Interesting that both of you (Bruno and Laura) pegged Dave as a Trickster.

Interesting that both of you (Bruno and Laura) pegged Dave as a Trickster. I agree. He feels like an Attractor, but once you embrace the fact that Fern is NOT going to change, then look at his behavior, as Laura did, even his appeal to her to stay at his son's place comes off less like a gesture of affection and more like a temptation.

In that moment, the wisdom provided by Bob Wells (Mentor) trumps whatever feelings Fern may have for Dave. Frankly, I don't think she's EVER developed any romantic feelings for Dave and I doubt she ever will open up to anyone else that way.

It's interesting to note that the two characters she DOES have a strong emotional bond with are female: Swankie and Linda May. I'm inclined to agree with Bruno, that Swankie is more of a mentor, particularly with how she's going to Alaska, one last fling, then commit suicide. Linda May is more of a friend.

Bob is clearly a Mentor and the fact he has suffered a tragic loss in his life adds heft to whatever wisdom he imparts because that gives his words a sense of truth as far as Fern is concerned. They both share grief. Compare to Dave, who doesn't have that level of emotional depth.

Now we come down to the Nemesis and here's a radical thought, one which depends entirely upon how you view that last image (in the movie) where Fern is driving down the road. Is it a positive moment, that Fern has embraced Bob's wisdom ("We'll meet again down the road") and decided affirmatively to live the nomad life; or is it a negative moment, that Fern has rejected claiming a home, i.e., staying with Dave.

When I watched the movie, I was more inclined to the latter, but after having read the script and reflected on it some more, especially given comments in this series, I've shifted my perspective that the ending IS more of a positive thing. Having gone back to Empire, given up the storage facility, revisited her old house, then walked out the back door, she has in effect closed that door. More importantly, achieved some closure over Beau's death and the loss of their lives together.

So here's the radical thought: What if Beau is the Nemesis? If her need is to be free to move on with her life, who / what is keeping her from that? Beau. She can't move on w/o some sort of closure.

Reminder: The primary function of a Nemesis is opposition. It doesn't necessarily mean the character has to be a Bad Guy / Bad Gal.

Per Bruno's point: I can definitely see how capitalism and the gig economy can function as a Nemesis. But on a personal level, I think it's an interesting idea to look at Beau as an opposition figure.