(Season 1, Episodes 11-13)
I never thought it would happen, but I’m really starting to feel some sympathy for Brenda after completing the first season of Six Feet Under. Her story and background is a bit over-the-top, but it has been presented in a very skillful way, so I’ve never had a problem with it. Because she is such an extreme character, I think it was necessary to give her an extreme history. It was a smart move, and, like I said, I’m actually starting to have sympathy for her. Growing up with parents like hers and a brother like Billy, I don’t think Brenda ever had a chance.
“The Trip”
Billy really cranked up the crazy in this episode. Poor Nate for having to deal with all of this. In this episode, Nate, Brenda, and David went to Las Vegas for a funeral directors’ convention. Billy, of course, followed them down, going as far as breaking into Nate and Brenda’s room and taking pictures of them while they slept. Creepy.
David was really embracing the Las Vegas mentality in this episode, although it didn’t end so well for him, as he was arrested for getting it on with a male prostitute in a public parking garage. I guess it pays to have a cop for an ex-boyfriend. David’s downward spiral of self destruction has been a bit jarring. I’m hoping that he will be able to find his way to some small bit of happiness.
“A Private Life”
I’ve really been enjoying Claire and Gabe together. He’s a bit of a mook, but she’s so tender and caring with him, it’s really sweet. I’m hoping it doesn’t meet a tragic end with his penchant for drugs and self abuse. Being a youngest child myself, I can relate with Claire and some of her struggles — particularly the fact that there are no baby pictures or video tapes of her!
This was also the episode where Billy played his “trick” on Nate, staging a fake suicide for Nate to stumble upon. It was possibly more creepy than breaking into Brenda’s room and taking pictures of them together. In any case, it’s becoming clear that Billy needs a lot more help than just some meds. I hope he finds it in the hospital.
This episode was jam-packed, as we also saw a lot of David’s struggles come to a head with the death of a young homosexual in a hate crime. It forced David to face a lot of his own fear and shame. David’s story has really stood out as one of the more fascinating and heartbreaking parts of the series so far.
“Knock, Knock”
I was surprised at the amount of humor in the season finale, with Tracy Montrose Blair planning the funeral of her beloved aunt. I suppose it made sense with all the other heavy things going on in this episode. I thought the plot twist with Nate and his brain issues was a brilliant twist. After a whole season of exploring people facing their mortality after the loss of a loved one (Mr. Fisher), it set things up nicely for season two, when, I imagine, Nate will be facing his own mortality because of a health scare. I’m really looking forward to see how that story develops.
It was nice to see David reconnect with Keith, even if was a bit awkward, with Keith dating another guy at this point. Seems like those two are destined to get back together, though. Hopefully with David forced out of the church, he will be able to find some solace with himself and move on with his life.
I can’t wait until season two!
Clacked by Bob Degon
on May 03, 2009 @ 16:35 EST5EDT
