CAST: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Ramona Young, Lee Rodriguez, Jaren Lewison, Michael Cimino, Poorna Jaganathan, Richa Moorjani, Rushi Kota, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Darren Barnet, John McEnroe.
WRITERS: Mindy Kaling, Lang Fisher, Ben Steiner, Aaron Geary
With Season 4 marking both the final chapter and the third year of our acquaintance with the unpredictable whirlwind known as Devi Vishwakumar (portrayed by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), Never Have I Ever chooses a path free of last-minute surprises, presenting a heartwarming and, in the end, predictable conclusion. While it’s a bit disheartening, given the exhilarating journey we embarked on alongside Devi throughout the previous seasons, we arrive at an anticipated destination.
Devi’s journey in Never Have I Ever has always been filled with twists and turns, veering from dating two boys simultaneously to inadvertently causing a car accident involving one of them and even engaging in conversations with a wild coyote that she believes is her late father reincarnated. Chaos is her middle name as she navigates through life propelled by her impulsive nature and fiery temper, earning her the less-than-flattering nickname of “Crazy Devi.”
As Season 4 unfolds, it feels like yet another chapter brimming with unpredictable escapades, serving as a prelude to Devi’s eventful final year of high school.
As the senior year unfolds, Devi finds herself grappling with the aftermath of losing her virginity to Ben Gross (played by Jaren Lewison) while simultaneously preparing to apply to her one and only choice of college: Princeton. This transitional phase in their lives leaves everyone’s future feeling both predetermined and uncertain. Eleanor (portrayed by Ramona Young) plans to attend a conservatory, Fabiola (played by Lee Rodriguez) sets her sights on studying robotics at an Ivy League institution, and, naturally, Ben has his sights set on Columbia University. After years of hard work and competition, it’s finally time for the next chapter in their lives.
Before the students of Sherman Oaks High can don their graduation gowns, they must navigate the trials and tribulations of their senior year. Devi is grappling with the awkward aftermath of her intimate encounter with Ben, a relationship that has undergone an irreversible transformation.
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to the new Hot Pocket, a group of attractive guys at Sherman Oaks, and Ethan, the captivating bad boy who steps in as Paxton’s replacement (portrayed by Michael Cimino). However, Devi’s top priority remains charming the Princeton representative. From embarking on trips to the East Coast to venturing into a completely new sport, her final year defies convention, mirroring the unconventionality of her previous three years.
Regrettably, despite the myriad twists and turns, the impending conclusion can be spotted from afar. In fact, for those astute enough to have been observant, it’s highly probable to discern Devi’s ultimate romantic pairing. This isn’t necessarily a negative aspect, as a well-crafted show ought to build towards its resolution, and an unexpected ending isn’t always preferable. Never Have I Ever has been gradually propelling towards this specific outcome, and the destination isn’t the primary concern.
However, how Devi reaches her final destination in the series’ last episode raises some issues. In its attempt to neatly tie up loose ends, the show’s concluding minutes come across as overly tidy, compromising the established organic flow. The desire to present a polished conclusion is apparent but results in the sense of contrivance that leaves viewers wanting a more natural and authentic resolution.
Streams on Netflix
