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.
The episode received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the humor and performances, particularly Michael C. Hall.
At night, a gang member, Manuel "Paco" Bolin (Jacob Vargas) has a conversation with his girlfriend before leaving their car to make a phone call.
Nate (Peter Krause) and Brenda (Rachel Griffiths) are questioned over the fire at Kroehner's property, but they claim they have no involvement.
As David expresses confusion over Keith's actions, he has imaginary conversations with Paco's corpse, who wants him to stop feeling like an outsider and embrace who he is.
Nate and David also convince Ruth in loaning them $93,000 to make renovations at business, promising her a role as a financial advisor.
As they start kissing, Nate begins to notice Brenda's items and previous conversations, and wonders if she was involved in the fire.
"[4] Entertainment Weekly gave the episode a "B–" grade, and wrote, "The episode makes an effective point about prejudice (David doesn't realize that Rico is Puerto Rican, not Mexican) before turning maudlin with a simplistic, let's-all-join-hands resolution.
[9] In 2016, Ross Bonaime of Paste ranked it 29th out of all 63 Six Feet Under episodes and wrote, "In “Familia,” it's decided that Fisher & Sons won't sell their business to a bigger company — they’re going to continue to give their customers a “personal touch.” The episode itself also works to give many of its characters a deeper personal touch, as details emerge that will have long-lasting importance throughout the run of the series.
We see there's a very real fear David has about concealing his sexuality, Brenda's continually trying to find her place amongst the Fisher family and Federico attempts to become a part of the business in a way that will have serious impact.
After the trifecta of episodes that began the series, “Familia” takes its time to build these characters it has presented, and does so with a foresight that sets these arcs up for years to come.