Bates Motel

:

Season 3
  • Network: A&E
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 18, 2013
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
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Critic Reviews

  1. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Mar 9, 2015
    80
    There is, periodically, a kind of daringly reckless, Lucille Ball-like slapstick physicality that Farmiga brings to the role, and it contributes a welcome lightness to the show’s often grim proceedings. By contrast, Highmore’s exceedingly subtle, adroit work is slowly filling in the portrait of psycho-Norman at a perfect pace for a weekly television series.
  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Neil Genzlinger
    Mar 6, 2015
    80
    As it starts Season 3 on Monday night, it has evolved into a deftly acted story of small-town dysfunction, creepy when it needs to be yet far more wide ranging than the movie that inspired it.
  3. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Mar 6, 2015
    70
    Season 3 gets off to a busy, skin-crawling start.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Marc Snetiker
    Mar 6, 2015
    67
    The season arc isn't clear, but the love between mother and son is--undeniably, disturbingly so. [13 Mar 2015, p.64]
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  6. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Brennan
    Mar 9, 2015
    63
    If discovering the sinister particulars of how they'll get there [the film Psycho] is the driving force of Bates Motel, the surfeit of subplots might be seen as a series of speed bumps or potholes, slowing an otherwise ferociously entertaining two-hander at every turn.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 132 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 113 out of 132
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 132
  3. Negative: 14 out of 132
  1. brentwshelton1
    Mar 12, 2015
    10
    The characters in this show are amazing. Vera as Norma is unbelievable. We see how Norman is being warped and changed in front of her (soThe characters in this show are amazing. Vera as Norma is unbelievable. We see how Norman is being warped and changed in front of her (so does she) and yet both she and us are unable to stop the process. She is a totally sympathetic character as is Norman. This show has all the pluses - great acting, great story, great character development. I've been watching since Season 1 and can't wait for this season to continue.… Full Review »
  2. marco34la
    May 7, 2015
    10
    Season 3 is definitely the best season so far. It really starts to get creepy and fun. Season 1 was great, S2 sucked , but again this seasonSeason 3 is definitely the best season so far. It really starts to get creepy and fun. Season 1 was great, S2 sucked , but again this season has totally redeemed itself. Great acting, great cast and really good writing.
    It's a great drama with a lot of craziness and moments that are truly unnerving to watch. I can't believe there's only one episode left!! Wish the seasons were 12-15 episodes long.    … Full Review »
  3. WorldofLucky
    Jun 12, 2018
    8
    I have to say this is the biggest surprise of a tv show that I have had. Far better acted, written, and was far more interesting then I everI have to say this is the biggest surprise of a tv show that I have had. Far better acted, written, and was far more interesting then I ever would have given it credit.

    When I originally saw teasers and trailers for the show I assumed that it was going to be A&E's copy of a teenage CW show with teen angst and drama. I had absolutely no interest after catching the first episode because it dealt with Norman at a new high school. I was entirely wrong about the show.

    I had assumed it was only a teenager show mostly because the actor looks like, and it is a young Norman Bates, and they focused on his mom a lot in the beginning, but for some reason I assumed she wouldn't be a lasting character. I mean how do you make Norma Bates, AKA "MOTHER!" a regular character. Not only is she a regular (and she is there on screen until the last episode), she is on the same level as Norman and they are both great characters, acted by very good actors.

    There is of course a lot of drama, violence, death and insanity, but that is expected from a reboot prequel of the original movie "Psycho". It hit all the notes for me, including the surrounding characters, unexpected reveals and even though several key facts about Norman are changed it is definitely Norma Bates.

    The only thing I hesitate on, and this isn't a poor reflection it is still great, I would have handled the last 3 or 4 episodes differently. SPOILER ALERT: I would have not had the final 3 or four episodes end the way they did, wrapping up the storyline 100%, instead I would have changed a couple of things that would allow it to end, right about where the movie started. That however isn't a bad thing, just a style thing.

    Pros: Excellent acting, writing, and kept my interest over the five seasons, even if I cringed sometimes.

    Cons: I stylistically would have wrapped it up at a different point, but that is purely a dramatic choice.

    I am really glad I did start watching it, and I encourage others to give it a try.    … Full Review »
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