Nevermore: Every episode of The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix, reviewed

Episode 2 — “The Masque of the Red Death”

In the second episode, “The Masque of the Red Death”, we learn more about Dupin and his struggles as one of the few Black cops in his district. We learn that Prospero was one of the less favored children among his parents, a bastard, and the first to go. He puts a tremendous effort into an extravagant party so he can do something he’s passionate about — in his case sex and drugs — only to die. Verna appears with a skull mask and has a very foreboding conversation with Prospero.

"This like this, all things, in fact, have consequences. There are always consequences. You are consequence, Perry. You are consequential."

On this show, little choices can have big impacts. Take Frederick’s wife Morrie, who was just looking for a fun night out (we can all guess from the very brief moments we see of the whole family together that she probably needs it). Though she lives to tell the tale, her entire life is changed because of one seemingly small decision. And by deciding to marry into the Usher family, she automatically sealed the deal for Lenore as well.

This just…kind of makes you think, doesn’t it?

Roderick keeps seeing the dead; his mother, and now his son. This is because he’s dying of an illness and is delirious, but it still feels paranormal and eerie. This show is dreadful and suspenseful enough as it is, and this beautifully incorporated horror element just dials things up a notch. Jump scares are done tastefully, not just for the sake of throwing in a much needed horror moment.

Also, Mark Hamill does a phenomenal job playing Arthur Pym, the lawyer. He has a “deadly father” vibe to him, like he’s someone who’s seen some things.