Hey all. This particular write up is all about the old man of the Fisher family, Nathaniel Fisher, from Six Feet Under whose death starts off the story of the series.
Richard Jenkins enacted the role of Nathaniel Samuel Fisher, Sr., the 57 year old proprietor of Fisher & Sons Funeral Home and the head of the Fisher Family who died in the year 2000, on the Christmas Eve.
His wife, Ruth sees him as quite a detached husband and also a very detached father but if you take a close look at the flashbacks, they are quite contradictory to Ruth’s feelings. Not only does Nathaniel attempt to be a good father and get close to his children, he also allows them a lot of space. Also, he takes care of Rico as a surrogate father and a good friend.
After his demise, he still remains a part of the Fisher household, emerging in various forms such as- a fantasy, a spirit or a hallucination, in front of the family members. In several episodes of the early seasons of Six Feet Under you will notice that the members have detailed talks with the patriarch as they try to cope up with his demise.
It is also in these times that all the children, especially Nate, come to know that they never were very familiar with Nathaniel and are filled with remorse over it. You know, this whole thing at times, reminds you of your own bonding with your father
Some time before Ruth dies, her husband does come up to her, in her final moments.
So all in all, maybe Nathaniel Sr.’s role is a small one and you can easily castaway it as that of a supporting character but the significance it holds is crucial. The whole story of Six Feet Under starts off from the demise of this man, and the changes that happen are also a consequence of this.
This is all I guess. If you wish to add up some more information, please do that through the comment section below.
Would love to hear your thoughts and views
Tal Talbot
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