HBO series delivers once again on DVD

‘Six Feet Under’ takes different look at death, family

Kolby Harvey - harveykb@plu.edu

mast a&e reporter

Given the recent deluge of TV shows that have found their way onto DVD, it can often be difficult to determine which are worthy of our devotion. HBO is by and large a safe bet for quality television, and its 2001 series “Six Feet Unders” is certainly no exception.

The brainchild of “American Beauty” writer Alan Ball, “Six Feet Under” chronicles the trials and tribulations of the Fishers, a Pasadena family, living in the Fisher and Sons funeral home. After the sudden death of patriarch Nathaniel, the remaining Fishers are left not only with the task of running the family business but of fighting through years of dysfunction in hopes of truly connecting with one another.

Not surprisingly, death is the show’s central theme. Each and every episode begins with a death, ranging from comical, to tragic, to simply bizarre. As the show’s characters live and die, we, as audience members, slowly become more comfortable with the fact that everything and everyone we know, including ourselves, will end someday.

The cast is spot-on, and the writing is stellar. Each family member, including initially-closeted David, emotionally repressed mother Ruth, and rebellious art student Claire, is both consistent and dynamic. The show exhibits a remarkable capacity for character economy, leaving none of its supporting cast forgotten.

And the atrociously priced DVDs have come down in price considerably. Right now, the five-season set, complete with a patch of fake grass on top of the box, sells for around $150.

Simply put, “Six Feet Under” on DVD is some of the best television available. Its talented cast, true-to-life writing, and exploration of death and dying, provide one of the most unique and rewarding small screen experiences in recent years.

As is consistently stated on the show, everything comes to an end, and “Six Feet Under” is no exception. For those who are interested, check out The Mast Web site at www.plu.edu/~mast for my reaction to the series’ final episode.

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Update

Initially, I had planned on writing a longer reflection on the final episode of "Six Feet Under," but upon watching it last night, I can only say one thing that truly does it justice: it was perfect.

I can honestly say that the series finale of "Six Feet Under" was one of the best things I have ever watched. It simultaneously wrapped up all of the show's plotlines perfectly and validated the previous five seasons spent with the Fishers, making everything that came before that much more important. Again, it was perfect.

In other words, go watch "Six Feet Under." Now, please.

"Six feet under "

Originally Aired 2001-2005