TV Show - The Fall Of The House Of Usher

TV Show - The Fall of the House of Usher

After an entertaining and very well-made first season of Only Murders in the Building, I felt the need to dive into something different. I remembered that I had once started The Fall of the House of Usher but turned it off right after the opening scene in the church. However, during a little book shopping tour, I saw a beautiful edition of The Fall of the House of Usher (which I ended up not buying), and it made me think I should give the show another chance.

Although Edgar Allan Poe's short stories serve as the inspiration, you quickly realize the allegorical nature of the characters. Yes, they are exaggerated and often over-the-top, but it also becomes clear that there are real-life counterparts. I won’t go into detail about whom those real-life figures might be—you’ll have to figure that out for yourself.

As a heads-up, comparing the characters to real people while watching the show can be quite entertaining!

This doesn’t only apply to the characters, though. Themes like ultra-wealthy family dynasties, abuse of power, and the corrupt practices of the pharmaceutical industry are also explored.

You quickly learn that the show revolves around the Usher family, though it takes a while for the details to unfold. What is revealed in the opening minutes is that it’s about the legacy of the two Usher siblings and why all of Roderick Usher’s children are dead. Along with that, we meet the prosecutor, Auguste Dupin, and with that, we have the main group around which the story centers—so it seems.

The first episode sets an intriguing framework and shows us right away that standard storytelling methods are only partially in use here. The conversation between Roderick Usher and Auguste Dupin serves as the base, and from there, many threads branch out across different time periods. Rarely is any timeline told all the way through; instead, there are constant additions. You can sense this storytelling style right from the first episode, and it skillfully weaves in a tension-filled narrative arc.

Fortunately, as I already peeked ahead a little, this applies to the storytelling around the children's deadly circumstances as well. "First episode for introduction, then one episode per child, and the last episode as the big finale." But that’s not how things will unfold here—you notice that right at the beginning of the first episode. Throughout, this unique storytelling style becomes more evident. The narrative constantly shifts back to Roderick and Auguste, to the past, or to scenes involving one of the other children. It doesn’t focus too heavily on just one scenario. This can be challenging for the viewer, but also refreshing.

Another point that stands out immediately is the style and visual presentation of the series. Sometimes it’s obvious, and sometimes it’s not, but CGI is often used as a tool to enhance scenes. As grand and inflated as some characters may seem, their surroundings reflect this as well. A strong contrast here is the location of the conversation between Roderick and Auguste, which takes place in the now decaying and dilapidated Usher family home.

I’m really looking forward to what’s to come, even though I already know a lot due to my overly eager research after the first episode. But that doesn’t bother me at all, as the visuals, as mentioned before, are captivating, and I’m excited to see what other challenges the show has in store for me.

R.I.P. James Darren 😭

Variety

James Darren, Teen Idol Actor in ‘Gidget,’ Singer and Director, Dies at 88

James Darren, who starred in "Gidget," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "T.J. Hooker" and died Monday. He was 88.

Some second hand loot that came today! The two DVDs on top are still sealed! I think I will start with the Star Wars book, never read one before. But first I have to finish the third Fear Street book that was re-released because of the Netflix films. So much good stuff.

TV Show - The Fall of the House of Usher II

In this episode, it quickly becomes clear that Roderick Usher isn't as sharp as he might have once seemed. At the same time, a mysterious woman is introduced—she’s appeared before, but oddly always in different forms.

The focus, however, is on Perry, who has been rejected by his father and aunt when he pitched what he believed to be a brilliant idea for a club. At first, their harsh response seems unfair, because from a distance, Perry's idea, though elitist, flashy, and a bit perverse, somehow fits. You’re left wondering why they dismissed him so brutally.

As the Usher family's story unfolds, you start to understand the reasoning behind this rejection, even though Roderick has already told Perry straight to his face. Either you change the world or your idea goes straight to the trash—anything less is unworthy of an Usher. Is this the secret to the family's success?

We also learn in this episode that there’s a mole in the legal case against the Ushers, led by Auguste Dupin, who is leaking information to the prosecution. Naturally, the Ushers won't stand for this. Their lawyer, Pym, immediately drafts new confidentiality agreements, which all family members and their partners must sign. This plot line alone is powerful, showing both how the Ushers operate and the wealth they use to protect themselves.

As for the mole, I have a theory, but I'll wait until I have more evidence. Now, back to Perry!

Determined to prove his father wrong, Perry throws an extravagant, orgy-like party. But just as he aims high, he falls just as hard—poor Icarus, metaphorically speaking. It fits perfectly with what happens: while the acid may have physically killed him, it was his hubris and ego that were the real culprits. Too bad for him that his brother’s wife, the person he was trying to get back at, survives, and I’m sure her story isn’t over yet.

I like how this episode focuses on Perry, while still giving us glimpses of the others—there's some crazy stuff happening, but it’s not shoved in your face. That’ll sure come later, but for now, we’re just getting small bites. The scenes with Auguste, Roderick, and Madeline working in the basement add even more intrigue.

Another aspect I appreciate is the deeper exploration of Roderick and Madeline’s past—how they became such a powerful family and built their wealth. The way this is woven into the present-day storyline adds the right amount of context just when it’s needed.

The episode also touches on the painkiller Ligadone, its supposed side effects, and how addictive it can be. I wonder if this is another reference to the opioid crisis in the U.S., where drugs like Oxycodone and Fentanyl have caused widespread addiction.

Many doors have been opened, and I’m eager to see what paths, obstacles, and dark secrets lie behind them. I’m also hoping we’ll learn more about the mysterious woman, who keeps appearing in different forms.

I’d love to see the visuals continue to evolve—the series' style, especially how it portrays different time periods, is something I really enjoy. On the surface, it might seem lavish and exaggerated, but when you look closer, you find something distinctly Edgar Allan Poe-like. I wish more shows would dare to take these kinds of creative risks.

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