Ep 5. An Open Book

Claire Fisher is a moody, artsy teen who struggles with the mundanity of her life, particularly her school and family. Her parents, Ruth and Nate, worry about their daughter's behavior and lack of focus, while her brother David seems more captivated by his own internal struggles than by Claire's problems.

In Six Feet Under season 1 episode 5, entitled "An Open Book," Claire's disaffected attitude and unconventional approach to art comes to the forefront as she is assigned a photography project in which she must take pictures of "her world." Her instructor, Olivier Castro-Staal (played by Peter Macdissi), is a charismatic and intense Frenchman who inspires both the students and viewers with his unapologetic and boundary-pushing approach to creativity.

As Claire tries to figure out what "her world" looks like, she begins to see the people and places around her in a new light. She's drawn to the world of drugs and partying, and she takes pictures of her friend's faces, bloodshot eyes, and pockmarked skin. She also takes a self-portrait in which she covers her face with her hair, hiding from the camera and the world.

Throughout the episode, Claire navigates her first romantic relationship with classmate Gabe (played by Eric Balfour). The relationship is awkward and passionate, and Claire doesn't know quite how to handle her newfound feelings. Meanwhile, Nate struggles with a new job and feeling out of place at his own father's funeral home while David finds himself in a complicated relationship with a police officer.

"An Open Book" is a standout episode of Six Feet Under's first season, thanks in large part to its exploration of Claire's character. The episode effectively captures the ennui and restlessness of adolescence, while also presenting the idea that unconventional art can be a means of expressing that angst. Claire's journey to find her artistic voice is compelling and relatable, and the show's use of photography as a metaphor for the way that we see ourselves and the world around us is particularly effective.

The episode also introduces the character of Olivier Castro-Staal, whose galvanizing presence in the classroom adds a spark of energy and inspiration to the show. Peter Macdissi's performance is captivating and memorable, and his character's approach to art and life offers a fascinating foil to the more conventional characters on the show.

Overall, "An Open Book" is a standout episode of Six Feet Under's first season, offering a fresh perspective on adolescence, creativity, and the way we see the world. The episode's exploration of Claire's character is rich and textured, and its use of photography as a metaphor for self-expression and self-discovery is particularly powerful. Fans of the show will appreciate this episode's nuanced storytelling and complex character development, and newcomers will find it an engaging and accessible entry point to the series.