MASTER BATES

I'm of two minds on the Psycho spin-off, Bates Motel, which should come as no surprise to anyone.

The show's creators (Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin, and Anthony Cipriano) are taking real liberties with Robert Bloch's original characters, hatching a contemporary plot with a teenage Norman (Freddie Highmore) and his overprotective mother, Norma (Vera Farmiga).  They've moved the action to White Pine Bay, Oregon, and introduced Dylan, a Bates half-brother, a bunch of Norman's classmates (including one short-timer with cystic fibrosis), and a town full of pot farmers.  I understand all of it, but I just don't get it. I'm not exactly sure why we need a show like Bates Motel. I certainly didn't need any Psycho movie sequels. Hitchcock's original was plenty for me, even though author Robert Bloch chose to revisit Norman from time to time.  

I quit recording Bates Motel, but happened to watch the fourth episode.  It wasn't terrible but I just don't see the point.  I'm officially checking out of Bates Motel.  It'll be fine without me.

As it happens, I picked up a copy of the Psycho novel the other day.  I've never read it, but I think I'll give that a whirl instead.  

I have plenty of time on my hands.