The opening scene of “Six Feet Under,” with Nathaniel Fisher Senior’s sudden demise, instantly plunges viewers into the show’s signature blend of dark humor and profound contemplation. While the death itself sets the stage, it’s the return of his eldest son, Nate Fisher, that truly sets the narrative in motion. Nate, a prodigal son of sorts, arrives for the funeral, a reluctant participant in the family drama that unfolds. He represents everything his father wasn’t. He’s an interesting character, but certainly not perfect. Moments like this, when he decides to stay and partner in the family business, showcase a character constantly at odds with his own desires, and wrestling with expectations from those around him. His journey is one filled with the inevitable pitfalls and struggles that come with adulthood. Nate Fisher, as the eldest son and a reluctant heir to the family business, serves as the complicated, and often frustrating, heart of “Six Feet Under,” embodying the show’s enduring themes of mortality, meaning, and the search for connection in an unpredictable world. The complexities of Nate Fisher can be viewed as a microcosm of the universal human experience.
Early Life and Reluctance
Before the fateful phone call that beckons him back to Los Angeles, Nate Fisher was living a life seemingly antithetical to the somber world of Fisher & Sons Funeral Home. He’s out on the road, a far cry from the familiar scent of embalming fluid. His decision to leave was born from a deep-seated desire for authenticity, a rejection of what he perceived as the stifling legacy of his family. The funeral home, in his eyes, represented a kind of morbid stagnation, a life sentence of dealing with death instead of embracing life.
He sought something “real,” an experience unburdened by the weight of familial expectation. This yearning for authenticity led him to explore alternative lifestyles, relationships, and ways of perceiving the world. This desire to experience life is juxtaposed with the world he seems destined to participate in when he returns to Fisher & Sons. But destiny, as it often does, had other plans. The sudden and unexpected death of his father pulls him back into the very world he tried so hard to escape. His commitment becomes one of necessity, not necessarily of choice, setting the stage for internal conflict that defines his character.
Relationships and Connection
Nate’s life is defined by his often-complex relationships, each one a reflection of his internal struggles and desires.
Brenda Chenowith
Of all his relationships, perhaps his most prominent is the one he shares with Brenda. His passionate, intellectual, and deeply flawed relationship with Brenda Chenowith is a cornerstone of his character development. Their tumultuous connection is built on shared anxieties, a mutual understanding of intellectual pursuits, and a dark sense of humor that borders on the cynical. They are drawn to each other because they see in each other a reflection of their own inner turmoil. Yet, this very connection proves to be their undoing.
Their relationship is characterized by a constant push and pull, a codependent dance that often leads to heartbreak and betrayal. Nate’s inability to fully commit, coupled with Brenda’s own insecurities and erratic behavior, creates a volatile dynamic that ultimately proves unsustainable. Even amidst the chaos, there is an undeniable chemistry and affection between them, making their relationship one of the most captivating and heartbreaking aspects of the show. Their relationship, in many ways, is a metaphor for the messy, complicated, and unpredictable nature of love itself.
Lisa Kimmel
In stark contrast to Brenda, his relationship with Lisa Kimmel appears on the surface to be more grounded and stable. Initially, Lisa offers a sense of stability and normalcy that Brenda could not. However, beneath the surface lies a foundation built on half-truths and unspoken desires.
Lisa’s unexpected death further complicates Nate’s life, leaving him grappling with guilt, uncertainty, and the responsibility of raising their daughter, Maya. This loss forces him to confront the fragility of life and the enduring power of grief, further solidifying his complex relationship with mortality. This relationship becomes one of the more pivotal moments that shape Nate.
His Family
Beyond his romantic entanglements, Nate’s relationships with his family members – Ruth, David, and Claire – also play a crucial role in shaping his character. As the eldest son, he often feels a sense of responsibility for his siblings, acting as a reluctant mediator between their conflicting personalities.
His relationship with David, in particular, is marked by both affection and rivalry. David’s rigid adherence to tradition often clashes with Nate’s more free-spirited approach, creating tension and conflict. However, beneath the surface lies a deep-seated love and respect for each other. Nate’s relationship with Claire, his younger sister, is more nurturing and supportive. He sees in her a kindred spirit, a fellow artist struggling to find her place in the world. Through his interactions with his family, Nate learns the importance of connection, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of familial love.
Existential Crises and the Meaning of Life
The daily exposure to death through his work at the funeral home forces Nate to confront the profound questions of existence. He grapples with the meaning of life, the inevitability of death, and the search for purpose in a world that often seems inherently absurd. Nate finds himself questioning the traditional beliefs and values that he once held dear, leading him down a path of self-discovery. He wonders what the point of it all is.
His existential crises are further compounded by his own near-death experiences, particularly his battle with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the brain. These experiences force him to confront his own mortality in a very real and immediate way, leading him to reevaluate his priorities and his approach to life. His existential crisis are a cornerstone of the series. The reality of being so close to death becomes his greatest awakening to life.
Flaws and Redemption (or Lack Thereof)
Nate Fisher is far from perfect. He is impulsive, often reckless, and prone to making questionable decisions. His infidelity, his struggles with commitment, and his self-destructive tendencies are all glaring flaws that make him a frustrating character for many viewers. However, it is precisely these flaws that make him so human and relatable. He is not a superhero or a moral paragon. He is a flawed individual, struggling to navigate the complexities of life.
The question of whether or not Nate ever truly achieves redemption is a matter of debate among fans. Some argue that his death is a tragic waste, a sign that he never truly found peace or happiness. Others believe that his journey, despite its flaws and setbacks, ultimately leads him to a greater understanding of himself and the world around him. His death, while tragic, serves as a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of living each day to the fullest.
Nate’s Impact on the Show and its Themes
The story of Nate Fisher is interwoven with the overarching themes of the show, which are a large part of what makes the show so successful. His journey drives the narrative forward, forcing the other characters to confront their own mortality, their relationships, and their search for meaning. Through Nate’s struggles, the show explores the complexities of grief, the fragility of life, and the enduring power of love. His character is important in examining the show’s themes.
His flawed nature and constant questioning resonate with audiences who see in him a reflection of their own struggles and uncertainties. He is a character who invites empathy, understanding, and a willingness to look beyond the surface. This is why his character resonates with audiences.
Conclusion
Nate Fisher is a character of profound complexity. He is a flawed hero, a reluctant leader, and a seeker of truth. His journey through “Six Feet Under” is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for both great love and profound self-destruction. Nate’s tragic end only adds to his complicated legacy. His influence resonates with many, and the show remains a beloved drama.
In the end, his story serves as a poignant reminder that life is fleeting, precious, and full of both joy and sorrow. And it is within this reality that we must find our own meaning and create our own legacy. His story tells us to live to the fullest, and embrace all the complexities that make us human. The legacy of Nate Fisher is one of complexity, reminding us that the path to understanding ourselves is a continuous journey.
