Ep 3. Parallel Play

In the fourth season of Six Feet Under, viewers are taken into the world of the Fisher family, who own and operate a funeral home in Los Angeles. While the family is still grieving the loss of their patriarch Nathaniel, who was killed in a car accident, they must also deal with new personal and professional challenges that arise.

In season 4, episode 3, titled "Parallel Play," the episode centers around Nate's relationship with Brenda, his on-again, off-again girlfriend, as they try to navigate the challenges of parenthood. The episode begins with Brenda and Nate's son, Will, crying uncontrollably, frustrating Nate and leaving him feeling like he's in over his head. Brenda is out of town for the week, leaving Nate to care for their son alone.

As Nate struggles to calm Will down, he becomes increasingly frustrated and turns to his sister, Claire, for help. Claire, who is studying art in college, is busy with her own life, but ultimately agrees to help her brother out by watching Will for a few hours. The episode follows the parallel experiences of Will and Claire as they navigate their own challenges.

At the same time, Ruth, the family matriarch, is struggling with her own feelings of loneliness and isolation. She has recently moved out of the family home and into an apartment complex for seniors, but she's finding it hard to make friends and feels disconnected from the world around her. In an effort to connect with others, Ruth signs up for a ceramics class, but her attempt at socializing falls flat.

As the episode progresses, the parallels between Nate and Will and Claire become increasingly evident. Both Will and Claire are struggling to find their place in the world, feeling disconnected and alone. Will is a toddler who is still learning how to communicate his needs, while Claire is a college student trying to figure out who she is and what she wants in life.

Through Claire's interactions with Will, she learns to be more patient, compassionate, and resilient. As she witnesses his struggles and triumphs, she realizes that she too has the strength to overcome her own challenges. Nate also learns to be more patient with Will, realizing that his frustrations are simply a product of his inexperience as a parent.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers are left with a sense of hope and optimism. While the Fisher family may be dealing with their fair share of challenges, they are also learning to grow and change in positive ways. With each new experience, they are gaining the tools and insight they need to navigate the complexities of life, love, and loss.