The Mind-Blowing Twist Behind Upload Season 3's Dual Nathan Browns

Warning: spoilers for Upload season 3 episodes 1 and 2.

Summary

Nathan has been brought back to life in a new physical form; however, he still suffers from perilous nosebleeds. Following the download, a fresh version of Nathan has emerged in Lakeview, and although he retains certain memories, not all of his time there is within his recollection.

The presence of two Nathans in different scenarios presents challenges and potential dangers for Nathan, Nora, and Ingrid. In the first two episodes of Upload season 3, Nathan (played by Robbie Amell) continues his mission alongside Nora (played by Andy Allo), who is now in his physical body following a download. At the same time, another Nathan is created in Lakeview. The previous season of Upload ended on a cliffhanger as Nathan successfully transferred into his physical body, which Ingrid had been cultivating. However, after sharing an intimate moment with Nora, Nathan experiences a nosebleed, typically a dangerous symptom after a download. Yet, in episode 1 of Upload season 3, the mystery surrounding Nathan's condition is quickly solved, confirming that he is still alive in his new body.

However, it’s uncertain how long Nathan will be able to sustain his current physical form, as he experienced another nosebleed towards the end of episode 1. Meanwhile, in Lakeview, a duplicate Nathan was generated due to concerns raised by his absence following his download. As a result, Upload season 3 introduces two versions of Nathan - one existing in the real world and the other residing in Lakeview. Although they are essentially the same individual, they have already demonstrated a few discrepancies. The presence of two Nathans in distinct settings will undoubtedly pose additional challenges for Nathan, Nora, and Ingrid (Allegra Edwards), but it could also serve as the perfect solution for Ingrid's needs.

Tinsley Uploaded Nathan Brown’s Backup Copy At The End Of Season 2

Nathan's unexpected entrance into a new physical form was never part of his original plan in season 2 of Upload. Instead, it was a decision made under dire circumstances. Unknown to Nathan, Ingrid had been growing a replica of his body in secret, but this secret was revealed to him during the finale of the second season when she confessed to her continued existence. Although Nathan ended his relationship with Ingrid after these revelations, he realized an opportunity: he could utilize the body she had grown to transfer his consciousness and utilize his retina to gain access to the hidden backdoor within the Freeyond code. Initially, Ingrid threatened to prevent Nathan from downloading himself by unplugging the clone body, but eventually, she was persuaded to change her stance. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, she was still bound to a chair by Nathan, Nora, and their allies.

While the HyperLoop carried Nathan, Nora, and the rest back to New York City, Nathan's avatar mysteriously vanished upon download in Lakeview. Unaware of his disappearance, the inhabitants of Horizen instructed Tinsley, a temporary-turned-angel, to utilize Nathan's backup copy and upload him into a new avatar. Despite her efforts to locate him, he remained elusive. In the first episode of Upload season three, the fresh Lakeview Nathan was brought to life, but his arrival brought about a startling revelation for those present.

Why Nathan Brown’s Backup Copy Doesn’t Remember What Ingrid Did

When Horizen revealed its possession of a backup of Nathan (along with potential backups of all the other residents, including possibly the 2Gs), it was initially assumed that this backup would be akin to a "factory" version of Nathan. In this scenario, the new Lakeview Nathan would believe that he had just experienced death and, as a result, would remain unaware of everything he had encountered in Lakeview, such as his encounters with Nora and the development of their romantic relationship. To the surprise of both the characters in the series and the audience, however, the backup Nathan does retain memories of his time in Lakeview, albeit not all of them.

Nathan, who has been residing in Lakeview for some time now, is acquainted with Nora, Luke, Dylan, David Choak, and the rest of the residents. However, he cannot recall the series of events that transpired in the past couple of weeks. His memory backup encompasses his arrival in Lakeview up until a few days prior to Family Day, an event featured in Upload season 2. Preceding Family Day, Lakeview held a Casino Night, during which Ingrid employed a teacher to take control of her avatar, as being inside the suit was causing her health problems.

Nathan was captivated by this altered version of Ingrid and rediscovered his affection for her, much to the surprise of the real Ingrid, who noticed a significant change in him. The current version of Nathan existing in Lakeview is unaware of Ingrid's revelation that she did not upload, that she created a clone body for him, and that he has reconciled with Nora.

Ingrid Has Deleted & Uploaded Nathan’s Backup Copy Several Times Now

Upload had already hinted at the creation and preservation of backup copies of uploads. This was evident when Nora was briefly observed about to reboot Nathan during season 1. Additionally, Ingrid informed Nathan that she had to take charge of his upload because there were individuals in the real world who intended to harm him. It logically follows that she would have retained backup copies of her deceased boyfriend. The fact that Backup Nathan does not remember everything indicates that this particular copy has been deleted and restored multiple times, with the last restoration occurring before Family Day. Observing how kind and affectionate Backup Nathan is, Ingrid even agreed to produce a new clone body for him. Therefore, if things go according to her plan, this may be the final backup copy of Nathan Brown.

What The Show's Two Nathan Browns Mean For Upload Season 3

While having two Nathans in separate realms may appear as a solution to everyone's problems, it actually poses a greater challenge for Nathan, Nora, and Ingrid. Despite experiencing occasional nosebleeds, Nathan and Nora are fully aware that his physical condition may not hold up for much longer. When the critical moment arrives, Nathan will likely have to confront the decision he was unable to make when he first died: whether to upload or not. If Nathan chooses to upload himself back to Lakeview, seeking to maintain his relationship with Nora and stay connected with his loved ones, he will inevitably encounter a duplicate version of himself. Distinguishing the "real" Nathan from the backup could prove to be an exceptionally intricate task.

Given the scenario involving Ingrid's reluctance to sacrifice a version of Nathan who loves her and the potential for two Nathans in either Lakeview or the real world, there are heightened risks at play. As previously mentioned, Ingrid has agreed to create a backup clone body for Nathan, and if successful, there would indeed be two living Nathans.

However, having two Nathans in the real world poses a significant danger. Choak and his associates are closely monitoring Nathan, and if they discover his survival and the existence of duplicate versions, everyone involved would be in grave peril. Given Upload's innovative approach, it is likely that they will devise unexpected and original methods to address the situation, ultimately aiming for a solution that benefits all parties involved.