The Trip (Six Feet Under)
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Episode 11
| "The Trip" | |
|---|---|
| Six Feet Under episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 11 |
| Directed by | Michael Engler |
| Written by | Rick Cleveland |
| Cinematography by | Alan Caso |
| Editing by |
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| Original release date | August 12, 2001 |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
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"The Trip" is the eleventh episode of the first season of the American drama television series Six Feet Under. The episode was written by producer Rick Cleveland, and directed by Michael Engler. It originally aired on HBO on August 12, 2001.
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, David, Nate and Brenda go to a conference in Las Vegas, while Federico deals with an infant's funeral. Meanwhile, Ruth fights to keep her place at the flower shop, while Claire tries to get Gabe to open up with her.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 4.33 million household viewers and gained a Nielsen household rating of 4.0. The episode received positive reviews from critics, who praised the themes and performances, although some had mixed reactions to Billy's actions in the episode.
Two parents check on their baby, Dillon, with the father noting that he looks different. The mother sings a lullaby to Dillon and subsequently leaves, but the baby dies soon after from SIDS while staring at the crib mobile.
David (Michael C. Hall) and Nate (Peter Krause) prepare to leave for the Western States Funeral Directors Conference in Las Vegas. Needing a break from Billy (Jeremy Sisto), Brenda (Rachel Griffiths) decides to join them. While Nate wants to use the opportunity to slam Gilardi, David advices him in not doing it, as they could face libel. They are annoyed when they discover that Gilardi has used Federico's work for his presentation without crediting him. David's presentation gets low attendance, and some even falling sleep. Furious, he deviates from his notes, using the chance to discredit Kroehner and use Nathaniel as a good influence. David's speech earns high praise from other funeral directors, who take him to a strip club. During this, Nate and Brenda tour Las Vegas, but Brenda is upset when she finds that Billy made his way to the city.
Claire (Lauren Ambrose) visits Gabe (Eric Balfour) at a hospital in Barstow after discovering he overdosed on heroin. Gabe dismisses her attempts in consoling him, but Claire is still intent in visiting him, whether he wants her or not. Ruth (Frances Conroy) is still confused after discovering David's homosexuality, and is further dismayed when Nikolai (Ed O'Ross) demotes her to the cash register after her flower arrangements lead to customers complaining that they are funereal. She undergoes a class to learn the propel model, eventually achieving it. With David and Nate out, Federico (Freddy Rodriguez) must take care of Dillon's case. Federico is left shaken of the baby's death, as it coincides with the upcoming birth of his son.
David's partners get him a lap dance, but he finally reveals his homosexuality. Looking for some company, he hires a male prostitute and they have sex in a parking lot. However, they are caught by the police and subsequently arrested for public sex. He is bailed out the following day by Keith (Mathew St. Patrick), who was David's only phone call. Keith gets David's records clean, but tells him to find help. David then leaves with Nate and Brenda, not telling them of his arrest. Back home, Nate and Brenda admire their photos and are disturbed to find that Billy broke into their room and photographed them naked and asleep in bed. At the hospital, Claire once again visits Gabe, and they both proclaim their love for each other. Federico accompanies his wife Vanessa (Justina Machado) to the hospital, where she gives birth to their son, Augusto.
Production
Development
The episode was written by producer Rick Cleveland, and directed by Michael Engler. This was Cleveland's first writing credit, and Engler's first directing credit.[1]