CORPORATE LINE: Further matters of life and death (but mostly death) unfold in this third season of SIX FEET UNDER, from award-winning creator Alan Ball. With Rico (Freddy Rodriguez) getting his wish to be a partner in the business, Fisher & Sons has turned into Fisher & Diaz. But difficult times lie ahead for both Rico and the Fisher’s as they try to adjust to the change. Meanwhile, David (Michael C. Hall) and Keith (Mathew St. Patrick) go into therapy together; Nate (Peter Krause) is plagued by dreams involving his father and has relationship issues with his girlfriend; Claire (Lauren Ambrose) is still struggling to balance her personal life with high school; and Ruth has a new man in her life.
SIX FEET UNDER is a compelling, unique show from HBO. Combining masterful acting and direction with storylines that suck viewers in and leave them wanting more, this is television drama at its finest.
THE SHOW: The third season is really dark—and absolutely dreary. Much of the focus is on the marriage of Lisa and Nate and their daughter Maya. This narrative thread winds throughout and is a great arc in the season.
The addition of Arthur Martin (Rainn Wilson) adds to an already solid cast of characters. Unfortunately as good as the addition of Arthur is there seems to be some lose of what to do with both Claire and Ruth. Each character seems to be swimming in a sea of uncertainty and it never gets better. It’s a shame because they are some of the best characters on the show. Claire is continuously getting into bad relationships and after a while it grows monotonous.
DVD FEATURES: There is a plethora of commentary tracks by the writers and directors of different episodes. The directors give great insight. Alan Ball comments on episode thirteen with a keenness that fans will enjoy.
A few deleted scenes round out the features. Most add very little to the plots and it’s easy to see why they were cut. Even so it’s interesting to see the additional clips.
FRANKLY: Six Feet Under is one of the best dramatic shows on television. The third season—even with a few of its faults–is absolutely stunning to watch and as addictive as any show you could find on television. This DVD set, although pricy, is certainly worth the cost to watch such an incredible show over and over again.
+ Charlie Craine
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