what did nels see in harriet

Opposites attract.

It’s possible she did not reveal her true nature until after they were betrothed or wed or that theirs was an arranged marriage. Or perhaps, as others have speculated, she had a dowry that helped him get started as a merchant. As I understand it, women were in short supply west of the Mississippi in that era. Perhaps Nels didn’t have a lot of choice.

I always got a kick out of the episode where she asks "Am I fat" and he answers "Yes".

I really like the episode in season 6 that had Nels fall momentarily in love with an Irish lass who runs a bed and breakfast, and yet we know the structure of the show would never allow him to run off with her. When he makes up with Harriet by the end, we expect it but it's still emotionally satisying.

Slim pickings.