“And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor shall be lifted — nevermore!” — Edgar Allan Poe, “The Raven”
When it comes to The Fall of the House of Usher, the ending was never really a mystery. The titl
In the series finale, the truth behind Roderick and Madeline’s fate is finally revealed. It all begins on a fateful New Year’s Eve when Verna presents them with a tempting offer. They can have all the money and power they desire, free from legal consequences, as long as they agree to end the Usher bloodline when they die. While we already knew this, having witnessed Roderick’s children meet gruesome deaths throughout the series, it wasn’t until Verna spelled out the terms that we fully grasped the symbolic nature of The Fall of the House of Usher.
In essence, Roderick and Madeline represent a generation that accumulated wealth, caused environmental and political havoc, and left the next generation to bear the consequences. The series serves as a critique of the baby boomer generation, aimed at highlighting their actions and their impact on the world.
But did Verna really have any influence on the outcome? The groundwork was laid long before she approached Roderick and Madeline. History is filled with examples of wealthy individuals evading legal consequences without any magical intervention. However, regardless of the precise nature of Verna’s role, the bills eventually come due.
The tragedy unfolds as Verna claims the life of Lenore, a rare and radiant maiden who is destined to suffer the consequences of Roderick and Madeline’s choices. Surprisingly, Verna shows compassion towards Lenore, even revealing that her mother will help millions through a charity in her honor. This starkly contrasts with Roderick, whose actions led to the deaths of millions. Yet, Verna still ends Lenore’s life with a gentle tap to the forehead.
The present-day scenes bring Roderick and Dupin’s story to a close. The texts Roderick received from “Lenore” were actually messages generated by Madeline’s artificial intelligence, constantly reminding him of his actions. And Madeline herself is revealed to be alive, but brutally mutilated by Roderick.
In a final act of revenge, Madeline strangles Roderick to death, finishing what their mother started years before. The storm causes the actual House of Usher to collapse, ending the family’s legacy once and for all.
Ultimately, the show raises the question of what consequences are fitting for the crimes committed by Roderick. The answer remains elusive, as Madeline goes to her grave without any regrets, while Roderick’s losses pale in comparison to the suffering he caused.
However, as House of Usher concludes, Fortunato is dismantled, and Dupin bids farewell to the Ushers. He recognizes his wealth lies in the love of his family, not material possessions.
Some Interesting Facts:
- Morrie and Juno’s recovery times were both exactly three years.
- We never learn the complete reason behind Arthur Pym’s devotion to Roderick.
- The other patrons at Verna’s bar on New Year’s Eve remain a mystery.
- Annabel’s parting judgment, “You are so small,” is used on Rufus’s tomb.
- Roderick compares himself to Tamerlane, hinting at his peculiarities.
- Despite having two children, Roderick accepts the end of his bloodline.
- Verna makes a point about redirecting the funds spent on film and TV shows to battle global issues.
- Verna leaves symbolic objects on the Ushers’ graves, each reflecting their personalities.
- The Pentagon’s yearly spending on Viagra is approximately $84 million.
- Verna concludes the story with a recitation of Poe’s “Spirits of the Dead.”
Reflections on the Series:
The Fall of the House of Usher marks the end of Mike Flanagan’s eerie limited series run for Netflix, as he has moved on to Amazon. How does it compare to his other works such as Hill House, Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and the short-lived Midnight Club? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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