Killing must feel good to God, too... He does it all the time, and are we not created in His image? – Dr Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal)

Something that I have found of particular interest lately is the new cycle of TV series that has emerged. I am of course talking about movies that have turned into TV series, Agents of Shield (The avengers), Smallville (Superman), Bates Motel (Psycho) and Hannibal (most notably Silence of the Lambs). Granted, this could just be Hollywood’s attempt at another moneymaking scheme, which it probably is…but so far from what I’ve seen of Hannibal and Bates Motel, I’m not complaining. Basing a TV series on what I would argue are two of the greatest movies of their time, what could possibly go wrong?! (Incase you haven’t noticed already this piece is based on Bates Motel and Hannibal).

Bates Motel is due to start airing in the UK at the end of September. It is based upon the back-story of Norman Bates (Psycho) and focuses on the idea of why he ends up as (well lets face it) fucked up as he is in the film. The story follows him and his mother moving to a new town and opening (surprise surprise) a motel. As we all know how this story ends, I suspected this show was going to be dull and predictable. I hold my hands up, I was completely wrong. It is because we know the end to this story it is made all the more terrifying- you know it doesn’t end well so you are sat in anticipation on the edge of your seat anxious for the inevitable ending. It’s a brilliant idea for a show, an intriguing watch and I can’t wait to see where it goes.

Similarly knowing the story is a benefit when it comes to viewing Hannibal, as your anxiety levels will be at an all time high when watching this series. Admittedly I have so far only viewed two episodes, mainly because I’m too scared to watch it alone, however those two episodes blew me away (you will know what I mean by scary when you watch episode two). The hour seemed to go by in a flash and I was captivated the whole time. The camera work is genius and just adds to the anxiety created by the character of Dr Lecter (close ups on meat and his jaw as he is chewing are particularly chilling). I can’t wait to see where this show goes- as long as I’m at home, in the day, with another person, and my front door is locked.

I can only hope that the excellence found in this cycle of TV shows continues with the Avengers series Agents of Shield. Its usually TV shows turning into films for nostalgic purposes and aimed specifically at the series cults fans, think Bewitched, Sex and the City, Veronica Mars, and Arrested Development. This however is something very different, its acknowledging some of cinemas greatest triumphs and educating a whole new generation. I first watched Psycho with my granddad (curled up on a sofa with a pillow in front of my face), and although I can’t quite imagine him watching Bates Motel, the younger generations of my family are keen to watch the series (and they haven’t even seen Psycho). However I can’t help but wonder would these TV series be quite as effective without their highly successful predecessors, will those who have never seen Silence of the Lambs and Psycho enjoy or even understand the sheer brilliance behind Hannibal and Bates Motel?