A Review of ‘6 Feet Under’

While scrolling through Netflix, I stumbled upon “6 Feet Under,” upon spotting Michael Hall in the cast, I immediately hit play. It was intriguing to see him embodying the character of David Fisher, a far cry from his Dexter Morgan persona.

The show is unique as it features the life of a family who’s business is running a funeral home. The pilot shows the death of the patriarch Nathaniel Fisher. The story revolves around the lives of Nate, David, Ruth and Claire and the challenges each of them has to go through.

The characters’ mental state makes you want to question yours. And often, it leaves me asking myself. “Are we the same?” ” Am I insane?” Lol. But then again, it opens up your mind into convincing yourself that you’re lucky, you’re stable and balanced unlike them.

The show introduces a host of characters, and there were a few that I couldn’t help but dislike. Brenda Chenowith, in particular, struggles with self-love despite her proficiency in shiatsu caregiving. I hated that despite her engagement with Nate, she went on having sex with strangers. I know it’s an illness. But I can’t help but shake my head in disbelief, especially since Nate was so attentive and loving.

Ruth, another character, comes off as pushy, embodying the stereotypical trait of mothers prioritizing others over themselves. Though her transformation toward the end is commendable, her journey can be a bit exhausting to watch. Towards the finale, her words resonate deeply, saying, “Motherhood is the loneliest thing in the world,” a sentiment that struck a chord with me. I don’t like the fact that since her husband died, she needed to have a man to be with her. And she was never without a partner.

Nate Fisher’s character resonated with me personally, especially as I share a similar experience with AVM. His untimely demise, triggered by the bursting of arteries in his brain, becomes the penultimate focal point of the series. The final scene, a toast to Nate, beautifully signifies the characters’ acceptance of his departure.

The series starts each episode with a death, setting a unique tone. Memorable ones include Nate’s best friend meeting a tragic end by getting run over in the head by his own car, Gabe’s younger brother’s accidental gunshot, and the horrible discovery of a solitary woman days after succumbing to choking in her apartment. The woman didn’t have any family, friends, or acquaintances, but she had her death all settled.

The finale showed how each character would die in the future, and the foresight into David’s stands out. The aftermath of Keith’s earlier passing due to a shooting incident adds a layer of sadness. The series deserves applause for skillfully wrapping up each character’s story, leaving no one without a meaningful conclusion.

While “6 Feet Under” might not be on my re-watch list, its lasting impact and the profound lessons it impart will not fade from memory.