An Analysis of Death and Family Dynamics in '6 Feet Under HBO'
In many ways, the HBO series Six Feet Under ushered in the era of the “anti-family” show. The show follows the lives of the Fisher family, a once tight-knit clan, as they grapple with the death of their patriarch, Nathaniel Fisher. He leaves them with a funeral home to run and the mess of their own wounds to deal with. 'Six Feet Under' is a show of heartbreaks, of broken hearts, and of grappling with death. Through its five extended seasons, it managed to dig into the dynamics of a fractured family who must reconcile with the death of a beloved father figure and adjourn with the expectations of a tight-knit family.
The Theme of Death
The history and future of Six Feet Under is intrinsically interlaced with the element of death. The Fishers run a funeral home and as such, much of their lives are inextricably linked to death. In a sense, Nathaniel is still a presence in the family, as each death that comes through the funeral home already holds a significant place in the show. The show takes care to focus very much on deaths and their impact on the characters and the Fishers alike. It insightfully explores how characters of all ages, experiences, and backgrounds respond to death, helping viewers understand the different grieving processes.
Family Dynamics
An exploration of death in Six Feet Under also leads to a deep look at the Fisher family dynamics. As a result of Nate's death, the family must come to terms with the painful past and the loss of a loved one. With Nate's death, Ruth and her children must try to move on with their lives. It is in this process of grief that a family must move past hurt and resentment in order to restore a sense of harmony. As such, Six Feet Under paints a startling and poignant view of how family dynamics change and function in the face of death.
Conclusion
Through five incredible seasons, Six Feet Under managed to perfectly capture a gripping narrative of death and family dynamics. It is an impactful show that continues to inspire viewers over a decade after its release. Ultimately, it is about a complex family, their struggles, and how death ultimately shapes and influences their lives.