Never Have I Ever Season 4 Review
Cast: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Darren Barnet, Jaren Lewison, Lee Rodriguez, Ramona Young, Richa Moorjani, Benjamin Norris, Michael Cimino, and ensemble.
Creator: Mindy Kaling & Lang Fisher. Director: Multiple Directors.
Streaming On: Netflix
Language: English (with subtitles and Hindi dub available)
Runtime: 10 episodes, approximately 30 minutes each.
Never Have I Ever Season 4 Review:
What’s It About
As Devi enters her fourth and final year of college, she faces the pressure of getting into her dream university while dealing with the lingering affections of boys who have loved her in the past. This season delves into Devi’s personal growth and her journey through the challenges of young adulthood. Also Read : Zara Hatke Zara Bachke 2023 Review : An Entertaining Ride with Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan
What Works
When I was introduced to Never Have I Ever during the peak of the lockdown, the first season didn’t resonate with me. As a person of color myself, I found it difficult to connect with some aspects of the show, and the representation felt exaggerated. However, as I continued watching the next two seasons purely as an audience member, I began to appreciate the show’s progress. It moved beyond being solely a platform for representation and started telling a compelling story.
Mindy Kaling confirms that the fourth season is the show’s finale, and I agree that it’s a good decision. Not every creator understands the importance of concluding their work on a high note, but Mindy does. Never Have I Ever season 4 bids farewell with heartwarming grace, providing closure without causing harm. It achieves what it sets out to do, delivering a finale that ties up loose ends and leaves viewers with a sense of fulfillment and a bittersweet longing.
Once again, Lang Fisher and Mindy Kaling collaborate to create the most nuanced writing the show has ever seen. As Devi and those around her grow up and move forward in life, the narrative gains a newfound sense of responsibility. This might not appeal to viewers who solely seek light-hearted humor and sexual innuendos, but for those who appreciate a deeper examination of the human experience, it is a beautiful depiction of the entire team’s growth, both on and off the screen.
The characters acknowledge their flaws and make life-altering decisions, demonstrating their personal growth. Praxton’s transformation embodies this maturation process, as his demeanor undergoes a significant change. From his body language to his conduct and style, everything evolves overnight, and he experiences the harsh realities of life. Other characters undergo a gradual transformation, and it’s evident on screen.
The humor in the script also matures. It moves away from crude jokes and embraces a wider range of comedic elements. The show recognizes the importance of mature relationships and the need for companionship. Devi’s mother, too, receives an intriguing storyline that acknowledges her own grief. The final season does an excellent job of giving each pivotal character a satisfying conclusion, leaving no loose ends.
Star Performances
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan has grown alongside the show. She has become synonymous with Devi, with the character and the actor merging seamlessly. In season 4, she showcases a wider range of emotions with confidence. It will be fascinating to see what she chooses to do next.
Poorna Jagannathan shines in a more prominent role this time, displaying her talent as a skilled actor. Richa Moorjani and Darren Barnet continue to evolve, moving beyond their initial “hot people” personas to face the challenges of life
