American Beauty's Oscar-winning screenwriter Alan Ball continues his career-defining exploration of society's misfits and oddballs in this superbly written and brilliantly acted HBO series, the second season of which advances the development of the principals, while also introducing several vividly drawn supporting characters. Unfolding largely within the confines of the Fisher & Sons Funeral Home in Los Angeles, Six Feet Under finds the widowed Fisher matriarch, Ruth (Frances Conroy), clinging desperately to emotional stability; gay son David (Michael C. Hall) grappling with "coming out" problems; and younger sister Claire (Lauren Ambrose), still unsure of her place in the world and wrestling with relationships. The 13-episode second season swings its spotlight on prodigal son Nate (Peter Krause, the show's nominal leading man), whose old girlfriend (Lili Taylor) turns up to further complicate his life, and also acquaints the viewer with Ruth's beatnik sister (Patricia Clarkson), who has her own take on the weirdness that pervades Fisher & Sons. Executive producer/director Ball employs his trademark dramatic irony and dark humor in these ferociously funny, and occasionally poignant, explorations into the mysteries of life and death, and even though the Grim Reaper always casts his pall over the show (and corpses abound in all their grisly glory), Ball and his writers often find creative ways to stick their thumbs in Death's cold eyes--and their efforts make for some of the most amazing episodes in TV history. DVD extras include audio commentaries on five episodes and a 20-minute behind-the-scenes featurette on the Fishers' morgue. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (E. Hulse)
Six Feet Under: The Complete Second Season
HBO, 5 discs, 780 min., not rated, DVD: $99.98 Volume 19, Issue 5
Six Feet Under: The Complete Second Season
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