Ep 4. Gas Station / Caricature Artist

In Nathan For You season 1, episode 4, titled "Gas Station / Caricature Artist," Nathan Fielder sets out to help a struggling gas station. The owner, Parimal, is struggling to attract customers due to the competition from nearby gas stations and is unable to make ends meet.

Nathan's solution is to turn the gas station into a destination spot by adding unique features and attractions. He starts by transforming the gas station into a full-service station, where customers can stay in their cars while attendants fill up their gas tanks, clean their windshields, and check their tire pressure. Nathan also adds a hot dog stand and a promotional mascot named "Smiley," who is meant to greet customers and draw them to the gas station.

But Nathan's most ambitious idea for the gas station is to turn it into a Hollywood-inspired attraction where customers can get their portraits drawn by a caricature artist. Nathan taps a caricature artist named Michael, who agrees to work at the gas station for a day in exchange for exposure. Nathan hires an actress to pose as Michael's assistant and to persuade customers to get their portraits done.

The results are mixed. Some customers are delighted by the unique attraction and are willing to pay for the portraits. However, others are uninterested and see the caricature artist as an unnecessary expense. Nathan is unfazed and continues to push the idea, even going so far as to suggest that Parimal could make more money by charging customers admission to the gas station.

Overall, "Gas Station / Caricature Artist" is an entertaining episode that highlights Nathan Fielder's ingenuity and willingness to try unusual ideas. While some of the ideas may not have been successful, Nathan's willingness to experiment and take risks is what makes him such a compelling character. The episode also touches on themes of small business ownership and the struggles that entrepreneurs face in a competitive marketplace.