, the murderer would be hungry again. :P
We have all those stupid emoticons - but no sound effects. How do I insert a rim-shot here?
The dog scene was TOO far! It reminded me of that horrible Pet Semetary scene with the little boy! I freaked out- which was the most movement I've had since the show began! :) What the heck is that guy in room 9 all about??? He's super creepy! Also, I was thinking- and this is just my personal opinion- Bate's Motel looks awful in 2013 standards....did Norma REALLY think that the lady in the restaurant was going to display pictures of her no-tell Motel-looking building? I mean- they probably have a Hilton Garden Inn or a Holiday Inn Express a few miles away! No one wants to check into a dingy motel- unless you're up to no good, or it's $10 a night!
Quote from: charp13 on April 30, 2013, 06:04:17 PM
The dog scene was TOO far! It reminded me of that horrible Pet Semetary scene with the little boy! I freaked out- which was the most movement I've had since the show began! :) What the heck is that guy in room 9 all about??? He's super creepy! Also, I was thinking- and this is just my personal opinion- Bate's Motel looks awful in 2013 standards....did Norma REALLY think that the lady in the restaurant was going to display pictures of her no-tell Motel-looking building? I mean- they probably have a Hilton Garden Inn or a Holiday Inn Express a few miles away! No one wants to check into a dingy motel- unless you're up to no good, or it's $10 a night!
The guy in room 9 is a guarantee that the sex trade subplot continues. He is also the tie-in to the notebook that Norman found.
It was a little surprising to actually see the dog get run over. That is usually handle with sound effects and close-ups of the horrified looks on witness' faces.
Ohhhh....I must not have caught on to that subplot. I heard him talk about blocking out the rooms and how he liked to have privacy and how that Sommers guy always let him do what he wanted. Now I see.
I think about what it would take for me to check into that motel, and I always think about a situation where you're super tired- you decide to take the backroads of America- you are low on gas & money...but even then, I am so snobby about gross looking motels! I think if the show took place in the 60s 70s or 80s, I could see the motel as looking run of the mill instead of shady. Knowing what we know in 2013- bedbugs, prostitution hotels, serial killers, and blaclight tests of the room- I guess the only clientele Norma should expect is werdos! hahaha!
The killing of the dog was just plain terrible.
I've had a couple of instances where I've had to stay in crappy motels like Seafarer/Bates Motel. Once was after two major hurricanes hit Florida, and most of the hotels and motels were filled with locals, insurance agents, and contractors. My aunt died right after the hurricanes hit the Ft. Pierce/Port St. Lucy area. We ended up having to stay in Kissimmee, which is quite a haul. The hotel we normally stayed at in Ft. Pierce no longer had a roof. The cemetery my aunt was buried at had no office building! All that was left was the concrete slab of the foundation. My mother and I went back a year later, and a lot of places were just starting to rebuild. The day we went to the cemetery to check on my aunt's grave, they were just pouring the new foundation for their offices.
Pretty much, you just don't leave anything valuable in your room, and push a dresser or something against the door at night.
While all those comments about the hotel are true...if Universal actually had an operating version of the hotel I would stay there in a heartbeat.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on April 30, 2013, 09:05:42 PMPretty much, you just don't leave anything valuable in your room, and push a dresser or something against the door at night.[/font]
It's also a good idea to have a large plastic tarp to throw over the bed. Keeps away the bedbugs and lice. Just use duct tape to keep the tarp in place over the bed. Also comes in handy for other things. ;)
What, I'm the only one who travels with a plastic tarp and duct tape? :)
Quote from: Count_Zirock on April 29, 2013, 10:05:12 PM
Excellent episode tonight! Some truly Hitchcock-like touches sprinkled throughout. Glad they wrapped up the other storyline and are concentrating on the family dynamics.
Im glad the brothers are starting to bond
Count Z- That's a situation I never thought about. My sister lives in St. Cloud and about 10 years ago, after a storm, they had to go to a hotel with her cat and her parrot. A lot of the hotels did not allow pets, so they were forced to stay at a sub-par motel- where shady people hung around outside. It was just for a couple of days, but they always guarded the room in shifts.
Gillfan- I would definitely stay at a theme park property Bates Motel!! That would be so cool! As long as the bedspreads & carpet were ugly because they planned them that way! Many years ago, I bought the white plastic shower curtain with Mother's silhouette on it,but I gave it to my son when he went to college. I bought it at the Alfred Hitchcock- The Art of Making Movies store at Universal. I assumed it would ALWAYS be there and I could go back and get another one- sad.
MoreGore- I am also glad the brothers are relating to each other- I was worried that the brother was gonna die early. I immediately labeled him as a Red Shirt! I was wrong. :)
So I watched the last four episodes tonight. This series of episodes was addicting. It wasn't necessarily high quality, but addicting nonetheless.
Random Notes: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
I just can't believe how quickly everything happened. I feel like the first half of the season should have been the entire season, but I am glad they are changing the plot and getting more into the family dynamic.
The creepy man in Room 9 is a lot of fun... definitely better than the drug nonsense. It will be interesting to see where they take this.
I, too, was a little taken aback by the dog, but it definitely added that grittiness that Psycho is known for.
These episodes, in particular, definitely show how isolating technology makes the world. Norman's constant ability to reach out, but never having a response is far more devastating that not being able to communicate at all. So, I am glad that they have upped the tech angle. Good job on the part of the writers.
To answer an earlier question, I believe they said that the girl was killed in the woods by the deputy. I didn't really catch it, but I think that is what happened. Her death became part of the cover-up.
Like I said, I am happy the old plots are gone and we can focus more on the characters now... I hope.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on May 02, 2013, 02:09:09 AMI just can't believe how quickly everything happened. I feel like the first half of the season should have been the entire season, but I am glad they are changing the plot and getting more into the family dynamic.
I think this might have had a lot to do with if the series got picked up for a second season. When it did they had to take it in a slightly different direction to keep the story line going. Maybe that's why we saw such a dramatic twist between the last two episodes. Considering the Sheriff's involvement in drugs and human trafficking his decisions in the last episode do make complete sense.
Surprise! This show is meh. I do like the kid when he gets angry. Great job of casting. The dog was the most shocking part of the season so far. Poor thing!!! Hopefully Norman will start acting more and more crazy. Where are the zombies? :)
I was glad they ended the romance story with deputy Shelby, instead of dragging it out. In the begining, I thought Norma was more psychotic than Norman, but now, it's interesting to see that Norman has the "psycho" behavior.
I agree - scott & quinn. I feel like there's enough content to keep me watching and I'm glad I did. Also, I watch so few tv shows (mostly Sunday night programs), that I have plenty of room in my life for Bates Motel :) I do enjoy seeing the changes in Norman's face (good acting) when he gets riled up. And I am SOOO glad that Norma is not going in the direction I thought she was headed in. I felt that Shelby was a weak character. It would seem to me that if he had all that unspeakable stuff going on in his house, that he wouldn't be out wooing the new middle aged woman in town (Even though she is very lovely). I REALLY like watching the manipulative interaction between Norma & Norman. She really has control issues when it comes to that boy- that's awesome!
Quote from: scott_of_smeg on May 02, 2013, 11:29:47 PMWhere are the zombies? :)
Keith Summers, Zach Shelby, Jiao, and Junk the Dog will rise from the dead and descend upon the motel.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on May 03, 2013, 07:51:20 PM
Keith Summers, Zach Shelby, Jiao, and Junk the Dog will rise from the dead and descend upon the motel.
That is about as plausible as everything else that has happened. I'm all for that!
I guess if I wanted plausibility or reality, I'd be watching some documentary on advances in science or something. I watch shows like this to escape the predictability of real life. I'm waiting for it to get all Twin Peaks on us.
Quote from: Mord on May 04, 2013, 01:22:22 PM
I guess if I wanted plausibility or reality, I'd be watching some documentary on advances in science or something. I watch shows like this to escape the predictability of real life. I'm waiting for it to get all Twin Peaks on us.
Mord, you have to admit that what has happened in the course of seven episodes is a bit... extreme. ;D
Quote from: aura of foreboding on May 04, 2013, 06:31:19 PM
Mord, you have to admit that what has happened in the course of seven episodes is a bit... extreme. ;D
You're comparing it to YOUR life, or MY life. But compared to MORD'S life, it's a week of Brady Bunch re-runs.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on May 04, 2013, 06:31:19 PM
Mord, you have to admit that what has happened in the course of seven episodes is a bit... extreme. ;D
And SO unnecessary. There is plenty small town intrigue and skullduggery. No need for drug cartels and international sex slave trade.
It would make the nutsy Bates family business seem even nuttier and more realistic if it were played out against the backdrop of a more normal world.
I want to learn more about the Bates family dynamics and a lot less about all the extraneous, over-the-top subplots. (They cease being subplots when they overshadow the main story.)
Just my opinion.
Spoilers ahead!
Just got caught up on Bates Motel, and while I really wanted to like this, I just don't. There are so many things wrong with it, not merely from the displaced feeling I get whenever I see that old house and the ratty motel. Here are just a few:
(1) Hardly anybody acts and/or reacts in a normal fashion. Norman kills his father in a totally understandable scenario. Instead of calling the police, as Norma should've done--and any rational person certainly would've done--she creates a completely unbelievable scenario about his having a shelf fall on him. And the police or the coroner never question the method of death? He undoubtedly had a dent in his head that wouldn't be caused by falling to a concrete basement floor. Right away, during this flashback, I realized the writers were playing fast and loose with a lot of things, number one being our credulity.
(2) The dog sequences. Many people have written here that it "disturbed" them to see the dog being hit by the car. Actually, the dog isn't shown being hit. You see it in front of the car, then what appears to be the dog rolling in back of the car. It's obviously a dummy. You don't hear it shriek or cry out, so why is that so disturbing? And again, Norma's reaction to the entire event is so unrealistic, it's ridiculous. She asks Norman, "what's WRONG with you?" when he shows distress about the dog being mowed down. No mention of getting the dog to a vet, no discussion with the person who actually killed the dog (he's apparently conveniently forgotten, unless he shows up somewhere else). Just dumb. Also, in all the other dog sequences, it was so obvious the growls and whimperings were dubbed in.
(3) Norma. I have an intense dislike for the actress playing this part. And I really don't like how she's constantly shrieking and freaking out one minute, then telling her kids, "I want this motel to work, let's put on a sunny attitude and forget the past." Five minutes later, she's shrieking like a banshee again. Perfect example: when Chris tells her he's moving out anyway, even though he's been shot. She's smiling, then freaks. I'm sure that's all intentional, but I feel very little sympathy for the character. In fact, I can't wait until she gets rubbed out and stuffed.
(4) The plot. Since we all pretty much know how all of this is going to turn out, it's all about "getting there." And frankly, I thing a lot of the "getting there is useless filler. Killings that don't need to happen, subplots that exist to "flesh out" the story, but in reality just string it out longer than necessary. And I gotta wonder. When Norman eventually dons mom's clothing, does he wear a blonde wig and run around in slacks?
I'll continue to watch because I want to see how everything is tied up in the inevitable conclusion. My feeling is that they're going to stretch out that part as much as possible--so we should expect more needless subplots, more shrieking from Norma, more irrational behavior from all the characters, and more poor writing.
Rod
Quote from: yendor1152 on May 04, 2013, 11:34:00 PM
Spoilers ahead!
Just got caught up on Bates Motel, and while I really wanted to like this, I just don't. There are so many things wrong with it, not merely from the displaced feeling I get whenever I see that old house and the ratty motel. Here are just a few:
(1) Hardly anybody acts and/or reacts in a normal fashion. Norman kills his father in a totally understandable scenario. Instead of calling the police, as Norma should've done--and any rational person certainly would've done--she creates a completely unbelievable scenario about his having a shelf fall on him. And the police or the coroner never question the method of death? He undoubtedly had a dent in his head that wouldn't be caused by falling to a concrete basement floor. Right away, during this flashback, I realized the writers were playing fast and loose with a lot of things, number one being our credulity....
Norma admitted she lied to Norman about what happened. I just assumed she is also lying to his brother to shut
him up. All we have is her word to go on.
We'll probably never know what really happened.
Quote from: yendor1152 on May 04, 2013, 11:34:00 PM
Spoilers ahead!
Just got caught up on Bates Motel, and while I really wanted to like this, I just don't. There are so many things wrong with it, not merely from the displaced feeling I get whenever I see that old house and the ratty motel. Here are just a few:
Hardly anybody acts and/or reacts in a normal fashion.
I really don't like how [Norma's] constantly shrieking and freaking out one minute, then telling her kids, "I want this motel to work, let's put on a sunny attitude and forget the past." Five minutes later, she's shrieking like a banshee again.
You're right that it's sloppy storytelling, but I want to say that these two things are actually what make this show interesting. Because everyone is so irrational and they always do the stupidest thing possible in any given situation, it's fun to see how the writers will work their way of it. :) I mean that is why it was so addicting in those last few episodes. I couldn't believe what I was seeing...
Quote from: Scatter on May 04, 2013, 06:40:18 PM
You're comparing it to YOUR life, or MY life. But compared to MORD'S life, it's a week of Brady Bunch re-runs.
Hey, for me, Brady Bunch re-runs are still pretty cutting edge. ;)
Quote from: yendor1152 on May 04, 2013, 11:34:00 PM
Just got caught up on Bates Motel, and while I really wanted to like this, I just don't. There are so many things wrong with it, not merely from the displaced feeling I get whenever I see that old house and the ratty motel. Here are just a few:
Rod
My only thought to some of your comments is that Norma isn't supposed to be normal or rational!!
Quote from: zombiehorror on May 05, 2013, 01:09:21 PM
My only thought to some of your comments is that Norma isn't supposed to be normal or rational!!
I agree. I expect her to be off-the-wall. However, through it all, she is still grounded because of her two staunch desires: she wants her business to succeed and to protect/control Norman.
Spoilers ahead. Annoyed fan.
If you enjoy the series, just ignore my post.
From what I'm reading, I'm glad I don't watch the series. If they had Norman killing his father, we'll it is a real deviation from the series I enjoyed that starred Tony Perkins. The father dying was what led to an unhelathy relationship between Norman and Norma, and it was that closeness, that led Norman act out being his mother. I am enjoying this thread. By listening to people describing what's going on, I'm not wasting an hour of my time, that I could spend elsewhere, doing something I consider more productive.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on May 05, 2013, 02:47:43 PM
Spoilers ahead. Annoyed fan.
If you enjoy the series, just ignore my post.
From what I'm reading, I'm glad I don't watch the series. If they had Norman killing his father, we'll it is a real deviation from the series I enjoyed that starred Tony Perkins. The father dying was what led to an unhelathy relationship between Norman and Norma, and it was that closeness, that led Norman act out being his mother. I am enjoying this thread. By listening to people describing what's going on, I'm not wasting an hour of my time, that I could spend elsewhere, doing something I consider more productive.
I'm not convinced Norman did kill his father. That version of the story was told by Norma, and only came out when the 2nd son (who isn't all that fond of Mommy) threatened to let the whole truth come out about what was going on.
Norman's brother wants to protect him almost as much as Norma says she wants to.
The truth remains to be seen.
Spoilers!
Well, the thing is, if we're being handed red herrings left and right--as in, Norma never tells the truth, and everything she says and we see (in flashback) is a lie--then, in the end, I think we're gonna feel very cheated.
So, here's my question: which scenario are we supposed to be following here? The one established by the films? Or the one (and it is significantly different) being presented by the show? My assumption is that the show will end with Norman taking care of the motel, while his mummified mother sits in her bedroom window, enjoying the sights. It's the "getting there" that should be interesting, but from what I've been seeing, it seems like a lot of "drama."
Rod
I would assume it is going to end up an amalgamation of the film, the novel and whatever they decide to do on the show.......that's what we are all following!
Quote from: Scatter on May 04, 2013, 06:40:18 PM
You're comparing it to YOUR life, or MY life. But compared to MORD'S life, it's a week of Brady Bunch re-runs.
Yeah, it just seems like another day in my neighborhood.
They're cherry-picking what they like about "Psycho," then seem to be lifting elements willy-nilly from "Twin Peaks," and just about anything else. Hell, Norma reminds me of Baby Jane Hudson, at times. Freddy Highmore is obviously meant to be as close to Anthony Perkins' Norman as possible, yet just the fact that the show is set in present-day means that he will never, ever be that version of the character. Plus, the Bates mansion was the original family home, and Norma used her husband's insurance money to build the motel afterwards. It's a hodgepodge, I admit. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
Oh, and Juno the dog did yelp as she was being run over. Well, as her dummy stand-in was being run over, I should say. Yeah, a half-second's worth of CGI might've made that a bit more convincing. ::)
Actually, when it comes to running a dog over, I would rather see something that looked fake. I love cats, but the scene in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", where they're flining an obviously fake cat against a tree, each time puctuated by a cat meowing, struck me as funny. It's obvious from the scene no cat was hurt.
I've seen and loved Psycho and all the sequels many times. I don't need to see them again in this series. They can "cherry pick" anything they want from "Psycho", "Twin Peaks", or "Pee Wee's Playhouse" for all I care, as long as they keep it as entertaining as it has been. The can also kill as many dogs as they want for all I care.
THAT was an interesting (and unexpected) climax to this week's episode!
It occurs to me any decent series needs it own theme song. Why not have one for this show?
There's Norman who runs a small motel
he's normal far as we can tell.
But mother tends to scream and yell
says women send you straight to hell.
It's insanity!
We're talking Psycho
homicidal maniac all the way.
One enchilada short of
a combination plate.
Norman stuffs birds as a hobby
he'll feed you if you get hungry.
But take a shower
mother might
stab you with a
kitchen knife.
What a crazy pair!
We're talking Psycho
homicidal maniac
and they say
He wears a wig
he wears a dress
I think we're talking
Oedipus.
You can lose your life
when Psychos
are two of a kind!
Sang to the tune of "The Patty Duke Show".
Just two episodes left this season...season two has already been confirmed.
POSSIBLE SPOILER!!!
When Norman finally snuffs Norma, do you think he'll scream, "And my name is Norman, you crazy b*tch! Not 'Nermin'! Why would you give me a name you can't even pronounce correctly?!"
On a quasi-related front, who else thinks Emma is way hotter than Bradley? If I'd known a girl like Emma in high school, I'd have totally been into Cystic Fibrosis Girl!
The music was a lot better in this episode, especially the "dock" music. In fact, this whole episode was of higher quality.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on May 08, 2013, 11:46:09 PM
The music was a lot better in this episode, especially the "dock" music. In fact, this whole episode was of higher quality.
I had to LOL at "stoner hippies" singing Goo Goo Dolls like it was Bob Marley.
Quote from: scott_of_smeg on May 13, 2013, 11:15:42 PM
I had to LOL at "stoner hippies" singing Goo Goo Dolls like it was Bob Marley.
Haaaaaaa! Plus that hippie was a total D***! He deserved to be thrown out of the van. >:D
Quote from: marsattacks666 on May 14, 2013, 03:31:35 AM
Haaaaaaa! Plus that hippie was a total D***! He deserved to be thrown out of the van. >:D
Not watching the show, I'm confused by that statement. Did the series have Shaggy tossed out of the "Mystery Machine" by Mystery Inc.?
I panicked last night- thinking it was the last episode (I guess I should have done some research)- hahahaha!
What on Earth is up with that teacher??? She gave off a weird vibe. Also, I am super suspicious of Bradley.....hmmmm - what was she really looking for? Maybe I'm just hoping for trouble :)
And I am not sure who brought this to my attention- but EVERY time Norma said "NERMAN"- I laughed so hard! I didn't notice it before, but last night it rang through a few times.
I got no complaints..... I have nothing else to watch on Monday nights anyway, so I'm digging it.
Norma crawling into bed with Norman was way disturbing. :o
Disturbing works for me.
Quote from: scott_of_smeg on May 13, 2013, 11:15:42 PM
I had to LOL at "stoner hippies" singing Goo Goo Dolls like it was Bob Marley.
I guess I should have stipulated... The score was of higher quality. ;)
So... I'm only five minutes into the newest episode, and I am dying. I love Norma. She is hilarious. Her reactions to everything are so... entertaining. Watching the train wreck that is her life makes everything in my life seem so much... better. ;D
Quote from: charp13 on May 14, 2013, 12:16:37 PMI panicked last night- thinking it was the last episode (I guess I should have done some research)- hahahaha!
What on Earth is up with that teacher??? She gave off a weird vibe. Also, I am super suspicious of Bradley.....hmmmm - what was she really looking for? Maybe I'm just hoping for trouble :)
And I am not sure who brought this to my attention- but EVERY time Norma said "NERMAN"- I laughed so hard! I didn't notice it before, but last night it rang through a few times.
I got no complaints..... I have nothing else to watch on Monday nights anyway, so I'm digging it.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on May 07, 2013, 04:44:41 PMPOSSIBLE SPOILER!!!
When Norman finally snuffs Norma, do you think he'll scream, "And my name is Norman, you crazy b*tch! Not 'Nermin'! Why would you give me a name you can't even pronounce correctly?!"
Quote from: aura of foreboding on May 14, 2013, 10:06:18 PMSo... I'm only five minutes into the newest episode, and I am dying. I love Norma. She is hilarious. Her reactions to everything are so... entertaining. Watching the train wreck that is her life makes everything in my life seem so much... better. ;D
SPECULATION/POSSIBLE SPOILERS
I think Norman will be the one that ends up killing "Mr. Abernathy." But, Dylan might die first. Also, I doubt Bradley lasts much longer...I think her dad had the $100k Abernathy is looking for. Remember, at this point, only Norma and Norman are "safe" characters, who have to survive into season two. It would suck if Emma buys the farm now, but, that's another possibility.
Norman's teacher sure is taking a shine to our Norman. The woman they cast as his teacher looks a little young for the role.
Van Halen - Hot for Teacher (http://youtu.be/LetJHQ_V05o)
I also thought it was weird when the teacher told Norman that he didn't need to tell his mom about the story situation. She leaned in a little close and I go a "NO' feeling! I wonder what her deal is, and if Norman is going to go against his mom's wishes.
Somebody is gonna get killed! There seems to be a line up of possible victims.
Count Z.- I need to start drinking- just so I can play a drinking game every time mother says NERMAN!
I really do like the goofiness of her personality, though. I can relate :)
Quote from: charp13 on May 15, 2013, 10:13:12 AM
if Norman is going to go against his mom's wishes... Somebody is gonna get killed.
And that is what I love about this series. It's so addicting because everyone is so expendable.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on May 14, 2013, 11:36:17 PM
SPECULATION/POSSIBLE SPOILERS
But, Dylan might die first.
Someone was asking in another post about Norma and the way she dresses, my theory is that they'll bring her and Dylan closer together and then kill him off, putting Norma in a state of mourning and dressing her in black!? Then again, they may just have Norman wear whatever he finds in mommy's closet!?
Why black? Neither Norman or Mother wear black in the Hitchcock version.
This isn't the Hitchcock version.
Quote from: Mord on May 15, 2013, 08:59:09 PMThis isn't the Hitchcock version.
They cherry-pick what they want from it, though.
No problem with that either. I find it a very entertaining show and those who don't have access to the off button on their remote.
Quote from: Mord on May 15, 2013, 08:59:09 PM
This isn't the Hitchcock version.
Yes, I know, I'm trying to understand the black dress comment.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on May 16, 2013, 05:24:33 AM
They cherry-pick what they want from it, though.
Since everything about the Hitchcock version is fantastic, they can never go wrong.
I am really upset that we only had 10 episodes this season. :-\ Does anyone know how many will be in S2 and when it premieres?
I hope they keep it available online, as that is how I get to see it. If they don't, I'm going to be very mad... not Norman mad, just maybe Norma mad. ;)
Quote from: aura of foreboding on May 16, 2013, 10:16:13 PMI hope they keep it available online, as that is how I get to see it. If they don't, I'm going to be very mad... not Norman mad, just maybe Norma mad. ;)
So far, if Norma can be believed, they're tied. Norman killed his dad, and Norma killed Keith Summers. Dylan has two kills, but both could be considered "justifiable homicides." (Well, maybe not Kill #1, but definitely Zack Shelby.)
Quote from: Gillfan on May 16, 2013, 09:58:48 PM
Yes, I know, I'm trying to understand the black dress comment.
I guess her attire doesn't really have to be black but just more "spinsterly".
How about this for more "spinsterly"?...
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR6alhQISHVSTxK12uEbv3wGw9U14ScOUVEOmTWz_eLbJCr9RwS)
Or this...
(http://www.hotflick.net/flicks/2009_Up_in_the_Air/009UIA_Vera_Farmiga_002.jpg)
Vera's hot no matter what she's wearing (or not).
I'd have to agree. She IS hot. :)
Quote from: Count_Zirock on May 17, 2013, 01:47:31 AM
So far, if Norma can be believed, they're tied. Norman killed his dad, and Norma killed Keith Summers. Dylan has two kills, but both could be considered "justifiable homicides." (Well, maybe not Kill #1, but definitely Zack Shelby.)
I was not referring to that. I was actually having fun with the word "mad." Whereas Norma gets mad, Norman is mad. ;D ;)
Has anyone located the Canadian Bates Motel on Google Maps?
I'd like to see where-abouts it is situated.
Do those Vera Farmiga pics help anyone understand why the average, hot-blooded male should be watching this show?
So... Norman does have memory lapses after major events.
I guess he really did kill his father.
When does Season 2 start?
I zoned out a few times during last night's episode. My mind just wasn't on the show, but I watched the whole thing. It was cool to see the sheriff doing something unexpected and he had a couple of sweet lines. And that teacher....well- you know!
It didn't seem like too much of a cliffhanger, so I wasn't on the edge of my seat or anything. It was a pretty good finale.
Quote from: charp13 on May 21, 2013, 09:46:59 AM
I zoned out a few times during last night's episode. My mind just wasn't on the show, but I watched the whole thing. It was cool to see the sheriff doing something unexpected and he had a couple of sweet lines. And that teacher....well- you know!
It didn't seem like too much of a cliffhanger, so I wasn't on the edge of my seat or anything. It was a pretty good finale.
I have to agree. Good show and finale.
I really liked the walking in the rain scene, and (trying not to spoil) I went nuts over the "Mother talking to him at the teacher's house" scene. teehee! It was the best!
I was stunned about how lavish & well decorated the school dance was!!! Sheesh!! What was their twinkle light budget? hahahaha! It looked better than most people's wedding receptions! But I enjoyed....
That was a satisfying finale. It wasn't overly suspenseful. It didn't make me want to tear my hair out until the next season. It felt like a solid conclusion to the events in the past nine episodes. That's not easy to pull off.
Thinking about it, though. I really wonder if Norman had anything to do with the teacher. That cell phone call she received has a purpose... So we'll see... ;)
I was surprised how much older the teacher looked in this episode than she did in her first episode - more in keeping with the roll.
I was expecting there to be another older woman to compete with Norma for Norman's affection.
It was funny to see Norman and his mother embrace, then walk off toward the house, holing hand and swinging their arms like two school kids. It reminded me of all the old westerns where the hero and his girl would ride off into the sunset.
The "Carrie"-style false ending was expected.
Loved it. Nice ending to the season. Kinda expected the ending just didn't know which woman or girl it was going to be. Really starting to like the sheriff. Really liked the line "Not in my town." Although I don't think I could have so easily thrown $150,000 into the water. Very satisfying ending to season one. :)
Quote from: FACTO2 on May 21, 2013, 03:58:55 PM
Loved it. Nice ending to the season. Kinda expected the ending just didn't know which woman or girl it was going to be. Really starting to like the sheriff. Really liked the line "Not in my town." Although I don't think I could have so easily thrown $150,000 into the water. Very satisfying ending to season one. :)
The money bothered me, too.
But, then I figured if the money was found with the body no one else would bother to come looking for the killer(s).
Quote from: FACTO2 on May 21, 2013, 03:58:55 PM
Although I don't think I could have so easily thrown $150,000 into the water.
Pssh... Well, you don't own a town, now do you? ;) I imagine that was a mere pittance to this guy. ;D
Quote from: aura of foreboding on May 21, 2013, 06:16:19 PM
Pssh... Well, you don't own a town, now do you? ;) I imagine that was a mere pittance to this guy. ;D
Seriously. He's got to be pulling in major kickbacks from the whole pot-growing ring deal. I think he can forgo sex-slave money.
I feel so bad for Emma. Her little cupcake scene last week was a hoot. "This is supposed to be fun, but I'm not having any fun. When does the fun start?" But the dance this week was just horrible. I'm betting Bradley's boyfriend ends up on the wrong end of a kitchen knife, some day.
I agree, Count Z.! I hope that idiot that hit Norman- gets his just reward! And that dance....it was pretty bloated with decorations!
Not to mention the heartwarming story Norma decided to lay on Norman- right before his FIRST dance! Couldn't she have waited to share her disturbing childhood trauma with him? Or was that part of her control system......hmmmm? Maybe she didn't want himto have a good time.
Quote from: charp13 on May 22, 2013, 10:38:24 AMNot to mention the heartwarming story Norma decided to lay on Norman- right before his FIRST dance! Couldn't she have waited to share her disturbing childhood trauma with him? Or was that part of her control system......hmmmm? Maybe she didn't want him to have a good time.
Pretty sure Norma thought she was going to die that night. Remember, she had that confrontation with "Abernathy" at midnight. She was pretty sure Sheriff Romero wasn't going to do anything, so...she wanted someone to know, just in case.
Ahhh- I had forgotten that she had the big midnight meeting ahead of her when she divulged her trauma to Norman.
I also thought that since he knew Norma was there he might have done that for show. And know maybe he is the leader of the sex slave ring? I just can't wait for the new season to find out!
Sheriff said he was the third partner of somebody... Did anyone catch what that was about?
Maybe he's the third partner in the pot plantation. Would make sense, considering the big nothing that's happened with the investigation into Bradley's father's torching. I don't think Romero's involved in the sex slave ring. I may be wrong, but Romero seems like the type that has his own moral code. Some lines he'll cross, others he won't.
I'm a little surprised to hear myself saying this, but, I'm gonna miss not having a new Bates Motel episode air tonight.
Anyone know when Season Two is scheduled to begin?
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on May 28, 2013, 01:04:34 PM
Anyone know when Season Two is scheduled to begin?
Early 2014 is all I'm seeing listed anywhere!
Out of curiosity, I checked tonight's TV listings to see what has replaced Bates Motel.
It is American Hoggers.
Ugh!
Well at least it wasn't "Honey Boo Boo"
Quote from: Mord on May 28, 2013, 06:25:46 PM
Well at least it wasn't "Honey Boo Boo"
How do you tell the difference?
Holy crap, no new episodes until "early 2014," according to A&E. :o
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on May 28, 2013, 09:47:18 PM
How do you tell the difference?
I'm sure there's some way, but it eludes me.
If the pigs are riding handicapped carts at Wal-Mart, that would be Mama June of "Honey Boo Boo."
Booooo!! Booooo!!
I really enjoy the show. Before watching I thought it was going to be really bad, but when I watched the first episode it changed my opinion completely. I think the new house,the acting,the plot and twist endings are good but its obviously not as good as Hitchcock`s Psycho. I never understood why the show`s setting is in the present and why there is so many Iphones, I think it would be better if it was set on the early 50s to recon-pensate for that I just modify my TV settings so the image is black and white XD. One thing that disappointed me was how stale the music was it really doesn`t help the show at all, one of the reasons why Psycho was so effective was because of Bernard Herrman`s great dark dramatic music, if you compare both in that aspect this show is lame. Despite of all the negative things I have said about it, I tune in excitedly to watch it every Monday whenever a new episode is showed, it is very entertaining.
Quote from: MONSTERMOSH on September 29, 2013, 04:50:23 PM
I never understood why the show`s setting is in the present.....
They probably figured it would give them more leeway with the material and a little more forgiveness from the audience when they change it up. The show isn't really a prequel to the novel or film but more of an alternate universe take on Norman's backstory.
Just saw a TV promo for the next season opener on March 3rd - with Norman singing!
Bates Motel Season 2: Mr.Sandman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiVR586isj0#ws)
I like it a lot.
Walking Dead, The Following, Bates Motel and The Americans...an embarrassment of riches on TV.
Bates Motel is great -- I remember this
Season 1 promo that really got my attention...
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W--2tLIJUiE/UTpHrVxi78I/AAAAAAAAAMg/HlYGQ-l2CiE/s1600/Bates_Motel_Teaser_poster_5_1_14_13.jpg)
Tonight's episode moved along really well!! I won't spoil anything.......but I was just so darn excited to see the new episode, that I even giggled with delight when Mrs. Bates said, "NERMAN"! Yay!! It's back!
Got mine DVR'd and ready to go. Got my girlfriend to binge watch season 1 On Demand (nice seeing it again, myself).
I guess my memory isn't what it used to be, because I watched some of the marathon on Sunday- and I had forgotten about several subplots! I enjoyed watching the season finale right before the season 2 premiere! Fresh memories are the best! :)
I also went back into this topic and read my posts......I don't remember anything I wrote on here... it's for the best, though. HA!! I didn't SPOILER ALERT myself!
I didn't watch the follow-up show afterwards.
It's too early for me to want to see interviews with the actors out of character and I never like the idea of being exposed to possible directions the show may me taking this season.
I want to stick to watching the show unfold in front of me at it's own pace. Actors' interviews and director's commentaries are better after the fact. I would like to see them after the series has had it's full run and there is nothing more to spoil.
I don't even watch the coming next week promo at the end of each episode.
My favorite part was when Norma went ballistic in the City Council meeting. It was way too short.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on March 04, 2014, 08:42:34 AM
I didn't watch the follow-up show afterwards.
It's too early for me to want to see interviews with the actors out of character and I never like the idea of being exposed to possible directions the show may me taking this season.
Trust me, you didn't miss anything. The hostess was a giggling, cackling klutz who should not be in front of a live camera. The actors were reserved and uncomfortable. To pull off an aftershow like this, you need someone with personality to spare like Chris Hardwicke from Talking Dead and Talking Bad. I will not make the mistake of watching this mess again.
Well..........the March 24th episode had some interesting moments. Some were not for the faint of heart, but some were very "Norman Bates" Yay!!
Quote from: charp13 on March 25, 2014, 06:59:20 PM
Well..........the March 24th episode had some interesting moments. Some were not for the faint of heart, but some were very "Norman Bates" Yay!!
Was that the first time he actually spoke as his mother? Not in an imitation of her voice, but in her words?
I believe so! I actually clapped after that scene! It was sweet relief after hearing all that awful stuff that Norma was recounting about her childhood- egads! I'm trying not to post specifics in case of SPOILING. I don't want to be spoiler girl!
Yeah, that scene (when he spoke as "mother") really made the episode. I can't wait to see where they take it from there.
It was so interesting. I couldn't believe we actually got something that big this soon.
Norma's "surprise" could be seen coming a mile away.
Norman's brother's reveal came right out of left field!
I'm a very patient person....but I felt a little antsy for something "BIG" to happen during Monday's (April 7th) episode. I can see the set ups, and I hope the "pay offs" are next week! What in the name of Zeus are they doing to Norma?? Is she being set up? I don't care for her new enthusiastic theater friend (I forgot her name). Something stinks to high heaven! And Norman's black outs? I was surprised about the end scene (trying not to spoil). So I guess that was pretty big...but I am hoping to be SHOCKED! :) That would be sweeeeet!
I think the big shocks are one the way. I don't understand the need for the Norma's brother subplot, unless something is looming in the distance.
Is Norma a villain in this? I'm really not seeing it. She's manipulative and emotional, but still a pretty caring mother.
I hope the writers watch the original "Psycho" VERY closely before writing any major events.
I don't know how Mother from Psycho can be derived from Norma, unless Norman sees his mother as a totally different person than we do.
I totally agree! Dylan seems precious and all, but I can't help but wonder if he's gonna get killed! I actually like him, and I was worried every time he made a bad move involving those pot thugs! Hahahaha- "pot thugs" sounds funny to me. Anyway, I also feel like Norma is super clingy- but not in a bad way. She just seems to have boundary issues which seems understandable in light of the brother situation......unless that's all a LIE.....hmmm. I am also finding Norman to be pitiful and I feel empathy towards him, much like I did with Anthony Perkins original Norman. So SOMEBODY has to be off kilter, but I don't know who it is- Yay! Now I see why I love this show! Now- on with the shocks! :)
I'm really sick of the "teen drama" and romance aspect of the show. This whole season has been a letdown in comparison to the first. I am hoping that Norma's new job will give us back the old, crazier Norma that we all grew to love in the first season. I could really see that Norma turning into Mother. But Season 2 Norma... no way.
I'm guessing they are going to make Norma more and more "protective" of Norman (cutting him off from friends/girls and possibly anything outside of the motel grounds) until she becomes involved with a man leaving Norman feeling betrayed......I wonder what Norman will do about that?
He will probably find a nice girl, get a respectable job & call his mother every day.
The house is a pretty thing. The cast is talented. But this is by no means a prequel to Psycho proper. Its its own entity now. Much like the Hannibal show on nBC.
Incidentally---the Hannibal show on NBC is gory as heck....but very interesting.
Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 10, 2014, 11:58:35 PM
The house is a pretty thing. The cast is talented. But this is by no means a prequel to Psycho proper. Its its own entity now. Much like the Hannibal show on nBC.
Incidentally---the Hannibal show on NBC is gory as heck....but very interesting.
I totally get that. Unlike Hannibal, however, this show specifically says it is based on the characters from the theatrical film at the end of every episode. It's the first thing in the credits. Hannibal says it is based on the
Red Dragon novel.
Speaking of Hannibal, that show is far superior in every way. I watch Hannibal for my "cultured" fix and I watch Bates for my "mindless entertainment" fix. I love both, but Hannibal exceeds my every expectation while Bates barely hits the lowest common denominator. It's like
Bride of Frankenstein and
House of Frankenstein. Both are enjoyable. One is a masterpiece. The other is just sort of fun. I honestly don't expect much from Bates, but watch it because I love the actors, the sets,
some of the crazy plots and characterizations. I watch Hannibal to be blown away by the gorgeous directing, music, acting, and twisted script-writing. It's like every scene of Hannibal is perfection while we're lucky if we get two thoroughly enjoyable scenes in each episode of Bates Motel -- especially lately.
Bates is already renewed for Season 3. I'm holding out hope that Hannibal will be as well. I'd like to see both run for five seasons. I'd like the networks to accommodate this whim. H46j7
The latest episode had two nice shoutouts to Hitchcock's film. First, Norman's (Norma's) apron. Second, Norman saying that he will never forget the face of a certain person as he fell down the stairs (a shoutout to Arbogast's unforgettable murder).
I know it's not perfect, but there are enough cool little touches (like those) to make it worth watching.
If you just forget about the Hitchcock classic, the TV series has enough surprise reveals and twists to make it interesting in its own right.
If it can bring it all around to even a half-assed tie-in to the movie by the end, so much the better.
If I forgot about the Hitchcock film, I would not be watching this series. :angel:
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 16, 2014, 09:43:32 PM
If I forgot about the Hitchcock film, I would not be watching this series. :angel:
Since I can't forget the Hitchcock film, I find I can't watch this series.
I read the description of tonight's episode, while I was setting up to record it for my husband....and hmmmm...it's called "MELTDOWN". I like the way that sounds. It also describes the ep. with the sentence, "Norman pushes Norma away." This sounds intriguing to me...maybe we will see some trouble tonight! Yeah-yuh!
Who am I, MOTHER?!?! That was a half & half episode last night. I feel like I'm losing interest in Dylan's storyline. I am hopeful that next week's ep. is going to be explosive! At least that's what the preview looked like!
Quote from: Mord on April 22, 2014, 02:23:17 PM
So is Vera Farmiga.
Yeah. The show's still a trainwreck though. The isolation of Norman in Hitch's Psycho added to Norman's psychosis. Explained why he was so immediately taken with Marion. The hotel is a cavalcade of cooks in the show. Norman was also believeably harmless, bland, and boring in the movie. In the show, he's pretty much known by quite a few people as being cuckoo for co-co puffs already....and is quite a risk taking ladies man...having unprotected sex in the world of AIDS.
In the flick, mother was prudish and didn't allow liquor. In the show Mother is extremely promiscuous, as is Norman. I dunno---but I keep looking at it for some reason.
I'll keep watching. But any similarities between this program and Psycho begin and end at the House. Even the motel is different.
But the house is a pretty thing. Always had a hang up for that place ever since I saw the movie 25 years or so ago.
I spazz out EVERY time someone goes up that glorious staircase! I love that house!! :)
Quote from: charp13 on April 22, 2014, 04:16:13 PM
I spazz out EVERY time someone goes up that glorious staircase! I love that house!! :)
I loved it when they first started to clean it up. I would have loved to help them just so I could spend a night in the place.
Quote from: Mord on April 22, 2014, 02:23:17 PM
So is Vera Farmiga.
Good point. Between her and the house, though... I'd definitely take the house. :) Zombie Grin
Quote from: charp13 on April 22, 2014, 04:05:58 PM
Who am I, MOTHER?!?! That was a half & half episode last night. I feel like I'm losing interest in Dylan's storyline. I am hopeful that next week's ep. is going to be explosive! At least that's what the preview looked like!
I actually really enjoyed this episode. It was the first this season that actually spoke to me. True it didn't have any real "over-the-top" moments, but all of the elements were there. It felt like the first season again... Probably because that Cody girl is gone. ;D
The show is so much better when it's just Norman and Norma. I really have come to hate Norman, and I love the human side of Norma. I also respect Dylan's character a lot more than I did before. Lots of good things happening, I would say. Plus the taxidermy! That room started to look just like Norman's back office...
Another thing that gets on my nerves with this show (and lots of modern tv) is the ridiculously decompressed methods of story telling.
Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 22, 2014, 10:50:03 PM
Another thing that gets on my nerves with this show (and lots of modern tv) is the ridiculously decompressed methods of story telling.
I know! I was trying to explain this to someone, and she just didn't understand. I really like Hannibal, and I was trying to share my love of the show with this same person. She said it was "too slow" for her. Too slow! I thought it was developing too fast. Bates flies by so fast that it's ridiculous, and I believe it brings down the quality. I like a nice, slow-build. Okay, not everything can have Dark Shadows-pacing, but still... It's much better when it does. The pay-off is far more rewarding.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 22, 2014, 11:26:10 PM
I know! I was trying to explain this to someone, and she just didn't understand. I really like Hannibal, and I was trying to share my love of the show with this same person. She said it was "too slow" for her. Too slow! I thought it was developing too fast. Bates flies by so fast that it's ridiculous, and I believe it brings down the quality. I like a nice, slow-build. Okay, not everything can have Dark Shadows-pacing, but still... It's much better when it does. The pay-off is far more rewarding.
Hannibal has a nice even pace. But when I watch Bates, sometimes I think: "Hmmmnnnn....nothing happened again this week." :angel: I honestly dont care about some of these goofy "supporting cast" characters that help in the decompression. If this show is really going to tailend up to "Psycho"....all of these people except Norman are gonna die, the pot is gonna go bye bye, and the bypass is gonna get built. All of this other stuff detracts from Norman.
At least Hannibal is doing his thing every week. Norman hasnt even been caught in the bathroom with mom's panty hose yet,lol. >:D
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 22, 2014, 09:02:57 PM
Good point. Between her and the house, though... I'd definitely take the house. :) Zombie Grin
I'd take her (Vera Farmiga) in the house.
Quote from: Mord on April 22, 2014, 11:44:15 PM
I'd take her (Vera Farmiga) in the house.
Compromise. It's what makes our army strong.
So... about last night...
Good episode. It seems things are getting back on track.
There were also a few sweet staircase shots! I kept waiting for someone to creep up the stairs, looking for Norman- only to fall down backwards! This is NOT a spoiler- just my dream scene! :)
It was a pretty suspenseful episode! I am digging the build up.
The last ten seconds made up for everything that was wrong with this whole season. Genuine chills.
Despite all the flaws, I still find it an entertaining show & will miss it while it's on hiatus.
Agreed! My tv will be idle on Monday night... I will miss watching my show! :) I have to admit that I was in suspense over what was going to happen to Dylan! I was biting my nails big time during the last episode.
Yep, I thought Dylan was a goner (glad he's not).
I was pretty stunned that they offed that drug lady. But I am glad Dylan is still around. He's now more likable than most of the other characters.
It's Monday and no "Bates Motel" tonight. WAAAAAAAAAAAH!
It's not a timeless show, but it is still better than all the reruns of sitcoms I didn't want to watch the first time around.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on May 11, 2014, 04:44:53 PM
But I am glad Dylan is still around. He's now more likable than most of the other characters.
My girlfriend threatened to stop watching if they offed Dylan. I'm glad I wont have to watch it alone (for now).
I had already made my peace with the show- if they offed Dylan. I would have missed him...but that pot- dealer -war storyline was tedious! I kept yelling at the tv- GET BACK TO THE MOTEL! Ha! The ordeal that Norman went through in the second to the last episode, was brilliant! ( I don't know why I'm trying to avoid using spoiler type language- there's only a handful of us discussing the show) :) I will also be suffering from Bates Motel withdrawal tonight . Boooo!
Did anyone watch the after show? My husband pointed out how different Freddie Highmore's facial expressions were from Norman's! What a delightful young man! AND he's in college! Wow- what a cool kid! And Ms. Farmiga looked so beautiful! It was refreshing to see her twinkling & smiling .
Quote from: charp13 on May 12, 2014, 03:57:05 PM
...( I don't know why I'm trying to avoid using spoiler type language- there's only a handful of us discussing the show) :) I will also be suffering from Bates Motel withdrawal tonight . Boooo!
Did anyone watch the after show?...
One week after an episode has aired it should be fair game. Everyone has had 3 or 4 chances to watch that episode before the following episode airs.
I refuse to watch the after birth. I don't want to know the characters as normal people.
I turn away from the TV during teasers for next week's show. I'll watch next week's show next week.
The only "aftershow" I can stomach is "Talking Dead" (mostly because of host Chris Hardwicke).
Want to fill the empty spot left by "Bates Motel"?
Here is the TCM lineup for Monday 5-19-2014 (PST):
9:00 PM "The Doctor and the Devils" - 1985
10:45 PM "The Curse of Frankenstein" - 1957
12:15 AM "Mr. Sardonicus" - 1961
1:45 AM "The Haunted Palace" - 1963
Nice line up. It's more like something they would have around Halloween time.
Season 3 premiers on Monday, March 9, 2015.
After such a long hiatus, are you planning to continue watching this series?
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on February 04, 2015, 09:59:59 PM
Season 3 premiers on Monday, March 9, 2015.
After such a long hiatus, are you planning to continue watching this series?
Absolutely! I got my girlfriend hooked, so we're both really looking forward to it. I just hope they have a long recap segment before the new episode starts.
Yep, I'll be watching.
I'm on it. Like Mord said,gonna need a good recap.
Quote from: Mord on February 04, 2015, 10:03:50 PM
Absolutely! I got my girlfriend hooked, so we're both really looking forward to it. I just hope they have a long recap segment before the new episode starts.
They have been running previous shows all day today.
There will probably be marathon showings Sat., Sun. and Mon. before the 9:00 PM season premiere.
As much as I like the show, I don't think I want to re-watch all the episodes again. Maybe they can have a 5 minute recap before the new season. It's been a long time and my memory isn't what it used to be.
I would like to see the first season again... The second not so much. In fact, we could pretend that didn't happen, and I'd be fine.
Yeah I'm excited to watch BM again. The Returned is on A & E and looks like decent show too. The newspapers here gave it good reviews.
West Coasters:
Reminder. Bates Motel starts in 15 minutes - Followed by a premiere of The Returned (Maybe the first episode won't suck.)
I finally watched it. Nice to see Norman peeking in the shower. That's the Normy we all love.
Hopefully we are done with the stupid drug stuff now.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on March 13, 2015, 08:28:56 PM
Hopefully we are done with the stupid drug stuff now.
Agreed. That was starting to feel so forced. Hey, does the sheriff wear eyeliner? They seem extremely dark.
I actually was reading an article about the guyliner on the sheriff. hahaha! Apparently it isn't. It's just his naturally bushy eyelashes.
Overall, I was glad to see more Norman and Mother interactions. I hope we keep them throughout this season.
I liked opening episode. I get the feeling they're not done w/the drug stuff though. And I'm glad someone (Dylan) finally confronted Norma that it's inappropriate for her to snuggle w/her teenage son! Those scenes are far creepier than anything on TWD or any other horror themed show for that matter.
Quote from: geezer butler on March 14, 2015, 01:13:07 AM
I liked opening episode. I get the feeling they're not done w/the drug stuff though. And I'm glad someone (Dylan) finally confronted Norma that it's inappropriate for her to snuggle w/her teenage son! Those scenes are far creepier than anything on TWD or any other horror themed show for that matter.
I kinda
like those scenes. (Hey, she's not
my mom.)
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on March 14, 2015, 01:21:40 AM
I kinda like those scenes. (Hey, she's not my mom.)
LOL, yeah I agree. The scenes are cringe worthy, but that's what makes the show so good. We can get to see how Norma abuses her son and in the process turn him into the Norman Bates we know and love.
What I find interesting is how they took a relatively minor plot point from the movie (the new highway) and turned it into this whole subplot for the series. I never imagined Mother fighting the highway commission. It's kind of fun.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on March 14, 2015, 09:21:22 PM
What I find interesting is how they took a relatively minor plot point from the movie (the new highway) and turned it into this whole subplot for the series. I never imagined Mother fighting the highway commission. It's kind of fun.
Hey, you have to fill ten episodes per season. They've done a pretty good job of it.
I know, but you'd think there would have been other subplots they could have picked up on. Instead, they chose the highway, which is an interesting choice -- Norma's now all kinds of "public affairsy." :P And I like it.
I guess the pot subplot is here to stay. I'm not crazy about that new grungy character that lives in a shack with his wife (looks a little like Brad Pitt in "Kalifornia"). If they made it a half hour show, they could stick to the main story & stay away from all the annoying distractions.
Good show tonight!
The lines between Norman and Norma are getting more blurred - at least in Norman's mind.
This was a good season with a fine finale. Loved the ending and the song.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on May 13, 2015, 01:15:13 AM
This was a good season with a fine finale. Loved the ending and the song.
How long do we have to wait for the next season?
Nearly a year.
No "Bates" tonight and no "Returned", just a "First 48" marathon.
Kinda leaves a hole in my regular Monday night viewing routine...
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on May 18, 2015, 08:27:55 PM
No "Bates" tonight and no "Returned", just a "First 48" marathon.
Kinda leaves a hole in my regular Monday night viewing routine...
Yep, I'm already missing it. I really liked the finale.
Quote from: Mord on May 18, 2015, 08:37:33 PM
Yep, I'm already missing it. I really liked the finale.
You think next year will be the last season?
I mean, how much crazier can Norman get?
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on May 18, 2015, 08:44:36 PM
You think next year will be the last season?
I mean, how much crazier can Norman get?
Well, he does wind up stuffing mother. I think they should finish it off next season. One last, well-written season would be great. I thought all they would be able to squeeze off was two (I guess I was wrong).
They really accelerated Norman's mental decline, though. This could have easily been a 7-year run, if they'd just put the brakes on it, a bit. But, since they're deviating so drastically from "Psycho" lore anyway, who knows how we finally get to Norma being stuffed in the fruit cellar?
Quote from: Count_Zirock on May 18, 2015, 11:14:58 PM
They really accelerated Norman's mental decline, though. This could have easily been a 7-year run, if they'd just put the brakes on it, a bit. But, since they're deviating so drastically from "Psycho" lore anyway, who knows how we finally get to Norma being stuffed in the fruit cellar?
Maybe Norman will get committed to a hospital for a while - that could stretch things out considerably.
....maybe I'll jump off a bridge if they drag this out too much longer. :angel: :-\
Quote from: Anton Phibes on May 18, 2015, 11:51:00 PM
....maybe I'll jump off a bridge if they drag this out too much longer. :angel: :-\
Are you watching? I thought that would be sacrilegious for a hardcore "Psycho" fan like you.
Its like a train wreck. You know its bad....but you just cant help rubber necking. The Sheriff's story is entertaining. Everything else makes my eyes scream. :angel: Except the House. ;)
Quote from: Anton Phibes on May 19, 2015, 09:43:58 AM
Its like a train wreck. You know its bad....but you just cant help rubber necking. The Sheriff's story is entertaining. Everything else makes my eyes scream. :angel: Except the House. ;)
Yep, the sheriff is interesting. The actor has a unique, old-school, character actor look about him. He would be great in a Creature remake (as long as they don't give Creech dreadlocks again).
He could easily pull off an old school detective in a noir type thriller. He's got the method and the look. He might've been good as Arbogast. A role they could've expanded on since they are pretty much ditching all the rest of the continuity.
This is supposed to run for 5 seasons, I believe. We'll see if it makes it.
5 seasons....Lord have mercy on my poor soul. :'(
Quote from: Anton Phibes on May 19, 2015, 03:50:48 PM
5 seasons....Lord have mercy on my poor soul. :'(
Don't worry. If it's still successful, they will stretch it to ten. Norman will join AARP. He can stuff all the "Meals on wheels" delivery people that come to his door.
They better get his milk and toasted cheese sandwiches right. Cookies for desert. or there's you-know-what to pay. 8)
For those of you with TV:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1616/25073179272_91153e9c1a_c.jpg)
"Bates Motel" Season 4 Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPfEt_kn3JE&feature=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPfEt_kn3JE&feature=player_embedded)
The Image that caught my interest:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1643/25165109676_7b6ebf5044_c.jpg)
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on February 22, 2016, 07:19:47 AM
The Image that caught my interest:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1643/25165109676_7b6ebf5044_c.jpg)
Looks like Romero.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on February 22, 2016, 08:20:07 PM
Looks like Romero.
I wondered. Aren't Norman and Norma the only ones in the trailer?
There is, at least, one other short flash with Romero in it. They want you to think it's Norman, though. :o
I don't watch a ton of new series, but I've really gotten hooked on this show. When it first began, I didn't bother - thinking it was likely a modern rip-off. Boy, was I wrong. I love it. Somehow, I finally noticed Vera Farmiga was involved and I really liked her in ORPHAN (2009) and THE CONJURING (2013). She and Freddie Highmore are excellent. I began binge-watching seasons 1 and 2 last fall on Netflix. Then, got caught up on season 3 when they added it last month. I felt there may have been too many subplots early on, but realized they had to have other things beside the main relationship. What a whacked out town! I began to enjoy seeing those other sick characters woven in. Can't wait for Monday night to get back on the Bates Express.
Okay, now I'm starting to think there's something seriously wrong with Norman.
Agreed. Wow, I thought something might happen in that last scene, but wasn't ready for that shocking moment.
And here I thought the series was going to have a happy ending. It does only if Norman goes in for a massage.
I hope this is the last season.
I hope so (though I'm still enjoying it). I thought I heard there was going to be one more season after this (probably without the lovely Ms. Farmiga).
Quote from: Mord on March 09, 2016, 12:32:05 AM
I hope so (though I'm still enjoying it). I thought I heard there was going to be one more season after this (probably without the lovely Ms. Farmiga).
I don't have TV anymore so I won't be watching this season - or next.
But, when I
was watching, it was more for Norma than for Norman.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on March 09, 2016, 01:19:57 AM
I don't have TV anymore so I won't be watching this season - or next.
But, when I was watching, it was more for Norma than for Norman.
How do you not have TV? Are you being held hostage in some Taliban cave? Even they watch CNN (to see when they will be bombed next).
Quote from: Mord on March 09, 2016, 12:36:28 PM
How do you not have TV? Are you being held hostage in some Taliban cave? Even they watch CNN (to see when they will be bombed next).
I saw it already.
It doesn't seem worth sitting through all the commercials anymore. I have a couple thousand DVD's, YouTube, a lot of old radio shows and a sizeable personal library.
Sure is a lot cheaper having just the Internet.
Don't miss it at all.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on March 09, 2016, 12:43:06 PM
I saw it already.
It doesn't seem worth sitting through all the commercials anymore. I have a couple thousand DVD's, YouTube, a lot of old radio shows and a sizeable personal library.
Sure is a lot cheaper having just the Internet.
Don't miss it at all.
Same here. I got rid of TV 2 years ago. The internet and all my crap takes up all my spare time anyway.
I found this latest episode to be better than most in this series, especially since there was no mention of the drugs. Norma is great as usual. Norman and the robe was weird, though.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on March 12, 2016, 09:22:59 PM
Norman and the robe was weird, though.
He did show a little more cleavage than his mom.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on March 12, 2016, 09:22:59 PM
I found this latest episode to be better than most in this series, especially since there was no mention of the drugs. Norma is great as usual. Norman and the robe was weird, though.
hahaha.....uhm, yeah. Weird and Norman go hand in hand.
Quote from: Anton Phibes on March 13, 2016, 12:36:16 AM
hahaha.....uhm, yeah. Weird and Norman go hand in hand.
Mother in the original film would NEVER have opened the door in THAT robe. Times have changed. :laugh:
Wow, Normy's really in bad shape now. Romero is a very interesting character too. Good episode.
The last episode was absolutely amazing. In was incredibly well done. The actors did a phenomenal job, particularly during the last 15 minutes. This show is one of the best shows on television. I am curious how they are going to pull off Norma ending up as a stuffed animal in the cellar. Providing they stick to the original story.
thm
I am possibly harder on this show than anyone else here. Norman Bates, and the original Psycho hold a grip on me I cannot explain. Like The Wolfman does in the Universal Roster or Mr. Price does for the glorious gothic pics.
With last night's episode: he show officially moved beyond train wreck/ automobile accident that keeps me rubber necking.... to actually grabbing me. Not kidding. I sat there and thought to myself: "Well, Holy Crap....little guy is finally pulling it off." Its a shame the show (finally) found its legs and identity in the next to last season. Romero has been the most interesting character in the show until last nights episode. Now, beyond a doubt...Freddie is finally Norman. Not Perkins Norman....but his version.
I give the episode a B+. Believe it....this is a high mark coming from me. 8)
Quote from: Anton Phibes on March 16, 2016, 02:05:52 PM
I am possibly harder on this show than anyone else here. Norman Bates, and the original Psycho hold a grip on me I cannot explain. Like The Wolfman does in the Universal Roster or Mr. Price does for the glorious gothic pics.
With last night's episode: he show officially moved beyond train wreck/ automobile accident that keeps me rubber necking.... to actually grabbing me. Not kidding. I sat there and thought to myself: "Well, Holy Crap....little guy is finally pulling it off." Its a shame the show (finally) found its legs and identity in the next to last season. Romero has been the most interesting character in the show until last nights episode. Now, beyond a doubt...Freddie is finally Norman. Not Perkins Norman....but his version.
I give the episode a B+. Believe it....this is a high mark coming from me. 8)
Wow.. a B+.. I know how you feel about the show and this is a really high grade. The entire encounter between Norma and his mother in the last 15 minutes was very unnerving. Actually quite disturbing. I need to make mention of (this might spoil it if you have not seen it) how Norman was blaming his actual mother for all the murders and other problems. Image what a terrifying moment that is. Blaming the actual person, for what you did when you became them as your alternate personality. Wow
thm
I've always liked the show, and it just keeps getting better. I try to think of it as a separate entity from the original movie. Freddie Highmore is great, and I have a crush on Vera Farmiga (Emma's mom was pretty cute, too...what a shame).
Finally saw last week's episode. This show has improved tenfold since Season 1. So long as we keep getting more of what we had in the first two episodes of this season, they can keep this going for another ten years! :laugh:
Wow, that was another great episode. Freddie really made me feel for Norman at the end. And man, what can you say about Vera? Boy howdy it's gonna be a long 2 weeks waiting for the next one. Love this show.
Great episode! You get the bonus of seeing Norma making out with the stripper. Red hot!
Yeah, baby!
That slimey Chic had to upset poor Norma. He's such a creep. I like the scene where Dr. Edwards realizes Norman has started talking to him as Norma. It was quite eerie.
Quote from: Lunkenstein on April 11, 2016, 09:35:20 PM
That slimey Chic had to upset poor Norma. He's such a creep. I like the scene where Dr. Edwards realizes Norman has started talking to him as Norma. It was quite eerie.
That was a great scene.
I wish the drug guy would go away and the whole drug thing would just disappear. I know he's probably going to end up offing Caleb or Emma or both... But c'mon, can't we just have Norman do all of the dirty work?
Agreed. They could do less subplots now that Norman is so sick. I wonder if they are still planning just 5 seasons.
My problem with Norman already becoming Norma is.....he hasnt killed her yet. ::) Supposedly its the matricide that causes him to "give her half his life". I still watch it....but most times its a colossal train wreck to my "Purist Psycho" eyeballs. >:D :angel:
I understand. I found myself liking it more as an alternate universe take on Norman and Norma. I felt for both of them in tonight's episode. Normally, I don't care for updating/re-inventing classic characters (like Kirk and Spock in the new Treks for instance), but Bates Motel has really hooked me. I watch very few new shows.
Monday's episode was definitely the most emotionally-charged.
Not to mention extremely repulsive. I keep hoping for a genuine "Psycho" or even "Psycho 2" moment. The only one I have seen so far was the night Highmore put on the dog a few weeks back.
With Norman coming home, more trouble ahead. Anyone know if they're still planning a 5th (final) season? Seems likely, as there are just 3 episodes left for Season 4 and that would be rushing a grand finale.
Wow... Genuine chills during Norman's little psychopath spiel to his friend in the cafeteria. Crazy good acting there.
Man, what a creepy episode. Norman making the hole in the wall to peep like in the original film. Then later, seeing him with that axe was scary as hell.
Yeah, I really dig this season. The show is prob my fav horror series right now. Used to be TWD, but Bates better this year imo.
My favorite reference as of late, was the fruit cellar remark. Norma really will regret turning that basement into a place for a "fruity" mother to hang out! Ha! I love it!
As a fan of the movie Psycho, we decided to throw in a small tribute in our "Underbridge Internet" webcomic.(http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss267/Baronscrypt666/Underbridge%20on%20Tumbler/Underbridge-2016/51509fc2-6693-44ad-99ca-63a18dbdb95d_zps5m8209mq.png)
http://underbridgethings.tumblr.com/post/143840777579/after-all-a-boys-best-friend-is-his-mother (http://underbridgethings.tumblr.com/post/143840777579/after-all-a-boys-best-friend-is-his-mother)
Ha! I love it! I really need to start using the phrase " ugly appetite " more often!
I am in total shock.
Then again, I love how they're going to leave us mentally tortured for a week to be sure. Honestly, I can't remember being this committed to a weekly series for years. Kudos to all involved!
WHAT AN EPISODE!!! I shan't say more.
I used to feel that Dylan was an irritating third wheel, during Season 1. But now I have so much empathy for his character. Good lord! He's been through so much! You just want him to do well, in spite of his family upbringing! And Norman really lit it up on this episode!
Norman has truly become Norman in this one. I agree with you about Dylan (and Emma), they are my girlfriend'so 2nd favorite characters (behind Norma & Romero).
The ending of the last episode was brilliantly done. Some of the best series work for any generation of television.
thm
I shall hold my critiques until after I see the season finale. I consider myself to be the show's harshest critic. Much like some here would be if the subject matter were a Michael Myers weekly tv series or TCM weekly series. :angel:
Quote from: the_horror_man on May 11, 2016, 04:44:43 PM
The ending of the last episode was brilliantly done. Some of the best series work for any generation of television.
thm
Totally agree. This show is great. Norman is finally owning his homicidal psychosis. I've said this before, but the pace of the show is fantastic. I think early on there was actually some hope for Norman. If he would have sought out mental health treatment earlier, and if Norma weren't so dysfunctional, I think there was some hope for him. I even felt bad for him at times. So overall I think the writers did a great job of showing how his descent into madness was a slow crawl and not inevitable. So it's tragic really.
But now it's game over. It seems like he realizes he's homicidal and there's no turning back. He knows that he won't stop killing, so in a perverse way the suicide/murder attempt represented his last bit of morality. He's thinking 'let's just end this now, because there's no way we get healthier, no way this works out, no way I stop killing, so it's better for everyone if we just end it peacefully.' Otherwise he knows more people will get hurt.
One of the quotes from Psycho that I remember most fondly is: "Norman found them dead together... in bed."
That being said, this was a fantastic sequence and more than makes up for the inconsistency. We'll see if this is truly the end, but I would be happy if it were. Then the next season could be devoted entirely to the making the new Mother. u6juu
I also like how the house was used as the murder weapon. That was a stroke of genius.
Very powerful finale. Really tugged at emotions along with the disturbing scenes. This show has become a classic.
Brilliant! The acting reached a whole new level this season. I can't wait to see where they go from here.
Alright: here we go. Season 5 is going to be all about putting the genie back in the bottle, and making the series mirror Psycho a little more. But I am getting ahead of myself. Most of my buddies know how I feel about the program. Too rough, and too deviating from the source material. The character who was most interesting to me for this particular series has now been arrested, after getting a few minutes to shine. All the supporting cast has split. We now have Norman living in fantasy land.
I must say....this was a weird episode. It actually spooked me a little. When he glued Norma's eyes open....and she was just staring....it was jarring.
As odd as this is going to seem: I was afraid of Norman....and yet felt sorry for him at the same time... being so broken. His little puppy running about the house barking (when we all know that Juno is gone), and Mother lying dead on the sofa. This fear/sympathy hybrid is a feat that only Anthony Perkins had pulled off as Bates until the finale. Henry Thomas didn't do it in Psycho 4. Don't even talk to me about Vince Vaughn.
So--Highmore has done it. I hadnt felt this conflicted about an onscreen looney since Psycho 2. Kudos Kid..... you did good. From a jaded old Psycho purist: 5 star finale for season 4. Actually anxious to see Season 5....and not in rubber neck/train wreck lookey loo mode about the show.
Oooooh! Yeah! The eyes...what a brilliant move! I was so thankful the show continued past the funeral. It was perfect! And poor Dylan. It ended in a really good place.
For me, one of the saddest moments in this finale is when Norman first returned to the house and it was so empty without his mother. I know many of us have had that horrible feeling after we lose someone close.
Quote from: Anton Phibes on May 17, 2016, 02:53:04 PM
As odd as this is going to seem: I was afraid of Norman....and yet felt sorry for him at the same time... being so broken. His little puppy running about the house barking (when we all know that Juno is gone), and Mother lying dead on the sofa. This fear/sympathy hybrid is a feat that only Anthony Perkins had pulled off as Bates until the finale. Henry Thomas didn't do it in Psycho 4. Don't even talk to me about Vince Vaughn.
I completely agree. I was watching in horror and sadness. In my opinion, the entire scene with Norma on the couch and Norman wanting so much for her to return was one of the most brilliantly written and acted scenes I have ever seen on television. This was a level very few shows will ever achieve.
thm
I agree with everyone---outstanding episode. Even though we knew Norman would kill Norma at some point, part of me still couldn't believe it. And though Norman's a serial killer and deserved to get smacked around by Romero, I still kind of feel sad for him in a way. He never had a chance growing in a such a dysfunctional environment. I'm not excusing his anti-social behavior in any way, but I still feel sad for him and Norma.
Bates Motel went from being one of the sillest programs on TV to one of the best, if not the best. That finale had me in fear, in tears, disturbed, and touched all at the same time. Brilliant.
Won't be very long now. The final season begins on 2/20/17. Can't wait.
(http://az795576.vo.msecnd.net/bh-uploads/2017/01/16143805_1244681085609141_6396419856496029592_o-900x1200.jpg)
(http://az795576.vo.msecnd.net/bh-uploads/2017/01/16143558_1244681065609143_4535450123089508849_o-900x1200.jpg)
(http://az795576.vo.msecnd.net/bh-uploads/2017/01/16113290_1244681202275796_8639718313090197156_o-900x1200.jpg)
(http://az795576.vo.msecnd.net/bh-uploads/2017/01/16107447_1244681068942476_6021336995821712110_o-900x1200.jpg)
http://www.blumhouse.com/2017/01/20/bates-motel-unveils-4-creepy-posters-for-final-season/ (http://www.blumhouse.com/2017/01/20/bates-motel-unveils-4-creepy-posters-for-final-season/)
Man, those are creepy. >:D
Love the last one because it makes for the perfect final poster, a mirror image of the first season poster.
Season 5 is definitely the end.
(http://www.joblo.com/images_arrownews/batesbc2.jpg)
(http://www.joblo.com/images_arrownews/batesbc1.jpg)
(http://www.joblo.com/images_arrownews/batesbc3.jpg)
(http://www.joblo.com/images_arrownews/batesbc4.jpg)
The last thing I wanted to see was someone tearing down the Bates Motel and house. Thanks for being a killjoy, Anton. sfsrefs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLNHiU7j3sQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLNHiU7j3sQ)
Just pretend you're on Bizarro world and what you are witnessing is it being assembled Mr. Poopy Pants,lol. ;) ;) ;D Since it was constructed on the site of a landfill, it should be easy to imagine.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on February 07, 2017, 05:56:26 PM
The last thing I wanted to see was someone tearing down the Bates Motel and house. Thanks for being a killjoy, Anton. sfsrefs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLNHiU7j3sQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLNHiU7j3sQ)
The One in Hollywood is still with us, which sadly can't be said for the Florida one.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on February 09, 2017, 12:40:49 PM
The One in Hollywood is still with us, which sadly can't be said for the Florida one.
I SAW THE ONE IN FLORIDA. I walked right past the ropes and looked in the windows. Nothing in there of course....but I wanted to do it. So I did it,lol.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on February 09, 2017, 12:40:49 PM
The One in Hollywood is still with us, which sadly can't be said for the Florida one.
Oh, I know, HH. It's just sad to see any version of the house torn down.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on February 10, 2017, 07:26:13 PM
Oh, I know, HH. It's just sad to see any version of the house torn down.
I wish that the architectural elements could have been salvaged, and a actual house restyled with them, to create a livable version of the house.
Looking forward to Monday night's return. I wonder what all they will put into the final season.
Quote from: Lunkenstein on February 19, 2017, 11:29:39 PM
Looking forward to Monday night's return. I wonder what all they will put into the final season.
Marion Crane. Disappointed, as I feel they should have had her driving up to the motel be the final scene. Then it would be a true prequel.
I agree that would have been a good ending. It's been an alternate universe type series, so it could get pretty wild. I've enjoyed the homages it pays to the original concept while going in strange directions with other bizarre characters.
All I can say is she better not get away... ;D
Yep, lol.
Decent season opener. We really haven't lost Vera much at all, lol. And another digit for the body count to boot.
This episode didn't disappoint. I am glad the office finally looks like it should. I recall them showing the office in a previous season and thinking it looked nothing like it ought to. Can anyone verify this?
I never really noticed, but maybe it's looking more like the original office due to Norman not keeping things up as well since Norma's death. Only a guess.
Quote from: Lunkenstein on February 21, 2017, 08:22:16 PM
I never really noticed, but maybe it's looking more like the original office due to Norman not keeping things up as well since Norma's death. Only a guess.
I recall it being smaller or something. Now there are chairs and there seems to be more room. I wonder if they re-did the set just for the "We all go a little mad sometimes" scene. ;D
Quote from: aura of foreboding on February 21, 2017, 05:22:02 PM
This episode didn't disappoint. I am glad the office finally looks like it should. I recall them showing the office in a previous season and thinking it looked nothing like it ought to. Can anyone verify this?
It disappointed me in that it borrowed from the Gus Van Sant Vince Vaughn version more than it did Hitchcock's. If you don't know what I am referencing....think about it. Just plain stupid. :blank: :blank:
Personally, I take that as a set up for the joke that followed when he was on the phone with mother:
"Norman, what are you doing?"
"Nothing. I'm coming."
I saw it as making fun of the remake scene rather than recreating it. ;D
Quote from: Anton Phibes on February 22, 2017, 09:24:55 PM
It disappointed me in that it borrowed from the Gus Van Sant Vince Vaughn version more than it did Hitchcock's. If you don't know what I am referencing....think about it. Just plain stupid. :blank: :blank:
At least they didn't borrow the house design from that movie.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on February 24, 2017, 02:12:44 PM
At least they didn't borrow the house design from that movie.
I would never have been lured to watch the show (and its varying degrees of good episodes and utter drivel ones) if the house had been the poopsville remake version. I already hate the liberties they took with the actual motel and office,lol.
Just watched the premier. I thought it was very good. The previews for the upcoming season looked pretty awesome too.
Holy moley. We be gettin' dark, darker and batsh*t crazy. In other words, I love it! And some good, funny lines from Norma add to the enjoyment.
Oh Chick!!
Another solid episode this week. I am glad we finally get to meet some of the other Psycho characters... Sam Loomis anyone?
So about that scene... Highmore really has Norman down. He is phenomenal at channeling both Vera and Perkins. Really, really well done.
Love this season so far. I can't stand it sometimes it's so good, lol! Even the "Chic" character is growing on me. At first I was thinking "what are they doing w/this character?" And now it seems to make sense in a bizarre way. I also really like the tribute to original film during the scene with the sheriff looking over the guest book---Norman nervously eating the candies. Awesome.
Quote from: geezer butler on March 16, 2017, 12:21:40 AM
I also really like the tribute to original film during the scene with the sheriff looking over the guest book---Norman nervously eating the candies. Awesome.
What scene did you think I was talking about? hahah :D ;D
For me the show is a train wreck now more than ever. They have take so many liberties with the characters they are completely unrecognizable. Especially after Norman/Norma's gay bar tryst this episode. Kind of absurd. If he's Norma...he wouldn't go there in the first place. So it shows presence of mind....which he isn't supposed to have as Norma. Its poor. :'(. Poorly executed, and just plain bad.
It's become a parody of Psycho. :'( I really thought after the season 4 ender we were going to get something close to Hitchcock with the final season. Instead...its dreck. It's just....dreck. :-\ >:(
I didn't catch that it was a gay bar specifically. Just thought it was a regular modern hipster bar.
My thoughts:
This episode had a lot of nice shoutouts to Psycho. First, Rihanna talks about taking Janet's job. And her boss tells her no. That was hilarious! Plus the secretary sitting next to Rihanna reminded me a lot of Janet Leigh, not sure why.
Then we have the famous crosswalk scene re-enacted with Norman and his doctor. That was very well done.
This episode lacked Vera, and her absence was noticeable.
Other thoughts: Other than the character of Sam Loomis, his new predicament, and the hotel scene, I am finding most of the newly introduced Psycho remake scenes underwhelming. The fact that Rihanna stole a bunch of money is really underplayed, almost to the point of being comical. If someone just stole a bunch of money, there should be a lot more at risk. There is no sense of suspense or danger. It's all just playing out. All of the car scenes have been directed in an underwhelming way. Rihanna pulling up to the hotel was a big letdown. While the musical arrangements have improved from earlier in the series, we could definitely benefit from some Herrmann now that we are into the Psycho story. All that being said, I kind of think it works for this series for the same reason Rihanna actually kind of works.
I feel one reason Rihanna was picked for this role is because this is not a story about Marion Crane. This is a story about Norman Bates. The original Psycho was Marion's story. This is Norman's. Choosing someone like Rihanna (who is famous for something other than acting) to play this role helps build a separation between the original story and this version, and I actually think it's helpful. Sure, they could have picked another singer to play the part like Beyonce, Gaga, or Taylor Swift, all of whom probably would have been a lot better in the role (from a simple acting perspective), but Rihanna's presence and style make any comparison to Janet Leigh moot. So, it kind of works for the purposes of this show. Not what I would have done, but hey... to me... it's not a disaster on the level of season 2... yet. Then again, I just really like Psycho. I am not an ultimate fan like Anton, so I'm more forgiving... up to a point.
My girlfriend and I have been watching since season one. We watched this season's premiere and she said, "I'm out...this is getting goofy". I couldn't disagree, but continue to watch. It's a real shame, since Freddie Highmore has been doing such a great job. There's no love here for Rihanna or the actor who plays Sam Loomis. Both are completely unsympathetic and disposable. In the original movie, you kind of rooted for them to get away with it. I'm not going to care one bit when Marion is offed (but, I will continue to watch).
Quote from: Mord on March 24, 2017, 11:28:39 AM
My girlfriend and I have been watching since season one. We watched this season's premiere and she said, "I'm out...this is getting goofy". I couldn't disagree, but continue to watch. It's a real shame, since Freddie Highmore has been doing such a great job. There's no love here for Rihanna or the actor who plays Sam Loomis. Both are completely unsympathetic and disposable. In the original movie, you kind of rooted for them to get away with it. I'm not going to care one bit when Marion is offed (but, I will continue to watch).
I almost wish Romero would go back to town and cap Norman, burn the motel to the ground, Norman kill Loomis's wife instead, and Rhianna break up with Sam leaving him with nothing and her all the wiser. Meanwhile Dylan's wife snaps and kills Dylan in the shower and moves back to the house, digs up her dead mother's body and taxidermies it, and rebuilds the motel. Thus she becomes the new Psychette. Plus she has a baby girl to pass her insanity on to. I mean, why not....its so far removed from even slightly resembling Psycho its laughable. It's kind of like remaking Texas Chainsaw Massacre with Grover as Leatherface and Bert and Ernie as Cook and Hitchhiker. Throw in Oscar the grouch as grandpa for the win. Romero is the only character in the show I want to succeed....and he's a drug dealing murderer himself. So, yeah....bad show. One good episode at the end of season 4 does not a good series make. It's dreck. Just....dreck. >:( >:( >:(
Quote from: Anton Phibes on March 24, 2017, 12:34:29 PM
I almost wish Romero would go back to town and cap Norman, burn the motel to the ground, Norman kill Loomis's wife instead, and Rhianna break up with Sam leaving him with nothing and her all the wiser. Meanwhile Dylan's wife snaps and kills Dylan in the shower and moves back to the house, digs up her dead mother's body and taxidermies it, and rebuilds the motel. Thus she becomes the new Psychette. Plus she has a baby girl to pass her insanity on to. I mean, why not....its so far removed from even slightly resembling Psycho its laughable. It's kind of like remaking Texas Chainsaw Massacre with Grover as Leatherface and Bert and Ernie as Cook and Hitchhiker. Throw in Oscar the grouch as grandpa for the win. Romero is the only character in the show I want to succeed....and he's a drug dealing murderer himself. So, yeah....bad show. One good episode at the end of season 4 does not a good series make. It's dreck. Just....dreck. >:( >:( >:(
I hope there aren't any TV execs reading this. They might actually use your ideas. Hey, they could do a lot worse ( and have).
Quote from: Mord on March 24, 2017, 11:28:39 AM
My girlfriend and I have been watching since season one. We watched this season's premiere and she said, "I'm out...this is getting goofy". I couldn't disagree, but continue to watch. It's a real shame, since Freddie Highmore has been doing such a great job. There's no love here for Rihanna or the actor who plays Sam Loomis. Both are completely unsympathetic and disposable. In the original movie, you kind of rooted for them to get away with it. I'm not going to care one bit when Marion is offed (but, I will continue to watch).
It's just now getting goofy? Haha Where was she in Season 1? ;D
I really found the original Sam Loomis to be utterly annoying. This one at least has an interesting story. Not a good guy, but that's what makes him more interesting to me. Like I said, not a Rihanna fan, but I find her less troubling because this is Norman's story.
Nothing will ever beat or even compare to the original Psycho, but Freddie is fantastic in the role, and he's the reason I watch. Plus, Norma's freakouts...
But, seriously, did no one else laught at the Janet Leigh joke? I mean... That was a total admission on the part of the writers that no one could ever do justice to that role but Janet. Gotta have a sense of humor if you're remaking something, and I think this team does. They don't always get it right, but give 'em props for admitting it.
Haha! Sam! I liked that. I do have to say this season is totally nuts, but I'm seeing it through. I just enjoy Freddie and Vera so much. One thing though, I hope we pick back up on Romero soon. I'm anxious to see what happens with him - I'm guessing he won't have a good end, but who knows anymore. I always found him interesting.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on March 25, 2017, 06:26:49 AM
But, seriously, did no one else laught at the Janet Leigh joke?
Yep, that was a fun touch.
This show, and the joke, have this effect on me pretty much. :-X :-X
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8Yq3e5aE0E/S09iPdBbMeI/AAAAAAAAAFk/e8jj1HhQ1NI/s1600/salt%2Bin%2Bwounds.jpg)
I love the show. I think it is some of the best television out there. Of course it is not up to the caliber of the original PSYCHO. However, what Psycho related show or movie could stand up to the original. No other PSYCHO piece will ever live up to it primarily because of the big twist of the original. I liked how they slipped some of the original dialogue in last night's episode.
thm
Last night's episode was pretty good. Is Norman going to off Sam Loomis instead of Marion ? Maybe, it'll be a two for one special.
Wow. That was a phenomenal ending. So much Psycho in the last ten seconds, yet so totally fresh.
Quote from: Mord on March 28, 2017, 12:28:07 PM
Last night's episode was pretty good. Is Norman going to off Sam Loomis instead of Marion ?
Did you watch the whole episode?
Quote from: aura of foreboding on March 28, 2017, 09:42:53 PM
Did you watch the whole episode?
I thought I did. I watch it when it airs, then re-watch it on demand to get the details. Did I miss somerhing?
Quote from: Mord on March 28, 2017, 10:30:09 PM
I thought I did. I watch it when it airs, then re-watch it on demand to get the details. Did I miss somerhing?
What was the last line you heard?
My God---I think like a tv exec now apparently. Let's see how much else of my looney rant comes true. This show is like getting a filling in a tooth. You have to do it because its part of you....but it hurts like crap and you dread every minute of it. :angel: :angel:
Show is retarded. :-\
Quote from: Anton Phibes on March 28, 2017, 10:32:25 PM
My God---I think like a tv exec now apparently. Let's see how much else of my looney rant comes true. This show is like getting a filling in a tooth. You have to do it because its part of you....but it hurts like crap and you dread every minute of it. :angel: :angel:
Show is retarded. :-\
"Mentally challenged" would be the proper nomenclature.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on March 28, 2017, 10:31:08 PM
What was the last line you heard?
Wait, the episode was 65 minutes long. I think I missed the very last segment. Time to rewatch.
Quote from: Mord on March 28, 2017, 11:29:44 PM
Wait, the episode was 65 minutes long. I think I missed the very last segment. Time to rewatch.
Oh... you had better rewatch!!!!!!!!! hahahahaaha
Quote from: aura of foreboding on March 28, 2017, 11:56:20 PM
Oh... you had better rewatch!!!!!!!!! hahahahaaha
OMG!!! I turned it off when Marion drove away, originally. THAT was badass!
Quote from: Mord on March 29, 2017, 02:11:18 PM
OMG!!! I turned it off when Marion drove away, originally. THAT was badass!
A few seconds can change everything. u6juu
Pretty sure that final minute was my second favorite in the entire series. It was really well done, much like Norma's death.
I am glad they didn't try to re-make any of the most famous scenes. There are nods and references, but the scenes in Bates Motel are totally different. I think that makes this series all the more authentic.
My favorite scene in the original is Norman and Marion's conversation in the office of the hotel. It is an exceptional piece of cinema and, by far, the greatest scene in Psycho. That dialog! They did a nice job incorporating some elements, but ensuring they did not remake it.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on March 29, 2017, 06:26:41 PM
A few seconds can change everything. u6juu
Pretty sure that final minute was my second favorite in the entire series. It was really well done, much like Norma's death.
I am glad they didn't try to re-make any of the most famous scenes. There are nods and references, but the scenes in Bates Motel are totally different. I think that makes this series all the more authentic.
My favorite scene in the original is Norman and Marion's conversation in the office of the hotel. It is an exceptional piece of cinema and, by far, the greatest scene in Psycho. That dialog! They did a nice job incorporating some elements, but ensuring they did not remake it.
Agreed. I also like the Bernard Hermanesque score that accompanied this episode.
My favorite line....."If I had a quarter, I'd make a wish" (Norman after dumping a body in a well)
Quote from: aura of foreboding on March 29, 2017, 06:26:41 PM
My favorite scene in the original is Norman and Marion's conversation in the office of the hotel. It is an exceptional piece of cinema and, by far, the greatest scene in Psycho. That dialog! They did a nice job incorporating some elements, but ensuring they did not remake it.
My favourite scene from the original is when Arboghast interrogates Norman, and my favourite part of the book is the first conversation between Norman and his mom, when she ridicules his choice of reading and scoffs at his interest in psychiatry, that would have been great had it been in the film.
I'm looking forward to the final season, but we have to wait another week for it over here. I've enjoyed the series, mainly due to Highmore and the guy who plays Romero, although I think it took way too long for Norman to go full Psycho. All that cannabis farm palava was tedious too imo.
Quote from: long live kong on April 04, 2017, 04:29:37 PM
All that cannabis farm palava was tedious too imo.
I know. That storyline took so long it became legal. haha
Last night's episode was pretty good. Lots of interesting twists and turns in these final episodes. Still don't know where they are going with Romero.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 04, 2017, 08:37:33 PM
I know. That storyline took so long it became legal. haha
Last night's episode was pretty good. Lots of interesting twists and turns in these final episodes. Still don't know where they are going with Romero.
The woman who's caring for him seems slightly off. Notice he couldn't find his gun. She said that he must have lost it (I think not). It may turn into a whole "Misery" scenario (or she might be after whatever reward is being offered for Romero).
Quote from: Mord on April 05, 2017, 11:53:56 AM
The woman who's caring for him seems slightly off. Notice he couldn't find his gun. She said that he must have lost it (I think not). It may turn into a whole "Misery" scenario (or she might be after whatever reward is being offered for Romero).
Misery with 3 episodes left! That is exactly what this show would do! hahaha
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 05, 2017, 08:11:15 PM
Misery with 3 episodes left! That is exactly what this show would do! hahaha
We'll, it would beat that badly dated pot subplot. This show has been quite a ride. I wouldn't put anything past them. Maybe Norman and Romero will wind up in the same prison. Then the series turns into "Orange is the New Black" or "Prison Break" for the final two episodes.
This week's episode was really boring. The only part I really liked was Norma taking over... but then it didn't work... Maybe that's because it's not the real Norma??? The real Norma got out of everything. Now Norman is facing more charges. Not sure how they're going to end this. Hopefully not with Norman going to jail/institution. That'd be a real cop out at this point.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 11, 2017, 10:55:35 PM
Not sure how they're going to end this. Hopefully not with Norman going to jail/institution. That'd be a real cop out at this point.
This would be the breaking point for you? :o :o After all the other aardvark feces we've endured with this show? You must have the patience of Job,lol. >:D
The last two episodes seem to be going the "Law and Order" route. Maybe they can have a cgi Raymond Burr as Perry Mason. Would that even be far-fetched for this series?
Quote from: Mord on April 12, 2017, 11:00:41 AM
The last two episodes seem to be going the "Law and Order" route. Maybe they can have a cgi Raymond Burr as Perry Mason. Would that even be far-fetched for this series?
That might get it back in my good graces. ;D At least something would be classic besides the house design,lol. Raymond only lost one case, beat back Godzilla...twice, and didn't let a bullet in his spine stop him from continuing his detective work. CGI him in as DA Arbogast.
It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Romero is blamed for everything and they say he threatened Norman into confessing to exact his "revenge". But who knows. my kids keep asking me why I watch a show I despise. My only response is I guess I'm Psycho,lol.
My girlfriend asks the same thing. "You wake up angry after watching every episode. PLEASE stop watching"( but, I continue to torture myself...does that make me a masochist?)
Quote from: Mord on April 12, 2017, 11:19:58 AM
My girlfriend asks the same thing. "You wake up angry after watching every episode. PLEASE stop watching"( but, I continue to torture myself...does that make me a masochist?)
No. It just makes you curious as to how badly they will tap dance all over Hitchcock's masterpiece,lol. I hated the Gus Van Sant thing remake thing....but I didn't get up and leave the theatre. I hate this, but I will finish it. Same concept. When its over, I can guarantee you there will be no repeat viewings,lol.
So you won't buy the bluray set , even if it's packaged in a replica Psycho house?
Quote from: Mord on April 12, 2017, 11:31:13 AM
So you won't buy the bluray set , even if it's packaged in a replica Psycho house?
No. I will find a way to get the house (if its made) without the blus. Chinese ebay stores do stuff like this all the time,lol. This sounds like you know something though. Do you know something???? ???
No, just an idea. My brother found a European bluray Harry Potter set packaged in a beautiful, elaborate castle. The same could be done for Norman (preferably, the original movies). Fingers crossed.
Quote from: Mord on April 12, 2017, 02:16:49 PM
The same could be done for Norman (preferably, the original movies). Fingers crossed.
That would be ace! I finally got round to watching the first episode last night (I've been looking forward to it now that Norman's mom is finally stuffed and he's gone full blown psycho). It amazes me how gorgeous women are continually drawn to the creepy little scamp! I think I may have missed some episodes last season as I can't remember him making his little spy hole. I also found it odd as so far he has been a decent enough chap with high morals (discounting the odd blackout/homicide) so it didn't ring true to see him peeping through the hole and getting all - ahem - flustered.
Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 11, 2017, 11:21:53 PM
This would be the breaking point for you? :o :o After all the other aardvark feces we've endured with this show? You must have the patience of Job,lol. >:D
Honestly, I thought the first six episodes were the worst thing I had ever seen on television because they raced through two season's worth of stories in less than six hours. However, those crazy, off-the-wall episodes set the tone. I have to come to expect nothing less than totally bonkers chaos. If the end of the show is like Psycho, I will lose it. If they wanted to end if like Psycho, they should have treated it like Psycho all along. I'm not mad they deviated from the source material, but I will be if they do the whole pick and choose thing. You can't have it both ways. u6juu
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 12, 2017, 06:16:33 PM
Honestly, I thought the first six episodes were the worst thing I had ever seen on television because they raced through two season's worth of stories in less than six hours. However, those crazy, off-the-wall episodes set the tone. I have to come to expect nothing less than totally bonkers chaos. If the end of the show is like Psycho, I will lose it. If they wanted to end if like Psycho, they should have treated it like Psycho all along. I'm not mad they deviated from the source material, but I will be if they do the whole pick and choose thing. You can't have it both ways. u6juu
LOL....This show could just easily have been called Captain Coo-Coos Crazy Farm. Because any similarities between this show and Hitchcock's masterpiece is purely satirical or coincidental in its nature,lol. Bat. Poo. Crazy. >:D
Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 12, 2017, 08:22:33 PM
This show could just easily have been called Captain Coo-Coos Crazy Farm.
The big difference is if it had been called that, NONE of us would be watching it. Because it was so terrible until Season 4. ;D
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 12, 2017, 10:08:42 PM
Because it was so terrible until one episode of Season 4, and the series makes me want to poke out my eyes. ;D
I fixed your statement for you,lol. :P
Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 12, 2017, 10:10:38 PM
I fixed your statement for you,lol. :P
Now... now... I'm sure there were other episodes in Season 4... that I can't recall right now... that were actually decent. ;D
Oars-For-Boating watched the show
Till mind and body could take no mo'
He became a rotten wreck
From watching too much BatesMo dreck
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbvA44_Qpxs/UIi3ttP6oFI/AAAAAAAAHqk/DEgeW8cxcbg/s1600/Tombs-of-the-Blind-Dead-Knights-Templar-1.png)
:laugh:
Quote from: Mord on April 12, 2017, 11:31:13 AM
So you won't buy the bluray set , even if it's packaged in a replica Psycho house?
If they actually did that; I might buy the set, and up til now, have avoided watching the series.
Quote from: horrorhunter on April 13, 2017, 12:14:36 AM
Oars-For-Boating watched the show
Till mind and body could take no mo'
He became a rotten wreck
From watching too much BatesMo dreck
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbvA44_Qpxs/UIi3ttP6oFI/AAAAAAAAHqk/DEgeW8cxcbg/s1600/Tombs-of-the-Blind-Dead-Knights-Templar-1.png)
Wow! I had no idea a show could do such wonders for my skin! ;D
:laugh:
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 13, 2017, 05:38:54 PM
Wow! I had no idea a show could do such wonders for my skin! ;D
:laugh:
All in good fun, AOF! I love zany humor, and I appreciate you being a good sport. :)
Quote from: horrorhunter on April 13, 2017, 07:22:18 PM
All in good fun, AOF! I love zany humor, and I appreciate you being a good sport. :)
Well, as you can see from my latest headshot, I don't have much choice. A sense of humor is my only saving grace. ;) ;)
I gotta defend the show. I think it's great. I even like the drug underworld story-line and Chic character. I think the pace is perfect, the cast exceptional, and at this point, in terms of horror tv, I think Bates is a million times better than TWD. Never thought I'd say that, but TWD is slipping a bit IMO.
Quote from: geezer butler on April 15, 2017, 03:38:24 PM
I gotta defend the show. I think it's great. I even like the drug underworld story-line and Chic character.
Ugh. I was with you until you said that. ;D
Quote from: geezer butler on April 15, 2017, 03:38:24 PM
I gotta defend the show. I think it's great. I even like the drug underworld story-line and Chic character. I think the pace is perfect, the cast exceptional, and at this point, in terms of horror tv, I think Bates is a million times better than TWD. Never thought I'd say that, but TWD is slipping a bit IMO.
I've enjoyed it overall too, it's been incredibly daft in parts but it doesn't take itself too seriously which has been its saving grace (along with Highmore and the actress who plays Norma). I do think it has been way too slow, it should have covered Norma's death by the end of the first season imo.
I've never bothered watching the remake with Vince Vaughn so I haven't noticed any of the references to that compared with the original.
Do yourself a favor and AVOID the Vince Vaughan remake. That is a different, far more smelly version of the Bates saga. It's a useless, scene-by-scene remake with inferior performances. At least Bates Motel has some inspired performances. Btw, the lovely Vera Farmiga plays Norma. Check her out in the cool horror flick, The Orphan. I think you'll like it.
Quote from: Mord on April 16, 2017, 11:21:08 AM
Do yourself a favor and AVOID the Vince Vaughan remake. That is a different, far more smelly version of the Bates saga. It's a useless, scene-by-scene remake with inferior performances. At least Bates Motel has some inspired performances. Btw, the lovely Vera Farmiga plays Norma. Check her out in the cool horror flick, The Orphan. I think you'll like it.
I've seen the Orphan mord, and I did enjoy it! To me it had a bit of an 80s horror vibe to it that I really liked. Yeah I like her she's a good actress and gorgeous to boot! I avoided the remake because of the almost shot by shot copying you mentioned. I also thought Vaughn was completely wrong to play Bates, even though I don't mind him as an actor. I always thought Philip Seymor Hoffman would have made a good Norman Bates from the novel.
Yeah, Vince Vaughan came off as a frat boy doing a pledge stunt when he came out as "mother". The audience actually laughed at that point when I watched the film in the theatre. Not the intended response.
Haha I'll have to watch that on YouTube, it's funny as it's never occurred to me how ridiculous Vince Vaughn would look doing that scene!
I really want Romero to kill this "Norman". Maybe next week...... :angel:
Quote from: Anton Phibes on April 17, 2017, 10:56:35 PM
I really want Romero to kill this "Norman". Maybe next week...... :angel:
That's his last chance. I have a feeling Normie will survive. At least he killed one of the most useless characters, imo.
Quote from: Mord on April 18, 2017, 09:32:10 AM
That's his last chance. I have a feeling Normie will survive. At least he killed one of the most useless characters, imo.
Yes, indeed.
I couldn't pay attention to anything else because the writers messed up big time when they had Romero pump his own gas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is illegal in Oregon!! How can they not know that? Has this story not taken place there for the past five years?!?!?!?!
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 18, 2017, 09:19:59 PM
I couldn't pay attention to anything else because the writers messed up big time when they had Romero pump his own gas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is illegal in Oregon!! How can they not know that? Has this story not taken place there for the past five years?!?!?!?!
You didnt miss anything by not paying attention that next weeks's recap cant cure,lol. ;) ;)
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 18, 2017, 09:19:59 PM
I couldn't pay attention to anything else because the writers messed up big time when they had Romero pump his own gas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is illegal in Oregon!! How can they not know that? Has this story not taken place there for the past five years?!?!?!?!
Ouch!
Quote from: aura of foreboding on April 18, 2017, 09:19:59 PM
I couldn't pay attention to anything else because the writers messed up big time when they had Romero pump his own gas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is illegal in Oregon!! How can they not know that? Has this story not taken place there for the past five years?!?!?!?!
Romero is his own man. He don't need no stinkin' gas flunkie to pump his freakin' gas. He IS the law!
Quote from: Mord on April 19, 2017, 04:25:23 PM
He IS the law!
No, Mord....that's Judge Dredd. But he may as well guest star. Everything else is wonk-a doodle piggy doo with this mythos so why not?
;D ;D ;)
(http://www.djfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tumblr_m9ax9r14pS1rnhr86o1_1280.jpg)
Quote from: Mord on April 19, 2017, 04:25:23 PM
Romero is his own man. He don't need no stinkin' gas flunkie to pump his freakin' gas. He IS the law!
Okay... Even if I accept that, what about the other dude who was interested in his car? Chaos, I tell you! Complete chaos!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIpTgiEOfGc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIpTgiEOfGc)
I'm anxiously awaiting the cluster**** of a finale. Nothing is off the table.
Dreck til the last. Thank all the powers that be its over. :blank:
Quote from: Mord on April 23, 2017, 02:00:34 PM
I'm anxiously awaiting the cluster**** of a finale. Nothing is off the table.
;D
I watched the series finaly and thought it was amazing. I am actually sad that the show is over. I will really miss this show. I look back and how they developed Norman's character. How he started out as an innocent, some what confused kid with a confusing life, to him becoming completely detached from reality. The ending was acted brilliantly by Freddie Highmore. Even when he was completely detached from reality at the end, you could see there were seconds of remorse and awareness that would come and go. That could not have been easy to pull off. I think it is was one of the best shows to ever be on television.
thm
Quote from: the_horror_man on April 25, 2017, 11:38:04 AM
I watched the series finaly and thought it was amazing. I am actually sad that the show is over. I will really miss this show. I look back and how they developed Norman's character. How he started out as an innocent, some what confused kid with a confusing life, to him becoming completely detached from reality. The ending was acted brilliantly by Freddie Highmore. Even when he was completely detached from reality at the end, you could see there were seconds of remorse and awareness that would come and go. That could not have been easy to pull off. I think it is was one of the best shows to ever be on television.
thm
Definitely a unique show
Best series finale since "Lost"!
Quote from: Mord on April 25, 2017, 12:31:03 PM
Best series finally since "Lost"!
I wish I would have seen the LOST ending.
I really enjoyed this series and will miss it. It was fun looking forward to it each week. I'll probably buy the Blu Ray sets eventually.
Quote from: marsattacks666 on April 25, 2017, 08:47:58 PM
I wish I would have seen the LOST ending.
Sorry, sarcasm again.. The "Lost" finale is considered one of the worst ever.
Quote from: Mord on April 25, 2017, 10:57:03 PM
Sorry, sarcasm again.. The "Lost" finale is considered one of the worst ever.
I ACTUALLY GOT THAT ONE MORD! LOL!!!!
Quote from: the_horror_man on April 25, 2017, 11:38:04 AM
I watched the series finaly and thought it was amazing. I am actually sad that the show is over. I will really miss this show. I look back and how they developed Norman's character. How he started out as an innocent, some what confused kid with a confusing life, to him becoming completely detached from reality. The ending was acted brilliantly by Freddie Highmore. Even when he was completely detached from reality at the end, you could see there were seconds of remorse and awareness that would come and go. That could not have been easy to pull off. I think it is was one of the best shows to ever be on television.
thm
Totally agree THM! Can't say enough positive things about this show.
Quote from: Mord on April 25, 2017, 10:57:03 PM
Sorry, sarcasm again.. The "Lost" finale is considered one of the worst ever.
I actually did not get the sarcasm. I didn't even see the last two seasons. Wasn't our own UMA member, Daniel Roebuck
in the Lost series?
Quote from: marsattacks666 on April 26, 2017, 02:17:35 PM
I actually did not get the sarcasm. I didn't even see the last two seasons. Wasn't our own UMA member, Daniel Roebuck
in the Lost series?
He may have been. The series got pretentious for my tastes. It would have benefited having this done as a half hour episode of "The Twilight Zone". That would have worked better for me.
Quote from: Mord on April 26, 2017, 02:30:28 PM
He may have been. The series got pretentious for my tastes. It would have benefited having this done as a half hour episode of "The Twilight Zone". That would have worked better for me.
There were action figures that were a tie-in for the show. Now, that was over-the-top ridiculous.
Quote from: marsattacks666 on April 26, 2017, 03:20:15 PM
There were action figures that were a tie-in for the show. Now, that was over-the-top ridiculous.
Haha, quite a few from what I remember (even bad Mego-style figures).
Quote from: Mord on April 26, 2017, 03:25:41 PM
Haha, quite a few from what I remember (even bad Mego-style figures).
Yikes!!
I think tonight I will binge-watch the last two seasons of LOST and Bates Motel
Not the best ending in the world. Not the worst. Just bleh. Highmore's great. Not much else to say. Will miss the chaos every week.
I really enjoyed the finale. The writers gave the audience an action packed episode, along with closure.
marsattacks666: you should go back and give seasons 4 and 5 a shot. I think the last two seasons were the strongest.
Quote from: geezer butler on April 30, 2017, 05:02:03 PM
I really enjoyed the finale. The writers gave the audience an action packed episode, along with closure.
marsattacks666: you should go back and give seasons 4 and 5 a shot. I think the last two seasons were the strongest.
I will definitely do that, geezer. I really want to finish the series. ;D