A Reluctant Heir: Aversion to the Family Business
The flickering neon sign of Fisher & Sons Funeral Home casts long shadows across the quiet street, mirroring the somber mood within. Nate Fisher, a restless spirit adrift in a sea of existential questions, stands at its center, grappling with a legacy he never asked for. This scene, so emblematic of “Six Feet Under,” perfectly captures the essence of a character who remains one of television’s most compelling and flawed anti-heroes: Nate Fisher. His journey through the show is a complex exploration of mortality, responsibility, and the struggle to find meaning in a world defined by loss, solidifying his place as an unforgettable figure in television history.
Before the weight of his father’s sudden death descended upon him, Nate Fisher was a man in perpetual motion. He was a co-op manager, globe-trotter, a soul seemingly allergic to the confines of routine and responsibility. He drifted from place to place, relationship to relationship, always seeking something just beyond his grasp. This nomadic existence was a deliberate choice, a conscious effort to distance himself from the very life his father had carved out for him at Fisher & Sons. The funeral home, with its hushed tones and perpetual reminders of human fragility, represented everything Nate actively avoided.
His reluctance stemmed, in part, from a strained relationship with his father, Nathaniel. A man shrouded in secrets and unspoken expectations, Nathaniel’s presence loomed large even in death. Nate’s relationship with his siblings, David and Claire, was also marked by a certain distance, a lack of understanding that further fueled his desire to escape the familial orbit. He yearned for something different, something more authentic, than the carefully constructed facade of the Fisher family. That desire lead him to the distant land, searching for a new place to belong.
The Burden of Responsibility and the Weight of Death
Returning home for his father’s funeral becomes a turning point. Thrust into the heart of the family business, Nate is forced to confront death on a daily basis, up close and personal. He witnesses grief in its rawest forms, observes the intricate rituals surrounding death, and becomes intimately involved in the lives of those left behind. This constant exposure to mortality profoundly alters his worldview. He begins to question the very meaning of life, forced to reconcile his own mortality with the ephemeral nature of existence.
He wrestles with the responsibility of running the funeral home, a task that demands a level of maturity and commitment he’s not entirely sure he possesses. He finds himself torn between his desire for freedom and his obligation to his family, a conflict that plays out throughout the series. The weight of each funeral, each grieving family, becomes a heavy burden, pushing him towards introspection and, at times, towards the brink of emotional collapse. It is a constant reminder to him of life’s brevity and the significance of legacy.
Love, Loss, and Instability: A Turbulent Romantic Life
Nate’s romantic life is a mirror reflecting his inner turmoil, a chaotic tapestry woven with passion, insecurity, and an underlying fear of commitment. His relationship with Brenda Chenowith is the most prominent, an intensely passionate yet deeply flawed connection. Brenda, a complex and intellectually stimulating woman, challenges Nate at every turn, pushing him to confront his own emotional baggage. Their relationship is a rollercoaster of exhilarating highs and devastating lows, marked by infidelity, emotional manipulation, and a fundamental incompatibility.
His marriage to Lisa Kimmel, while seemingly more stable on the surface, is equally fraught with complications. The unexpected pregnancy throws them together, forcing them into a relationship based more on circumstance than genuine connection. Lisa, a kind and grounded woman, offers Nate a semblance of stability, but he never fully commits to the relationship, haunted by his past and his inability to fully embrace the present.
These relationships showcase a disturbing pattern of instability, highlighting Nate’s internal struggles. He is constantly searching for something he cannot quite define, a perfect love that remains elusive. The turbulence in his love life only amplifies his insecurities and fuels his existential angst.
Health Struggles and Existential Crises: A Battle Within
The emergence of Nate’s AVM, an arteriovenous malformation in his brain, throws his already fragile existence into sharp relief. This health crisis forces him to confront his own mortality in the most visceral way possible. Each headache, each near-death experience, serves as a stark reminder of the precariousness of life.
His health problems intensify his existential questioning. He begins to explore spiritual themes, searching for answers to the big questions that plague him: What is the meaning of life? What happens after death? Is there something more beyond the physical realm? He dabbles in different philosophies, attending spiritual retreats, and engaging in deep introspection.
As his physical health deteriorates, his mental and emotional state become increasingly fragile. He struggles with depression, anxiety, and a profound sense of unease. The AVM becomes a metaphor for the underlying problems in his life, a constant reminder of his own vulnerability and the fragility of the human condition. It becomes a painful reminder of how short life can be.
The Final Chapter: Significance of Nate’s Death
Nate’s untimely death is a pivotal moment in “Six Feet Under,” a shocking event that forces the remaining characters to confront their own mortality and unresolved issues. The circumstances surrounding his death are both tragic and poetic, a culmination of his lifelong struggles with responsibility, commitment, and the acceptance of his own mortality.
His death has a profound impact on his family and friends. David, his brother, struggles with guilt and regret, forced to confront his own repressed emotions. Claire, his younger sister, grapples with the loss of her closest confidante. Brenda, his former lover, must face the reality of his absence and the unresolved issues that still linger between them.
The show uses his death to highlight the overarching themes of life and death. It underscores the importance of living in the moment, of cherishing the relationships we have, and of finding meaning in the face of inevitable loss. Nate’s death is not simply an end; it is a catalyst for growth and change in the lives of those he left behind.
Nate’s Enduring Legacy: A Flawed but Compelling Figure
Nate Fisher continues to resonate with audiences because he is so deeply human. He is flawed, vulnerable, and often makes mistakes. He is not a hero in the traditional sense, but his struggles and triumphs mirror the complexities of our own lives. He is a reminder that life is messy, imperfect, and often unpredictable.
Peter Krause’s portrayal of Nate is masterful, capturing the nuances of his character with sensitivity and depth. He embodies Nate’s restlessness, his vulnerability, and his unwavering search for meaning. Krause’s performance earned him critical acclaim and solidified Nate Fisher’s place as one of television’s most memorable characters.
The show “Six Feet Under” itself is a testament to the power of storytelling, and Nate Fisher is at the heart of that narrative. His journey is a reminder that life is a precious gift, to be cherished and lived to the fullest, even in the face of death and loss. His complexities, and his desire for something better, is what makes him so memorable.
Conclusion: Remembering Nate Fisher
Nate Fisher’s journey through “Six Feet Under” is a powerful exploration of the human condition. His struggles with mortality, responsibility, and love are universal themes that resonate with audiences long after the series finale. He serves as a reminder that life is both beautiful and tragic, and that the search for meaning is a lifelong pursuit. His character will continue to haunt and inspire us, challenging us to confront our own mortality and to live each day with intention and purpose. And as the camera fades out on the image of his memory within the Fisher home, we are left with a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of existence, and the enduring power of family, love, and acceptance.
