What’s On: Marion Crane (Rihanna) Checks Into ‘Bates Motel’, But Will It Be A One-Way Reservation?

Bates Motel- Freddie Highmore, Rihanna
Cate Cameron/A&E Networks LLC -- © 2016 A&E Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Bates Motel (10/9c, A&E): Finally, the episode Psycho fans have been waiting for: The intersection of the 1960 Hitchcock classic and this clever contemporary prequel, which in its final season has dramatized the psychological deterioration of Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) after the death of mother Norma (Vera Farmiga), whose spirit just won’t the poor boy go. Mother and son are one, and it’s not a healthy combo—and Norman is in a particularly vulnerable state when Marion Crane (Rihanna assuming the role Janet Leigh played in the original film) checks in. “Wow, this is retro,” she says when he brings her into his office for a sandwich. She has no idea. And while a shower does play a significant part in what comes next, no spoilers on how this stormy night plays out. In other Bates news, Norman’s brother Dylan (Max Theriot) learns his mother has been dead for two years and decides to confront Norman—which only adds to the emotional trauma. Not an episode to be missed.

Best of Saul Goodman Marathon (AMC, starts at 9 am/8c, AMC): The third-season premiere of Better Call Saul, the acclaimed Breaking Bad sequel, is two weeks away. To prep fans, and to remind everyone just who Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) is going to become, for better and for worse, AMC airs a daylong marathon (through 3:30 am/2:30c) of Saul’s greatest moments—which means his lowest—during the run of Breaking Bad.

Rock and a Hard Place (10/9c, HBO): Dwayne Johnson produces and appears in this documentary, inspired by the future Rock’s delinquent youth (which included multiple arrests), in which a group of 38 young inmates are inducted into the Miami-Dade County Corrections & Rehabilitation Boot Camp Program. Not everyone will make it through the intensive and grueling 16-week process, with drill instructors pushing them to the physical limit to instill discipline in their ranks. But the program reports a recidivism rate of only 15% (significantly below the national prison average of 70%).

Inside Monday TV: Today’s streaming highlight: British comedy Asylum (Acorn TV), about a CIA whistleblower (Ben Miller) who takes refuge in an embassy. A year later, with his notoriety fading, he becomes such an irritant that everyone wants him to just leave already. … The first elimination will occur on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars (8/7c), and the world wants to know how William Shatner will react if Bachelor Nick is the first to go. … Two scene-stealing pros face off when Brenda Vaccaro guests on CBS’s Superior Donuts (9/8c) as Randy’s (Katey Sagal) visiting mom, whom Arthur (Judd Hirsch) is urged to ask out on a date, which would be his first in years.




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  1. C

    CyanCoathanger

    Isn't Saul more of a prequel to Breaking Bad than a sequel? Bates Motel has been great all season. Expecting no less tonight. People have been bad-mouthing Rihanna and her acting ability on the message boards, but from what we've seen of her so far, she seem to be doing an excellent job for someone with little acting experience.

    1. G

      GoldSubmarine

      Back in the early 90's when the late Whitney Houston starred in The Bodyguard (her acting debut) some critics were a bit harsh. I thought she did a solid job considering. She later starred in Waiting To Exhale , The Preacher's Wife and Cinderella. I'm sure Rihanna is fine and will improve with experience.

      I really enjoyed last night's time traveling duo, Once Upon a Time and Time After Time. 2 hours of sheer fun.

      Now waiting word if NBC and CW will renew Timeless and Frequency respectively.

      These time themed shows are very addictive!

    2. C

      CyanCoathanger

      I haven't watched Time After Time yet. I'm feeling somewhat good about the chances for Timeless but not so much about Frequency. Still, you can never guess what CW is going to do.

    3. G

      GoldSubmarine

      If you watch the pilot of Time After Time, you will likely be hooked. Fun show and very addicting. Hoping NBC gives Timeless a second season for us to enjoy. Frequency was solid too, but not sure where it can go for a second season. The showrunners would have to be very creative.

    4. C

      CyanCoathanger

      I meant I haven't watched last night's Time After Time yet. I've been watching it.

    5. G

      GoldSubmarine

      Can't wait to hear your thoughts. The previews for next week (if not canceled by then) look awesome!