In the third chapter of Season 1 of "The Rehearsal," Nathan and Angela's harmonious coexistence in their shared homestead continues, as they navigate the waters of co-parenting their "son," Adam. While their routine hums along smoothly for the most part, a slight discord arises over Angela's steadfast belief in Halloween's Satanic origins, which Nathan doesn't quite share. Yet, they've devised a functional arrangement: Angela shoulders the lion's share of parenting duties, while Nathan tends to the farming chores and upkeep of their property.
However, Nathan's plate is far from empty. He's juggling multiple rehearsals scheduled concurrently with Angela's project, and neglecting them is not an option. Enter Patrick, who vehemently insists that his girlfriend, Nessa, is far from being a gold digger. Patrick's rehearsal, staged in a meticulously reconstructed Raising Cane's restaurant, aims to convince his brother—the executor of their late grandfather's will—of precisely this fact. The catch? Patrick inherits only if he's not in a relationship with a gold digger. Talk about an uphill battle!
Yet, Patrick's rehearsals seem to be falling short of their mark. Nathan observes that the stark reality of the situation hasn't truly dawned on Patrick. In fact, Nathan finds a peculiar kinship in this dilemma. His own rehearsal with Angela has involved mimicking all the right moves, but the genuine emotions of fatherhood elude him. Nathan ponders: how can he prepare Patrick for the emotional weight of confronting his brother, when he himself struggles to grasp the depth of fatherly feelings?
The truth unfolds in a covert segment of Patrick's rehearsal, shrouded in intrigue. Nathan orchestrates a scenario where the actor portraying Patrick's brother seeks his aid at their fictional grandfather's abode. Patrick, ever accommodating, agrees without hesitation. However, both the "brother" and the "grandfather" continue their roles with impeccable acting prowess, as this entire charade is devised to foster a deeper connection between Patrick and his fictional kin.
When Patrick's fictional counterpart declines to lend a hand, the grandfather, played with consummate skill, extends an invitation to Patrick to aid him in uncovering a treasure he had buried decades past. Hours melt into one another as they converse and forge an unspoken bond, culminating in Patrick's triumphant discovery of the hidden gold.
The actor, guided by Nathan's meticulous directions, expresses heartfelt gratitude to Patrick for his invaluable assistance and pledges to share a portion of the gold once it has been valued. The stage is now meticulously set for the drama to unfold further.
Subsequently, Nathan delivers the heart-wrenching news to Patrick that their fictional grandfather has passed away. During their subsequent rehearsal, the actor portraying Patrick's brother revisits the topic of his grandfather's gold, revealing that he had intended for Patrick to inherit a share. Yet, doubts creep into his mind, swayed by whispers about Nessa that have reached his ears.
Patrick vigorously contends for his entitlement to the golden prize, mirroring Nathan's heartfelt hopes. As envisioned, the rehearsal should now resonate with him more intensely than ever, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Perhaps it is this heightened sense of authenticity that prompts Patrick to deviate from the scripted dialogue during his subsequent practice. Emotions well up within him as he passionately appeals to his brother, imploring him to cherish their sibling bond and respect his individual life choices. The rehearsal culminates in a heartfelt embrace between the two brothers, marking a profound breakthrough in their relationship.
Yet, following this poignant encounter, Nathan and Patrick's paths diverge, never to cross again. Nathan ponders, "Perhaps, for some, the rehearsal itself serves as a sufficient catharsis."
Back at their abode, Adam's growth is accelerated, transitioning from a cherubic three-year-old to a curious six-year-old almost overnight. To help Nathan and Angela navigate this swift passage of time, various aspects of their daily life are meticulously simulated: a digital mirror reflects their aged visages, and a diligent crew ensures vegetables sprout overnight, planted mere days prior.
At times, Nathan finds himself momentarily submerged in this simulated world, feeling as though it is his genuine family. He confides, "I often envy others, their effortless immersion in a world where belief requires minimal effort. Their ability to cherry-pick knowledge, blind to the broader spectrum. Emotions, however, are an enigmatic entity, resistant to manipulation. No matter how meticulously planned, there's always a fragment of oneself that remains elusive, uncaptured by the deception. And even in the midst of meticulous planning, there are inevitably details that slip through the cracks." He flips a vegetable on the counter, ensuring the sticker is concealed, a subtle gesture reflecting his complex emotions.
