Ep 9. The Opening

The Opening is the ninth episode of the third season of Six Feet Under. The show follows the Fisher family, who run a funeral home in Los Angeles. The episode centers around the opening of a new funeral home in the area, run by Vanessa's ex-boyfriend. David and Keith struggle with their relationship after Keith's mother dies, while Nate takes issue when Brenda's brother comes to stay with them. Ruth and George continue to navigate their new relationship, and Claire's friendship with Jimmy turns romantic.

The episode begins with the opening of Kroehner Funeral Home, which is run by Vanessa's ex-boyfriend, Jake. David and Rico attend the opening, and have mixed reactions to the new competition. David is worried about losing business, while Rico sees it as an opportunity to improve his own business tactics. Vanessa has a brief encounter with Jake at the opening, leaving her feeling nostalgic and unsure about her current relationship with Nate.

Meanwhile, Keith's mother dies unexpectedly, causing tension between him and David. Keith is hesitant to show his emotions and seeks solitude, while David is upset that Keith isn't sharing his grief with him. This causes a strain in their relationship, which only escalates when Keith is offered a job in another city.

Nate and Brenda's relationship hits a rough patch when Billy, Brenda's brother, comes to stay with them. Nate becomes increasingly frustrated with Billy's erratic behavior and his influence over Brenda. He feels like he's losing control of their relationship, and begins to question his feelings for Brenda.

Ruth and George continue to explore their new relationship, but Ruth is unsure about his quirks and habits. At a dinner party, George makes a faux pas that embarrasses Ruth, causing her to question whether or not they are a good fit. However, after a heart-to-heart conversation, the two seem to settle into a more comfortable rhythm.

Claire's friendship with Jimmy takes a romantic turn when they share a kiss after a night out. Claire is hesitant about starting a relationship with him, given their age difference and the fact that he is her boss. However, Jimmy is persistent and convinces her to give it a chance.

Overall, The Opening explores the various relationships within the Fisher family and their respective struggles with vulnerability, communication, and intimacy. The episode tackles themes of nostalgia, anxiety, and self-doubt, and offers a poignant look at the complexities of love and loss.