Ep 2. You Never Know

In the second episode of season 3 of Six Feet Under, titled "You Never Know", viewers are drawn into the complex and emotional world of the Fisher family once more. The episode opens with a group of strangers gathered around a grave, mourning the death of an unknown man. While Nate struggles with the reality of his own mortality, Claire resumes her photography studies at LAC-Arts, where she struggles to connect with her edgy and provocative professor, Olivier. Meanwhile, Federico attempts to save a local business from bankruptcy, and Ruth spends time with an old, wealthy friend. When the identity of the strange man in the grave is revealed to be a friend of Keith's, David is forced to confront some lingering issues from his past.

As the episode begins, Nate is consumed by anxiety about his own death, particularly upon learning that the unknown man in the opening scene was the same age as he was. In typical Six Feet Under fashion, the show explores the theme of death and mortality in depth, using the anxieties and fears of its characters to reflect on the nature of life and death. The episode also introduces several new conflicts and plotlines, suggesting that the characters are all undergoing significant changes and challenges that will drive the plot forward in the coming episodes.

One of the most significant new plotlines introduced in "You Never Know" involves Claire's struggles at school. Claire has always been an outsider, often feeling disconnected from her family and peers. Her photography teacher, Olivier, pushes her to take increasingly edgy and provocative pictures, which she is uncomfortable with. Through her interactions with Olivier and her peers, the episode explores the tension between artistic freedom and the desire for authenticity and meaningful expression.

While Claire struggles at school, Federico is dealing with his own professional challenges. He takes on the task of trying to save a local business from bankruptcy, which puts a significant strain on him and his relationships with his colleagues and family. His efforts to save the business are complicated by a range of factors, including financial pressures, legal complications, and interpersonal conflicts.

Alongside these new developments, "You Never Know" also brings back a number of familiar characters and conflicts. Ruth spends time with an old friend who is wealthy and glamorous, which brings to the surface some of her own insecurities and desires. David is forced to confront some painful memories and secrets from his past when the identity of the man in the grave is revealed to be a friend of Keith's.

Throughout the episode, Six Feet Under continues to deal with weighty themes and issues, while also retaining the signature mix of humor, drama, and quirkiness that has made the show so popular. The writing is sharp and insightful, exploring complex issues with nuance and depth. The performances are also excellent, with the cast bringing their characters to life in nuanced and compelling ways.

Overall, "You Never Know" is a strong episode of Six Feet Under, one that showcases the show's strengths while introducing new plotlines and conflicts. Fans of the show will likely find much to enjoy here, while newcomers will be drawn in by the show's impressive writing, acting, and production values. The season is off to a promising start, and it will be exciting to see where the show goes from here.