Perhaps some of you have heard of the upcoming series on NBC, Hannibal, which will chronicle the “early years” of the infamous Dr. Hannibal Lecter. For those who have no idea who I’m talking about, Hannibal Lecter is a psychotic killer from the Thomas Harris books, most notably The Silence of the Lambs, and most famously portrayed by Sir Anthony Hopkins in the movie of the same name.
Why bringing up the Hannibal series here? Because it seems it could be the first of a new trend of prequel series, which A&E is quickly jumping onto with its newly-announced series, Bates Motel.
Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin will executive produce the series, which follows the early years of Norman Bates of the Psycho series of films. Only this time, Mother Bates isn’t a SPOILER ALERT mummified corpse in a rocking chair, and is instead very much alive and giving Normal all sorts of disciplinary hell.
Does this spell a new trend in television? Not long ago the trend of normal people with super powers came about — and, with the exception of Syfy’s Alphas so far, they quickly died out. It makes some sense for networks to follow the pattern of what’s working in new genres, but what is it about following a show that hasn’t even aired yet? Is this all just a coincidence, or did the idea of Hannibal spark an “oh yeah, good idea” in someone’s brain, making Bates Motel happen?
If this is all the start of a trend, what’s the next popular series or character you’d like to see a prequel for? How about the early days of The Shield? How about Keyser Söze?
The official press release from A&E follows on the next page.
Clacked by Keith McDuffee 
on Jul 02, 2012 @ 15:05 EST5EDT
Picturing the early days of The Shield gave me a giggle. Just picturing Vic and Shane in their rookie year..all sunshine and rainbows, following the rules, having a normal life! Inviting Lem over to their table to have lunch..lol. Would it all go to hell in episode 2?