Question: Bates Motel casting Rihanna as Marion Crane indicates that the Psycho component will be prominent in the final year. How do you feel about the fifth season playing out almost as a remake of the film? — Matthew
Matt Roush: I’m hoping Bates can pay homage to the Hitchcock classic without trying to copy it. (Gus Van Sant’s 1998 shot-by-shot remake should serve as a warning.) My initial dream ending was with Marion checking in, fading out as the movie intersects with the series, but considering how strong last season was — including Freddie Highmore’s amazing work as Norman — I’ll trust the producers to do right by the original.
Question: Sarah Paulson is the clear favorite to win the Emmy for lead actress in a limited series/TV-movie for her performance as Marcia Clark in The People v. O.J. Simpson. But is there any chance for an Audra McDonald upset? Her Billie Holiday was riveting in HBO’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. — Audra Fan
Matt Roush: Of course there’s a chance for an upset, and given McDonald’s track record at the Tonys — she won her sixth for this role — I wouldn’t count her out. But Paulson’s uncanny impersonation of Clark looms so large, I can’t imagine her not winning.
To submit questions to TV Critic Matt Roush, go to: tvinsider.com
