The Fall of the House of Usher: Why does Roderick see a jester-like figure in his car?
In the first episode of The Fall of the House of Usher, titled "A Midnight Dreary," viewers are introduced to a complex and mysterious story. The central mystery revolves around the deaths of Roderick Usher's children, both legitimate and illegitimate, and who is responsible for their demise. Roderick, played by Bruce Greenwood, recounts the events surrounding their deaths to Assistant US Attorney Auguste Dupin, portrayed by Carl Lumbly.Roderick describes a strange presence he witnessed at the funeral of three of his children—a woman wearing a bird mask resembling those worn by doctors during the Middle Ages. This woman, whom he refers to as a jester-like figure, plays a significant role throughout the series. However, her true identity and her connection to the Ushers' deaths remain unknown at this stage.The first episode presents three main stories that intertwine to form a cohesive whole. The first story involves Roderick and his sister, Madeline, discovering that they are the illegitimate children of a pharmaceutical owner named Mr. Longfellow. After their mother falls ill, Roderick and Madeline seek his help, but he refuses, leading to their mother's death. They bury her in their backyard, but her body mysteriously leaves the grave and kills Mr. Longfellow, choking him with her own hands.The second story focuses on the Usher family's crisis when an insider threatens to expose their unethical business practices. Roderick and Madeline suspect everyone and call a family dinner, presenting an non-disclosure agreement that implies death for anyone betraying the family. They also offer a significant bounty for information about the traitor.The third story introduces a bartender named Verna, who Roderick and Madeline meet on New Year's Night. Her appearance on that night marks a turning point in their lives, and she reappears throughout the series. It is strongly suggested that she is the woman in the bird mask and the jester-like figure that Roderick sees.The first episode concludes with Roder