Ep 1. First You Dream, Then You Die

"Bates Motel" is a prequel series to the classic Hitchcock movie "Psycho," set in present-day Oregon. The show explores the twisted relationship between a young Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his mother, Norma (Vera Farmiga), as they move to a small town and purchase a motel.

The first episode, "First You Dream, Then You Die," begins with a shocking tragedy. Norman and Norma's house is engulfed in flames, and Norma's husband (and Norman's father) dies in the blaze. In the aftermath, Norma hastily packs up their belongings and decides to start over in a new town, buying a dilapidated motel in the middle of nowhere.

Norman is a shy, awkward teenager who struggles to make friends and fit in at his new school. He's also dealing with the recent loss of his father and the stress of moving to a new place. Meanwhile, Norma is fiercely protective of her son and determined to make the motel a success. She clashes with the town's wealthy citizens, including the mayor, who tries to pressure her into selling the property.

As the episode progresses, we see glimpses of Norman's darker side. He has upsetting hallucinations and a disturbing fascination with taxidermy. When he befriends a girl named Bradley (Nicola Peltz), we witness his first crush and the intense feelings of jealousy and possessiveness that come with it.

The most compelling aspect of the show is the relationship between Norman and Norma. They share a close bond that feels suffocating at times. Norma is overprotective and manipulative, while Norman is both desperate for her approval and frightened by her volatility. It's clear that this dynamic is going to be the driving force of the series.

Overall, "First You Dream, Then You Die" is a strong start for "Bates Motel." The showrunners have done an impressive job of creating a contemporary setting that still feels true to the original source material. The performances from the two leads are top-notch, and the visuals are both eerie and beautiful. While the episode doesn't answer many questions about the larger mystery of the show, it sets up plenty of intriguing plot threads that will undoubtedly keep audiences hooked.