I am around though doubt if I'll get chance to do much reviewing of my own!
I am around though doubt if I'll get chance to do much reviewing of my own!
Member since:27.06.2004
Reviews:39
Members who trust:64
As soon as I saw an advert on channel 4 for the first series of Six Feet Under, i knew it was a programme that would appeal to me. However, I only thought it would do that on a comic level. I was wrong (I am glad to say!). Here in the UK we have just finished with Season 3 which was in my opinion the best yet. Furthermore, season 4 is due to be aired any time soon!
Well the show itself is set in a Funeral Home in California. The main characters are the Fisher family who own a funeral home and whose father (Nathaniel- played by Richard Jenkins) is tragically killed in car accident. The accient sparks the return of son Nate (played by Michael C.Hall), who decides to stay at the home after his father's death to live with his mum (Ruth- played by Frances Conroy), his brother David (played by Peter Krause) and his sister Claire (played by Lauren Ambrose). The programme tells of the daily life the Fishers must face up to, including the efficient running of the funeral home.
The three series that we have seen so far have one thing in common- the use of black comedy. Often succinct, yet at the same time very funny! For example in the first series in order to gain revenge on her ex- boyfriend, Claire puts a dead man's foot in his school locker. Needless to say he got a bit of a shock!
The most compelling thing about Six feet under, however and in many ways the most ignored is the themes it deals with. It is not your average run-of-the-mill American drama, although I'd be lying if I said it doesn't carry some of the traits! It deals with controversial subjects such as homosexuality (and how family reacts), death (a given really!), drugs, nymphomania, brain tumours, new relationships, insanity, disfunctional families (not the fishers-despite how they seem sometimes!) and other different issues.
Personally, this is the best part of Six Feet Under. The way in which it deals with life and things that go on really does make you think! Of course it appeals on a comic level but the undertones of Six Feet Under are far more deep-rooted. I would say, particularly more so in season 2 and 3 we see the themes emerge more.
Furthermore, I must give special mention to the cast of this show! I couldn't possibly start to tell you of what has happened in the show, I'd be writing probably until they show the fourth season in the UK, then I'd have to add more!!!
However all actors involved should be commended, with special mention going to Peter Krause as the wonderful character of David. Also, I think Frances Conroy and Michael C. Hall deserve special mentions for their roles in the programme.
Alan Ball who is the creator of Six Feet Under must also receive praise. His original idea has, in my opinion, done a lot for US television. He also was the writer of American Beauty, which is an excellent film. He received an Oscar for it, so his pedigree is plain to see!
Overall, Six Feet Under is a must see programme. For those of you who have not seen it before, I would recommend purchasing the first season box set and then see if you like it. The second season has just this week come out. Thanks for Reading!
You can buy the box set from all good high street retailers- I got mine off the net from Amazon for about £34.99.
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One of my favourite TV series ever...Just picked up the Series 1 box set for £24:99 from HMV...will get them all soon....Pity the series has now finished ( I think )....Roy
china_wolf 24.09.2004 19:02
6 feet under rocks!!!
mogrus 23.09.2004 09:48
I have never watched any episodes but my friends do and they love it. Nikki x
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