Introduction
HBO’s Six Feet Under ran for five seasons from 2001 to 2005, leaving a lasting legacy in television history. Created by Alan Ball, the show quickly became a favorite for its exploration of deep, philosophical themes such as mortality, family dynamics, and the intricacies of human emotions. The series, centered around a family-owned funeral home, blended dark humor, tragedy, and surreal elements to tell stories that were often raw, challenging, and thought-provoking.
Despite the widespread acclaim Six Feet Under received over the years, it’s not without its flaws. These imperfections—ranging from pacing issues to inconsistent character development—are important to address in order to fully understand the show’s legacy. Below, we explore the most notable flaws in the series, considering how they impacted both the storyline and the viewer experience.
Pacing Issues in the Early Seasons
The pacing of Six Feet Under is one of the most debated aspects of the show. Particularly in the first two seasons, the series often struggles with its rhythm. While it starts strong with intriguing character development and rich storytelling, it sometimes loses its momentum. The episodes frequently shift between long, drawn-out emotional scenes and smaller, inconsequential storylines, leading to an uneven narrative flow.
At times, the show takes its time exploring mundane details about the characters’ lives, such as their romantic relationships or trivial family squabbles. While these moments add depth to the characters, they can drag on, leaving the viewer feeling like the plot isn’t moving forward. The series often spends multiple episodes on side stories that don’t directly impact the central themes of the show, creating a disjointed viewing experience.
Additionally, the shift between drama and dark humor can create jarring transitions. In some episodes, the pacing slows down to explore character introspection or quirky moments, only to abruptly shift back to a death or trauma-heavy storyline. This imbalance can feel disorienting for the audience, as the show jumps from one extreme to another without adequate buildup.
Wiki
| Aspect | Details |
| Title | Six Feet Under |
| Genre | Drama, Family, Dark Comedy |
| Created by | Alan Ball |
| Original Network | HBO |
| Original Run | June 3, 2001 – August 21, 2005 |
| No. of Seasons | 5 |
| No. of Episodes | 63 |
| Running Time | 50-60 minutes per episode |
| Main Cast | – Peter Krause as Nathaniel Samuel Fisher, Jr. (Nate) |
| – Michael C. Hall as David Fisher |
| – Frances Conroy as Ruth Fisher |
| – Jeremy Sisto as Billy Chenowith |
| – Rachel Griffiths as Brenda Chenowith |
| – Lauren Ambrose as Claire Simone Fisher |
| Premise | The series follows the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home in Los Angeles, exploring their relationships, grief, and the complexities of life and death. |
| Critical Reception | Highly acclaimed for its writing, performances, and exploration of dark themes such as mortality and family dynamics. |
| Awards | – 9 Primetime Emmy Awards |
| – 3 Golden Globe Awards |
| Flaws | – Pacing issues |
| – Overuse of shock value |
| – Some underdeveloped supporting characters |
| – Inconsistent tone |
Overreliance on Shock Value
Another flaw of Six Feet Under is its overreliance on shock value to keep audiences engaged. While some shocking plot twists can be effective when used sparingly, the series often resorts to surprises that feel manipulative or forced. For example, certain character deaths or dramatic revelations appear out of nowhere, sometimes sacrificing the story’s emotional integrity for a quick jolt.
In the early seasons, the series does a good job of using shocking events to highlight the fragile nature of life and death. However, as the show progresses, these shocking moments seem to become a formulaic way to move the plot along. Certain deaths and revelations appear to be inserted solely for the purpose of jarring the audience, with little regard for the natural development of the characters. This approach can make some twists feel less meaningful, reducing the emotional impact they might otherwise have had.
Underdeveloped Supporting Characters
While the central characters, particularly the Fisher family, are well-developed and multidimensional, many of the supporting characters in Six Feet Under are less fleshed out. Some of the more promising supporting characters, like Brenda’s mother, Margaret, and Nate’s ex-wife, Lisa, are introduced with intriguing backstories and motivations, but their development often takes a backseat to the main narrative.
For instance, Brenda’s mother Margaret is portrayed as a complex character with a history of mental illness and dysfunctional relationships. However, her arc is only explored briefly, and she is left largely unresolved by the series’ end. Similarly, Lisa’s character has the potential for a rich, dramatic arc but remains underdeveloped, leaving viewers with questions about her future and her relationship with Nate.
This lack of development can make the show feel incomplete at times, as some characters are left in the background despite their initial significance. The decision to focus primarily on the Fisher family members may have been a deliberate one, but it leaves a gap in the story that might have been filled with more exploration of these secondary characters.
Inconsistent Tone
Six Feet Under is known for blending dark humor with emotional drama, a formula that helped define its unique style. However, the show often struggles with tonal inconsistencies. In some episodes, the shift between comedy and tragedy feels jarring, with the show swinging rapidly between light-hearted moments and intense, dramatic scenes.
This inconsistency can be distracting to viewers. For example, a scene that starts with humor and lightness might suddenly give way to a dark, somber moment, such as a funeral or the death of a loved one. While this dynamic was part of the show’s charm, it also made some episodes feel disjointed. The tonal shifts can be effective when done well, but when overused or misapplied, they detract from the emotional weight of the narrative.
Additionally, the show occasionally mixes absurdity with serious subject matter, creating a sense of imbalance. For example, while moments of levity can help alleviate the heavy subject matter surrounding death, at times, the comedy feels forced or out of place. This can make it difficult for the audience to emotionally invest in the characters and their struggles.
Unrealistic Depiction of Therapy
Throughout Six Feet Under, therapy is portrayed as a quick solution to the complex emotional problems faced by the characters. In particular, Brenda’s ongoing therapy sessions with her psychologist, and later Nate’s counseling, appear to bring rapid breakthroughs that oversimplify the therapeutic process.
The show often presents therapy as a means for characters to resolve deep-seated issues in a single session, which can be misleading. Real-life therapy is rarely so swift or straightforward. The show’s portrayal of therapy can make it seem like all personal problems can be solved in a few moments of reflection or conversation, which undermines the actual complexity of mental health struggles.
While Six Feet Under touches on the emotional struggles of its characters, its depiction of therapy doesn’t always provide an accurate representation of the healing process. The breakthroughs depicted often come too quickly and easily, offering an unrealistic view of how therapy works in reality.
Repetitive Storylines
Despite Six Feet Under‘s rich character development, certain storylines become repetitive over the course of the show. One prominent example is Brenda’s struggles with intimacy and commitment. Her issues with relationships are explored in nearly every season, and while it is a significant part of her character arc, the repetitive nature of these storylines can feel stagnant after a while.
The repetitive nature of Brenda’s character arc can make it feel like she isn’t progressing or evolving. Although she experiences different relationships throughout the series, her fundamental issues remain largely unchanged. This lack of growth can be frustrating for viewers who hoped to see a more substantial resolution to her emotional struggles.
Similarly, certain familial conflicts within the Fisher family, particularly between Nathaniel (the father) and his children, are explored in various forms throughout the series. While family dynamics are central to the show’s emotional weight, the repeated examination of certain issues can sometimes feel like the show is treading water instead of pushing the narrative forward.
Overuse of Surreal Elements
In an effort to deepen the exploration of its characters’ inner lives, Six Feet Under frequently employs surreal sequences, such as dream sequences, hallucinations, and symbolic imagery. While these elements add an artistic flair to the show, their overuse can sometimes detract from the realism of the narrative.
Surreal moments, especially those involving deceased characters interacting with the living, are meant to reflect the psychological states of the characters. However, the frequent reliance on these sequences can make the show feel more like a psychological thriller or fantasy than a grounded drama about everyday life. In some instances, viewers may find these surreal elements distracting or confusing, especially when they are not closely tied to the character’s growth.
While surrealism is a powerful tool when used sparingly, Six Feet Under occasionally overuses this device, which can feel forced or unearned in certain moments.
Lack of Closure for Certain Subplots
One of the most prominent flaws of Six Feet Under is its failure to provide closure for several key subplots. The series ends with a satisfying resolution for the Fisher family, but some storylines remain unresolved. For instance, the fate of certain minor characters is left up in the air, and viewers never fully learn what happens to them.
This lack of closure can be frustrating for viewers who invested in these side characters and hoped for some resolution to their arcs. While Six Feet Under excels at resolving the major conflicts, it leaves certain storylines dangling, which can feel unsatisfying.
Stereotypical Character Depictions
While Six Feet Under is known for its strong character work, some secondary characters are depicted using stereotypes. Characters such as the flamboyant funeral director and the promiscuous artist are portrayed in ways that feel one-dimensional or overly simplistic.
These stereotypical depictions can feel like shortcuts, reducing complex individuals to caricatures. Although the show does explore many characters’ inner worlds in depth, these more superficial portrayals undermine the otherwise nuanced approach to character development.
Overemphasis on Death
Lastly, Six Feet Under is undeniably obsessed with death, and for good reason—death is central to the story. However, at times, the constant focus on mortality can overshadow other aspects of life. The show occasionally leans too heavily on death-related themes, which can create a sense of gloom and heaviness throughout.
The frequent focus on death, while thematically appropriate, can make the show feel overly morbid. Balancing the theme of mortality with other aspects of life, such as joy, growth, and change, would have added a more dynamic and layered exploration of the human experience.
Conclusion
Six Feet Under Flaws one of the most celebrated television dramas of the early 2000s, known for its thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and family. While the show has earned critical acclaim for its bold storytelling, complex characters, and emotional depth, it is not without its flaws. From pacing issues and an overreliance on shock value to underdeveloped supporting characters and inconsistent tone, Six Feet Under faces challenges that hinder its overall impact at times.
Despite these imperfections, the series’ ability to tackle deep, existential themes through the lens of the Fisher family’s funeral home business makes it a landmark in TV history. However, it is important for viewers to recognize that, like any great work, Six Feet Under has its rough edges—elements that could have been refined for a more seamless and cohesive experience. These flaws don’t diminish its achievements but provide a more nuanced perspective on the series as a whole. For those who appreciate intricate storytelling and character-driven drama, Six Feet Under remains an essential watch, but its flaws should be acknowledged in the broader conversation about its legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the main Six Feet Under Flaws?
Some of the primary Six Feet Under Flaws include pacing issues, overuse of shock value, underdeveloped supporting characters, and an inconsistent tone. Additionally, the series sometimes relies too heavily on surreal elements and leaves several subplots unresolved by its conclusion.
2. Did Six Feet Under portray therapy realistically?
No, Six Feet Under‘s depiction of therapy often oversimplifies the process. Characters frequently experience rapid breakthroughs in therapy, which doesn’t reflect the gradual, often challenging nature of real-life therapy.
3. Why does Six Feet Under rely on surreal elements so much?
The surreal elements in Six Feet Under, such as dream sequences and hallucinations, were used to explore the inner worlds of the characters. However, these moments can feel overused, detracting from the grounded nature of the story and making the show feel less realistic at times.
4. Were the supporting characters well-developed?
While the main characters like the Fisher family were well-developed, many supporting characters felt underdeveloped. Characters like Brenda’s mother and Nate’s ex-wife, Lisa, had potential for more intricate storylines but were often sidelined or left unresolved.
5. Does the series offer closure for all its characters?
No, while the main narrative of Six Feet Under offers closure for the Fisher family, several secondary storylines and characters are left unresolved. This lack of closure can be frustrating for viewers who hoped for a more definitive ending for all characters.
6. What could have improved Six Feet Under?
Better pacing, more consistent tone, deeper exploration of secondary characters, and a less formulaic approach to shock value could have helped improve Six Feet Under. A more balanced depiction of death alongside other aspects of life would have made for a richer narrative.
7. Is Six Feet Under still worth watching despite its flaws?
Yes, Six Feet Under is still highly regarded for its bold exploration of mortality, family dynamics, and human emotions. While the series has its flaws, its strengths, particularly in character development and thematic depth, make it a must-watch for fans of dramatic storytelling.
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