An Open Book (Six Feet Under)

"**An Open Book**"
"An Open Book"
Six Feet Under episode
Episode no.	Season 1; Episode 5
Directed by	Kathy Bates
Written by	Alan Ball
Cinematography by	Alan Caso
Editing by	Christopher Nelson
Original release date	July 1, 2001
Running time	55 minutes
Guest appearances
	Joanna Cassidy as Margaret Chenowith; Robert Foxworth as Dr. Bernard Chenowith; Veronica Hart as Viveca St. John; Sandra Oh as Porn Starlet; Tim Maculan as Father Jack; Cristine Rose as Hannah; Jordan Ladd as Ginnie;
Episode chronology
← Previous; "Familia"	Next →; "The Room"
	List of episodes

"An Open Book" is the fifth episode of the first season of the American drama television series Six Feet Under. The episode was written by series creator Alan Ball, and directed by Kathy Bates. It originally aired on HBO on July 1, 2001.

The series is set in Los Angeles, and depicts the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home, along with their friends and lovers. It explores the conflicts that arise after the family's patriarch, Nathaniel, dies in a car accident. In the episode, David gets a church offer, while Nate meets Brenda's parents. Meanwhile, Ruth takes Claire on a road trip to bond with her.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 4.64 million household viewers and gained Nielsen household rating of 3.2. The episode received critical acclaim, who praised the performances, Bates' directing and character development.