A&E’s Bates Motel is arguably one of the most fascinating, yet disturbing shows shows on television right now and FanBolt had the opportunity to chat with stars Freddie Highmore (Norman Bates) and Executive Producer Carlton Cuse about what to expect in next week’s season finale, how much Hitchcock influences their work on the show, and what’s in store for Norman/Norma as he continues to grow from a boy to a man.

Freddie Highmore is a refreshingly a typical young adult actor. He’s currently studying hard to graduate from university this year ( “hopefully”, he humbly added). He is extremely polite and well-spoken, and if you ask him what his favorite TV show or social network is, he won’t have one to name, as he’s more of a bookworm who stays away from those networks most of us can’t live without. He’s got the charm and intellect of Norman, with none of the crazy.

Both Highmore and Cuse are fans of the famous Hitchcock version starring Anthony Perkins, but also noted that since this is a more contemporary prequel, Freddie “never saw the show arriving at Anthony Perkins’ performance end,” which keeps it fresh and exciting for those of us who are fans of both the old and new takes on this classic. Interestingly enough, 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.

Highmore is certainly no newbie to the acting world, having co-starred in movies with the likes of Kate Winslet, Johnny Depp and Dustin Hoffman. He sees his turn as Norman Bates, not as a role to prove that he’s not a child anymore, but more as the natural progression of his career from child actor to young adult actor.

The topic of Norman and Norma’s uncomfortable relationship came up a few times (of course), and to those of you who are wondering (like most of us probably were) according to Carlton Cuse, “the sexual tension between Norma and Norman is intentional” but he doesn’t “feel comfortable crossing certain lines” (and cue the collective sigh of relief…no incest people…at least, not in the foreseeable future). 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

The Bates Motel finale will not only explore and possibly answer the season-long mystery of “Who Killed Miss Watson?” but will also delve into the familial issues between Norma, Norman and Dylan. When asked about what the rest of the season has in store for the estranged brother of the Bates clan, Cuse stated that in the finale we will “certainly see to what extent Dylan is needed, and if he’ll help his family in their time of need”, which is an interesting answer, considering he’s been pulling away from Norman and Norma throughout the 2nd season.

There was also some teasing of Norman slipping into another full-Norma moment, like what we saw with Norma’s brother/Dylan’s father.

If the theme of season 2 was ” Who Am I?”, as Cuse suggested, then we should have some immensely intriguing answers to that question for each of our characters, by the end of the finale. I, for one, can’t wait to tune in.

Be sure to tune into the Bates Motel season 2 finale next Monday May 5th at 10pm ET on A&E.

Photo Credit: A&E

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