4x07 Finding Frances

This episode was split into 2 parts on Paramount+ but I think it would have worked better as one really long episode, especially since it diverts to a subplot at the start of part 2. Having seen The Curse I know not to expect Nathan's shows to tie everything up in a neat predictable way. The sub plot was obscure in it's exact relevance but somehow fit in that way that Nathan manages to insert his own story into everything. This episode was even more like a precursor to The Rehearsal than previous episodes, especially in his meta diversions as it tries to deal with issues that arise in achieving his main goal.

The basic setup requires us to believe that this storyline emerged from having cast Bill in the souvenir episode but I wouldn't be surprised to find out that he already had this episode planned from the start and inserted Bill into the earlier episode to help make the set up for this one.

Even after someone has seen Nathan's show they still appear to believe him but it seemed that Maci's work gave her insight into the way that Nathan is something different than he presents himself as. She mentioned after seeing his show that he lied to everyone but she seemed to go along with everything because she is basically acting. Nathan is no better or worse than her other clients but she doesn't judge them as she doesn't judge him. That last moment where she gently calls him out on needing the cameras was a great ending. After Bill had ended his story on a high note Nathan appeared to as well. Maybe he would also find romance but without cameras there was no point in them hanging out, Maci is just a prop for his show. This all connects back to both the uncomfortable kissing scene where they had a "private" date with camera's filming everything and also when they were outside Frances' house and Nathan didn't want to send cameras to film the meeting (as if) but Bill was the one that needed the cameras there for "PR". Nathan had also mentioned that he felt there were similarities between them both in having moved to LA and left a lot behind. These connected scenes are at the heart of how Nathan highlights that connection but not offering any judgement on what it means.

The more I think about it and how well everything was put together to tell a very specific story, the more I love it. I really wish I could work on one of his shows so I could see how he manages to put it all together, how much is preplanned, how do they manipulate people to do what they need and how much do they need to adapt when things don't go according to the script.

IMDB cast credits:
Nathan Fielder
William Heath William Heath ... Self
Cornelius Ladd Cornelius Ladd ... Self - Age Progression Specialist
June Conniff June Conniff ... Self
Richard Ledbetter Richard Ledbetter ... Self
Mary Hollis Inboden Mary Hollis Inboden
No voice of old frances and even though she is the 3rd most prominent "character", Maci doesn't get mentioned in the credits on the show or IMDB