The Trap (Six Feet Under)
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Episode 5
| "The Trap" | |
|---|---|
| Six Feet Under episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 5 |
| Directed by | Jeremy Podeswa |
| Written by | Bruce Eric Kaplan |
| Cinematography by | Alan Caso |
| Editing by | Ron Rosen |
| Original release date | March 30, 2003 |
| Running time | 55 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Trap" is the fifth episode of the third season of the American drama television series Six Feet Under. It is the 31st overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producer Bruce Eric Kaplan, and directed by Jeremy Podeswa. It originally aired on HBO on March 30, 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 and Lisa discuss their financial problems, while David reconnects with a figure of his past. Meanwhile, Ruth is forced to live in with a new apprentice, while Claire gets closer to Olivier.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 4.87 million household viewers and gained a Nielsen household rating of 3.1. The episode received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and writing.
A couple are hiking, while arguing over their journey and destination. Feeling lost, they continue wandering through the area. They stumble upon an abandoned car, which they deduce has stayed in that spot for years. They open the door, and discover a skeleton, later revealed as William Aaron Jaffe, who died back in 1975.
William's family, including his widow, have doubts over how to proceed. They also have questions regarding the circumstances of his accident, as well as any other mystery he might have left behind. Unsatisfied with Claire's help, Federico (Freddy Rodriguez) suggests hiring a live-in apprentice, as they will save money on hiring someone given that the apprentice will use this as credit for mortuary school. They all agree, and Federico hires a man named Arthur (Rainn Wilson), although Ruth (Frances Conroy) has her doubts over having to live with him for some time.
While at a bar with the choir's members, David (Michael C. Hall) is approached by Terry (Matt Winston), a man who claims had a sexual encounter with him a few years ago, which David denies. Keith (Mathew St. Patrick) is not satisfied with his job as a security guard, and gets into an argument with his partner during an assignment. Nate (Peter Krause) and Lisa (Lili Taylor) have a conversation about their financial status. Lisa wants Nate to stop spending much, but Nate is annoyed that Lisa will not seek employment until Maya is in kindergarten. After deciding not to buy a CD, Nate runs into Brenda (Rachel Griffiths), who apologizes for her actions and hopes to make amends. When Nate tells Lisa about the encounter, she gets upset.
Claire (Lauren Ambrose) continues hanging up with Russell (Ben Foster) in class, but Olivier (Peter Macdissi) decides to get more involved in her life. He gets her a job as his assistant, hoping this will expand her ambitions. After having reservations over Arthur staying, Ruth ends up bonding with him after they discuss her rules. At William's funeral, the ghost of William (Josh Radnor) mocks Nate, believing he does not love Lisa. Nate rebuffs it, but he later returns home, dejected.
Production
Development
The episode was written by co-executive producer Bruce Eric Kaplan, and directed by Jeremy Podeswa. This was Kaplan's fifth writing credit, and Podeswa's third directing credit.[1]