Freddie Highmore’s performance as Norman Bates in Bates Motel remains one of the most haunting and underrated portrayals in television history. Over five seasons, he brought to life the unraveling mind of a young man descending into madness with an intensity, subtlety, and vulnerability that mesmerized viewers and critics alike. While Vera Farmiga’s portrayal of Norma Bates rightfully received widespread praise, many fans and industry insiders agree: Highmore’s work was equally deserving of Emmy recognition—especially in the show’s later seasons when Norman’s psychosis fully took center stage.
If there was ever an episode that captured the full emotional weight of Bates Motel, it was the series finale. In “The Cord,” Norman fully loses his grip on reality. He is no longer battling his alternate persona—he is Mother. And in his delusion, he tries to recreate a perfect life with Norma, even though she’s been long dead.
This episode gives Freddie Highmore the kind of material Emmy voters look for: he shifts between childlike innocence and terrifying delusion within seconds. He dances with Norma’s corpse. He cooks her breakfast. He speaks to her, smiles, and believes with every fiber of his being that everything is fine. Then, in a gut-wrenching twist, he begs his brother Dylan to kill him so he can be reunited with his mother forever. The pain in Highmore’s voice, the haunting serenity in his final moments—it’s emotionally shattering. “The Cord” is not just the culmination of Norman’s story—it’s the culmination of Highmore’s performance. It showcases his ability to make viewers feel sympathy for someone who has committed unspeakable acts. It’s both chilling and deeply human.
Season 4, Episode 10: “Norman”
This season finale follows Norman shortly after his mother’s death. In this episode, Norman’s psyche fractures completely, and he exhumes Norma’s body, brings her home, and tries to continue life as if nothing happened. The heartbreaking grief, denial, and desperation on Highmore’s face is unforgettable. His performance here walks the fine line between insanity and sorrow—making it another stellar Emmy contender.
Season 5, Episode 1: “Dark Paradise”
This eerie season premiere shows Norman fully immersed in his fantasy world, running the motel and living with his mother’s corpse as if she were still alive. Highmore’s portrayal of Norman in full-blown denial is chilling, but also laced with moments of humor and fragility. His transitions between reality and delusion are seamless, offering Emmy voters a chance to witness the actor’s exceptional control over his character’s mental state.
Season 4, Episode 9: “Forever”
This is the episode where Norman kills Norma by carbon monoxide poisoning—believing it to be a way for them to “always be together.” Highmore’s performance is unhinged yet loving, disturbing yet soft. The moral conflict, fear, and longing he communicates with just his eyes are award-worthy. Watching him rock her body back and forth, begging her to wake up, is one of the show’s most emotionally harrowing moments.
Why Freddie Highmore Deserved Emmy Recognition
Despite being widely praised for his portrayal, Highmore never received an Emmy nomination for Bates Motel. It remains one of the most baffling snubs in modern TV awards history. The complexity of Norman Bates as written and performed in the series demanded everything from an actor—nuance, restraint, explosiveness, empathy, menace—and Highmore delivered it all.
He made audiences weep for a murderer. He made mental illness feel painfully real. He allowed Norman to be terrifying and tragic at the same time. It wasn’t just great acting—it was transformative.
Critics compared his performance to Anthony Perkins’ original portrayal in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, and in many ways, Highmore brought even more dimension and emotional resonance to the character. He didn’t rely on imitation—he made Norman his own.
While several episodes highlight Highmore’s astonishing performance, Season 5, Episode 10: “The Cord” stands out as the ultimate showcase. It captures the complete arc of Norman Bates: the dreamer, the killer, the son, the broken soul. Highmore brings all these pieces together in a final performance that is unforgettable, haunting, and heartbreakingly tender. Had he submitted this episode, there’s little doubt it would have made Emmy voters take notice. Perhaps even enough to secure the win.
In a sea of great TV performances, Freddie Highmore’s work on Bates Motel remains one of the finest. His portrayal of Norman Bates was a masterclass in subtlety, tragedy, and psychological complexity. While the Emmys may have overlooked him during the show’s run, fans and critics alike will always remember the sheer brilliance he brought to the role. And if there’s ever justice in the world of awards, perhaps a future nomination—or even a retroactive recognition—will one day honor the performance that should have won it all.
