Ep 7. Brotherhood

In Six Feet Under season 1 episode 7, titled "Brotherhood," tensions rise between the Fisher brothers as they struggle to come to terms with their differences and the future of their family business. Nate, the younger brother, is still reeling from the death of his father and is unsure if he wants to continue working at the funeral home. Meanwhile, David, the older brother and heir to the family business, desperately tries to keep the funeral home afloat while dealing with his own personal demons.

The episode opens with Nate meeting with a potential new client who is interested in a green burial for his late wife. After turning down the client's request to scatter her ashes on a golf course, Nate begins to question the ethics of the funeral industry and whether or not he wants to continue working in it. Later, the Fisher brothers attend a funeral where they witness the family of the deceased breaking down and arguing over the burial arrangements. This scene serves as a stark reminder of the emotional toll that the funeral business can take on both the deceased and their loved ones.

Back at the funeral home, tensions between Nate and David come to a head when David discovers that Nate has been secretly burying pets on the property. David is furious and accuses Nate of being unprofessional and disrespectful to the business and their clients. Nate, on the other hand, sees David as cold and unfeeling and is frustrated by his lack of empathy towards the people they serve. The two brothers argue and exchange harsh words, revealing deep-seated resentments that have been simmering beneath the surface for years.

As the episode progresses, we see both Nate and David struggling with personal issues outside of work. Nate is still trying to come to terms with his father's death and his complicated relationship with his family. He reconnects with an old flame, Brenda, and they begin a passionate affair that forces Nate to confront his emotional baggage head-on. Meanwhile, David is struggling to come out to his family and friends, and his fears about being rejected by his conservative Catholic community are causing him to spiral into a deep depression.

The episode culminates in a powerful scene where the Fisher brothers finally confront their issues with each other. After a brutal fight, they have a heart-to-heart where they both acknowledge their respective struggles and make an effort to understand each other better. The scene is emotionally charged and beautifully acted, highlighting the complex relationships between siblings and the importance of family.

Overall, "Brotherhood" is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the funeral industry. The writing is sharp and nuanced, and the performances by the cast are outstanding. Fans of Six Feet Under will not want to miss this powerful episode.