feeling listless

Backlog Just been watching the excellent pilot episode of Channel 4's new import 'Six Feet Under'. As American readers will know this is ensemble piece about a family running a funeral home in the aftermath of the death of the father of the family. It's by Alan Ball, the writer of the growing on me 'American Beauty' and shares it's twisty dialogue and vivid characterisation. It will be interesting to see if the series can continue the care free attitude of this first moment.

I was shocked to discover Anne Dudek of 'The Book Group' drifting past in the closing moments of the show. If you've still got the programme on tape, find literally the final moments of the show, as Nate Fisher stands watching his father ride away by bus. People are passing-by and smiling -- there she is (with some child). It's her eyes which give it away. Which brings me to an appeal -- I missed (somehow) the episode of 'er' when Eric La Salle left (ie) the one where Benton left the show. By a strange co-incidence this was Anne Dudek's only other TV work, as 'Paula Gamble, Teddy's Mom'. Something of a double wammy then. If anyone happens to have the episode on tape, could you let me know so I could grab a copy -- I'll pay for postage, tape, whatever. After watching Benton grumple his way through eight and a half seasons, it would be a shame to miss his swansong. This really isn't a substitute.