Bates Motel: Season Five [Blu-ray]

Norman's skills at taxidermy have led to mother Norma preserved in the basement. Although dead two years, she remains very much alive in his mind. Increasingly unhinged, he forever conjures her up beside him - she still the control freak, determined to dominate every aspect of his life. How much longer can he keep up the pretence to others that all is normal, especially now stepfather ex-Sheriff Romaro is after his blood...?Inevitably this final season contains much tension, horror and black humour. Highlight is another tour de force from Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga, especially whenever one morphs into the other at times of stress. The series has moved towards the events of Hitchcock's iconic film, but diverts in interesting directions.For much of the way I was hooked. Sadly, though, as Norman finally disintegrates, the show does too. It simply does not seem to know how best to end, final sequences a mishmash and, in places, decidedly silly. Some will long for ruthless editing and greater focus!Ten episodes. Bonus features include interesting accounts of how the show tries to remain true to the spirit of the film - this despite set over sixty years later (a feat achieved successfully). Cast members give reactions to the parts played, all clearly having enjoyed five years of fraught gory challenges.For many it may jolt to learn the creators regard "Bates Motel" as a love story. Really? This it may have been so in earliest sequences. For the most part, it is surely the chilling tale of a obsessed manipulative mother causing her son to spiral into madness.Much then to applaud - but, perhaps, not quite as much as hoped.

Bates Motel, though it was never going to rival its original counterpart (Psycho is one of my all-time favourite films), is a pretty fun modern prequel to the film. It has its issues without question, but it's an enjoyable watch overall. Series 5 brings things full circle providing resolution to the characters from the show while also catching up to the events of the film. The show catching up to Psycho is probably the big selling point for Series 5 - I know I was really looking forward to seeing what the show would do when it introduced Marion, and while I don't want to spoil what happens - it was unexpected and I really admired it.Series 5 is probably one of the show's stronger outings with a fresh and an interesting new dynamic between Norma and Norman and getting into some even more dark and messed-up scenarios. Fans of the show up until now will likely be pleased with how well everything is wrapped up and I found it to be a fitting farewell.

When I started watching this series, I thought that it had been created to be a prequel to the "Psycho" film. However, I quickly learnt that I was wrong - the fact that it is set in modern times, for one thing, instantly tells you from season 1 that you are not getting what you possibly thought you would. So, by the time that season 5 comes around, I wondered where it would go, and how they would decide to end it. In a way, the ending is inevitable, given that they made the decision to have some nods towards the original, but to essentially make a different tale. You witness Norman literally going full circle, and as his world shrinks more and more from reality, you see him going back to the start, in is head. Despite what he had done, there was something quite sad and poignant about this. I am glad that certain characters got their "happy ending" in a way, but don't expect too much happiness from this one.

The Final season starts to being in elements from the original Hitchcock film from the 1960's albeit they mix them up a bit to try and keep original. I enjoyed it but I did feel it had gone on a season too many and there were definately plot threads throughout the 5 seasons that were pointless or random and some never really finished but the main story was completed but again different to how Psycho ended. A show that was worth watching but apart from the two lead actors I'm not sure if its a show that will stay too long in the memory.

I had to buy the box set could wait around another week. Brilliant story acting poor Norman so confused but crafty as a rattle snake. Had to watch beginning to end in a week or so. So captivating. Added to my library.

Most final seasons of t.v. shows are either tired and lacklustre or the story ends up in the air with no real conclusion leaving the viewer dissatisfied.Here they have left the best season for last,seasons 1-4 have led us to this point.The story pays homage to Hitchcocks original without losing it's own integrity and brings Norma & Norman's story to a satisfying conclusion.

Amazing box set, had us hooked for hours. Brilliant acting and story.

Well it had to come to an end. Those that miss Norma won't be disappointed as she keeps her starring role. Comes to a dramatic finale through a sometimes tortured route.