Family Plots

Family Plots is an intriguing documentary reality series that aired on A&E from 2004 to 2005. The show complicated the typical (and somewhat saturated) reality TV dimensions and brought to the screens a unique profession, the funeral business, set against the backdrop of Poway, California. This offering stands out due to its exclusive focus on the day-to-day operation of a family-run, independent, full-service funeral home. Familiar, plausible, and heartfelt, it gave viewers a unique glimpse into the heart of the funeral industry while also profiling the engaging and diverse personalities of the family and employees that ran the funeral home.

At the heart of Family Plots are the Wissmiller family and their employee, Chuck. Shonna Wissmiller, the mortuary manager, is a smart and sassy woman juggling professional commitments and personal chaos. Her lively personality often collides and blends with those of her employees and family – funerals or no funerals. Her father, Dick Wissmiller, the owner of the Poway Bernardo Mortuary, is a former marine whose tough exterior belies a surprisingly tender heart for the grieving families they serve. Emily, Shonna’s younger sister, is a funeral arranger whose career choice incredulously compliments her early pursuit of stand-up comedy. The unique dynamic between these family members and their unusual profession were a major drawing card for the show.

Advising the Wissmiller ladies and keeping the technical side of the business running smoothly is Chuck. As the mortician imbued with a deadpan sense of humor, his vast experience in the funeral industry aids the family and supports the operations. He is often seen skillfully preparing bodies for their final journey, an aspect of the show that is a fascinating insight into the behind-the-scenes operation of funeral homes but also a respectful acknowledgement of the dignity of the deceased.

Family Plots masterfully balances the gravity of death and grieving with the dramatics of family and working relationships. It humanizes the funeral industry and embraces the reality – death is a part of life, and those working in this field have chosen to assist and provide comfort at the hardest times. It's part pathos and part comedy, as viewers are navigated from quirky family squabbles to the dignity and respect maintained during the funeral process.

The authenticity of Family Plots sits above the clichés of reality television. Rather than dramatic plot tricks, the show concentrates on how the Wissmillers handle their unique job. There are moments when the audience gets to feel the tangible sense of loss that the family often has to face at their workplace, while also enjoying the resilience and camaraderie shared among the team that enable them to deal with their unique work-life balance.

The fascinating relationships showcased on the screen were backed by solid production values. Each episode adopted a structured, dual-narrative style, presenting the progression of one or more funerals alongside the personal stories of the mortuary staff. In tandem, these threads developed a surprisingly engaging narrative that was thought-provoking, funny, and poignant.

Perhaps most impressive was the respect shown to the deceased and their families. At no point does the show exploit the raw emotions of these grieving individuals nor does it mock the dead. Instead, it illustrates the sincerity and comfort that the funeral home tries to provide during such challenging times. It's real, and it's respectful.

Despite its relatively short run, Family Plots made a significant impression on television audiences. It proved that reality TV could operate in areas of life seldom observed, providing thoughtful, engaging content that was both entertaining and insightful.

In conclusion, Family Plots was unlike anything else on television during its time. Embedded with multisided characters with engaging backstories, humorous dynamics, in a unique setting of a family-run funeral home, it proved to be a perfect blend of comedy, drama; showing the light-hearted side of everyday life in the backdrop of the world of the dead, doing it with reverence and empathy. It was an exciting example of how reality TV can inform, entertain, and make viewers think and feel simultaneously. This made Family Plots an intriguing watch for reality TV lovers and a captivating insight into a profession we are all touched by at some point.