It started out as one of the worst ideas we’d heard in a long time. A contemporary set “re-imagining” of Alfred Hitchcock’s seminal serial killer flick, PSYCHO? Hell no! But when LOST co-showrunner Carlton Cuse came on board, it was pretty clear that this wasn’t to be the lazy cash-in one expected. Then the casting was announced – Freddie Highmore as Young Norman Bates? Inspired. Vera Farmiga – always excellent. The two teaser trailers promised an uncompromisingly dark tone. And now the first full trailer has hit, count us in! Watch the promo below – and stick around for some intriguing behind-the-scenes talking heads. Oh, and that episode 1 spoiler they repeatedly mention… I’m gonna call it right now. Scroll down to the very bottom of the post if you want to read it. But first, enjoy…

BATES MOTEL will air in 2013 (exact date TBC).

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* MY SPOILER THEORY? Norman kills his mother in the first episode. Farmiga then sticks around as a “projection” of Norman’s thoughts ala Harry Morgan in DEXTER. I’ll put a tenner on it!