‘Bates Motel’ an intriguing prequel series to ‘Psycho’

FREDDIE Higmore and Vera Farmiga in “Bates Motel”

It’s not the “Psycho” you remember. “Bates Motel” is a disturbing prequel series expounding on horror/slasher icon Norman Bates, reimagining characters immortalized by the Alfred Hitchcock movie.

“Bates Motel” features a much younger Norman years before the grisly events depicted in Robert Bloch’s novel and Hitchcock’s 1960 film adaptation. Played by “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’s” Freddie Highmore, Norman here is a bright but strange teen whose emerging dark side is gradually explored.

Developed by writers Carlton Cuse (“Lost”), Kerry Ehrin (“Friday Night Lights”) and Anthony Cipriano (“The Journey of Allen Strange”), the series introduces figures influential to—or unwittingly instrumental in—Norman’s villainous transformation.

Versatile actress Vera Farmiga plays Norma, mother of the disturbed Norman. In the first episode, Norma and Norman Bates move to a seemingly idyllic town in Oregon after her husband’s sudden death. Norma is the new owner of a decades-old inn; she hopes the new venture will help them start over.

Renaming the inn Bates Motel, she and Norman are set on refurbishing its aging rooms and starting operations. But they soon discover that not all the town’s residents are welcoming, and that it has its share of horrifying and sordid secrets.

Former child actor Highmore is incredibly talented, able to provide menacing sides to the initially sweet and wholesome Norman. He pulls off portraying a shy and smothered young man, charmingly disarming one minute and chillingly devoid of humanity the next.

Farmiga is perfect as the hyperactive, overprotective Norma. She played beleaguered moms to terror tots in the thrillers “Joshua” and “Orphan.” But as Norma Bates, Farmiga coruscates with wildness and wit, the character’s overwhelming personality a crucial factor in shaping teen Norman’s future savagery.

The contemporary setting is still accessible to those with a previous familiarity with “Psycho,” but the present-day reset keeps it attractive to viewers who aren’t necessarily into the seminal book or classic movie. There’s also a visual balance; the presence of smartphones and other modern technology is offset by older architecture, car designs, and Norman’s retro-looking clothes.

Characters like Norman’s tough half-brother Dylan (Max Thieriot) and the intrepid classmate Emma (Olivia Cooke) keep things fresh, adding some unpredictable variables to the equation.

“Bates Motel” is off to a promising start, solid and dark enough to appeal to fans of “Dexter” and “Hannibal.” The young psychopath’s morbid evolution unsettles and intrigues, and the inescapable, episodic shattering of his fragile mind offers an oddly fascinating sojourn.

(“Bates Motel” airs Wednesdays, 10:50 p.m. on Universal.)

‘A Place in the Sun’

Crime reporter Annika Bengtzon goes to a holiday haven on Spain’s Sunshine Coast to cover the murder of a prominent Swedish family.  Join Annika as she discovers the connection of the case to the events of the past and the drug lord of the present tonight at 11 on CinemaWorld.

Superhumans

“STAN Lee’s Superhumans”

The thrilling journey into the farthest reaches of humankind continues on “Stan Lee’s Superhumans,” airing at 8 tonight on GMA News TV Channel 11.

Dean Karnazes is the real life Captain America—an ultramarathon runner. Professional wrestler John Ferraro, aka Gino Martino, claims to have an indestructible head.

Chris Robinson believes that his dreams are a window into the future. New Yorker Kenny Muhammad is said to be one of the planet’s greatest beat boxers.

Joey returns

“Showbiz Inside Report” host Joey Marquez will finally return to ABS-CBN’s trending show biz talk show tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. Joey will reunite with his cohosts Janice de Belen, Carmina Villarroel and Ogie Diaz to provide a “male perspective” on the hottest issues in show biz industry.

‘Jungle Gold’

‘Jungle Gold’ is a brand-new series that features former American high-rollers George Wright VI and Scott Lomu, who travel across the globe to seek their fortunes in the dangerous jungles of Ghana—Africa’s second largest gold-producing country. It airs every Monday at 9 p.m., beginning June 10 on Discovery Channel.