Bates Motel aired its final episode in 2017, it marked the end of an intense and haunting five-season journey for fans and its lead actor, Freddie Highmore. The psychological thriller, a modern-day prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, explored the twisted relationship between Norman Bates and his mother, Norma, played brilliantly by Vera Farmiga. For Highmore, who brought a young Norman Bates to life with chilling precision, the series finale was more than just the closing chapter of a dark tale—it was, as he put it, “the fitting end to a love story.”
A Love Story at Its Core
While Bates Motel is best remembered for its macabre elements, complex characters, and deeply unsettling moments, Highmore insists that the heart of the show was always the bond between Norman and Norma. “It’s not just a horror story,” he shared in an interview following the finale. “It’s the story of a mother and son who love each other deeply, even to the point of destruction.”
Highmore explained that the finale, which culminates in Norman’s tragic death at the hands of his brother Dylan (Max Thieriot), brought the story full circle. “Norman and Norma’s relationship was always destined to end in tragedy,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also the only way their story could conclude. Their love was all-consuming, and in the end, it couldn’t exist in the real world.”
The Emotional Weight of Saying Goodbye
The final season of Bates Motel was a rollercoaster for both viewers and the cast. After four seasons of exploring Norman’s descent into madness, the series reached its emotional peak with Norma’s death in Season 4, followed by Norman’s complete mental unraveling in Season 5. For Highmore, portraying Norman’s grief and delusion in the wake of Norma’s death was one of the most challenging aspects of the series. “Norman’s world completely falls apart after losing Norma,” Highmore explained. “He’s desperately trying to hold on to her, even if it means creating this fantasy where she’s still alive. It’s heartbreaking to play someone who’s so lost and alone.”
The series finale, titled “The Cord,” was particularly emotional for Highmore. In the climactic scene, Norman reunites with Norma in his mind as he succumbs to his fatal injuries. “That final moment was incredibly powerful to film,” Highmore recalled. “It was a chance for Norman and Norma to be together again, even if it was only in his imagination. It felt like the right way to end their story.”
Collaborating with Vera Farmiga
Central to the success of Bates Motel was the undeniable chemistry between Highmore and Vera Farmiga. As Norma Bates, Farmiga delivered a performance that was equal parts tender, manipulative, and fiercely protective. Highmore credits Farmiga with helping him fully understand and embody Norman’s character. “Vera was incredible to work with,” Highmore said. “She brought so much depth and humanity to Norma, which made their relationship feel real and relatable, even in the most twisted moments. I learned so much from her as an actor.” Highmore also praised Farmiga’s ability to bring warmth and humor to a show that could often be dark and heavy. “There were moments of lightness and joy in Norman and Norma’s relationship, and Vera made those moments shine,” he said.
Reflecting on Norman’s Journey
For Highmore, playing Norman Bates was a once-in-a-lifetime role. Over five seasons, he transformed Norman from a shy and awkward teenager into a deeply disturbed young man grappling with his fractured psyche. It was a journey that required immense emotional range and vulnerability, and Highmore embraced every challenge. “Norman is such a fascinating character because he’s not just a villain,” Highmore explained. “There’s a part of him that’s sweet and innocent, and he genuinely loves Norma and wants to make her proud. But then there’s this darker side that he can’t control, and that’s what makes him so tragic.”
Highmore also reflected on the complexities of playing a character with dissociative identity disorder. “It was important to me to approach Norman’s mental illness with sensitivity and respect,” he said. “I wanted to show the humanity in him, even when he was at his darkest.”
The Legacy of Bates Motel
Since its premiere in 2013, Bates Motel has earned a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and standout performances. The series finale was no exception, with many praising its emotional impact and satisfying conclusion. Looking back on the show’s legacy, Highmore expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a unique project. “Bates Motel was unlike anything I’ve ever done before,” he said. “It was dark and challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I’m so proud of what we created.” Highmore also acknowledged the impact the show has had on his career. “Playing Norman Bates opened so many doors for me as an actor,” he said. “It gave me the chance to explore a character in depth over several years, which is a rare and special experience.”
Moving Forward
While saying goodbye to Norman Bates was bittersweet, Highmore was eager to take on new challenges. Just three days after filming wrapped on Bates Motel, he began his role as Dr. Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor, a transition that showcased his versatility as an actor. “Norman and Shaun couldn’t be more different, and that contrast was exciting for me,” Highmore said. “It was a chance to explore a completely new world and a new character.”
A Fitting End
For Highmore, the ending of Bates Motel was as much about closure as it was about honoring the story’s themes. “At its core, Bates Motel was a love story between a mother and son,” he said. “It was messy and complicated, but it was also deeply human. I think we gave Norman and Norma the ending they deserved.”
