Familia (Six Feet Under)

Familia is a central theme in the HBO television series Six Feet Under, referring to the Fisher family and their complex relationships with each other, as well as with extended family and chosen family. The series revolves around the Fisher & Sons (later Fisher & Diaz) funeral home, a family business deeply intertwined with their personal lives.

The concept of familia in Six Feet Under is multifaceted and often fraught with tension. The death of the patriarch, Nathaniel Fisher Sr., in the pilot episode sets in motion a process of redefining family dynamics and individual identities. The core family unit consists of his widow, Ruth, and their three children: Nate, David, and Claire.

The show explores the challenges and rewards of familial bonds, portraying both the unconditional love and the deep-seated resentments that can exist within a family. Issues such as communication breakdowns, sibling rivalries, differing values, and individual struggles with identity all contribute to the complex tapestry of the Fishers' familia.

The definition of familia is expanded beyond the immediate family to include significant others, business partners (like Federico Diaz), close friends, and even the deceased individuals whose funerals they arrange. These relationships contribute to the overall understanding of how family can be found in unconventional places and how it shapes the individual's experience of life and death. The concept of building a "chosen family" is also explored, highlighting the importance of support systems outside of traditional blood relations.

Ultimately, familia in Six Feet Under represents a source of both comfort and conflict, a constant negotiation of individual needs within a shared history and future. The show emphasizes the enduring power of family, even in the face of death, loss, and the inherent difficulties of human connection.