Ep 1. Pilot

In the first episode of Six Feet Under, we are introduced to the Fisher family and their funeral home business. The episode, titled "Pilot," begins with the sudden and tragic death of Nathaniel Fisher, Sr., the patriarch of the family and owner of Fisher & Sons Funeral Home. The family gathers to discuss what to do with the business now that Nathaniel is gone.

The Fisher family is a dysfunctional one, with each member having their own issues to deal with. Nathaniel's son, David, is set to take over the funeral home but struggles with the pressure and expectations placed upon him. His brother, Nate, who has been away traveling, returns home for his father's funeral and is forced to confront his past and his complicated relationship with his family.

As the family prepares for Nathaniel's funeral, they must also navigate their own personal and professional relationships. Ruth, Nathaniel's wife, is struggling with her grief and finds herself drawn to a family friend. Meanwhile, David is dealing with an employee who is unhappy with the way he's run the business in the past, and Nate is reconnecting with an old flame.

Throughout the episode, we see the Fisher family interact with the deceased and their loved ones, handling their grief and loss with dignity and respect. The funeral home scenes are handled with care and attention to detail, showing the importance and sensitivity required in the funeral business.

Despite the serious subject matter, the episode also has its light moments. Nate, in particular, provides a much-needed bit of humor with his dry wit and sarcasm. We also see glimpses of Nathaniel's past through flashbacks, revealing a complex and intriguing character whose influence is felt throughout the episode.

"Pilot" sets up the main themes and relationships of the show, providing a strong foundation for the rest of the series. We see the Fisher family struggling to come to terms with Nathaniel's death and the implications it has for their future. We also see the importance of death and mourning as a central part of life, and the need to address it with honesty and authenticity.

Overall, "Pilot" is a well-crafted and engaging introduction to Six Feet Under, pulling the audience into the Fisher family's world and setting up the emotional journey to come. It's a poignant and powerful start to a series that explores the many facets of life and death with sensitivity and depth.