Created by Alan Ball, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of the overrated American Beauty, the mordantly funny Six Feet Under comes to home video as television's newly anointed gold standard series (nominated for 23 Emmys and earning Golden Globe honors for Best Television Series). After the shaky premiere episode that strains too hard for its black humor (fortunately, those faux funeral services commercials were a onetime conceit), the series lives up to its hype. A brilliant ensemble brings to, um, life, the tribulations of the Fisher family, owners of Fisher & Sons Funeral Home--although "son" would be more accurate. Michael C. Hall stars as dutiful son David, a closeted homosexual who has devoted his life to the family business. Peter Krause costars as prodigal son Nate, who returns to the fold in the wake of his father's tragic death (each episode opens with a demise that brings new business to the family). In addition to the dysfunctional private lives of each family member, the Fishers must also contend with an aggressive buyout offer. It is a Hollywood maxim that there are few good parts for women, but this series proves to be the exception, with Frances Conroy as repressed matriarch Ruth, Lauren Ambrose as misfit daughter Claire, and Emmy-winner Rachel Griffiths as Brenda, who insinuates herself into the Fishers' lives. Those not hooked up to HBO, or who want to--sorry--relive the brilliant first season, will be glad to bury themselves in this DVD set, which features a number of extras, including a behind-the-scenes featurette, select audio commentaries by Ball, a deleted scene from the pilot, and more. Highly recommended. (K. Lee Benson)
Six Feet Under: The Complete First Season
HBO, 4 discs, 780 min., not rated, DVD: $99.98 Volume 18, Issue 3
Six Feet Under: The Complete First Season
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