Episode Report Card Aaron: B | 1 USERS: A+ YOU GRADE IT Death in the Family
By Aaron | Season 1 | Episode 1 | Aired on 06.02.2001
Mom has finally stopped crying, and Nate has joined her on the sofa. Resting against his shoulder, she continues trying to rationalize her infidelity. Just like you knew she would, she cranks up the uncomfortability meter by reminding Nate that she's "still a woman." Nate reluctantly tries to mollify her by offering all the usual explanations for this sort of thing, and telling her that "everybody forgives everyone for everything." As they hug one another, his cell phone rings, but he can't reach around to answer it without breaking the embrace. Cut to a frustrated Brenda, at home in a mostly stainless steel kitchen in which the word "Eat" is engraved in large capital letters above the refrigerator. After a few more rings, she hangs up, and starts munching on some olives. The manic-depressive brother appears and for the record, yes, he is the guy who played Elton in Clueless. His acting hasn't gotten any better since then either, as he just sort of shuffles around and sobs when he can't find the olives. To be honest, this whole little scene was just a little too weird for me. I have no idea what that was supposed to be about.
David Chase: Hey, you know what would make this show better?
Alan Ball: I am so not even going to ask.
David Chase: Why not? You know I'm just looking out for your best interests. After all, I do have some experience here. For example, do you realize you haven't even had any female nudity yet? I mean, have you learned nothing from Dream On?
Alan Ball: Yeah, okay, whatever you say there, Mr. Never-Even-Won-An-Emmy. I'll be sure to consider your advice next time I'm home CLEANING MY OSCARS!
David Chase: Dude, you don't have to act tough just because it's your first day. This ain't Oz, you know.
Time for the final commercial. Up until now, I've kind of liked them, but this one went too far over the top for my tastes. It's a parody of the Gap dancers, and they're selling the salt shaker-style dirt dispenser that will be playing a prominent role in the plot in just a few moments. The ad does, however, afford Alan Ball the opportunity to finally bust out the inevitable "putting the fun into funerals" joke that's hung Damocles-like over the entire episode so far. And while we're on the subject, I'll skip waiting for the Late Nate Sr.'s next appearance, and just throw out a whispered "they see dead people" right now. I think we'll all sleep better at night with that out of the way. Well, I won't, because it's 4 AM right now, but you get the idea.