A Soul in Search of Meaning
“You can’t take a picture of this, it’s already gone.” This poignant line, uttered by Nate Fisher, perfectly encapsulates the fleeting nature of life, a central theme explored in the groundbreaking HBO series “Six Feet Under.” The show, a darkly comedic drama centered around a family-run funeral home in Los Angeles, delves into the complexities of mortality, grief, and the search for meaning in a world obsessed with avoiding the inevitable. Among the unforgettable characters inhabiting this world, Nate Fisher, the eldest son, stands out as a figure of immense depth and contradiction. He is a man grappling with his own mortality, torn between familial duty and personal desires, and haunted by a past he cannot outrun. Nate Fisher, as the eldest son in “Six Feet Under,” embodies the show’s core exploration of life and death through his turbulent search for meaning, fraught relationships, and ultimately, a tragic and impactful journey, making him the true heartbeat of the series.
A Reluctant Return
Initially presented as a free spirit, Nate resists the seemingly predetermined path laid out for him. He flees the suffocating atmosphere of the family business, Fisher & Sons Funeral Home, opting instead for a more modern career as a corporate alternative therapies. He seeks a life that feels authentic, far removed from the somber reality of death that pervades his childhood home. His journey back to Los Angeles, triggered by his father’s sudden death, is not a triumphant homecoming, but a reluctant acceptance of responsibilities he had long avoided. The funeral business, a constant reminder of impermanence, clashes with Nate’s desire for a life filled with passion and meaning. This initial aversion to the family trade hints at deeper issues – a fear of confronting his own mortality, a discomfort with the rituals surrounding death, and a yearning for a life untethered to the past. Returning to the funeral home forces him to confront these uncomfortable truths, setting the stage for his personal transformation.
Tangled Webs of Relationships
Nate’s relationships are central to understanding his complex character. They are often intense, turbulent, and ultimately, revealing of his own inner conflicts. His relationship with Brenda Chenowith is a whirlwind of passion and intellectual sparring. Their connection is undeniable, fueled by a shared sense of restlessness and a desire to break free from societal expectations. However, their relationship is also deeply flawed, marked by codependency, infidelity, and a mutual tendency towards self-destruction. Brenda pushes Nate to confront his own insecurities, but their dynamic often devolves into a cycle of hurt and reconciliation. Brenda’s influence on Nate shapes his perception of himself as a man. She challenges him intellectually but also exacerbates his feelings of inadequacy.
In stark contrast, Nate’s relationship with Lisa Kimmel offers a semblance of stability and nurturing. Lisa represents a different kind of love, one rooted in practicality and a genuine desire for a family. Their marriage, however, is complicated by Nate’s lingering feelings for Brenda and the unresolved issues from his past. The birth of their daughter, Maya, further complicates the dynamic, adding the pressures and responsibilities of parenthood to an already strained relationship. The mystery surrounding Lisa’s death casts a long shadow over Nate’s life. Did Lisa find happiness with Nate? The uncertainty and grief that follows her disappearance has a profound impact on Nate, forcing him to grapple with feelings of guilt and responsibility.
Beyond his romantic entanglements, Nate’s familial relationships provide crucial insight into his character. His bond with his brother David is complex, marked by both affection and competition. David’s quiet strength and unwavering commitment to the family business serve as a constant reminder of Nate’s own ambivalence. His relationship with his sister, Claire, is characterized by a shared sense of being outsiders within their own family. They understand each other’s struggles with identity and authenticity, providing a sense of camaraderie amidst the dysfunction. His dynamic with his mother, Ruth, is perhaps the most complicated of all. Ruth’s eccentricities and her tendency to smother her children contribute to Nate’s feelings of being trapped and misunderstood. Nate is caught between his desire to break free from his family’s expectations and his deep-seated need for their approval.
The Quest for Meaning
Underlying Nate’s relationship struggles is a profound existential yearning. He is disillusioned with conventional life, questioning the pursuit of material wealth and societal validation. He searches for something “real,” a connection to something larger than himself. This quest for meaning leads him down various paths, from exploring alternative lifestyles to questioning the very nature of existence. Death, a constant presence in his life, forces him to confront the fragility of human existence. He witnesses firsthand the impact of loss on grieving families, grappling with the profound questions of what it means to live a meaningful life in the face of inevitable mortality.
His diagnosis with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) further intensifies his existential crisis. Knowing that he is living on borrowed time forces him to confront his mortality head-on. The AVM becomes a constant reminder of his own vulnerability, shaping his decisions and forcing him to re-evaluate his priorities. This experience ultimately leads him to seek deeper connections with his loved ones and to embrace the present moment.
A Premature Farewell
The show builds tension hinting at Nate’s final destination. The unexpected death of Nate serves as a brutal reminder of life’s inherent uncertainty. It is a jarring moment that shakes the foundation of the series, forcing the remaining characters to confront their own mortality and grapple with the profound loss. His death underscores the show’s central theme – that life is fragile, unpredictable, and ultimately, precious. It also highlights the importance of living in the moment and cherishing the relationships we have.
A Lasting Legacy
Nate’s character resonates with audiences because of his inherent relatability. Despite his flaws and contradictions, he is a deeply human character, struggling with universal questions of identity, purpose, and love. His journey is one of self-discovery, marked by both triumphs and failures, successes and heartbreaks. He embodies the human condition in all its messy complexity, making him a compelling and unforgettable figure.
Nate’s legacy within “Six Feet Under” extends beyond his individual storyline. His death serves as a catalyst for the remaining characters, prompting them to re-evaluate their own lives and relationships. David, Claire, and Ruth are forced to confront their own grief and to find a way to move forward without Nate’s presence. His death ultimately brings them closer together, strengthening their bonds and reminding them of the importance of family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nate Fisher is more than just a character in “Six Feet Under”; he is the heartbeat of the show. His turbulent journey, marked by flawed relationships, existential questioning, and a tragic end, encapsulates the series’ core themes of life, death, and the search for meaning. He reminds us that life is fragile, unpredictable, and ultimately, precious. And that, like a photograph, this moment is already gone. This enduring message is what cements Nate’s significance in television history, his flaws and all making him a vital and resonating piece of the Fisher family puzzle and the show’s powerful exploration of the human experience.
