Most have us have probably heard this title of a series on HBO, but there are few I know that have have actually tried following it. It’s definitely novel in its primary theme: a family-run mortuary. The series begins with the death of Nathaniel Fisher, Sr., the family’s patriarch.
From there, the main characters of the story are introduced. It begins with Nathaniel “Nate” Fisher, Jr. (Peter Krause) and Brenda Chenowith (Rachel Griffiths), who are having sex in the broom closet of an airport. Next introduced is Claire Fisher (Lauren Ambrose), who, is smoking crystal meth with her boyfriend. Further on, Federico Diaz (Freddy Rodriguez), the restorative artist who works for the Fisher family. Deeper we go, and David Fisher (Michael C. Hall) is introduced, who ran the family business with Nathaniel Fisher. At his father’s service Officer Keith Charles of the LAPD (Matthew St. Patrick) shows, who through arguing with David, reveals himself to be David’s boyfriend. And, of course, we can’t forget the widow Ruth Fisher (), who confesses to having had an affair with her hairdresser prior to her husband’s death.
It’s all downhill from here. Well, not always. The series, in its entirety, tackles topics that few shows have ever dared to pursue. It is often dark and gloomy, but not without a sense of humorous irony. Well, whatever humor a talking dead person can bring.
It also has won three Golden Globes, nine Emmys and a Peabody Award.
Six Feet Under, for me, was the perfect balance of irony. I have no doubt of its subtlety, and yet I feel the directness of the messages it has portrayed. It’s no doubt I find myself watching it over and over on DVD.
Six Feet Under ended August 21, 2004, with the following video as the last nine minutes of the final episode. By far, it is the most emotional series ending I have ever watched. If you want to follow the series, but don’t want to know how it ends yet, don’t watch it. It wouldn’t be as meaningful if you didn’t watch it from the beginning.
The song they used in this portion was “Breathe Me” by Sia. Here are the lyrics:
Help, I have done it again
I have been here many times before
Hurt myself again today
And, the worst part is there’s no-one else to blame
Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
and needy
Warm me up
And breathe me
Ouch I have lost myself again
Lost myself and I am nowhere to be found,
Yeah I think that I might break
Lost myself again and I feel unsafe
Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
and needy
Warm me up
And breathe me
Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
and needy
Warm me up
And breathe me
I myself just wrote up a post in honor of Six Feet Under. I have recently begun revisiting the series and I am confronted with new treasures at each sitting. I’m glad to see that though the show has ended, it is still inspiring others as well. How fantastic and sad was that final 10 mintues, huh? It was great. Have you seen that Alan Ball has a new show about vampires called, I believe, ‘True Blood’, coming out on HBO soon? Here’s to hoping that is just as good. Good post man. ~Will
@crossmyts
Thanks for the comment, and thanks for telling me about “True Blood.” I’m looking forward to it.