After the patriarch of the family, dies in a hearse-accident, the family comes together to mourn and decide the fate of the family Funeral Home. Nate, who works for an organic grocery store in Seattle, has to deal with more than just the death of his father. His mother, Ruth, is taking the death especially hard because she had been having an affair with her hairdresser, Hiram. David, the closeted homosexual who has helped with the business, has a difficult transition running thinGuest stars. Claire, the youngest of the clan, is a teenager in high-school trying to get comfortable in her own skin. On top of everything the family is already going through, they have a corporate funeral company hounding them to sell out.

Air date: 03-Jun-2001 Writer: Alan Ball Director: Alan Ball
NOTE: Commercial for a Crown Royal Funeral Coach opens this episode

During a get together around a pool, people discuss a franchise pyramid scheme. Chandler Swanson dives into the pool, but he doesn't come back up. He leaves a wife and an infant daughter.

Nathaniel Fisher's will is read and Ruth gets money, stocks and insurance money. Nate & David are both given the funeral business. Claire receives college tuition, but she considers trading it in for cash.

In an effort to help the Widow Swanson, Nate starts learning a few thinGuest stars about the funeral business. First up, caskets cannot be rented. By law, a used casket cannot be re-sold.

Air date: 10-Jun-2001 Writer: Christian Williams Director: Miguel Arteta

The Fishers have decided to sell, but then back out at the last minute because Nate cannot stand Gilardi. Claire finds a rathering interesting way to get back at Gabe for spreading rumors about her. Gilardi find his own way of payback. He tells the Fishers that he is buying the rundown house across the street from them in order to provide a cheap alternative to Fisher & Sons. However, mysteriously, the house catches on fire after Nate and Brenda fool around in it.

Air date: 17-Jun-2001 Writer: Bruce Eric Kaplan Director: John Patterson

The Fisher family wonder if Claire might have some part to play in the blaze across the street. Nate has Brenda over for dinner and it does not seem to go as well as expected. Nate is dealing with issues from every side, including a feud between a deceased's family and gang about how to handle his services. But Nate finally gets enough courage to stand up to Gilardi and handle issues with Keith and the clients.

Air date: 24-Jun-2001 Writer: Laurence Andries Director: Lisa Cholodenko

David is trying to fill the void his father left in more than the business. He wants to become deacon at the family church, but Keith is having a problem with it. Ruth has a difficult time with a group of mourners for a porn star. But she and Claire try to have more bonding time and visit their cousins. Nate has dinner with Brenda's parents, psychiatrists Bernard and Margaret, without Brenda. He also meets her brother Billy in an unorthodox manner.

Air date: 01-Jul-2001 Writer: Alan Ball Director: Kathy Bates

Nate continues to learn disturbing thinGuest stars about his father. This time he finds out that sometimes his father would barter for funerals. In one case, he traded a room. While David is pursuing a closer relationship with his church, a divorcee tries to persue a closer relation with him. Claire meets Brenda's brother Billy and they hit it off extremely well. Ruth is still with Hiram, but is now also being pursued by her husband's florist, Nikolai.

Air date: 08-Jul-2001 Writer: Christian Taylor Director: Rodrigo Garcia

Billy tries to get in the way of Nate and Brenda's relationship. Ruth invites Hiram over for a family dinner, and also takes a florist job in Nikolai's shop. David meets an open-minded associate priest and votes to keep him on for the church. Claire continues to have problems with school and life in general.

Air date: 15-Jul-2001 Writer: Christian Williams Director: Jim McBride

The business is a bit slow these days, so Nate and David decide to rent out a room at the fineral home to supplement the loss. Frederico is being wooed by Kroehner's and he comtemplates doing it for the experience and the money. Claire is hiking in the mountains but doesn't really understand the point of it all.

Air date: 22-Jul-2001 Writer: Laurence Andries Director: Allen Coulter

Claire runs into Gabe again, but not under the best circumstances. His brother died and his mother and he have come to Fisher & Sons for the services. Brenda and Nate visit several different local funeral homes posing as mourning relatives in order to help Nate improve upon his salesmanship.

Air date: 29-Jul-2001 Writer: Christian Taylor
NOTE: The song playing in the background while Brenda, Nate and Billy eat supper is "Tuu - All Our Ancestors".

Nate and David hire a replacement for Rico -- Angela. She's very good at what she does, but they have a hard time getting used to her willingness to speak her mind. Billy has a rather surprising gallery exhibit of some of his work.

Air date: 05-Aug-2001 Writer: Bruce Eric Kaplan Director: Kathy Bates
NOTE: At Gabe's house, Claire and Gabe are watching "Full House" on TV.

Air date: 12-Aug-2001 Writer: Rick Cleveland Director: Michael Engler
NOTE: This episode is the only episode to date (end of season 3) that doesn't show the face of the person who died in the opening.

13. Knock, Knock
Guest stars: Ed Begley Jr. (Hiram) Richard Jenkins (Nathaniel Fisher) Ed O'Ross (Nikolai) Dina Waters (Tracy Montrose Blair) Eric Balfour (Gabe) Garrison Hershberger (Matthew Gilardi) Brian Poth (Marc Foster) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Paul Terrell Clayton (Eddie) Tim Maculan (Father Jack) Marina Black (Parker) Timm Sharp (Andy) Frank Birney (Walter Kriegenthaler) Nancy Linehan Charles (Connie) Aaron Leigh (Dink) Cameron Watson (Doctor) Frank Crim (Convenience Store Clerk) Jamie McShane (Paramedic) Giancarlo Rodriguez (Julio Diaz)
Lillian Grace Montrose
October 4, 1936 - June 14, 2001

Air date: 19-Aug-2001 Writer: Alan Ball Director: Alan Ball

*****
Season 2
*****

14. In The Game
Guest stars: Richard Jenkins (Nathaniel Fisher) Shawn Hatosy (Brody Farrell) Ed O'Ross (Nikolai) Denalda Williams (Becky's Manager) Eric Balfour (Gabriel Dimas) Alexandra Holden (Becky Maxwell) Geoffrey Nauffts (AVM Specialist) Paul Terrell Clayton (Eddie) Barbara Tarbuck (STD Clinic Doctor) Melissa Marsala (Angelica) Scott Atkinson (Kevin Miller) Cleo King (Life) Stanley Kamel (Death) Mary-Pat Green (Priest) David Shatraw (Shiatsu Client) Ben Scott (Butcher)
Rebecca Leah Milford
1980-2001

Air date: 03-Mar-2002 Writer: Alan Ball Director: Rodrigo Garcia
NOTE: Starting with this episode, the epitaphs for the "body of the week" include only the years the person lived. Dates of birth and death are now omitted.

15. Out, Out, Brief Candle
Guest stars: Alice Krige (Alma) Eric Balfour (Gabriel Dimas) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Julie White (Mitzi Dalton Huntley) Page Kennedy (Josh Langmead) Tuc Watkins (Trevor) Timm Sharp (Andy) Judith Hoag (Dawn) Joel Brooks (Robbie) Garrison Hershberger (Matthew Gilardi) Marina Black (Parker) Nicki Micheaux (Karla) Aysia Polk (Taylor) Eddie Jemison (Casket Salesman) Grant Thompson (Sam) Aaron Leigh (Dink) Brian Tahash (Coach) Shashawnee Hill (Richard Langmead) Dee Freeman (Susan Langmead) Julianna McCarthy (Beatrice) Katie Mitchell (Sheila) Ricardo Antonio Chavira (Ramon) Susan Merson (Realtor) Evan Arnold (Graduate) Drake Johnston (Will)
Joshua Peter Langmead
1981-2001

Air date: 10-Mar-2002 Writer: Laurence Andries Director: Kathy Bates
NOTE: The actress, Alice Krige, who plays "Alma", the elevated speaker of The Plan, also played a character named "Alma" in the 1981 movie Ghost Story.

16. The Plan
Guest stars: Benjamin Parrillo (Plan Man) Bree Michael Warner (Hipster Girl) Mare Winningham (Eileen Piper) Romy Rosemont (Professor) Richard Jenkins (Nathaniel Fisher) Alice Krige (Alma) Grant Show (Scott Axelrod) Nan Martin (Rita Piper) David Noroña (Gary Deitman) Graham Jarvis (Bobo) Jerry Hauck (Stan)
Michael John Piper
1952-2001

Air date: 17-Mar-2002 Writer: Kate Robin Director: Rose Troche

17. Driving Mr. Mossback
Guest stars: Lili Taylor (Lisa) Joanna Cassidy (Margaret Chenowith) Kellie Waymire (Melissa) Aysia Polk (Taylor) Eric Bruskotter (Keith's Partner) Grant Show (Scott Axelrod) David Noroña (Gary Deitman)
Harold Mossback
February 1, 1942 - September 18,2001

Nate brinGuest stars Claire to his old stomping ground in Seattle to help him retrieve the body of a man who feared flying. There, they stay with Lisa (Lili Taylor), a woman who still carries a torch for Nate.

Air date: 24-Mar-2002 Writer: Rick Cleveland Director: Michael Cuesta

18. The Invisible Woman
Guest stars: Marina Black (Parker McKenna) David Noroña (Gary Deitman) Eric Bruskotter (Keith's Partner) Jamie Brown (Junkie Woman) Adam Scott (Ben Cooper) Aysia Polk (Taylor) Paul Terrell Clayton (Eddie) Kellie Waymire (Melissa) Tim Maculan (Father Jack) Christine Estabrook (Emily Previn)
Emily Previn
July 14, 1954 - September 2001

Air date: 31-Mar-2002 Writer: Bruce Eric Kaplan

19. In Place of Anger
Guest stars: Patricia Clarkson (Sarah) Harriet Sansom Harris (Catherine Collins) Ed O'Ross (Nikolai) Julie White (Mitzi Dalton-Huntley) Adam Scott (Ben Cooper) Ricardo Antonio Chavira (Ramon) Paul Terrell Clayton (Eddie) Graham Jarvis (Bobo) Steve Ryan (Matthew Collins)
Matthew Heath Collins
1959 - 2001

Ruth's estranged sister Sarah arrives for an unexpected visit, David considers giving his relationship with Keith another shot, and Brenda's feelinGuest stars about her situation with Nate grow more muddled--especially after Billy's release from the hospital. Meanwhile, Christmas marks the one-year anniversary of Nathaniel's untimely death...and gets everyone thinking about their last moments with him.

Air date: 07-Apr-2002 Writer: Christian Taylor Director: Michael Engler

20. Back To The Garden
Guest stars: Robert Pine (Basil) Eric Bruskotter (Keith's Partner) Kellie Waymire (Melissa) Patricia Clarkson (Aunt Sarah) Joanna Cassidy (Margaret Chenowith) Molly Parker (Rabbi Ari) Ed O'Ross (Nikolai) Aysia Polk (Taylor) Paul Terrell Clayton (Eddie) Joel Brooks (Robbie) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Stark Sands (Toby)
Jeffrey Marc Shapiro
1963 - 2001

Air date: 14-Apr-2002 Writer: Jill Soloway Director: Dan Attias

21. It's The Most Wonderful...
Guest stars: Joanna Cassidy (Margaret Chenowith) Ed O'Ross (Nikolai) Aysia Polk (Taylor) Rusty Schwimmer (Marilyn Johnson) W. Earl Brown (Pete) Richard Jenkins (Nathaniel Fisher) Stark Sands (Toby) Franc Ross (Jesse Ray Johnson)
Jesse Ray Johnson
1944 - 2001

Air date: 21-Apr-2002 Writer: Scott Buck Director: Alan Taylor

22. Someone Else's Eyes
Guest stars: Dina Meyer (The Widow) Tim Maculan (Father Jack) Tim Murphy (Lou Winchell) Chris Ellis (Construction Worker #2)
Dwight Edgar Garrison
1945 - 2002

Ruth continues to help an injured Nikolai recover, but her patience is tested when she discovers just how he broke his leGuest stars. Brenda's escapades help her to write, but her feelinGuest stars about being engaged grow more muddled--especially after Billy's release from the hospital.

Air date: 28-Apr-2002 Writer: Alan Ball , Alan Ball Director: Michael Cuesta
NOTE: Keith wants to see OZ, another production by HBO.

23. The Secret
Guest stars: Gretchen Storms (Teenager) Kellie Waymire (Melissa) Kim Myers (Dr. Michaelson) Lili Taylor (Lisa) Paul Butcher (5-Year-Old Boy)
Benjamin Srisai
1935 - 2002

Karla has a secret that will affect Keith and David. Ruth prepares to move ahead with Nicolai. Brenda faces anxiety about the engagement.

Air date: 05-May-2002 Writer: Bruce Eric Kaplan Director: Alan Poul

24. The Liar and the Whore
Guest stars: Kim Coles (Dolores) Peter Birkenhead (Mr. Sutcliff) Chase Penny (Short Stoner) Austin Nichols (Kyle (Tall Stoner))
Edith Kirky
1929 - 2002

Air date: 12-May-2002 Writer: Rick Cleveland Director: Miguel Arteta

25. I'll Take You
Guest stars: Eric Bruskotter (Keith's Partner) Austin Nichols (Kyle) Lili Taylor (Lisa) Jeremy Sisto (Billy Chenowith) Joanna Cassidy (Margaret Chenowith) Robert Foxworth (Bernard Chenowith) Glenn Fitzgerald (Aaron Buchbinder)
Leticia Perfecta Perez
1929 - 2002

Air date: 19-May-2002 Writer: Jill Soloway Director: Michael Engler

26. The Last Time
Guest stars: Grant Show (Scott Axelrod) J.P. Pitoc (Phil) Lili Taylor (Lisa) Glenn Fitzgerald (Aaron Buchbinder) Ed O'Ross (Nikolai) Larry Drake (Inspector Grayson)
Aaron Buchbinder
1976 - 2002

Air date: 02-Jun-2002 Writer: Kate Robin Director: Alan Ball

*****
Season 3
*****

27. Perfect Circles
Guest stars: J.P. Pitoc (Phil) Lili Taylor (Lisa) Catherine O'Hara (Carol) Arye Gross (Frank Muehler) Geoffrey Nauffts (Dr. DiPaolo) Myndy Crist (Dana) Robert Cicchini (Todd) Kimberlin Brown (Soap Actress) Nolan North (Soap Actor)
Nathaniel Samuel Fisher, Jr
1965-2002

What would it be like if Nate died? Or, if Nate and Brenda had a kid? Or, if Nathaniel Sr married someone different? Or, if Nate's surgery didn't go so well and he became brain damaged? Or if Nate was an existential redneck? Nate experiences alternate realities but which one does he choose?

Fisher & Sons is now Fisher & Diaz, and Rico is taking a stand. He does not want to be a "gofer" anymore, and makes sure everyone knows he is now a partner.

Claire becomes "gofer", for 50 bucks a shot, and takes a body to the crematory where she meets a worker named Phil. She plays hooky from art class the next day to be with him.

David and Keith start couples therapy, which only seems to anger Keith more.

Ruth gets a bit obsessive with her granddaughter Maya, but Lisa puts her in her place.

Lisa also deals with the quirkiness of her frenetic boss and landlord, Carol.

Air date: 02-Mar-2003 Writer: Alan Ball Director: Rodrigo Garcia

28. You Never Know
Guest stars: J.P. Pitoc (Phil) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) Lili Taylor (Lisa) Patricia Clarkson (Aunt Sarah) Kathy Bates (Bettina) Catherine O'Hara (Carol) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Arye Gross (Frank Muehler) Matt Ross (Daniel Showalter) Jim Ortlieb (Andrew Wayne Milne) Julie Ariola (Dorothy Milne)
Matthew Clark Hazen
1962-2003 Martin Jacobs
1978-2003 Andrew Wayne Milne
1952-2003 Daniel Grant Showalter
1978-2003

While on the phone with a telemarketer, a man begins hearing gun fire over the line. Daniel, a somewhat perturbed ex-employee, has come into his previous place of employment to show his dissatisfaction via shotgun.

Lisa & Nate are having a few problems finding times to be alone. Lisa is still having to deal with all of her employer's issues that seem to pop up at all inappropriate times.

Ruth's sister Sarah gives her a call feigning interest in seeing her, however, she is in the throws of detox, and Ruth gets bamboozled into picking up some vicadin for her. Ruth arrives at her sister's house in Topanga, but Sarah's friend Bettina lets her in on the situation at hand.

Claire and her new beau Phil seem to be getting hot and heavy, or are they? Claire finds a friend in a fellow art class student, Russell. She is able to open up to him and tell him how much she is into Phil. However, later, Claire gets let in on the fact that Phil isn't necessarily as serious about her as she is with him.

Rico is experiencing the difficulties of being a partner at Fisher & Diaz. He doesn't seem to understand why they would hold funerals for both the killer and the victim. He feels strongly that the killer does not deserve to have a respectable funeral.

Keith ends up having a counseling sessions sans David. Keith is able to voice his opinions a bit better without him. Later, during dinner Lisa and Nate, Keith makes a remark about whether or not they will have children. He then tells David that they are just living day to day, so there's no reason to make future plans.

Air date: 09-Mar-2003 Writer: Scott Buck Director: Michael Cuesta
NOTE: Rachel Griffiths' character, Brenda, does not appear in this episode.

29. The Eye Inside
Guest stars: J.P. Pitoc (Phil) Marc Worden (Zach) Zachary Quinto (Hip Student) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) Lili Taylor (Lisa) Kathy Bates (Bettina) Catherine O'Hara (Carol) Peter MacDissi (Olivier Castro-Staal) Sarah Rafferty (Rachel Mortimer) Megan Austin Oberle (Callie Mortimer)
Callie Renee Mortimer
1984-2003

Young Callie comes walking out of a bar and notices a few guys whistling at her. She ignores them for a moment, until their advances become a bit more obnoxious. She starts to cross the street to get away from them, and they yell out to her to get her attention. She then notices that the raucous group is just some of her friends that are messing around with her. However, she's still in the middle of the street and the car coming down the road doesn't see her.

Lisa has quit her job without consulting Nate, and he doesn't seem to be overly happy about it. However, Ruth seems extremely happy letting them live in David's old room. Ruth also seems to be acting out a bit with her new friend Bettina. She skips out on a job interview, and steals a tube of lipstick from a department store.

After Phil tells Claire that she can't go to one of his band's giGuest stars because of another woman, she decides that she can't continue a relationship with him if he's going to date others. However, thinGuest stars are looking up for Claire at LAC-Arts. A new professor, Olivier Castro-Staal, praises Claire's work because it "...instantly makes me want to throw up."

David and Keith go to a vacation resort, but David feels uncomfortable because there are no other gay couples around. Eventually David loosens up and he and Keith end up having a great relaxing time. But thinGuest stars change immediately when they hit rush-hour traffic and Keith goes back to his normal routine of instigation.

Air date: 16-Mar-2003 Writer: Kate Robin Director: Michael Engler
NOTE: Originally titled "Another Voice"
• Rachel Griffith's character Brenda does not appear in this episode.

30. Nobody Sleeps
Guest stars: Lili Taylor (Lisa) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) Kathy Bates (Bettina) Dennis Christopher (Kevin Lamb) Peter MacDissi (Olivier Castro-Staal) Evan Handler (Scott Philip Smith)
Robert Lamar Giffin
1955-2003

A room full of men are watching an old movie and one man is cuddled up with Robert, who is attached to an IV. The last thing Robert does is laugh with his head on his lover's shoulder.

Nate is having bizarre dreams again. This time he's dreaming of his mother in his bed in the morning instead of his wife. He also has a dream with his father, where we learn he's afraid of becoming his father.

Lisa is planning a birthday dinner for Ruth, but Nate thinks it's a bad idea. According to him, they've never done anything for her birthday before and she seems to like it that way.

Bettina accompanies Ruth to the dentist and makes a fuss about having to wait over an hour on her birthday. They skip out there and go to a massage parlor where they discuss their past infidelities.

Kevin, the lover of Robert, asks Fisher & Diaz if he can do something a little different for Robert's funeral. He wants to make Robert's funeral a scene in an opera. They agree and are quite amazed at the effort put forth for it. David wonders about how the couple lasted for 22 years. He realizes it's something he very much wants for he and Keith.

Claire can't make it to her mother's birthday. She's attending a guest artist lecture with Russell. Afterwards, she goes out with Russell, her teacher Olivier, and the artist. Olivier continues to tell Claire how talented she is, and seems to begin flirting with her. Later, Russell and Claire hang out until morning where he informs Claire that he is not gay.

Air date: 23-Mar-2003 Writer: Rick Cleveland and Alan Ball Director: Alan Poul
NOTE: Music:: "Popolo di Pekino" and "Nessun Dorma" from Giacomo Puccini's "Turandot" were played during the funeral.
• Rachel Griffith's character Brenda does not appear in this episode.

31. The Trap
Guest stars: Lili Taylor (Lisa) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) Kathy Bates (Bettina) Rainn Wilson (Arthur Martin) Peter MacDissi (Olivier Castro-Staal) Josh Radnor (Will Jaffe) Silas Weir Mitchell (Dion Corelli) Matt Winston (Terry)
William Aaron Jaffe
1951-1975

A couple are in the woods hiking, and come upon an old VW Beetle. The car is rusted and plants have grown over it a bit. The look inside the car and they see someone in it. They open the car door and a bird flies out, however, there is an old skeleton in the front seat.

Claire and Russell are in Olivier's art class and chatting it up. Russell asks Claire to go to his brother's wedding. Then Olivier asks Claire to be his assistant.

Claire tells Federico that she can't do deliveries anymore because of her new job as an assistant. Federico takes a proposal to Nate and David. He suggests they use a mortuary student and they won't even have to pay them. They would have to provide room and board for the student, but they could save money overall.

After David's choir practice he talks to some of the members. He discovers one of the guys is someone he had a brief fling with in a Sears bathroom. He denies it emphatically.

Lisa starts to pour over their visa bill and finds purchases of Nate's that are questionable. Lisa reminds him that he is no longer single and needs to stop acting like he is. Nate then starts to get paranoid about every thing he wants to purchase.

They decide on an apprentice, Arthur Martin. He's a bit odd in behavior, but that's what landed him the job. Ruth shows him around the house and the kitchen. She institutes an eating schedule so they don't end up in the kitchen together.

Brenda shows up at the funeral home to talk to Nate. He is busy, so she ends up going with him on some errands. While waiting for some small repairs on the hearse, they go down the street to a cafe to have a drink. Eventually, they get to what she is there for. She is there to make amends. She apologizes to Nate about everything she did to him. Later, Nate tells Lisa about his run-in with Brenda. Lisa gets very upset, she wants Nate to check in with her before doing thinGuest stars like that in the future.

Keith gets a call to a house. The police are already there, but they leave everything to Keith and a co-worker, Dion Corelli. While there, Keith & Dion, have a drink. However, Dion gets a bit carried away and wants to start tearing thinGuest stars up. Keith gets upset and pins Dion down, and starts hitting him.

Lisa discovers the receipt of Nate and Brenda's lunch and seems very worried about it.

Bettina is going to be leaving for awhile to de-program her daughter in Montana.

Claire tells Russell that she would rather not go to his brother's wedding with him. Russell agrees and says he values their friendship.

Keith tells David he wants to find a new job.

Air date: 30-Mar-2003 Writer: Bruce Eric Kaplan Director: Jeremy Podeswa

32. Making Love Work
Guest stars: Lili Taylor (Lisa) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) Peter MacDissi (Olivier Castro-Staal) Rainn Wilson (Arthur Martin) Myndy Crist (Dana) Robert Cicchini (Todd) Donna Bullock (Karen Pepper)
Karen Postell Pepper
1964-2003

Three middle-aged women stand outside a television studio waiting to be let in a session of Dr. Dave. As they are being let in one of the women starts getting a nose bleed. The other two women go in and leave the other woman outside to get her bleeding under control. She stands outside trying to manage it, but then collapses.

Nate and Lisa are going camping with their friends Todd and Nina. Nate and Lisa seem to fight about every little detail before leaving to go camping. Once they get there, Nate wonders why they only have a 6-pack of beer. Lisa tells him they don't need to be drinking that much. Nate is saved because Todd brinGuest stars a cooler-full of beer to the camp site.

Ruth discovers Arthur uses a handkerchief and finds it refreshing that someone still uses them. Her and Arthur start talking about one of Arthur's favorite movies, Silent Running. It was playing at a local theater, but Arthur missed it. Later that night, Ruth tells Arthur that she picked up the movie at a movie store so they can watch it.

Russell is dying Claire's hair in her bedroom. They seem to be getting much closer. After a bout of Olivier's criticism in art class, Russell gets very upset. Claire consoles him and they end up sleeping together. Afterwards, she discovers that it was Russell's first (and second) time.

Federico has a very large body to work with. It requires a larger casket than usual. He gets Arthur to assist him, so they can get the casket and everything set up the night before the viewing. In the middle of the night, the whole house hears a huge booming crash. The body has fallen out of the casket. With several attempts, and much work, they finally get the body on a gurney.

Ruth seems to be getting a bit odd around Arthur. She accidentally washes one of his handkerchiefs and goes to put it in his drawer. Before placing it in the drawer, she puts it to her face and inhales deeply.

Air date: 06-Apr-2003 Writer: Jill Soloway Director: Kathy Bates

33. Timing & Space
Guest stars: Lili Taylor (Lisa) Jeremy Sisto (Billy Chenowith) Joanna Cassidy (Margaret Chenowith) Robert Foxworth (Bernard Chenowith) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Rainn Wilson (Arthur Martin) Matt Winston (Terry) David Hornsby (Patrick)
Bernard Asa Chenowith
1939-2003

Brenda, her mother, and her brother, all sit around her father's hospital bed completely silent.

Lisa is going to a cooking convention and leaving Nate alone with Maya. She worries a bit, but eventually goes. Later, while Nate is reading the paper, he discovers that Brenda's father has died and the funeral is today. He calls up Lisa, like a good little husband, and asks if she minds if he goes to the funeral. Lisa says she completely understands and it's cool if he goes. He has a problem finding someone to watch Maya. Federico says his wife, Vanessa probably wouldn't mind watching her. Nate takes Maya over to their house, but doesn't feel very comfortable leaving Maya with Vanessa. Nate tells Federico this, but he seems to shake it off. Nate ends up taking Maya with him to the funeral.

Arthur shows Ruth some of his computer music work and she total loves it. She fawns all over him telling him how talented he is. Arthur decides to take a run, and Ruth wants to know where. She then proceeds in stalking him as he runs.

David and Keith get ready for a brunch party with David's choir friends, and David wants to make sure Keith wears something nice to show off "good big parts". They get to the brunch and Keith obviously feels very uncomfortable. All the party-goers have leading lady names stuck to their back and are supposed to figure out who it is by asking everyone questions. Everyone figures theirs out except Keith and he gets very upset about the whole thing.

Claire and Russell go to a paint supply store, where Claire admires a very expensive tube of blue paint. Later on, Russell gives Claire a present -- the expensive tube of blue paint. She tells him that he better be careful or she'll get used to such nice treatment. He tells her she better get used to it.

Lisa gets home from her convention and finds out that Nate took Maya to the funeral and she gets extremely upset. She seems especially unnerved at the fact that Brenda might have picked up Maya or touched her. Lisa also feels that Nate always seems so different after spending time with Brenda.

Federico confronts Vanessa about her moods as of late. He thinks maybe she should see someone or get some medication. Vanessa tells him that it's normal for her to be this way after her mother has died.

Air date: 13-Apr-2003 Writer: Craig Wright Director: Nicole Holofcener

34. Tears, Bones and Desire
Guest stars: Lili Taylor (Lisa) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Leon Rippy (Daddy) Rainn Wilson (Arthur Martin) Peter MacDissi (Olivier Castro-Staal) Matt Winston (Terry) David Hornsby (Patrick) Josh Stamberg (Sarge) Myndy Crist (Dana) Karen Landry (Eve) Cheryl White (Abigail) Molly Hagan (Rachel) Amanda Foreman (Rebecca) Yareli Arizmendi (Carmen) Landry Allbright (Mary Jane)
Daddy
1940-2003

A unique family makes hand mops and teaches their children from the backyard. Daddy, their teacher and father, sits down as the children play and his hat slips from his hand.

The family of Daddy comes to Fisher & Diaz, and have a unique look on life. They are a communal family known as "The People". They decide to allow embalming, but they insist on remaining in his presence at all times so government agents don't take him.

David invites some of his friends to a paintball game that Keith planned. Keith seems fine with it, but once of the paintball field, he seeks revenge for the party game he failed so miserably at.

Lisa gets even more paranoid about Brenda, and decides to make an appointment for a massage with her. While there, Lisa seems very nervous, and at one point even cries. Afterwards, Nate sees something different with Lisa, but can't quite figure what it is.

Ruth kisses Arthur, but he asks her not to do it ever again. He cherishes their friendship and doesn't want it to change. Ruth agrees, and then kisses him again.

Claire and Russell go to Olivier's house to see what he wants. He wants Claire to go to Azusa to pick up something. They argue, but she eventually goes, leaving Russell behind with Olivier. While in Azusa, she meets up with an artist that was once Olivier's assistant. She finds out that Olivier usually sleeps with his assistants, and sometimes he has "boy years". She gets a bit concerned and asks Russell later if Olivier came onto him at all. He vehemently denies it and reiterates the fact that he is not gay.

David & Keith end up having a paintball buddy, Sarge, stay the night because he drinks too much. However, when David and Keith are going to bed, Sarge asks if he can join them. They both agree. The next morning, Sarge is up making breakfast and David seems to feel a bit awkward. Keith seems fine, though.

Air date: 20-Apr-2003 Writer: Nancy Oliver Director: Daniel Attias

35. The Opening
Guest stars: Lili Taylor (Lisa) Jeremy Sisto (Billy Chenowith) Joanna Cassidy (Margaret Chenowith) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Smith Cho (Art Student #1) Peter MacDissi (Olivier Castro-Staal) Rainn Wilson (Arthur Martin) Arye Gross (Father Muehler) Tim Maculan (Father Jack) David Hornsby (Patrick) Brian Stepanek (Melinda's Ex-Fiance)
Melinda Mary Bloch
1965-2003

A woman starts packing as though going on a trip. Lines up her luggage by the door. She leaves various notes around her house for specific people. She grabs a tape out of her stereo then goes into her garage. She turns her car on, puts the tape in the car stereo, applies her lipstick, and shuts the garage door.

Claire and Russell's art work will be in a art show. They help Olivier place some work in the gallery. Claire is happy with where her work is placed, but Russell feels his is being somewhat hidden.

Nate and Lisa talk about the possibility of them splitting up. Nate loves Lisa, but he just can't handle her lack of trust in him. While at Claire's art show, they run into Brenda. Lisa acts as though she's never seen her before and Brenda acts along. Later at the art gallery, sitting inside a pyramid piece, Nate and Lisa agree to start their relationship over -- as friends that happen to be lovers.

Ruth continues to be interested in Arthur, but he doesn't seem to want to take the relationship to any other level than light petting.

Keith and David continue their threesomes. Keith seems to be a bit more enthused about it than David, but he continues to go along. They set a ground rule - no kissing.

Air date: 27-Apr-2003 Writer: Kate Robin Director: Karen Moncrieff

36. Everyone Leaves
Guest stars: Lili Taylor (Lisa) Jeremy Sisto (Billy Chenowith) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Rainn Wilson (Arthur Martin) Peter MacDissi (Olivier Castro-Staal) James Pickens Jr. (Roderick Charles) Beverly Todd (Lucille Charles) Aysia Polk (Taylor) David Hornsby (Patrick) Ann Weldon (Aunt Jeanie) Lenny Wolpe (Gregory Fasteau)
Jeanette Louise Bradford
1928-2003

While at a family picnic, Keith's mom's aunt gets stung by a bee. She immediately has an allergic reaction.

Vanessa seems to be out of her depression. She has more energy and Frederico is enjoying it. She schedules them for dance lessons, and they have a blast. Later, while dancing at a club Vanessa starts to have difficulty breathing. She asks Frederico to give her a Xanax out of her purse that has quite a number of pills in it.

Keith and David argue, as usual, in the car on the way to Keith's great aunt's funeral. David thinks they've had enough sexual exploration for the moment, but Keith wants to continue.

After visiting with a man who lost his wife, Nate goes into the kitchen and starts to cry. Lisa is going to visit her sister up the coast and is worried about leaving him alone. Nate reassures her that he just had a temporary meltdown and he'll be fine.

While in class, Russell has a breakdown of his own, temper-tantrum style. After his return, Russell reveals to Claire that he did mess around with Olivier. Claire tells him she never wants to see or speak to him again. He doesn't get the message because later he shows up at her house.

Brenda and Billy appear to be living well together. However, after an emotional outburst at a poor cartoonization of their beloved book "Nathaniel and Isabel", Billy tries to intimately kiss Brenda. Brenda goes to visit Nate afterwards and they talk for awhile. As Brenda starts to leave, her and Nate kiss.

Ruth sits down with Arthor and comes to the conclusion that he has never had sex before. As Arthur does not appear to want such a relationship with Ruth, she basically tells him they are off.

At the funeral, Keith decides he is finally going to talk to his father about the abuse his father inflicted upon him and his sister when they were children. His father gets extremely upset, and when David tries to referee, Keith tells David that it's a family matter and none of David's business. David storms out and takes a bus back home.

Nate tries contacting Lisa's sister to see if she's made it there alright, but Lisa's sister doesn't seem to know anything. Nate attempts to contact Lisa on her cellphone a few times with no success.

Air date: 04-May-2003 Writer: Scott Buck Director: Daniel Minahan

37. Death Works Overtime
Guest stars: Lili Taylor (Lisa) Jeremy Sisto (Billy Chenowith) Joanna Cassidy (Margaret Chenowith) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) James Cromwell (George Sibley) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Peter MacDissi (Olivier Castro-Staal) Rainn Wilson (Arthur Martin) Melissa Marsala (Angelica) Ivonne Coll (Vanessa's Therapist) Momo Yashima (Mrs. Su) George Cheung (Mr. Su) Peggy Miley (Landlady)
Dorothy Su
1945-2003 David Raymond Monroe
1971-2003 Edward Tully
1955-2003

Nate is still trying to find Lisa. He makes calls frantically to everyone he knows. Lisa's car is found near a beach, and Nate nearby in hopes of finding something out.

The funeral home gets a number of cases, and needs all the help they can get. Arthur tries to learn how to interact with the funeral home's customers.

Federico is having added issues now that Vanessa's sister lives with them, but has to go into work despite that due to the influx of deaths. Vanessa and her sister go shopping and come home with a big screen television and a fridge, and refuse to take them back.

Brenda finds a new place of her own in a questionable neighborhood. She has few belonginGuest stars and moves in quickly. Brenda's mother asks her to join her and Billy to scatter their father's ashes. Brenda reluctantly agrees. When they do get together to scatter the ashes they argue, of course, and end up throwing them over an apartment balcony.

Russell shows up at the Fisher's to apologize once again to Claire. However, she rejects his continued advances. Claire has a review with Olivier, and they end up getting into a very heated argument. Later, Claire takes a pregnancy test, and it's positive.

After one of the funerals, Ruth meets a new man, George Sibley, and proceeds to cry all over him.

Air date: 11-May-2003 Writer: Rick Cleveland Director: Daniel Attias

38. Twilight
Guest stars: Lili Taylor (Lisa) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) James Cromwell () Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Rainn Wilson (Arthur Martin) Anne Dudek (Allison Williman) Graham Beckel (Carl Williman) David Hornsby (Patrick) Tim Maculan (Father Jack) Melissa Marsala (Angelica) Jim Beaver (Prison Officer)
Carl Desmond Williman
1948-2003

Ruth's whirlwind romance with George gets hot and heavy when she suggests they get married. George, married six times before, agrees. Later, however, Ruth seems to reconsider and asks to takes thinGuest stars slow. George doesn't seem to mind that either.

David and Keith come to a head. David lays it on the line with Keith and tells him how he feels. Later, he goes out with one of his friends from chorus, and they end up sleeping together. That seems to speed up his decision about Keith and he decides to move out.

Claire has decided to get an abortion. She hasn't told anyone, except when she runs into Brenda. She asks that Brenda take her to the clinic, and Brenda agrees without question.

Nate is completely terrified about what might have happened to Lisa. He starts to picture every possible way she could have disappeared. Nate assists a grieving daughter of an executing serial killer with funeral arrangements. In a desperate attempt to numb his feelinGuest stars, he has sex with her.

Air date: 18-May-2003 Writer: Craig Wright Director: Kathy Bates

39. I'm Sorry, I'm Lost
Guest stars: Lili Taylor (Lisa) Justin Theroux (Joe) James Cromwell (George Sibley) Richard Jenkins (Nathaniel Fisher) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Rainn Wilson (Arthur Martin) Melissa Marsala (Angelica) Eric Balfour (Gabriel Dimas) Idalis DeLeon (Sophia) Kimberlin Brown (Soap Actress) Nolan North (Soap Actor)
Anahid Hovanessian
1951-2003

Ruth and George are getting married. When they announce to the Fisher family, there are mixed emotions. Nate is completely against it, David feels like it's inconsiderate considering Lisa's disappearance, and Clare thinks they barely know each other. Ruth doesn't care, she just wants to be happy and wants her children to be a part of it, but will continue even if they don't.

Nate is drinking more often, and it's starting to effect the business. He also leaves Maya alone at night.

Federico, in his frustration from home, accepts an invitation to a strip club. It's his first time to ever go to one. He gets a bit inebriated and flirts with one of the dancers, who later gives Federico a bit of enjoyment in his car.

Nathaniel, Sr. visits Claire and takes her on a trip to the afterlife, which is guised as a park amusement park. She sees people that she has loved and lost, like Gabe Dimas, her baby, and Lisa. Her trip to the afterlife seems to resolve some issues for Claire.

David also has a visit from his father. In his, his father convinces him to call Keith and try to make a go of it. David also seems to resolves some of his issues.

Ruth and George get married at the house and have a nice reception. Everyone but Nate attends. He finally receives a phone call that he was not looking forward to. The police have found Lisa's body. In his fragile state, Nate goes to a local bar and gets himself beat up. On his drive home, he starts to see his father in the car with him, then Lisa. They both start talking to him about committing suicide. Instead, he ends up at Brenda's.

Lisa Kimmel Fisher
1973-2003

Air date: 01-Jun-2003 Writer: Jill Soloway Director: Alan Ball
NOTE: Before this episode aired, it was advertised as "I'm Sorry, I'm..."

*****
Season 4
*****

40. Falling Into Place
Guest stars: Amanda Michalka (Ashley) Ben Foster (Russell Corwin) Justin Theroux (Joe) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Lili Taylor (Lisa) Rainn Wilson (Arthur Martin)
Bruno Baskerville Walsh
1951-1972

Nate is having a difficult time with Lisa's death. The guilt that he feels is overshadowed by the arrival of Lisa's family. Nate and her mother end up in a fight over what Lisa wanted for her passing. Lisa told Nate that she wanted her death to be natural, and she wanted to be buried directly in the earth with nothing in between her and the earth that created her. Her mother wants her cremated and put in the family mausoleum. Eventually, Nate finds a way for everyone to get their way.

Brenda seems to be showing interest in her neighbor after he brinGuest stars her dinner one night. Keith stays over at the Fisher's with David after Ruth's wedding which sparks a discussion on what the two want in a relationship with each other. Vanessa finally tells her sister she thinks it's time for her to find her own place.

Claire is trying to find a new way to view thinGuest stars to enhance her art. Russell attends Lisa's funeral, and Claire ends up spilling the news about her abortion. She is taken aback by Russell's reaction.

Air date: 13-Jun-2004 Writer: Craig Wright Director: Michael Cuesta
NOTE: This is the first time that the season premier has not been written by Alan Ball.
• This episode takes place the day after the third season finale "I'm Sorry, I'm Lost".
• We meet Lisa's family.
• This is the first time that Vanessa appears in a season premiere.
• Keith's line "I feel like I've been eating this cake for 12 months" is an inside joke to the fact that it has been a little over a year since "I'm Sorry, I'm Lost".

41. In Case of Rapture
Guest stars: Mena Suvari (Edie) Justin Theroux (Joe) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Richard Jenkins (Nathaniel Fisher, Sr.) Rainn Wilson (Arthur Martin) Beth Grant (Dorothy Sheedy) Idalis DeLeon (Sophia) Sprague Grayden (Anita) Rich Overton (Thomas Sheedy) James Black (Duane) Tom Lenk (Young Poet)
Dorothy Sheedy
1954-2003

The Fisher family seems to be having a hard time accepting George. Ruth is trying to integrate his furniture into their house as a way to get them to realize he's part of the family too, and so that George feels the same way.

Nate is projecting his feelinGuest stars about mourning Lisa onto clients of Fisher & Diaz. When it becomes too much, he makes a critical decision that affects everyone.

Keith gets a new job as a bodyguard to the stars. But when faced with raging male hormone talk, he joins in and instantly slams the closet door for himself at work.

Meanwhile, David is dealing with Nate's decision, and now a clogged up plumbing system that has blood erupting from the drains. He gets a plumber to service the clog, among other thinGuest stars, rather quickly.

Air date: 20-Jun-2004 Writer: Rick Cleveland Director: Dan Attias
NOTE: This episode marks the debut of Mena Suvari as Edie

42. Parallel Play
Guest stars: Mena Suvari (Edie) Justin Theroux (Joe) Ben Foster (Russell) Justina Machado (Vanessa Diaz) Ellen DeGeneres () Peter Facinelli (Jimmy) Michelle Trachtenberg (Celeste) Hallee Hirsh (Kaitlin Elise Stolte)
Kaitlin Elise Stolte
1989-2003

Air date: 27-Jun-2004 Writer: Jill Soloway , Jeremy Podeswa

43. Can I Come Up Now?
Air date: 11-Jul-2004

44. That's My Dog
Air date: 18-Jul-2004

45. Terror Starts At Home
Air date: 25-Jul-2004

46. The Dare
Air date: 01-Aug-2004