Welcome to Plathville season 4 premiered on TLC on May 17, 2022, and brought with it a number of surprises. The series follows the Plath family, headed by parents Kim and Barry Plath. The couple has 9 children - Ethan, Hosanna, Micah, Moriah, Lydia, Isaac, Amber, Cassia, and Mercy. The Plaths are an extremely religious family, who suppressed outside influences on their children. The children were all homeschooled, raised on a farm, and had no access to internet, phones, television, or even sugary foods and drinks. However, Welcome to Plathville explores the three oldest children, Ethan, Micah, and Moriah, as they depart from their parents values and find their own path.
The end of season 3 saw Ethan and his wife. Olivia, along with his sister Moriah, set off to move to Tampa, FL. This decision was the result of numerous hardships and Olivia wishing to get away from Ethan's family completely. Moriah is 18-years-old and a rising musician, who chose to join them on this new journey. Micah chose to set out on a separate path and moved to Los Angeles, CA. Moriah's boyfriend, Max, had been planning on moving in with them. Things fell through when Max and Moriah broke up. However, there still ended up being another unexpected roommate who moved to Tampa with Ethan, Olivia, and Moriah - Olivia's 18-year-old brother, Nathan.
Nathan Meggs in Welcome to Plathville
Olivia's brother, Nathan, was briefly introduced in the first episode of Welcome to Plathville, season 4. He had never appeared on the show before, but appears to be one of the main stars of season 4. Not too much is said about him, but he does introduce himself as Olivia's brother. According to him, it was almost an overnight decision to move in with the Plaths. Nathan and Olivia, much likes the Plaths, had a very strict and religious upbringing. At 18-years of age, Nathan is at the point where he is branching out and exploring new options. When Ethan and Olivia announced their move and welcomed roommates, Nathan went out on a limb and decided to move in with them.
Viewers were instantly taken with his shy, sweet persona. Nathan definitely still seems to be in the stage of just coming out of his sheltered and rather isolated lifestyle with strict, religious parents. Olivia explained that he is very introverted and keeps to himself the majority of the time. He is more likely to leave the house by himself and go on long drives alone. The only time he really gets on camera is to comment that Ethan and Moriah aren't very hardworking. Whenever there is cooking, cleaning, or chores to be done, they're just kind of like, "Bye, y'all." Nathan wasn't raised that way and is seen helping his sister Olivia on Thanksgiving Day, while Moriah and Ethan hang out in the garage and work with cars.
Who is Nathan Meggs?
We don't know a whole lot about Meggs, given that he hasn't been on Welcome to Plathville, previously. Meggs does boast a public Instagram account, but wasn't active until September 12, 2021, which was the very first announcement he gave about moving in with Ethan and Olivia. A couple of Instagram posts document his moving process. A few more explore his life with Ethan, Olivia, and Moriah, such as sitting atop snow-capped building, visiting some Christmas light exhibits, and driving on a motorcycle through Tampa roads.
Right now, Meggs seems like a character we will hopefully get to know more about. While it is clear that Olivia had a very strict upbringing in the Meggs family, we haven't heard much about her side. Ethan's family has caused quite a bit of trouble, to the point that Olivia and Ethan had marital problems due to them. At the same time, it is odd we've never heard much about the Meggs, when they likely aren't in total agreement with Olivia and Ethan's lifestyle, as well.
Was Nathan Meggs arrested?
Interestingly, Nathan's strict, religious upbringing doesn't seem very effective, as it appears he was arrested earlier this year for a DUI. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office features his mugshot and arrest record. On March 11, 2022, Nathan was arrested for driving under the influence. He was 18-years-old at the time, just short of turning 19. His cash bond was set at $500.00 and no other details have been given about his arrest.
Since his arrest happened so close to the premiere of Welcome to Plathville season 4, it isn't likely to figure into the new season. Still, considering he was arrested for a serious offense, makes it interesting that TLC hasn't commented on it or on their dealings with Nathan in the future.
For now, it seems Nathan may need to find a healthy balance between forging his own path and his parents' former strict ideals. While it is beneficial that Nathan has taken the leap to join Ethan and Olivia at such a young age, there are certainly consequences. As seen from episode 1 of season 4, Ethan and Olivia aren't equipped to be parental figures to 18-year-old Moriah and 18-year-old Nathan. While legally adults, these two clearly still need much guidance and aid as they grow to become mature adults. Perhaps, the freedom they receive at the hands of two 23-year-olds, can be dangerous in the long run. Of course, if they return home to their families, then they will be placed in far too restrictive and sheltered of a home. Nathan definitely seems to be an example of how strict parenting backfires when a child turns 18 and suddenly begins partaking in numerous dangerous activities all at once, simply because it's their first sense of freedom and normalcy.
Comments