Six Feet Under Review: Life and Death in a Family Funeral Home
9.5/10 — Six Feet Under (2001)
Pros
- Perceptive, daring writing
- Outstanding cast
- Unforgettable finale
Cons
- Meandering middle seasons
After the patriarch of the Fisher family dies, his sons, Nate and David, take over the family funeral home, along with his widow Ruth and daughter Claire. Each episode begins with a death.
What works
The writing is perceptive and daring, and the performances, especially Frances Conroy and Michael C. Hall, are outstanding. The series reflects on mortality with honesty, and its finale is widely considered one of television’s best.
Where it falters
The middle seasons can meander, and the characters make frustrating decisions.
Verdict
A moving, original drama with a perfect ending.
