Nathaniel Fisher, owner of the Fisher & Sons Funeral Home, is killed on Christmas Eve when a municipal bus broadsides his new hearse, and the tragedy casts a pall on the holiday homecoming of son Nate.

Nate offers a solution when the inventor of a pyramid scheme dies, leaving his widow with a mountain of debts and no money for a proper funeral. Later, the reading of Mr. Fisher's will divides the family spoils.

A bakery owner meets an unsavoury demise and it's up to Federico to put the pieces back together. Nate decides not to sell to Kroehner, and Claire finds a way to pay back Gabe for blabbing about her toe-sucking exploits.

A Mexican-American gang member is killed and the Fishers find the family's wishes for burial are at odds with those of the gang's leader. Also, Nate, David and Ruth wonder if Claire had something to do with the fire.

The death of a porno queen shocks Ruth, who isn't prepared for the crush of co-stars who arrive to eulogise the fallen star. Keith takes issue with David's desire to replace his father as deacon at the family church.

A grieving widower camps out in the Fisher Funeral Home after the death of his wife of 56 years, and Nate discovers some of his father's secrets, including a mysterious room he bartered in exchange for a funeral.

When a young Army veteran dies of Gulf War syndrome, his embittered brother decides to shun a military funeral in favour of a simple cremation and disposal. Plus, Nate and Brenda plan to spend their first weekend away.

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.

When Gabriel's 6-year-old brother dies of a gunshot wound, Claire finds herself softening towards her ex. David hits the dance clubs with his new lover and discovers the joys of ecstasy - as does his mother Ruth.

The Fishers need to replace Rico and they hire the outstanding, but unfortunately outspoken embalmer, Angela. Nate tracks Rico down who informs him that Kroehner are not through with their take-down of Fisher & Sons.

David, Nate and Brenda attend a funeral directors' conference in Las Vegas where David successfully speaks on the role of the independents as he faced the "suits" from Kroehner.

The homophobic killing of a young man forces David to re-examine his lifestyle and his family relationships. Nate goes to pick up a body, when in reality Billy lured him there to threaten him with a knife.

Tracy Blair arranges a funeral for her aunt. Federico holds a christening party for his son Augusto at the Fisher residence, and Brenda visits her brother Billy in the mental hospital.

Nate is at odds with Lisa's family. David and Keith look for ways to start over and Claire reunites with Russell.

George's routines are beginning to irk Arthur. Brenda slowly plans her relationship with Joe while Keith begins a new job and Diaz has a fling.

The Fishers hold a yard sale. David gives Arthur more responsibility, and Nate warms up to a divorcee at Maya's Mommy and Me class.

David's ex-fiancee asks him to arrange her father's funeral. Nate has a psychic rendezvous, and Ruth discovers the identity of George's stalker.

David is taken for a ride by a hitchhiker. Nate attends a bereavement support group, and Ruth plays matchmaker to George's son.

Ruth throws a birthday dinner for David who is struggling in the aftermath of his carjacking. Claire gets 'closer' with some friends, while Vanessa begins to suspect Rico's infidelity.

Ruth overhears a conversation between two of George's ex-wives. Keith comes out to his co-worker buddy, and Vanessa follows Federico to Sophia's house.

Ruth comes to a melting point in her marriage. Claire gets comfortable with Edie, and Vanessa throws Frederico out. Meanwhile, Joe catches Brenda having sex with Nate.

David experiences worse side effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Ruth and Bettina travel to Mexico, and Claire achieves her first orgasm with the help of classmate Jimmy by using a new technique.

Nate, Brenda and Maya attend a memorial service for Lisa in Idaho. Claire comes to final blows with Edie at Jimmy's party, and Ruth reconciles with George.

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, and Barb confronts Nate about "Lisa's" ashes.

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, and Nate confronts Barb and Hoyt after David receives a message from Michaela.

When a young actress dies, the cast in her latest slasher movie agrees to pitch in for a cheap funeral at Fisher & Sons. As David gets both good and bad news from a trip to the doctor, Nate's MRI tests reveal he has condition that might, or might not, be fatal.

A college football player collapses in the heat of practice and his death haunts Nate with his AVM secret. With Matt Gilardi failing to buy out the resilient Fishers, Kroehner's regional director decides to take matters into her own hands.

The husband of a psychic dies, making for some interesting conversations around Fisher & Sons. At Robbie's urging, Ruth enrols in a marathon self-actualisation seminar. Claire is angry her high-school guidance counsellor, Gary, has betrayed her confidences about Gabe.

In order to retrieve the body of a dead Seattle man who feared flying, Nate goes back to his old home. Back in LA, David jumps at the chance to take care of Taylor while Keith's at work. Brenda joins her mother Margaret in an effort to catch her spouse having an affair.

Ruth takes an interest in the death of a woman with no friends or relatives. Brenda, in search of a literary muse, turns to one of her massage clients. David's promising relationship with public defender Ben Cooper is thrown for a loop when Keith arrives for comfort.

A comparison-shopping widow brings a feisty Mitzi Huntley back into Nate and David's lives, with yet another offer from Kroehner. Thanks to Nikolai's influence a vodka-fuelled family dinner casts a shadow on some happy news from Nate and Brenda.

A Jewish funeral leads Nate to seek spiritual guidance from an intense female rabbi. Visiting her Aunt Sarah, Claire's surprised to meet an intriguing boy her own age amidst Sarah's hard-partying "artist" friends, and Keith warms up to David after a medical emergency.

While Christmas signals Nathaniel's one year death anniversary, causing everyone to reminisce, Nikolai is beaten and mugged on Christmas Eve. Margaret has a special present for Brenda and Claire brings her new boyfriend to dinner.

Nate gets a shocking surprise from Lisa. While Keith checks up on Karla, Nikolai continues to recuperate at the Fisher's, and Claire is asked to help Billy with a project.

Karla has a secret that will affect her relationship with Keith and David. Brenda attends a Lifestyle party with Melissa, and Claire illegally takes portraits of the deceased for a school project which her brothers soon learn about.

Vanessa loses her job after being negligent but a lawsuit from a previous client turns out to be beneficial. Meanwhile, Rabbi Ari recommends Nate and Brenda be honest with one another before moving forward with the marriage.

David and Keith greet a social worker and Federico unexpectedly gains an inheritance. Brenda's parents remarry and Nate discovers Brenda's infidelity.

Fisher & Sons has an unannounced inspection which turns out positively for Federico. Meanwhile, Nate undergoes surgery for his AVM while his family anxiously await the outcome.

Nate's surgery was a success and now, seven months later, he's married to Lisa and they're raising their daughter Maya. Claire is now a student at LAC-Arts, Keith and David are in couples therapy, and Frederico is a partner in what is now called Fisher & Diaz.

When Daniel Showalter, a former disgruntled telemarketer, returns to his old workplace with a shotgun, Fisher & Diaz get two funerals: one for Showalter's victim as well as Showalter himself, who committed suicide. This results in some issues at the funeral home.

Lisa makes a big decision without asking Nate, a decision that brings trouble. Ruth & Bettina are getting closer and Ruth is taking some of Bettina's advice, but not all of it is good. Claire & Phil's relationship changes for the worse, and David & Keith go on vacation.

Nate is having strange nightmares about what his future might hold. Lisa is planning a birthday dinner for Ruth but not everything will turn out as planned. A man arranges an operatic tribute for his gay lover while David yearns for the same closeness with Keith.

Brenda returns to apologise to Nate and David encounters a face from his past. A young man is hired as a live-in apprentice. He's quiet and respectful, and when a mouse gets caught in a trap in the kitchen, he and Ruth are of one mind: the mouse deserved it.

Nate and Lisa take Maya camping. Ruth enjoys spending time with new friend Arthur. Claire and David talk about sexuality.

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.

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.

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.

Keith confronts his father after his aunt's funeral. Lisa travels to her sister's to give herself and Nate some much needed relief. Claire gets a confession from Russell and later discusses her flawed relationships with her mother.

Fisher & Diaz brims with activity after receiving a trio of unrelated deaths. Claire is visited by Russell who begs for forgiveness and later finds out important information about her health. Meanwhile, Ruth stays optimistic on Lisa's whereabouts.

A funeral for a serial killer causes Nate to ponder many scenarios on Lisa but he finds temporary relief with the serial killer's daughter. Elsewhere, Claire goes through with an abortion.

Ruth shocks the family with unexpected news while Nate gets unwanted news about Lisa. Brenda goes on a date with a neighbour and David reunites with Keith. Elsewhere, Claire meets up with familiar faces during a visit to the afterlife.

Whilst Nate and Brenda prepare for a big day, Ruth is far from ecstatic on George's return home. Meanwhile, David and Keith consider being parents.

Nate hangs with friends from high school. Meanwhile, Brenda starts her internship and Maggie gives Ruth much needed relief.

Claire is seduced by Billy's newfound lust for life. Meanwhile, George is haunted by visions from his mother's death, and Ruth and Claire are at odds over Claire's inheritance money and lifestyle.

Brenda has surprises for Nate on his 40th birthday. Elsewhere, David and Keith "propose" to Mary, a surrogate.

Ruth finds a way to relax without George. Meanwhile, David and Keith consider adopting a child named Anthony, and Nate and Brenda consider giving Maya a coherent narrative.

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. Elsewhere, Nate muses on the loss of his first love and Vanessa hires a nanny.

David and Keith struggle to create boundaries for their new sons. Brenda and Nate receive some ambiguous news while Ruth fills her schedule with activities.

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. Meanwhile, Ruth sees her ex-boyfriend Hiram.

After suffering a massive stroke, Nate is taken to the hospital. As he undergoes surgery, tension ensues between Maggie & Brenda in the waiting room. Elsewhere, Ruth is camping in the wilderness with Hiram & is completely oblivious to what is happening with her family.

Nate's funeral divides the family. David deals with being left in charge of the family business, while Keith makes an embarrassing discovery on the job. At the same time, Brenda is challenged by Nate and makes a painful decision about what to do with Maya.

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. Claire's grief causes her to start drinking heavily, and Frederico pushes for a talk about the business.

David finally embraces his demons. Brenda delivers early and fights Nate's negativity. Margaret is impressed to see Olivier's nurturing side. Rico and Vanessa celebrate an investment. Claire's departure reveals what's to come for those she loves and herself.