Perfect Circles
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Episode 1
- Alan Caso
- Frederick Iannone
| "Perfect Circles" | |
|---|---|
| Six Feet Under episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Rodrigo García |
| Written by | Alan Ball |
| Cinematography by |
|
| Editing by | Michael Ruscio |
| Original release date | March 2, 2003 |
| Running time | 48 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Perfect Circles" is the first episode of the third season of the American drama television series Six Feet Under. It is the 27th overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Alan Ball, and directed by Rodrigo García. It originally aired on HBO on March 2, 2003.
The series is set in Los Angeles, and depicts the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home, along with their friends and lovers. It explores the conflicts that arise after the family's patriarch, Nathaniel, dies in a car accident. In the episode, Nate experiences alternate realities during his coma, as he is instructed to choose between life and death.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 5.09 million household viewers and gained a Nielsen household rating of 3.5. The episode received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances (particularly Krause), themes and character development, although some were divided over the first half of the episode.
Nate (Peter Krause) lies unconscious on the surgery room while the doctors operate him. The doctors comment that the operation has been very complicated, with some problems along the way. The screen fades to white and displays the words "Nathaniel Samuel Fisher, Jr. 1965-2002".
Nate finds himself experiencing strange events. He starts seeing different versions of himself, including one where he plays with Lisa (Lili Taylor) and Maya, and another where he learns to speak. He also attends his own funeral, and is confused when he jumps around different realities. He confronts Nathaniel (Richard Jenkins), who explains that he is neither dead or alive. He asks him to see his own coffin, which showcases a glowing light when Nate stares at it. The screen fades to white, displaying the same text from the opening sequence, but removing "2002".
Seven months later, Nate has recovered from a rupture during surgery, is married with Lisa and they live together with Maya. Lisa now works for neurotic film producer Carol Ward (Catherine O'Hara), whom Nate dislikes. Carol and Nate get into an argument when the latter parks in his driveway, and she ends up crying in the kitchen. Claire (Lauren Ambrose) is now in LAC Arts, where she is specifically asked to draw "perfect circles" for her class. She takes an interest in a crematorium worker, Phil (J.P. Pitoc), who is part of a band. After visiting for a performance, they end up having sex.
David (Michael C. Hall) and Keith (Mathew St. Patrick) are still together, but attend therapy to put aside their differences. Keith has lost his job as police officer and now works in security, which he hates. David, meanwhile, has decided to audition for the Gay Men's Chorus. Federico (Freddy Rodriguez) is enjoying his new stake in the newly rebranded Fisher & Diaz, but struggles to understand many of the concepts that come with his position. Nate returns home and talks with Lisa over their life. Nate notes that this conversation is similar to the one he experienced in his coma, leaving him curious over his future with Lisa and Maya.
Production
Development
The episode was written by series creator Alan Ball, and directed by Rodrigo García. This was Ball's sixth writing credit, and García's fourth directing credit.[1]