Carlton Cuse, Freddie Highmore talk ‘Bates Motel’ season 2, finale and Alfred Hitchcock

Freddie Highmore (Norman Bates) and Executive Producer Carlton Cuse sat down with FanBolt about the hit show Bates Motel, the second season and how Norman’s character continues to evolve.

Cuse says Freddie “never saw the show arriving at Anthony Perkins’ performance end,” which keeps it fresh for fans as the show is exciting, suspenseful without being hindered by the legacy of the Hitchcock classic.

Highmore has certainly proved he’s no longer the child actor starring alongside Kate Winslet, Johnny Depp or Dustin Hoffman, but a skilled performer dealing with adult themes.

Bates Motel is full of “the sexual tension between Norma (Vera Farmiga) and Norman is intentional” but Norman doesn’t “feel comfortable crossing certain lines” says Cuse, a balance Highmore is mastering.

Norman will continue to grow more militant and pull away from Norma, but according to Cuse, their relationship is “the heart of the show and will never change…the nature of the relationship will evolve over time.” Cuse teased that the finale will “certainly see to what extent Dylan is needed, and if he’ll help his family in their time of need”

Cuse also noted that he respects and admires  Hitchcock’s, stating that  “ability to find suspense in very human moments and connect them to characters”, citing Vertigo and Rear Window. 

The show has certainly impressed and A&E has already promised a third season.

More on the season 3 press release HERE

Bates Motel airs Mondays at 10/9c on A&E.