Connect with us

Entertainment

Breaking Down the Brutal Ending of The Fall of the House of Usher

Published

3 years ago

on

Breaking Down the Brutal Ending of The Fall of the House of Usher

 

 

From the start of the first episode of The Fall of the House of Usher, we know that all of Roderick Usher’s children are dead. It’s the how and the why of their deaths that plays out over the course of Mike Flanagan’s new horror anthology series, now streaming on Netflix.

 

 

Breaking Down the Brutal Ending of The Fall of the House of Usher

 

 

Inspired by the work of Edgar Allan Poe, House of Usher traces the downfall of the uber-wealthy Usher family and their corrupt drug company, Fortunato Pharmaceuticals. The story centers on Usher family patriarch and Fortunato CEO Roderick (Bruce Greenwood), who, as the show begins, calls up his longtime rival, assistant U.S. attorney C. Auguste Dupin (Carl Lumbly), to come hear his confession following the deaths of all six of his adult children (by five different mothers)—Frederick (Henry Thomas), Tamerlane (Samantha Sloyan), Victorine (T’Nia Miller), Napoleon (Rahul Kohli), Camille (Kate Siegel), and Prospero (Sauriyan Sapkota)—in the span of a week.

 

 

 

 

 

The overarching narrative of The Fall of the House of Usher loosely follows Poe’s 1839 short story of the same name, with Roderick recounting his decades-spanning tale to Auggie inside his decrepit childhood home. Throughout the evening, Roderick is tortured by visions of his dead children—who appear to him as he relays the gruesome ways in which each of them met their end—while banging sounds that he says are coming from his twin sister, Fortunato COO Madeline Usher (Mary McDonnell), can be heard emanating from the home’s basement.

 

 

As Roderick nears the conclusion of his story, which jumps back and forth between his early years working at Fortunato and the events that led up to each of his children’s deaths, he finally arrives at the fateful night that changed everything, New Year’s Eve of 1979. Rodrick reveals that after plotting to betray a young Auggie (Malcolm Goodwin), then a Medicare fraud investigator, by lying about Fortunato’s illegal business practices, young Roderick (Zach Gilford) and Madeline (Willa Fitzgerald) carried out the final phase of their plan to take over the company by drugging and subsequently burying then-Fortunato CEO Rufus Griswold (Michael Trucco) alive inside the basement wall of Fortunato headquarters—a nod to Poe’s 1846 short story “The Cask of Amontillado.”

The siblings then made their way to a local bar to establish an alibi. It was there that they met a bartender named Verna (Carla Gugino), the supernatural entity responsible for killing off the Usher clan, and made a deal that changed the course of their lives forever.

 

 

 

What deal did the Ushers make with Verna?

 

 

Once Roderick and Madeline were the only ones left in the bar after a long night of drinking, Verna revealed to the twins that she knew what they had done. But, if they agreed to her terms, she could guarantee that they would not only get away with Rufus’ murder but also rise to control Fortunato’s billion-dollar painkiller empire and never be convicted of a single crime.

 

 

In exchange for this protection, both Roderick and Madeline had to consent to the bargain that at the end of Roderick’s life, just before he was fated to die anyway, his entire bloodline would die with him. Roderick and Madeline would also have to die at the same time, leaving this world the same way they came into it. The siblings agreed to the deal, left the bar, and soon after became convinced that the whole thing had been a shared delusion.

 

 

 

“Early in his life, [Roderick] had a conversation with somebody who promised him an effortless life in return for something that he didn’t quite believe could happen,” Greenwood told Netflix of is character’s story arc. “And now that’s coming home to roost.”

How does The Fall of the House of Usher end?

Decades later, once it became clear that Verna was the one killing off the Usher children, Madeline tried to sidestep the deal by convincing Roderick to kill himself. But Verna wasn’t willing to let him get off that easy and brought him back to face the full extent of his reckoning, the death of his granddaughter Lenore (Kyliegh Curran), the only morally good Usher.

Roderick then invited Madeline over to their childhood home, where he poisoned her drink and set to work mummifying her. It was shortly after this that Auggie arrived at the house to hear Roderick’s confession. Only, as evidenced by the noises coming from the basement, Madeline wasn’t quite dead.

As Roderick finishes his story, an eyeless and bloodied Madeline suddenly bursts out of the basement and attacks Roderick as the house begins to crumble around them. In a final burst of strength, Madeline strangles Roderick to death as Auggie flees collapsing home—a sequence that mirrors the ending of Poe’s “House of Usher.”

In the final minutes of the episode, it’s revealed that Roderick’s second wife, Juno (Ruth Codd), inherited Fortunato and went on to repurpose the company into the Phoenix Foundation to fund rehabilitation programs, while the Usher family’s fixer, lawyer Arthur Pym (Mark Hamill), became the only person to face a conviction from the Fortunato case—having denied Verna’s offer of immunity in exchange for the sacrifice of a valuable asset—and would spend the rest of his life in prison.

As the series draws to a close, Verna—whose name is an anagram of the titular bird in Poe’s classic 1845 poem “The Raven”—is shown placing an item on each of the Usher’s graves that represents their respective downfalls, closing the loop of her karmic retribution.

Related Topics:

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Entertainment

Social Media Buzz as South African Label Reportedly Signs Fast-Rising Nigerian Artist Oscar Bankz

Published

1 day ago

on

May 12, 2026

By

Social Media Buzz as South African Label Reportedly Signs Fast-Rising Nigerian Artist Oscar Bankz

 

There are strong indications that fast-rising Nigerian singer and songwriter, Oscar Blonde Azzun, popularly known as Oscar Bankz, has secured a major music deal with South African entertainment company, Astra Luvian Music Worldwide Ltd.

 

Industry insiders say the move is part of the label’s growing plan to push Afrobeats deeper into the international market by investing in emerging African talents with strong commercial potential.

 

Sources close to the development revealed that the deal has already been finalized quietly, with preparations underway for Oscar Bankz’s first official project under the label, expected to drop later this summer.

 

The Cape Town-based company is reportedly putting a strong promotional structure behind the artist, with plans targeting audiences across Africa, Europe, and other international markets.

 

Music observers believe the partnership could become a major breakthrough moment for Oscar Bankz, whose sound and style have continued gaining attention among Afrobeats listeners.

 

Although full details of the agreement remain undisclosed, insiders within the entertainment space say Astra Luvian Music Worldwide Ltd sees Oscar Bankz as one of the promising new voices capable of making significant waves in the evolving Afrobeats movement.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Top Music Producer, Gbenga Leo Marks 45 Years in Music with Lagos Celebration

Published

1 month ago

on

April 10, 2026

By

Top Music Producer, Gbenga Leo Marks 45 Years in Music with Lagos Celebration

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

 

Otunba Gbenga, popularly known as Leo Taiwo, will be celebrated for his 45-year journey in the music industry at a special event scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Lagos.

 

The event, set to hold at the Radio Lagos Marquee Hall in Agidingbi, Ikeja, is expected to bring together friends, family, and associates to honour a career defined by longevity and consistent contribution to Nigeria’s Fuji music scene.

 

Though not widely in the public spotlight, Leo Taiwo is regarded within industry circles as a respected figure whose work has spanned decades. His role as a music producer and collaborator has positioned him among the quiet contributors who have supported the growth and continuity of Fuji music over the years.

 

The celebration is slated to begin at 2 p.m., with guests expected to observe a white dress code. Attendance will be by access card, with caps and gele serving as entry identifiers.

 

Fuji star King Sule Alao Malaika is billed to lead the music for the occasion, while popular hosts Ifankaleluyah and Tokunbo Marvins will anchor proceedings.

 

The choice of venue underscores the cultural relevance of the event. Radio Lagos has long been associated with the promotion of indigenous music, making it a fitting location for a milestone rooted in tradition and legacy.

 

Reaching 45 years in any creative industry is a notable achievement. In a genre that has evolved across generations, such longevity reflects both resilience and sustained relevance.

 

As preparations continue, the event is shaping up to be not just a celebration of one man’s journey, but also a moment to acknowledge the enduring community behind Fuji music.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

BREAKING NEWS: Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo Crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 – A Triumph of Talent, Leadership, and Philanthropy

Published

1 month ago

on

April 8, 2026

By

*BREAKING NEWS

*Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo Crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 – A Triumph of Talent, Leadership, and Philanthropy*

Lagos, Nigeria – In a stunning display of talent, leadership, and philanthropy, Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo has been crowned winner of the prestigious NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 award. This remarkable achievement cements her status as a powerhouse in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

 

Amb. Chelsea Nwodo, the newly crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026, has extended her heartfelt gratitude to all who supported her in this remarkable achievement.

 

“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to announce that I have been crowned the winner of the prestigious NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 award,” Amb. Nwodo said. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who voted for me, including my loving family members and TOSA to NAGA , I am honored to be part of this prestigious award and I appreciate the recognition.”

 

Amb. Nwodo, a multifaceted personality, has proven herself as an acclaimed actress, dedicated philanthropist, and visionary business leader. Her exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing Nollywood has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.

 

As CEO of the Chelsea Nwodo Foundation, she drives transformative initiatives empowering women and children, fostering growth and opportunity. Her leadership skills extends to Chy-kas Travels and Tour, showcasing her entrepreneurial acumen.

 

Recently appointed Chief of Staff to the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, Amb. Nwodo’s exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing Nollywood is undeniable.

 

Amb. Nwodo’s philanthropy resonates deeply. Her impactful “Operation Feed 5000 Street Children” program, in partnership with Regal Connect Foundation-Ghana, delivered food, shelter, and skills training to vulnerable children in Ghana, attracting high-profile support.

 

Her NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 win celebrates not just her achievements but her dedication to uplifting others, making her a beacon of hope across industries. This recognition solidifies her position as a role model and influencer, inspiring a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs.

 

The NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA award is a testament to Amb. Nwodo’s hard work, talent, and commitment to excellence. Her win is a proud moment for Nigeria and the African continent, showcasing the best of Nollywood’s talent and philanthropy.

 

BREAKING NEWS *Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo Crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 – A Triumph of Talent, Leadership, and Philanthropy*

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

RSS Africa-Newsroom

RSS APO Group – Africa-Newsroom: latest news releases related to Africa

Trending