Six Feet Under
2001-2005
On one level, the show is a conventional family drama, dealing with such issues as relationships, infidelity, and religion. At the same time, it is a show distinguished by its unblinking focus on the topic of death, which it explores on multiple levels (personal, religious, and philosophical). Each episode begins with a death — anything from drowning or heart attack to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome — and that death usually sets the tone for each episode, allowing the characters to reflect on their current fortunes and misfortunes in a way that is illuminated by the death and its aftermath. The show also has a strong dosage of dark humor and surrealism running throughout.
The series follows the lives of the Fisher family, who own and run the funeral home 'Fisher & Sons' in Los Angeles. In the first episode, the father, Nathaniel Sr., dies in a car accident. He leaves behind his wife, Ruth, his sons Nathaniel Jr. and David and his daughter, Claire. The first season begins with the Fisher family trying to deal with the loss of a family member while taking care of funeral arrangements for the citizens of Los Angeles.
I had heard of HBO's drama Six Feet Under several times; my parents watched it religiously and it had been recommended to me a number of times. I finally settled down to watch it at the beginning of this school year, and all I can say is: WOW. I watched all of the episodes online, and the series was well worth the occasional frustration of online television sites. This series made me cry (and I mean bawl), laugh till my stomach hurt, and ponder the biggest questions in life.
With 24 Emmy nominations (9 wins), 8 Golden Globe nominations (3 wins) and 8 Screen Actor's Guild nominations (3 wins), it's safe to say that Six Feet Under is an outstanding drama series.
Unfortunately, Six Feet Under finished in 2005 with a fifth season. However, all the seasons are available on DVD and all episodes can be found online at www.sidereel.com. I would strongly recommend this TV series to anyone who enjoys dramas and who can handle mature content.
Below is the trailer for the first season of this fantastic HBO drama.
(* cross posted from the collective blog Collision)
