Ep 7. The Silence

The Silence is the seventh episode of the fifth season of the critically acclaimed drama series Six Feet Under. Set in Los Angeles, the show explores the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home called Fisher & Sons.

In this episode, we see the Fisher family struggling with different forms of silence. Nate (Peter Krause) is hurt by Brenda's (Rachel Griffiths) refusal to attend his father's wedding, and their relationship becomes strained. Meanwhile, David (Michael C. Hall) is forced to confront a silence from his past when Keith's (Mathew St. Patrick) sister, Karla (Keeghan Holm), comes to town. Ruth (Frances Conroy) also grapples with her own silence as she tries to come to terms with her daughters growing up and leaving home.

At the Fisher & Sons funeral home, we see several clients dealing with the silence of death. One of the deceased is a young girl who died in a car accident, leaving her family shattered and struggling to find meaning in their loss. Another is an elderly woman, whose death leaves her husband of 60 years bereft and unable to speak.

As the Fisher family deals with these silences, they are forced to confront their own fears and insecurities. Nate is haunted by visions of his father, while David struggles with his guilt over past mistakes. Ruth, on the other hand, is forced to face a more existential crisis, as she realizes that her identity is inextricably linked to her role as a mother.

Throughout the episode, we see each character attempting to break through their respective silences. Nate and Brenda confront their issues head-on, while David reaches out to Karla in an attempt to make amends. Ruth, meanwhile, finds solace in the memories and traditions of her family.

The Silence is a poignant exploration of loss, grief, and the different ways in which people deal with them. As always, the show is anchored by its powerful performances, particularly by Conroy, who delivers a masterful portrayal of Ruth's emotional journey.

In conclusion, The Silence is a standout episode of Six Feet Under, showcasing the show's signature blend of raw emotion and dark humor. It is a fitting tribute to a series that captivated audiences for five seasons, leaving an indelible mark on television history.