| № |
# |
Title |
Directed by |
Written by |
Original air date |
| 1 |
1 |
"Pilot" |
Alan Ball |
Alan Ball |
June 3, 2001 (2001-06-03) |
| On Christmas Eve 2000, patriarch Nathaniel Fisher (Richard Jenkins), owner of Fisher & Sons Funeral Home, is hit by a bus while driving his brand new hearse. His passing throws his immediate family into emotional chaos as they attempt to deal with their grief. Nathaniel's death casts a pall over the return of his older son Nate (Peter Krause), who was hoping for a relaxing vacation before returning to his home in Seattle. On the flight, he meets and later has sex with Brenda Chenowith (Rachel Griffiths). Dutiful son David (Michael C. Hall) is struggling to keep his true sexual identity and his new boyfriend Keith (Mathew St. Patrick) from his family. Matriarch Ruth (Frances Conroy) has her own secrets to keep, while youngest child and only daughter Claire (Lauren Ambrose) has her first taste of crystal meth before finding out about her father and must now go through the experience while tweaking. Meanwhile, Nathaniel's spectre repeatedly appears to each member of his family and forces them to face their own anxieties about life and death. |
| 2 |
2 |
"The Will" |
Miguel Arteta |
Christian Williams |
June 10, 2001 (2001-06-10) |
| Chandler Swanson, the inventor of a large-scale pyramid scheme, is killed when he hits his head on the bottom of the pool. His young widow is shocked to learn that her husband’s business was actually a scam and that she has inherited a massive debt. Meanwhile, the reading of Nathaniel’s last will drives a wedge between Nate and David when he leaves them each fifty per cent of the business. Claire, angry that she must either go to college or wait until she is twenty-five to get her inheritance, starts getting closer to Gabe (Eric Balfour), the boy who got her high the night Nathaniel died and they have a close encounter involving Gabe’s toe. Ruth goes on a hiking trip with her boyfriend Hiram (Ed Begley, Jr.) and decides that from now on, she does not want to be involved with the family business, leaving all the responsibility to the brothers. David reconnects with his ex-fiancee Jennifer, while pushing Keith away. Brenda helps both Nate and David deal with their grief and re-connect with each other in a surprising way. |
| 3 |
3 |
"The Foot" |
John Patterson |
Bruce Eric Kaplan |
June 17, 2001 (2001-06-17) |
| Thomas Alfredo Romano is cut into pieces and killed when the dough-mixer he is cleaning is accidentally turned on. Nate easily persuades the others to sell Fisher and Sons to a large chain, Kroehner International, but Nathaniel’s presence gives him second thoughts. Claire is chastised when her car is vandalized at school with phrases like “toe slut” and “this little piggy lover”. She takes her revenge by stealing one of Romano's severed feet and putting it in Gabe’s locker. Nate must make a choice between taking the money and running from the business he hates and fears, or staying and using his gifts to help people. He and David decide to turn down Kroehner, but their refusal has serious consequences when the large corporation plans to open a cheap cremation house just across the street. Ruth decides to have a little fun, and winds up losing $25,000 betting on horse races. The family discovers that Claire stole Romano's foot and events take a surprising turn when Kroehner's new property catches on fire. |
| 4 |
4 |
"Familia" |
Lisa Cholodenko |
Laurence Andries |
June 24, 2001 (2001-06-24) |
| A gang member, Manuel "Paco" Bolin, is shot to death by a rival gang and Fisher & Sons arranges his funeral, but Nate and David have to turn to Frederico (Freddy Rodriguez), their restorative artist, to help with the interference of his gang leader Powerful. Meanwhile, Nate and Brenda are questioned over the fire, but Nate is more suspicious of Claire, given her recent behavior. Ruth hosts a dinner to meet Brenda, but walks in on her and Nate in a compromising position. The police rule the fire was started by "causes unknown", letting Fisher & Sons off the hook. An incident involving Keith forces David to confront his self-loathing, and he is antagonized by the spectre of Manuel about his "run-and-hide" attitude toward life. |
| 5 |
5 |
"An Open Book" |
Kathy Bates |
Alan Ball |
July 1, 2001 (2001-07-01) |
| Viveca St. John (Veronica Hart), a famous porn star, is electrocuted in her bath tub, bringing much needed business to Fisher & Sons, but her less than conventional circle of friends makes for an interesting funeral, and shocks Ruth. Elsewhere, David is invited to be a deacon at his mother’s church and this causes problems with Keith, who wants David to keep coming to church with him. Nate is introduced to Brenda’s psychiatrist parents Margaret and Bernard (Joanna Cassidy and Robert Foxworth), who reveal a few of Brenda’s darker secrets. Acting on the advice of Claire’s guidance counselor, Ruth tries to form a closer relationship with her daughter, which does not go as planned. David comes out to Nate, but when he refuses to let Keith come to church with him, Keith accuses him of being a coward and breaks up with him and David later denies his sexuality to his brother. Nate meets Brenda’s brother Billy (Jeremy Sisto), who is unstable and suffers from bipolar disorder. |
| 6 |
6 |
"The Room" |
Rodrigo García |
Christian Taylor |
July 8, 2001 (2001-07-08) |
| Mildred “Hattie” Jones dies in her sleep, leaving her husband to arrange the funeral. Nate discovers some irregularities on the Fisher & Sons books, and discovers that Nathaniel used to trade funeral services for small favors, such as getting pot from a local business woman and renting a secret room above an Indian restaurant, leading Nate to ponder just how well he really knew his father. Claire takes an interest in Billy, but when he later rejects her she takes little comfort from Brenda’s kind words. Tracy, a woman who has been aggressively pursuing David, makes him realize how lonely he is without Keith and he takes to trolling gay bars for companionship. Mr. Jones himself dies at his wife’s side after her viewing and Ruth reignites her romantic relationship with Hiram the hairdresser. |
| 7 |
7 |
"Brotherhood" |
Jim McBride |
Christian Williams |
July 15, 2001 (2001-07-15) |
| A young veteran, Victor Kovitch, dies from supposed Gulf War syndrome and his brother Paul, who refuses a military service because he and Victor were fighting the army for compensation, arranges the funeral. Nate soon discovers that Victor loved the army and wanted a military burial but had never wanted to cause trouble with his brother. Nate and Brenda plan a trip away for the weekend, but their plans are interrupted by Billy, who is having an emotional crisis. David interviews a progressive priest for a position at the church, which forces him to consider his own place within the faith. Ruth brings her boyfriend Hiram over for dinner and introduces him to the family, and takes a job working for Nikolai (Ed O'Ross) at his flower shop. Fisher & Sons holds a funeral for Victor without Paul's permission but Nate manages to convince Paul to give his brother the funeral he really wanted. |
| 8 |
8 |
"Crossroads" |
Allen Coulter |
Laurence Andries |
July 22, 2001 (2001-07-22) |
| With a lull in business at Fisher's, Nate and David decide to rent out a room at the funeral home to make some extra income, and Rico is tempted to take on some extra work at Kroehner's. Claire struggles to grasp the lessons of her outreach hike in the mountains, and Ruth struggles to reconcile her feelings toward Hiram with her need for excitement. Connor, a longtime Aussie friend of Brenda's, gets under Nate's skin. David's mood is buoyed by some good news: a bus crash has killed scores, and many of them are local. |
| 9 |
9 |
"Life's Too Short" |
Jeremy Podeswa |
Christian Taylor |
July 29, 2001 (2001-07-29) |
| Claire reunites with Gabe tragically; David is awkward when he meets Keith at a club; Nate flunks his licensing exam. |
| 10 |
10 |
"The New Person" |
Kathy Bates |
Bruce Eric Kaplan |
August 5, 2001 (2001-08-05) |
| The Fishers hire a new embalmer, Angela (Illeana Douglas). Ruth goes on a first date with Nikolai. Brenda learns some hidden truths about her brother, Billy. |
| 11 |
11 |
"The Trip" |
Michael Engler |
Rick Cleveland |
August 12, 2001 (2001-08-12) |
| Nate, David and Brenda attend a funeral directors conference in Las Vegas. Ruth takes a floral arranging class. Claire visits Gabe in a hospital. A newborn's death from SIDS casts a pall on Rico, who is worried about Vanessa's pregnancy with their second child. |
| 12 |
12 |
"A Private Life" |
Rodrigo García |
Kate Robin |
August 19, 2001 (2001-08-19) |
| The murder of a gay man causes David to question his closeted lifestyle; Brenda has Billy committed; Ruth asks Robbie about his sexuality. |
| 13 |
13 |
"Knock, Knock" |
Alan Ball |
Alan Ball |
August 19, 2001 (2001-08-19) |
| Tracy Blair arranges a funeral for her aunt; Federico holds a christening party for his son Augusto at the Fisher residence. Brenda visits her brother Billy in the mental hospital. |
| № |
# |
Title |
Directed by |
Written by |
Original air date |
| 14 |
1 |
"In the Game" |
Rodrigo García |
Alan Ball |
March 3, 2002 (2002-03-03) |
| Ruth holds a special dinner in David's honor; Federico's sister-in-law arranges a funeral for a young actress. |
| 15 |
2 |
"Out, Out Brief Candle" |
Kathy Bates |
Laurence Andries |
March 10, 2002 (2002-03-10) |
| A college football player dies of heat stroke; Nate battles with keeping his Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) secret; Brenda has dinner with an old friend. The Fishers make an investment on a casket wall to raise profits much to the chagrin of Rico. |
| 16 |
3 |
"The Plan" |
Rose Troche |
Kate Robin |
March 17, 2002 (2002-03-17) |
| The funeral for a psychic's husband raises many interesting questions; Ruth attends a self help seminar. As Mrs. Piper transitions her husband into the afterlife, Nathaniel questions his sons on where he may be. |
| 17 |
4 |
"Driving Mr. Mossback" |
Michael Cuesta |
Rick Cleveland |
March 24, 2002 (2002-03-24) |
| Nate and Claire travel to Seattle to retrieve a body; David babysits for Keith's niece. Ruth makes amends with people from her past. |
| 18 |
5 |
"The Invisible Woman" |
Jeremy Podeswa |
Bruce Eric Kaplan |
April 1, 2002 (2002-04-01) |
| Ruth takes an interest in a woman who died without family or friends; Brenda begins writing a novel. |
| 19 |
6 |
"In Place of Anger" |
Michael Engler |
Christian Taylor |
April 8, 2002 (2002-04-08) |
| Ruth's sister Sarah visits causing much pain and closure; the Fishers are visited for a second time by Mitzi Dalton-Huntley. |
| 20 |
7 |
"Back to the Garden" |
Dan Attias |
Jill Soloway |
April 15, 2002 (2002-04-15) |
| A Jewish funeral leads Nate to question the Jewish point of view on death with the female Rabbi; Claire visits Aunt Sarah; David begins seeing Keith again. |
| 21 |
8 |
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" |
Alan Taylor |
Scott Buck |
April 21, 2002 (2002-04-21) |
| Christmas signals Nathaniel's one year death anniversary causing everyone to reminisce; Margaret has a special present for Brenda. Nikolai is beaten and mugged on Christmas Eve and Claire brings her new boyfriend to dinner. |
| 22 |
9 |
"Someone Else's Eyes" |
Michael Cuesta |
Alan Ball |
April 28, 2002 (2002-04-28) |
| Nate gets a shocking surprise from Lisa; Keith checks up on Karla; Nikolai continues to recuperate at the Fisher's. Claire is asked to help Billy with a project. |
| 23 |
10 |
"The Secret" |
Alan Poul |
Bruce Eric Kaplan |
May 5, 2002 (2002-05-05) |
| Karla has a secret that will affect her relationship with Keith and David; Brenda attends a Lifestyle party with Melissa. Claire illegally takes portraits of the deceased for a school project which her brothers soon learn about. |
| 24 |
11 |
"The Liar and the Whore" |
Miguel Arteta |
Rick Cleveland |
May 12, 2002 (2002-05-12) |
| Vanessa loses her job after being negligent; a lawsuit from a previous client turns out beneficial. Rabbi Ari recommends Nate and Brenda be honest with each other before moving forward with the marriage. |
| 25 |
12 |
"I'll Take You" |
Michael Engler |
Jill Soloway |
May 19, 2002 (2002-05-19) |
| David and Keith greet a social worker; Federico unexpectedly gains an inheritance; Brenda's parents remarry; Nate discovers Brenda's infidelity. |
| 26 |
13 |
"The Last Time" |
Alan Ball |
Kate Robin |
June 2, 2002 (2002-06-02) |
| Fisher & Sons has an unannounced inspection which turns out positively for Federico; Nate undergoes surgery for his AVM as his family anxiously await his outcome. |
| № |
# |
Title |
Directed by |
Written by |
Original air date |
| 27 |
1 |
"Perfect Circles" |
Rodrigo García |
Alan Ball |
March 2, 2003 (2003-03-02) |
| Fisher & Sons is now Fisher & Diaz; David and Keith attend couples' counseling; Ruth becomes obsessed with her granddaughter. |
| 28 |
2 |
"You Never Know" |
Michael Cuesta |
Scott Buck |
March 9, 2003 (2003-03-09) |
| David and Rico are at odds over the death of a telemarketer; Lisa & Nate hold a dinner for David & Keith. |
| 29 |
3 |
"The Eye Inside" |
Michael Engler |
Kate Robin |
March 16, 2003 (2003-03-16) |
| David and Keith go on a much needed vacation; Ruth has fun at the mall with Bettina; Claire breaks up with Phil. |
| 30 |
4 |
"Nobody Sleeps" |
Alan Poul |
Rick Cleveland and Alan Ball |
March 23, 2003 (2003-03-23) |
| A man arranges an operatic tribute for his gay lover; Lisa arranges a birthday dinner for Ruth. David yearns for the closeness a deceased client had with his lover for his relationship with Keith. |
| 31 |
5 |
"The Trap" |
Jeremy Podeswa |
Bruce Eric Kaplan |
March 30, 2003 (2003-03-30) |
| Ruth sets ground rules for a new live-in apprentice Arthur; Brenda returns to apologize to Nate; David encounters a face from his past. |
| 32 |
6 |
"Making Love Work" |
Kathy Bates |
Jill Soloway |
April 6, 2003 (2003-04-06) |
| Nate and Lisa take Maya camping; Ruth enjoys spending time with new friend, Arthur; Claire and David talk about sexuality. |
| 33 |
7 |
"Timing and Space" |
Nicole Holofcener |
Craig Wright |
April 13, 2003 (2003-04-13) |
| Brenda's father dies and Nate attends the funeral to Lisa's chagrin; David and Keith attend a brunch; Claire spends a lot of time with Russell. |
| 34 |
8 |
"Tears, Bones and Desire" |
Dan Attias |
Nancy Oliver |
April 20, 2003 (2003-04-20) |
| Fisher & Diaz plays home to a deceased patriarch's children and several wives; Keith gets his revenge on David's friends. Lisa becomes increasingly curious to learn about the details of Nate's break-up with Brenda |
| 35 |
9 |
"The Opening" |
Karen Moncrieff |
Kate Robin |
April 28, 2003 (2003-04-28) |
| Claire, Russell and Billy display their art at an alumni show; Ruth gets close with Arthur; David and Keith set ground rules on threesomes. Nate and Lisa unexpectedly meet up with Brenda at the art show. |
| 36 |
10 |
"Everyone Leaves" |
Dan Minahan |
Scott Buck |
May 4, 2003 (2003-05-04) |
| Keith confronts his father after his aunt's funeral; Lisa travels to her sister's to give herself and Nate much needed relief; Claire gets a confession from Russell and later discusses her flawed relationships with her mother. |
| 37 |
11 |
"Death Works Overtime" |
Dan Attias |
Rick Cleveland |
May 11, 2003 (2003-05-11) |
| Fisher & Diaz brims with activity after receiving a trio of unrelated deaths; Ruth stays optimistic on Lisa's whereabouts. Claire is visited by Russell who begs for forgiveness and later finds out important information about her health. |
| 38 |
12 |
"Twilight" |
Kathy Bates |
Craig Wright |
May 18, 2003 (2003-05-18) |
| A funeral for a serial killer causes Nate to ponder many scenarios on Lisa; Claire has an abortion. Nate temporarily finds relief with the serial killer's daughter. |
| 39 |
13 |
"I'm Sorry, I'm Lost" |
Alan Ball |
Jill Soloway |
June 1, 2003 (2003-06-01) |
| Ruth shocks the family with unexpected news; Nate gets unwanted news about Lisa; Brenda goes on a date with a neighbor; David reunites with Keith and Claire meets up with familiar faces during a visit to the afterlife. |
| № |
# |
Title |
Directed by |
Written by |
Original air date |
| 40 |
1 |
"Falling into Place" |
Michael Cuesta |
Craig Wright |
June 13, 2004 (2004-06-13) |
| Nate is at odds with Lisa's family; David and Keith look for ways to start over; Claire reunites with Russell. |
| 41 |
2 |
"In Case of Rapture" |
Dan Attias |
Rick Cleveland |
June 20, 2004 (2004-06-20) |
| George's routines irk Arthur; Brenda slowly plans her relationship with Joe; Keith begins a new job. |
| 42 |
3 |
"Parallel Play" |
Jeremy Podeswa |
Jill Soloway |
June 27, 2004 (2004-06-27) |
| The Fishers hold a yard sale; David gives Arthur more responsibility. Nate warms up to a divorcee at Maya's Mommy and Me class. |
| 43 |
4 |
"Can I Come Up Now?" |
Dan Minahan |
Alan Ball |
July 11, 2004 (2004-07-11) |
| David's ex-fiancée asks him to arrange her father's funeral. Nate has a psychic rendezvous. Ruth discovers the identity of George's stalker. |
| 44 |
5 |
"That's My Dog" |
Alan Poul |
Scott Buck |
July 18, 2004 (2004-07-18) |
| David is taken for a ride by a hitchhiker; Nate attends a bereavement support group; Ruth plays matchmaker to George's son. |
| 45 |
6 |
"Terror Starts at Home" |
Miguel Arteta |
Kate Robin |
July 25, 2004 (2004-07-25) |
| Ruth throws a birthday dinner for David who is struggling in the aftermath of his carjacking; Claire gets "closer" with some friends; Vanessa begins to suspect Rico's infidelity. |
| 46 |
7 |
"The Dare" |
Peter Webber |
Bruce Eric Kaplan |
August 1, 2004 (2004-08-01) |
| Ruth overhears a conversation between two of George's ex-wives. Keith comes out to his co-worker buddy; Vanessa follows Federico to Sophia's house. |
| 47 |
8 |
"Coming and Going" |
Dan Attias |
Nancy Oliver |
August 8, 2004 (2004-08-08) |
| Ruth comes to a melting point in her marriage. Claire gets comfortable with Edie. Vanessa throws Frederico out. Joe catches Brenda having sex with Nate. |
| 48 |
9 |
"Grinding the Corn" |
Alan Caso |
Rick Cleveland |
August 15, 2004 (2004-08-15) |
| Ruth and Bettina travel to Mexico. David experiences worse side effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Claire achieves her first orgasm with the help of classmate Jimmy by performing a coital alignment technique (grinding the corn). |
| 49 |
10 |
"The Black Forest" |
Peter Care |
Jill Soloway & Craig Wright |
August 22, 2004 (2004-08-22) |
| Nate, Brenda and Maya attend a memorial service for Lisa in Idaho. Claire comes to final blows with Edie at Jimmy's party. Ruth reconciles with George. |
| 50 |
11 |
"Bomb Shelter" |
Nicole Holofcener |
Scott Buck |
August 29, 2004 (2004-08-29) |
| George becomes increasingly paranoid about Armageddon and discovers the family's bomb shelter. Ruth wants to attend a sex workshop. David and Keith face a lawsuit. Barb confronts Nate about "Lisa's" ashes. |
| 51 |
12 |
"Untitled" |
Alan Ball |
Nancy Oliver |
September 12, 2004 (2004-09-12) |
| Ruth discovers another secret about George during a lunch with his daughter; David confronts his carjacker. Claire sacrifices her friendships for fame at an art show. Nate confronts Barb and Hoyt after David receives a message from Michaela. |
| № |
# |
Title |
Directed by |
Written by |
Original air date |
| 52 |
1 |
"A Coat of White Primer" |
Rodrigo García |
Kate Robin |
June 6, 2005 (2005-06-06) |
| Nate and Brenda prepare for a big day; Ruth is far from ecstatic on George's return home; David and Keith consider being parents. |
| 53 |
2 |
"Dancing for Me" |
Dan Attias |
Scott Buck |
June 13, 2005 (2005-06-13) |
| Nate hangs with friends from high school; Brenda starts her internship; Maggie gives Ruth much needed relief. |
| 54 |
3 |
"Hold My Hand" |
Jeremy Podeswa |
Nancy Oliver |
June 20, 2005 (2005-06-20) |
| Claire is seduced by Billy's newfound lust for life; George is haunted by visions from his mother's death. Ruth and Claire are at odds over Claire's inheritance money and lifestyle. |
| 55 |
4 |
"Time Flies" |
Alan Poul |
Craig Wright |
June 27, 2005 (2005-06-27) |
| Brenda has surprises for Nate on his 40th birthday; David and Keith "propose" to Mary, a surrogate. |
| 56 |
5 |
"Eat a Peach" |
Dan Minahan |
Rick Cleveland |
July 4, 2005 (2005-07-04) |
| Ruth finds a way to relax without George; David and Keith consider adopting a child named Anthony; Nate and Brenda consider giving Maya a coherent narrative. |
| 57 |
6 |
"The Rainbow of Her Reasons" |
Mary Harron |
Jill Soloway |
July 10, 2005 (2005-07-10) |
| Ruth is delighted when her sister Sarah visits but she brings bad news with her; David and Keith begin experiencing difficulties on how to discipline their new foster children; Nate muses on the loss of his first love. Vanessa hires a nanny. |
| 58 |
7 |
"The Silence" |
Joshua Marston |
Bruce Eric Kaplan |
July 17, 2005 (2005-07-17) |
| David and Keith struggle to create boundaries for their new sons. Brenda and Nate receive some ambiguous news; Ruth fills her schedule with activities. |
| 59 |
8 |
"Singing for Our Lives" |
Matt Shakman |
Scott Buck |
July 24, 2005 (2005-07-24) |
| When David attempts to make a bid on a crematorium, Federico refuses and pushes for another employee. Brenda receives information from her doctor. Nate begins attending Quaker services with Maggie, to the chagrin of Brenda. Ruth goes to see her ex-boyfriend, Hiram. |
| 60 |
9 |
"Ecotone" |
Dan Minahan |
Nancy Oliver |
July 31, 2005 (2005-07-31) |
| After suffering a massive stroke, Nate is taken to the hospital. As Nate undergoes surgery, tension ensues between Maggie and Brenda in the waiting room. Elsewhere, Ruth is still camping in the wilderness with Hiram and is completely oblivious to what is happening with her family in L.A. |
| 61 |
10 |
"All Alone" |
Adam Davidson |
Kate Robin |
August 7, 2005 (2005-08-07) |
| Nate's funeral divides the family; David deals with being left in charge of the family business, Keith makes an embarrassing discovery on the job; Brenda is challenged by Nate, and makes a painful decision about what to do with Maya; Maggie gets a door shut in her face. |
| 62 |
11 |
"Static" |
Michael Cuesta |
Craig Wright |
August 14, 2005 (2005-08-14) |
| As David's fears take over, Keith tries to protect him – and the boys; visions of Nate compel Brenda to make a decision about her relationship with Billy, who is supporting her; George wants to help Ruth with Maya. Claire's grief begins to cause her to drink heavily and hallucinate while at Nate's gravesite. Rico pushes for a talk about the business. |
| 63 |
12 |
"Everyone's Waiting" |
Alan Ball |
Alan Ball |
August 21, 2005 (2005-08-21) |
| David finally embraces his demons; Nathaniel Sr. talks to his younger son; Brenda delivers early and fights Nate's negativity; Margaret is impressed to see Olivier's nurturing side; Rico and Vanessa celebrate an investment; the family toast Nate's memory at a farewell dinner for Claire; Claire's departure reveals what's to come for those she loves and herself. |