![]() She’s still a solid source of second-hand embarrassment and makes extremely questionable choices, however. She’s a better friend, a better daughter and owns up to her mistakes with much less resistance. She brings an emotional maturity and progression to Devi without compromising on the craziness we have come to love her for. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan continues to sparkle, with stellar supporting performances from the rest of the cast. Nalini and Devi’s relationship is powerful this season, with the duo’s scenes being the most emotionally evocative by far. What secures the third season as a solid contribution to the ever-growing Mindy Kaling Cinematic Universe, is the relationship between mother and daughter. Poorna Jagannathan as Nalini, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi in episode 303 of Never Have I Ever. In true teen drama style, the show’s fundamental cornerstones are friendship and finding oneself, and the series tackles these with charm. Most importantly, it’s when Devi begins to heal and become more than the impulsive grieving girl. This is the season Paxton (Darren Barnet) becomes much more than a pretty face, and Ben becomes more than his academic achievements. Many of the characters, particularly our favourite love triangle trio Devi, Ben and Paxton, have profound individual journeys of personal growth this season. Equally, the evolving friendship between Fabiola (Lee Rodriguez) and Aneesa (Megan Suri) accurately illustrates fluid Gen Z confines. The relationship between Devi’s cousin Kamala (Richa Moorjani), and Devi’s teacher Manish (Utkarsh Ambudkar) develops at a much slower pace than the teenage romances and, paired with their genuine chemistry, warrants much more emotional investment. The most successful aspects of the season are the gradual storylines. Like its earlier seasons, the show’s strength comes through in later episodes, once we pass the frivolous romances and awkward subplots, and dive deeper into Devi’s growth and grief. Be it because of the slower pace, the higher emotional stakes, or the return of Andy Samberg’s narration, this episode is a much easier watch and sets the standard for the rest of the season. ![]() The sixth episode is a turning point, with the focus briefly shifting to Devi’s ‘frenemy’ Ben (Jaren Lewison). If you manage to push through the disjointed plot and grating tonal inconsistencies, the season redeems itself, with a show that’s genuinely funny, genuinely heart-warming, and just feels wholly genuine. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi, Darren Barnet as Paxton Hall-Yoshida in episode 301 of Never Have I Ever. Some of it doesn’t despite likeable performances from Ramona Young and Benjamin Norris, the story between Eleanor and Trent is rushed, and feels like a waste of incredible slow-burn potential. Some of it works the introduction to Nirdesh (Anirudh Pisharody), Des for short, who is not nearly as nerdy as Devi fears him to be, is a welcome addition to the stereotype-subversive roster of characters. The show does far too much, feels too much, and is initially difficult to connect with. With a fourth run secured, it’s hard to understand just why the pace feels so rushed in season 3’s early episodes. The series has had such a great reception that it was simultaneously renewed for a third and fourth (final) season. ![]() ![]() Moving away from the novelty of its innovative representation, the hurried plot development feels less forgivable and is harder to connect with. This time around, the series’ flaws are perhaps more plain to see. Lee Rodriguez as Fabiola Torres, Ramona Young as Eleanor Wong, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi in episode 309 of Never Have I Ever.
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