'Never Have I Ever' Season 4 Review: Farewell Devi, Hello Predictability

Never Have I Ever Season 4 Review: Since our first introduction to the delightful mess that is Devi Vishwakumar three seasons ago, the final season of Never Have I Ever takes a predictable yet satisfying approach. As the show bids farewell, it avoids any sudden plot twists and instead delivers a heartwarming and expected conclusion. While this may be slightly underwhelming after the thrilling journey we embarked on with Devi throughout the previous seasons, it ultimately provides a fitting end that aligns with our initial expectations. The final season of Never Have I Ever consists of 10 episodes, each lasting around 30 minutes. Continuing the format from the previous season, the narration for the new installment is once again provided by American tennis player, John McEnroe.

Plot:

Season 4 of Never Have I Ever picks up from where Season 3 left off, with Ben and Devi taking their relationship to the next level. However, despite having sex, they are uncertain about what lies ahead for them. The season also delves into Devi's high school experience, including her college decisions, graduation, and the ups and downs shared among her closest friends.

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Will Devi find a new romantic connection by the end of the season? Which college will she be accepted into? How will Fabiola and Eleanor navigate their transition from high school to college? Without giving away any spoilers, rest assured that this emotional roller-coaster ride will captivate and entertain you.

Cast:

In the teenage romantic comedy series Never Have I Ever, which is currently streaming on Netflix, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan takes the lead as Devi Vishwakumar, accompanied by a talented ensemble cast. Jaren Lewison portrays Ben Gross, Darren Barnet embodies Paxton Hall-Yoshida, Poorna Jagannathan brings Nalini Vishwakumar to life, Richa Moorjani portrays Kamala Nandiwadal, Ramona Young plays Eleanor Wong, Lee Rodriguez takes on the role of Fabiola Torres, and Ranjita Chakravarty portrays Nirmala Vishwakumar. The series also features Michael Cimino as Ethan and other notable actors. Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher join forces as the creators of this entertaining show.

Cast Performance:

In the third season of the series, when Paxton and Devi ended their relationship, he gave her the affirmations and honesty she truly needed. The final season further explores this dynamic and showcases how they navigate their newfound circumstances. Although Paxton may seem to have a perfect life as a popular and admired teenager, a closer look reveals that it is also fraught with challenges and obstacles.

Throughout this season, we witness Devi's growth as she becomes more self-aware and learns to accept her past mistakes, imperfections, idiosyncrasies, and grief. This gradual development sets the stage for new opportunities, both in her romantic life and in other aspects of her journey.

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Devi's growth is not the only transformation we witness in the show. Paxton, after bidding goodbye to everyone in the previous season, makes a comeback in the fourth instalment. This season delves into his remarkable character development as he navigates life's choices, confronts regrets, and manages his relationships. The character’s journey imparts a valuable lesson by the end.

Once again, Nalini, Devi's mother, has delivered a remarkable performance, showcasing her talent on screen. Granny Nirmala also defied expectations by embracing new emotions, allowing herself to experience a newfound sense of comfort. Devi's closest friends, Eleanor and Fabiola, also underwent personal growth by taking care of themselves, embracing new insights, and finding their own versions of a happy ending.

Ethan, however, failed to make an impression with his acting skills. Ben Gross, in contrast, underwent one of the most remarkable character transformations in the series as he grappled with his aspirations for college and his relationships. His journey of self-discovery and navigating these important aspects of his life was truly commendable.

What works for the series?

In the fourth season, Devi demonstrates a greater sense of maturity, even though she still makes some regrettable choices. As viewers, we empathise with her, allowing her to learn from her mistakes. She learns to navigate her emotions skillfully, making decisions that are in her best interest and experiencing less emotional turmoil. As her therapist put it, Devi is truly living a life that is emotionally fulfilling and genuinely beautiful.

What doesn't work?

One of the downsides of season 4 is the limited presence of Sendhil Ramamoorthy as Devi's late father, Mohan. He played a significant role in previous seasons and added a comforting element to the show. Similarly, Megan Suri, who portrays Aneesa, has minimal or no screen time in this season. Aneesa served as a catalyst for encouraging meaningful discussions on thought-provoking topics, and her absence seems to have impacted that aspect of the show.

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In conclusion, Never Have I Ever is an absolute delight to watch, and the final season is infused with a refreshing energy. It's far from disappointing, and it's a show that you can enjoy repeatedly. The series tackles important topics such as mental health, therapy, grief, bullying, dating, and even catfishing, covering a wide range of important issues.

Each character is expertly written, given their fair share of development, and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. It truly stands as a groundbreaking teen drama, breaking stereotypes and playing a vital role in promoting conversations about healthy representation of South Asian culture.