Vera Farmiga stars in “Bates Motel” as Norma Bates, mother to 17-year-old  Norman Bates who is portrayed by Freddie Highmore. The show is intended to be a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1960’s film “Psycho”.

Season one follows Norma and her son as they purchase a motel out of town at an attempt to start a new life,  shortly after Norman’s father was killed in an unfortunate accident. The previous owner becomes vengeful after the motel was taken from him by the bank.

The complete first season centers around the distressing events that occur after the former owners breaks in and assaults Norma when no one else is home. The family’s twisted history becomes more prominent as the story continues.

“Bates Motel” is an unusual family drama full of suspense, and is great for anyone who enjoys mysteries. You can find this show on Netflix. The first episode of the season starts off focusing around the teenage years of Norman Bates. Things begin to fall apart from the life Norma is trying to create when her oldest son from her first marriage, Dylan, arrives in town and shows up at the motel.

 The first season is the best one yet. It is by far the most entertaining and well executed parts of the series. The pilot episode automatically pulls you in. The second season, consisting of ten episodes, aired on March 3, 2014.

The season received mostly positive views from televison critics. It starts off four months later revealing shocking details about Norman’s english teacher, Miss Watson, who was mysteriously murdered in the first season. The characters start to encounter more serious problems. Norman’s mother is struggles to keep business at the motel when a new bypass is opening just miles away.

 “Bates Motel” is a thrilling television series that I would recommend for anyone. Vera and Freddie give their best performance in this surprisingly good prequel to Hitchcock’s film.