Nathan Fielder is one of the most fascinating figures in the modern media landscape. Between 2013 and 2017, he was the creative force behind the television series Nathan For You. On the show, Fielder sought out struggling businesses and offered up his “business expertise,” which consisted of him concocting strange and silly marketing ploys. Though these ridiculous projects brought about many hilarious situations, he never once broke character, leading audiences to wonder whether or not Fielder was acting at all. It is clear that he is socially maladroit to some extent, though the exact degree to which he exaggerates these aspects of his personality is difficult to ascertain.
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Nathan Fielder’s newest project, HBO Max’s The Rehearsal, sees the actor helping similarly socially uncomfortable individuals prepare for real-life situations. He accomplishes this by creating increasingly elaborate sets meant to perfectly mimic actual locales. The first few installments in the series suggest that each episode will focus on a different situation. However, in episode two, Fielder becomes involved with a woman named Angela. She came on the program to simulate the process of child-rearing, and Nathan’s subsequent obsession with his own desire for a family wound up being the entire series’ focus. It brought about a slew of disastrous results for everyone in the vicinity of the show.
Fortunately for fans of the series (and unfortunately for those who will find themselves in Fielder’s unassuming yet destructive wake), The Rehearsal has already been renewed for season 2. What can we expect to see as the show continues?
The Depths of Nathan Fielder’s Depravity
The finale of The Rehearsal was an incredibly impressive undertaking, yet it left many viewers wondering if Fielder had officially gone too far. In the episode titled “Pretend Daddy.” One of the child actors who portrayed Fielder’s son throughout the series – an adorable, sweet little boy named Remy – becomes incredibly attached to his fake father figure and continues to call Fielder “daddy” even after their scenes together.
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Fielder’s comedy has always been reliant on playing around with social conventions. Nevertheless, seeing a child under such emotional duress after participating in one of the series’ simulations was quite difficult to watch. Though Fielder seems remorseful at Remy’s confusion, he quickly makes it just another part of the simulation and brings back another child actor to portray Remy while he pretends to be his mother.
In the recently announced season two, will Fielder be forced to grapple with some of the mistakes he made in the previous season? Or will he involve himself in another elaborate series of simulations, largely unconcerned with the implications of his actions, so long as they make for compelling television?
New Surreal Sets and Simulated Scenarios
From the very first episode of The Rehearsal, it was clear that the series would be an unfathomably massive undertaking. In order to help a man have a conversation over a game of bar trivia with a long-time friend, the production crew of The Rehearsal creates an entire fake bar to replicate one of the man’s favorite hangouts.
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There are incredibly detailed set pieces throughout the series to make the simulations as realistic as possible. At one point, the remote house where Fielder and Angela are raising their fake child is even given a dusting of fake snow. In season two, this tradition of crafting uncanny mock-ups of real-world locales will likely continue, if HBO Max can afford it.
The Return of Some Familiar Faces
When one finds themself onscreen across from Nathan Fielder, it can be challenging to come across well. For example, the real person who appeared the most in the show, a deeply religious woman named Angela who, alongside Fielder, was involved in raising a fake child, drew the audience’s ire for her saccharine personality and oftentimes excessive religious fervor. However, despite how Angela came across in early episodes, audiences were ultimately sympathetic to her frustrations. It became increasingly clear that Fielder had no intention of reigning in his simulation.
It’s possible that season two storylines could allow some individuals from season one to return. Of course, whether they want to return after seeing how they come across on the show is definitely up in the air. If the objects of the show’s simulated life events don’t want to reappear, perhaps a few of the many actors Fielder hired for the show will return to help with future simulations.
Nathan Fielder is undeniably the king of cringe. His awkward comedic style has been the source of countless hilarious moments over the years. Still, The Rehearsal, though at times definitely good for a laugh, is more of a psychological experiment than a comedy show. The finale of the first season left a sour taste in some viewers’ mouths, but at the same time, it likely made audiences intrigued as to how Fielder could expand upon the series in season two.
