The Silence (Six Feet Under episode)

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“The Silence”
Six Feet Under episode

Nate and Maggie talk.
Episode no. Season 5
Episode 7
Written by Bruce Eric Kaplan
Directed by Joshua Marston
Original airdate June 17, 2001
Episode chronology
← Previous Next →
"The Rainbow of Her Reasons" "Singing For Our Lives"
List of Six Feet Under episodes

"The Silence" is the 58th episode of the HBO original series, Six Feet Under. It was the 7th episode for the show's fifth season. The episode was written by Bruce Eric Kaplan and was directed by Joshua Marston. It originally aired on Sunday July 17, 2005.

Contents

[edit] Guest Starring roles

[edit] Episode Recap

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

During the early hours of the morning, Nate receives a phone call from Maggie who asks of his assistance with his professionalism. The phone call wakes not only Nate but a perturbed Brenda who would like to know what is going on. That morning, Maggie meets Nate and David at the funeral home to make arrangements for her friend from Quaker church. Nate is then called by Brenda with urgent news. At a doctor's appointment, Brenda's gynecologist Dr. Melnick delivers the news that their unborn baby may have Downs syndrome or Spina bifida after looking at a recent blood test. Both Brenda and Nate are shocked by the news and the doctor recommends amniocentesis to be safe. Brenda refuses since the procedure has been known to cause miscarriages. The following night, Nate urges Brenda to reconsider since he does not want to have to add more stress to their routine if the baby is handicapped. Brenda seeks refuge in the guidance of her mother who is cheating on Olivier with another colleague. Brenda then tells Margaret about the test results which Margaret considers minor and that she wanted to have an abortion but was counseled by her husband not to. Brenda finally gives in to Nate's suggestion to have an amnio however when she shows up unexpectedly to the funeral home, Nate is busy talking to Maggie. Brenda decides to stick to her original decision and tells Nate to do whatever he wants after she senses his apparent unhappiness.

Ruth decides to create a social life for herself by attending several cultural events in the city. While planning for her activities, she is called by George who would like to talk to her. At George's apartment, George announces that he wants a quick divorce since he is engaged to a woman from his university. On the eve of a party thrown by Ruth's friend Victoria, Ruth decides to bring her "famous" potato salad and to flirt with some of Victoria's actor friends. Ruth receives bad vibes from a man named Mitchell and decides to leave the party after yelling at her friend Cindy. After learning of George's engagement, she feels responsible to warn his future wife. Hours later, Ruth visits George's fiancee Joy and describes her marriage with George to Joy. Joy becomes emotional and accuses Ruth of being crazy. Ruth then smashes a vase and leaves Joy's office. George visits her the next day and demand that she explains what she told Joy. Ruth tells him to leave and that she hates him.

Claire begins to adjust to her job at the legal department and meets a young lawyer named Ted. While out at a local bar, Claire meets up with Ted and begins to converse with him. Claire's friend Kirsten then informs Claire that she is secretly dating Ted which is becoming serious. Claire continues to talk to Ted and reveals that she was once in art school and a photographer while at the coffee bar the next morning.

Federico feels awkward shortly after returning home due to the fact that Vanessa has become increasingly cold. During sex, Federico notices no effort being put in by Vanessa and decides to confront her. The two then unexpectedly meet for lunch at the house the next day when Federico asks why has he returned home. Vanessa tells Federico that he should be happy to be home and not to make a big deal about it. Federico argues that he just wants a little love on Vanessa's behalf.

David and Keith begin to understand Durrell and Anthony better however after finding the brothers watching an adult video found in their private space, they then discard of their collection of sex tapes to avoid embarrassment and awkwardness. While helping Durrell with homework, he finds an invitation to a play which Durrell is in. Durrell then finds David reading the note and takes it after warning David to be considerate of other people's things. David then wants Keith to accompany him to the play since it was always a tradition in his home. Keith reluctantly agrees to join him and they are soon seen by Durrell who becomes angered. David and Keith then compliment him on his singing and acting and decide to celebrate by going out for dinner.

[edit] Death of the week

  • Peter Thomas Burns: (1948-2005) died of a heart attack while at a play

[edit] Title reference

  • The episode's title refers to the silent worship practiced during the funeral service.

[edit] Chronology

The episode's entry on the HBO site states that the episode begins on February 11, 2005. However on Durrell's invitational letter the episode is set around mid April 2005.

[edit] Quotes

  • Margaret: All couples have these types of disagreements. You didn't think I wanted to abort you and Billy?
  • Ruth: Just leave me alone so I can shrivel up in peace.

[edit] Music

Featured music includes:

  • "Fallen" by Sarah McLachlan
  • "Yada, Yada, Yada" by Black Toast Music
  • "Everyday" by Central Living (Sven's Version)
  • "End Of Spring" by Teddy Lasry
  • "Anyway You Want It" by Journey
  • "Corcovado" by Oscar Peterson
  • "Let It Ride" by Ryan Adams
  • "Blow Gabriel Blow" performed by Michael C. Hall (David)


Preceded by
"The Rainbow of Her Reasons"		 Six Feet Under episodes Followed by
"Singing for Our Lives"
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