Summary

If they haven’t already, fans of Max Thieriot inFire Countryshould take a chance on a critically-received 2013 horror series that features him in a major role. More than justFire Country’slead character, Bode Donavan, Thieriot is a co-creator of the trending procedural drama.The series debuted on CBS in 2022 and has since captured the hearts of audiences, especially on Netflix, following Bode’s journey to overcome his troubled past through volunteer work with thefictionalized California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The department partners with convicts like Bode to fight the massive fires plaguing Northern California.

Fire Country’sblend of drama and firefighting sequences is enough of an attention grabber, butBode’s journey arguably is the show’s most engaging attribute. With the help of Thieriot’s character portrayal,Fire Countryhas become not only a network win with a future season on the way but a hit on Netflix (Fire Countryholds the no. 5 spot onNetflix’s Top 10 TV shows in the U.S. today.) In the wait for more of Bode’s story inFire Country’supcoming third season, fans can head over to Prime Video to watch Thieriot tackle yet another compelling character.

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Fire Countryseason 1 is available to watch on Netflix. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Paramount+.

Fire Country

Cast

Fire Country follows Bode Donovan, a young convict seeking redemption by joining a firefighting program in his Northern California hometown. Working alongside elite firefighters, Donovan and fellow inmates strive to control massive wildfires in the region while navigating personal challenges and community dynamics.

Fire Country Fans Should Watch Max Thieriot In Bates Motel

Bates Motel Holds A Series Average Of 93% On RT

It may mean a stark shift to the horror genre, butFire Countryviewers should check outBates Motel.The A&E psychological horror drama isa complete series of 5 seasons that serves as a contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic,Psycho.Bates Motelstars Freddie Highmoreas a young Norman Bates and depicts the lives of him and his mother, Norma, before the events of the film. Although it’s a ways away from the firefighting premise ofFire Country,Bates Motelholds plenty of appeal that viewers of all tastes will enjoy.

Bates Motelhas been highly regarded by critics, as demonstrated by its series average score of 97% onRotten Tomatoes. Critics citeBates Motel’scharacter and plot development as strengths - aspects audiences praise aboutFire Country, but not nearly to the same degree. On top of great characters and an interestingly mystifying premise,Bates Motelstars Thieriot in a role that’s both integral to the series' story and as compelling, if not more, than Bode. If not for anything else,Bates Motel’sbiggest draw, particularly forFire Countryfans, is Thieriot’s performance.

Norma and Norman looking eye-to-eye in Bates Motel

10 Best Things Bates Motel Did As A Prequel To Psycho

As a prequel, the show Bates Motel was pretty faithful to its original source material, and here are ten hidden references to the film in the show.

Thierot Gives An Engrossing Performance As Norman Bates' Half-Brother

WARNING: Mentions of incest and abuse.

InBates Motel,Thieriot plays Norman’s half-brother, Dylan Massett, the edgy outsider of the Bates family. Unlike Norman, Dylan was conceived from incestuous acts forced upon Norma by her brother. His dark lineage and what he endures as a result, like being estranged from his mother or witnessing the abuse and deaths of family members, would get the best of anyone. Yet, instead of succumbing to his traumas, Dylan treats every situation that comes his way with a great mindset, which fashions him into an incredibly complex and fan-favorite character of the series.

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Dylan’s story is deep, dark, and fairly reminiscent of Bode’s. Bode struggles with a history of drug addiction, the trauma of bearing witness to his sister’s death in a car accident he blames himself for, and becoming the family outsider as a result of the tragedy. However,Fire Countrysees Bode seek a path to redemption, helping fight fires and save lives while refusing to be overcome by his past. For those who enjoy Bode’s story,Bates Motelmay be a greatFire Countryalternative on the account of another enjoyable Max Thieriot character.

Bates Motel

Bates Motel is an A&E original series that acts as a contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 horror classic, Psycho. The TV show centers on Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore), who, with his mother Norma (Vera Farmiga), move across the country and buy a motel. However, Norman’s psyche quickly begins to unravel as he struggles with his abnormal relationship with his mother.

Bates Motel TV Poster