Bates Motel

The following review is based solely upon the Pilot since that is the only episode that has aired thus far.

          This "contemporary prequel" to Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho shows viewers the progression of Norman Bates' psychological issues, starting with his teenage years. After the mysterious death of his father, he and his mother (Norma) move into a house with a motel that they will run together. I must say, I was highly impressed with the Pilot. I thought the creators made it appealing to Hitchcock fans like myself and to teens. The art direction is breath-taking, and I think the actors were chosen in good taste. Really my only issue with it was the fact that it is a "contemporary" prequel. In one particular scene, Norman is in his beautifully antique bedroom when, suddenly, he whips out his twenty-first-century touch-screen phone. Seriously? That completely ruined the vibe of the show in my dearest opinion. Also, no offense to the Rolling Stones, but I do not want to hear their record being played in the Bates' house. Ever. Especially not when it's a song from about 1978 being played on a record player from perhaps the '30s or '40s. Additionally, Norma cannot complain about the '50s furnishings if she will later engage in a story with Norman about Orson Welles, who hit his peak with Citizen Kane way back in '41. With the exception of movie geeks (which Norma and Norman are not ever suggested to be), no one would know a story about Orson Welles all the way in 2013. The whole "contemporary prequel" concept just does not work for me. I did set a series recording, though, because I really enjoyed the rest of the show. Anybody else see this? Thoughts?