The Fall of the House of Usher Episode 1 "A Midnight Dreary"

From the mind of Mike Flanagan, who gave us gems like "The Haunting of Hill House" and "The Haunting of Bly Manor," comes yet another groundbreaking series, "The Fall of the House of Usher." Just like its predecessors, this show serves as an audacious exploration into classic horror literature—this time focusing on the works of Edgar Allan Poe.

A Haunting Overture

From its opening scenes, the series gripped me with the realization that we are indeed in Poe's universe. Multiple references from his stories—some overt like the raven, some more nuanced—appear in the first half minute. Such a strategy felt like the best kind of fan service; needed and functioning as an invitation to Poe aficionados to embark on a journey that promises a nuanced reimagining of his work. It is as if the series is asking: have we fully considered the possible depths of Poe's imagination? It’s also checking some boxes ‘out the gate’ for the Poe snobs once characterized in Gilmore Girls.

An Empire Crumbles: Roderick Usher's Downfall

Our entry point into this unsettling world is through Roderick Usher, a character derived from Poe's original short story of the same name. In this adaptation, Roderick is the embattled CEO of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals, a company implicated in the opioid crisis. Mourning the loss of all six of his children, who meet their ends under harrowing circumstances within a fortnight, Roderick is a man torn asunder by grief, guilt, and looming legal consequences.

He's not a likable figure—far from it. His adversarial relationship with Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Auguste Dupin points to his role in the opioid crisis and foreshadows the unfolding of a tale that promises justice, albeit one that may not bring satisfaction.

A Family, Shattered and Shrouded in Mystery

Flanagan’s storytelling skills are deployed by using multiple timelines, guiding us through Roderick's complicated family history. From the unsettling account of his mother Eliza's mysterious resurrection to the untimely demise of his children, the unfolding narrative leaves us pondering questions of fate, morality, and responsibility. The shadowy influence of a mysterious woman named Verna hints at a devilish pact, casting another layer of enigma over an already confounding plot.

The Real Horror: Pharmaceutical Malfeasance

What sets this episode apart from others in the horror genre is its critical examination of pharmaceutical malfeasance. Underneath its layers of supernatural suspense, the show becomes a scathing commentary on the corporate greed that runs rampant in the pharmaceutical industry. Charles Auguste Dupin's character adds gravitas to this line of inquiry, presenting the moral counterpoint to Roderick Usher's indefensible actions.

The Devil’s Bargain

Perhaps the most haunting element of the series is the implication that the tragedies afflicting the Usher family are not random but the consequences of choices made long ago. The cryptic bartender Verna—whose name is an anagram for "raven"—offers an ominous warning at a pivotal New Year's Eve gathering: "Buy now, pay later." This line resonates throughout the series as the past sins of the Usher family catch up to them, culminating in devastating losses and the ruin of an empire.

Verna

Introducing another layer of mystery is Verna, a shadowy woman whose appearance hints at possible supernatural elements or even devilish pacts. As her story unfolds, it adds a mystifying depth to an already dense plot, begging the question—what is her role in the Usher’s complex lives? Her importance becomes more evident when Flanagan cuts to scenes set in the past, underscoring how long her influence may have extended over the family. Whether a figment of Roderick's imagination or a more sinister presence, Verna complicates an already intricate family drama.

A Family Unraveling

Just when you think you've got a handle where this is going, it throws in a courtroom drama and a hint of espionage within the family. When Dupin reveals that there is an informant from within, the internal dynamics shift. The family meeting orchestrated by Roderick turns into a series of suspicions and offers an unsettling look into how far the Ushers are willing to go to protect their interests.

The Layers of Reality and Unreality

The series deftly balances real-world issues with elements of the uncanny. From Roderick’s visions to the ominous appearances of supernatural beings, there is a continual challenge to decipher what is real and what is illusion. The sudden nosebleeds, the creepy harlequin in the limo, and the hauntingly prophetic raven all contribute to an atmosphere that leaves the viewer caught between rational explanation and dark fantasy.

Roderick's Enigmatic Health Condition

Further muddling our understanding of events is Roderick's unspecified "condition," for which he requires a very particular and trusted doctor. Flanagan plays coy here, allowing room for doubt about Roderick's mental state. For instance, when we see Eliza lurking in the background as Dupin talks, we're left questioning whether this is an objective occurrence or a figment of Roderick's possibly compromised perception. It's a subtle strategy that keeps viewers questioning what they see and hear.

The Sibling Power Dynamic

Also adding texture to the storyline is the unique sibling relationship between Roderick and Madeline. While sharing the same bed long past what might be considered appropriate, their professional relationship also adds a layer of complexity. I was told there would be queer storylines and some boundaries pushed but I’m thinking I didn’t sign up for whatever this is. I do like how Madeline serves as COO to Roderick's CEO, and although he is the public face of the family enterprise, it's Madeline who appears to be the real mastermind, the one who steers the ship behind the curtains.

It just got gothic Gatsby in here.

Madeline's Uncertain Fate

Further complicating these dynamic is the moment when Roderick informs Dupin that Madeline is "in the basement." Given the overall atmosphere of dread and the disturbing elements we've already encountered, this revelation raises eyebrows and escalates concern about what is really happening within the walls of the Usher household.

Messages from Lenore: A Plot Twist in Waiting?

Lastly, adding yet another layer to the already engrossing plot, Roderick is seen conspicuously receiving and ignoring text messages from someone who he claims is his granddaughter, Lenore. This leaves us to wonder what Lenore wants to communicate and whether these messages are genuinely from her. It's another thread we expect will be pulled before the series concludes, potentially unraveling even more of the carefully constructed plot. Flanagan is back and its been worth the wait.

Shade

Mike Flanagan has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with Netflix. Given this context, I wonder if Morrie's unusual "secret cake" interest is a veiled critique of one of Netflix's less intellectually demanding game shows. Interestingly, this game show was renewed for a second season just a few months before Flanagan's own project, The Midnight Club, faced cancellation.