Dear Bates Motel,
You premièred with an incredible first season. The re-visioning of a classic 1960's film into modern day was brilliantly done. Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore inhabit their parts perfectly and the beauty of your cinematography created a unique and creepy hour of television. You even did the unthinkable, had me reversing my thoughts on a character. Although a huge fan of Max Thieriot, I initially hated the addition of Dylan and thought he muddied the waters of the core relationship between Norman and Norma. But... thanks to Thieriot's acting skills, and your writers, Dylan has become the show's most interesting characters.
But... then came along season 2, a mess of a season only improved upon slightly in season 3. Highmore, although still effective, has lost a bit of his appeal. Farmiga, also incredible, has too much drama on her shoulders, often making some scenes more soapy, than dramatic. The least appealing part of your storytelling is any time, (which is a lot) you move away from the relationships between your main three characters. Although I know there needs to be balance, the storylines involving the town, the drugs, the crimes, the politicians and cartels, are tedious. They hold little interest to most viewers and only dilute the brilliance that was season 1. Please return to those relationships in season 4 or I fear there will not be a season 5. Oh... and more Max shirtlessness.
Thank you!
