“Never Have I Ever” has been one of the successful Netflix Originals till date. Creator Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher have created a story of a problematic Indian-American teenage girl “Devi”(Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), who although remains excellent in academics, finds herself in a ruckus every time. Her infinite string of impulsive decisions and behavior is what the show is all about, suggested in the title.
As Season 4 of “Never Have I Ever” begins, Devi finds herself in bed with Ben, the former enemy-turned-lover-turned-friend. The events that unfold from that moment effortlessly pull viewers back into the chaotic world of Sherman Oaks High. The start of senior year means that Devi and her high-achieving best friends, Eleanor and Fabiola, are faced with the anxieties and possibilities of applying to universities and pursuing their dreams. Devi’s aspirations of getting into Princeton take center stage as she prays to the Hindu gods for her dreams to come true. However, she must also navigate other challenges at school, such as Ben’s new girlfriend, Margot, and the arrival of a new student named Ethan who catches the attention of both Devi and Eleanor. Meanwhile, Paxton experiences a new phase in his life as he transitions from being a popular jock to a member of the faculty.
In Season 4, the show allows its characters to grow, change, and adapt to the evolving circumstances of their lives. While there are fewer moments of intense drama, the focus shifts towards preparing the characters for their future. A special Paxton-centric episode featuring Gigi Hadid as the narrator helps tie up loose ends in his storyline and pushes his character towards maturity.
John McEnroe continues his excellent narration throughout the rest of the episodes, providing support for the overall story arc and marking the conclusion of his involvement in Devi’s journey. With college admissions and ongoing changes at home, there is a lot that happens in the characters’ lives. The strong presence of the Vishwakumar women remains a central focus and a source of strength throughout the series.
The first season introduced us to Devi’s personal life, how her father’s death affected her, and how she recovered from it. Season 4 is more mature in its writing as a teen drama as the character is graduating in high school and her journey is going from a teenager to a grown up adult. It is therapeutic, gives some life lessons on one’s decision making. One of my favourite dialogue was “Love Is A Verb, Not Just A Noun.” It clearly emphasizes the idea that love is not merely a feeling or an abstract concept, but it is something that requires action and active participation.
The fourth season also truly shines as an exceptional conclusion to the series. It remains wonderfully consistent, delivering the perfect blend of humor, sentimentality, and teenage angst that captivated viewers right from the start. Despite the challenge of wrapping up the story in just 10 episodes, the creators skillfully resolve various characters and plotlines, leaving the audience mostly satisfied.
The concluding episodes mirror the satisfying endings found in romantic comedies or even Bollywood movies. They are filled with suspense, sweetness, and acceptance, bringing closure to long-awaited resolutions. Additionally, new and old romantic link-ups add an extra layer of excitement and anticipation. The creators go above and beyond by providing a glimpse into the future of each beloved character. This peek into their lives allows viewers to feel a sense of hope, even though there is still much to be expected. The conclusion of the series is a true joy to watch, leaving the audience with a warm and optimistic feeling.
