In the Bates Motel episode ‘Dreams Die First’, while Norman (Freddie Highmore) tries to figure out Mother’s (Vera Farmiga) movements, Sam’s (Austin Nichols) girlfriend Marion Crane (Rihanna) pulls up to the Bates Motel. Just like in the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho — it’s a rainy night, Marion has a suitcase of money, and Norman gives her Room #1, the closest to the office. Marion Crane is the character in Psycho who is brutally stabbed to death in the shower by Norman/Mother.
Whether or not Marion gets the same treatment in the TV series is kept a secret but Rihanna’s stellar performance is not. Executive producer Carlton Cuse says of Rihanna: “She did a great job and came up with a performance that was really special. I’m excited to have people see what a good actress she is.” And Highmore (Norman) says: “We got to do some wonderful scenes together. She threw everything into it.” Bates Motel airs Mondays at 10pm on A&E.
