Past the Breakers: Bates Motel, Season One

Bates Motel is the most surprising, thrilling and subversive retelling of the mythic story of Oedipus since the original. Taking hints from noir, the classic films and novel, and other pulp writers and poets associated with the Hitchcock canon, A&E’s modern classic is a treasure trove of chills and—most surprisingly of all—the strongest and most compassionate exploration of the American family in the last decade.

A show so loving toward its characters, so richly detailed and so explosive in its energy, rage and kindness deserves appreciation no less dramatic. PAST THE BREAKERS is a humorous and personal account of that show’s first year, an indispensable guide to its larger themes and references, and above all a tribute to its smart, dark beauty.

Over fifteen years writing and creating communities at Television Without Pity, Jacob Clifton was noted by industry and fans alike for his positive analytical approach and ebullient humor. His weekly columns—on shows ranging from American Idol to The Apprentice, Battlestar Galactica to Gossip Girl, Homeland to Pretty Little Liars and more—set off a decade of conversations across the internet. 

Now, with the former site defunct and a Gawker editorship in the rearview, Jacob is excited to release these definitive, heavily revised editions of those classic recaps at jacobclifton.com. Please visit for more info and join the mailing list!

Download includes the full text for the show’s entire first season, presented for every e-reader in a ZIP, along with the option of sending the entire book straight to your Kindle.