#dynamic: devi & nalini

[furoruisa]

I would love to see the love story between Nalini and Mohan. Like the fragments we see on the show are so beautiful and I love it 😭

[catty-words]

the way devi engages with her heritage is an important part of the text because anything that helps make up devi's identity - or crisis of the same - enhances the bildungsroman nature of the story. it's also hugely important for the way it establishes the tension in devi and nalini's relationship.

from the very first scene, mother and daughter are at odds over the value of being indian. devi is praying to their gods, sure, but she's asking for a more classic american teen high school experience. she wants to go to parties and have boyfriends but less body hair. she eats meat with abandon.

(sidebar, but i've always found this quiet, subtle bit of storytelling fascinating -

nalini and mohan are clearly at odds, too, about how heritage should fit into devi's upbringing. mohan feels a certain amount of pride/amusement/affection over devi being all-american, yet nalini disapproves and is even disgusted that this bit of ingrained respect for animals is being violated by her family.)

devi's textbook, then, is imbued with narrative significance where this through line is concerned by the following exchange:

nalini: devi, are you still praying? our gods have other stuff to do, you know?

devi: i was about to ask for good grades.

nalini: now, grab your textbooks. we need to go.

nalini: devi, that textbook has been blessed. if it touches the ground, i have to take it back to the priest. i don't have time to go to rancho cucamonga today!

it wouldn't be apparent to first-time viewers, necessarily, but there's a frustration at the lack of responsibility here that becomes indicative of their season one dynamic, right? nalini wants devi to take praying seriously, she wants her to take the blessed textbook seriously, and she doesn't have the capacity to patiently guide devi toward valuing that seriousness. she herself is grieving and working a demanding job that supports her family and expending more time than she really has to assert the importance of their culture's rituals on devi's life has put a strain on their relationship.

of course, on devi's side of things, she feels this pressure from her mom and the pressure to be accepted by her peers as diametrically opposed forces in her life. being indian only ever alienates devi from american normality, which is why kamala straddling both worlds with what devi perceives as effortlessness gets under her skin so easily.

the show further weaves these threads together - nalini's desire for devi to have a closeness with and respect for her culture and devi's tetchiness over letting her mom down being at odds with her need to be seen as normal - using the textbook in the following dialogue.

devi: how long is kamala gonna stay with us?

nalini: as long as it takes for her to finish her studies. why?

devi: she's just so... [with embarrassment and mild disgust] indian.

devi: like, the other day, she said she was gonna open the tv instead of turn on the tv.

nalini: devi, she is family. she's bettering her life, you could actually learn a little bit from her.

the way devi handles the blessed textbook symbolizes a disconnect with their culture for nalini, and nalini's focus on how it nearly touched the ground even though it didn't symbolizes an impossible standard she'll never be able to meet for devi.

it's obviously significant, then, that at the emotional climax of the episode, devi flings the textbook out of her window.

she's been made to feel fragile by her closest friends who, let's be real, devi was taking comfort in being cooler/more normal than up until the moment she finds out about eleanor's boyfriend. stressed about the way this sets back her misguided plan to paint over her grief with a shiny coat of popularity, devi lashes out at the symbol of these conflicting pressures on her life. she's never more at a loss about her own identity than when she smashes the window with the blessed textbook and lets it hit the ground.

but you know what? that complete lack of control motivates devi to seek out an actually healthy outlet for her emotions, i.e. a talk with her therapist. devi starts rebuilding herself immediately, and that tenacity and strength of spirit is something nalini will acknowledge as a pillar of her daughter's identity when standing up to rhyah two seasons from now.

[fishyyyyy99]

I finished watching my rewatch of Never Have I Ever right in time for season 4 (the last season) of Sex Education, which I just finished watching a few hours ago.

Anyway, I'm just going to brain vomit a bunch of my thoughts, so if you disagree, please do so politely (because fandoms genuinely terrify me sometimes):

Maeve and Otis deserved the Ben and Devi treatment. No, I don't mean that they should have ended up together. Breaking up was the right thing for Otis and Maeve. And I really loved the way it was written, and Maeve's letter to Otis. But Ben and Devi's very special connection was emphasised throughout all four seasons, but I feel like they stopped doing that for Maeve and Otis somewhere along the way (though there were still some very nice scenes). But also, I have to say that in season 1, Maeve and Otis were the BEST (and I have never stopped shipping them simply because of how much I loved them back then). They were my favourite fictional ship ever, back then. I would have been obsessed with them, like I ended up being with Ben and Devi, if they'd stayed that way.

Paxton and Devi deserved the Ruby and Otis treatment. I'm just saying that because more pining is always fun for me. Of course, I wouldn't want Devi to treat Paxton like Otis treated Ruby in the last season, though. Also, I think Ruby was interesting enough that she deserved more space for her individual arc, like Paxton got.

The friendships on Sex Education are chef's kiss. None of the friendships on Never Have I Ever have ever made me feel as much. For me, Ben and Devi's dynamic outshone Devi, Eleanor, and Fabiola's dynamic. But the dynamic between Maeve and Otis eventually ended up being outshone by Maeve and Amy's friendship, in my opinion (and there were several other beautiful friendships portrayed on the show).

I think both shows do portray parent-child relationships quite well, but Nalini and Devi's relationship is my favourite.

I know a lot of people think Sex Education has too many characters, but I will say that I actually ended up interested in all of the characters. I don't think I am as interested in the side characters of Never Have I Ever.

Aimee reminds me a little of Trent, but I like her much better.

Ruby reminds me a little of both Ben and Devi (and Paxton, I suppose).

I wonder what types of conversations Ben and Maeve could have about how their parent-related abandonment issues have made them not feel good enough and have affected their relationships with other people in general, in a hypothetical crossover. It would also be interesting to see the contrast between Maeve's grief over thr death of a parent she both loved and hated, and Devi's grief over the death of a parent she practically worshipped.

Eric exploring his relationship with God as a gay man made me wonder how it would have been if they had done something similar with Aneesa.

Both shows are groundbreaking in different ways.

[wonderlandofbipasha]

"Never Have I Ever: A Heartfelt and Hilarious Journey Through Teenage Life"

1. A Coming-of-Age Story with a Twist

Never Have I Ever is a teen drama-comedy series that brilliantly combines humor, emotion, and authenticity. Created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, the show first premiered on Netflix in 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite. Centered around Devi Vishwakumar, an Indian-American high school student navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, the series delves into the complexities of identity, family dynamics, love, and friendship. With its unique mix of cultural exploration and relatable teenage experiences, Never Have I Ever offers viewers a refreshing take on the coming-of-age genre.

2. The Charismatic Lead: Devi Vishwakumar

At the heart of Never Have I Ever is Devi, a 15-year-old high schooler who is trying to juggle the pressures of academic success, social status, and family expectations while dealing with the tragic death of her father. Played by the brilliant Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Devi is a flawed, relatable protagonist with a sharp wit and an even sharper sense of humor. While her decisions are often impulsive and filled with dramatic flair, Devi’s vulnerability makes her journey feel authentic. As she navigates her way through complex relationships, self-doubt, and moments of personal growth, Devi becomes a character viewers can’t help but root for.

3. Balancing Comedy with Real-World Issues

One of the standout aspects of Never Have I Ever is its ability to balance laugh-out-loud humor with more serious and poignant moments. The show’s comedic charm is heavily driven by its witty dialogue, hilarious scenarios, and quirky characters. From Devi’s ongoing crush on heartthrob Paxton Hall-Yoshida to her hilarious escapades with her best friends, Fabiola and Eleanor, the series delivers plenty of laughs.

However, beneath the comedy lies a deeper exploration of identity, grief, and cultural expectations. Devi’s relationship with her mother, Nalini, is a focal point, as both characters struggle to find common ground while grieving the loss of their beloved husband and father. The show also touches on themes of racism, sexuality, and the immigrant experience, offering viewers a more nuanced portrayal of growing up in today’s world. The balance between light-hearted moments and serious reflections is what makes Never Have I Ever so impactful.

4. Supporting Characters: Diversity and Depth

While Devi is undeniably the star of the show, Never Have I Ever thrives thanks to its diverse and well-rounded supporting cast. Characters like Fabiola, a brilliant but socially awkward nerd, and Eleanor, a passionate aspiring actress, bring their own unique perspectives to the story, helping to highlight the importance of friendship and personal acceptance. The show also does an excellent job of portraying the dynamics within Devi’s family, especially her relationship with her mother and her late father’s legacy.

Furthermore, the series introduces a variety of characters who represent different aspects of teenage life, from the popular Paxton to the more academic and driven Ben. This diverse range of characters ensures that Never Have I Ever speaks to a wide audience while also providing rich storylines for viewers to engage with.

Conclusion: A Heartwarming, Hilarious Celebration of Growing Up

Never Have I Ever is more than just a typical high school drama. With its mix of humor, heart, and relatable moments, it offers a refreshing look at what it means to grow up and find your place in the world. Through Devi’s journey, viewers are reminded of the importance of self-discovery, love, and friendship, all while navigating the messy, sometimes funny, and often heartbreaking world of adolescence. If you haven’t already, it’s time to join Devi and her friends on this unforgettable ride—because, as they say, you’ll never have a dull moment in high school!

If you're into fun social games and want more insight into exciting games, stories, and tips, be sure to follow me on Instagram @_itsbipasha_ for more updates. Stay tuned for my next blog post on Wednesday, where we’ll explore more fun and quirky activities to enjoy with friends!

[rainparadefromhell]

the core four of season 4 🥲

[mynonclicheblog]

One final Never Have I Ever love triangle thematic analysis

I've said this in one of my posts before, but the narrative is always going to favor what is best for Devi. A lot of what makes this show so juicy to dive into is because so much of its meaning is rooted in symbolism and higher concepts, not just the individual interactions you're looking at onscreen!

I think that's what doesn't work for some (not all) pro-Dxton anti-Ben folks. They see Paxton being respectful and kind to Devi, they see that he's the attractive object of her desire from day 1, and they see that the two of them genuinely do connect and help each other in certain ways. But when these same people look at Benvi, they only see Ben making obnoxious comments to Devi (+ others), they see childish behavior and mistakes being made, and they see them frequently butting heads due to their shared competitive nature.

And honestly? I get it. These conclusions are easy to come to when you're looking at the surface, but they don't take into account the full story that's being told.

Let's get into it. 😎👇

So I mentioned the idea of what is best for Devi. Not what is best for any regular person out there -- what is best for Devi Vishwakumar. Our girl expresses in no uncertain terms that she enjoys her hypercompetitive rivalry-turned-bond with Ben ("Ben's smart and we talk- mostly argue- for hours!" // "I don't want to break up with Ben. He really pushes me.") The fact that they fight and compete is not a detriment to their compatibility, it is actually the thing that makes him most desirable in her mind. She would not have wanted to be with him in the first place if this were not true. Their sharp-tongued communication style may not be the standard picture of a 'healthy' relationship for most people, but, well. Devi and Ben are far from most people.

Devi is an incredibly emotional, dynamic person who's always searching for another high. The competitive nature of her relationship with Ben is enough to satisfy her itch for novelty/excitement (her differences with Paxton don't hit this box), yet Ben's presence also provides a comforting long-term consistency in her life. He's seen the very best and the very worst of her and he always comes back. He frequently brings Devi back to herself, too, when she loses sight of what matters (friendships, family, sense of self, her goals, etc).

Then there's the dream vs. reality dichotomy that very much applies to this love triangle. Simple as it may be, it's accurate. I believe it was built that way on purpose because of how well it reflects Devi's relationships to Mohan and Nalini, which is the beating heart of what NHIE is all about. One (Mo/Pax) is more outwardly palatable than the other and provides an easygoing, self-soothing escapism that she needs in order to work through her grief. This person represents youth and the rose-colored past; Devi's tendency to idealize and indulge. The other person (Nal/Ben) is sharper around the edges, a bit harder to swallow, but pushes Devi to do better and supplies the support she needs. This person represents Devi's grounded reality; her time in the present and the woman she is growing into.

They are both important pieces in Devi's journey, but the themes of past vs present speak for themselves. The past is something we keep close to our heart- in this case, it's someone who has impacted us that we'll always carry with us. But the ultimate goal is to move forward from that. The central relationship of Never Have I Ever, in my opinion, is that of Devi & Nalini as they heal and grow together. In terms of Devi's romantic life, her relationship with Ben is the one that most closely shadows the series arc between her & Nalini.

I'd like to address some things by the individual season now. One of my observations watching s1 for the first time was that Paxton was usually aligned with bad things in Devi's life, whereas Ben was aligned with the good. e.g., Paxton was in some way the source of Devi's falling outs with El/Fab and Nalini; Ben is the one who repaired those relationships. These things aren't Paxton's fault, nor do I place any blame on him. They're just subtle narrative choices that send up unspoken flags saying, hey look, maybe he isn't the right fit for her. This theme was left behind in s1 for the most part, but given that it was NHIE's debut season, it planted several seeds for me about who the boys were for Devi and how they fit into her world.

Season 2 does a lot to sort out the difference in what Devi thinks she wants (Paxton) and what her heart truly wants (Ben). Yes, I'm going there, too: head vs heart. Devi's underlying preference for Ben > Paxton should be easy to spot as early as 2x01 -- if only for the fact that Devi finally bagged the hot guy of her dreams, and yet choosing to be with him isn't easy for her. In fact, as both Devi and Eleanor confirm later, she wanted to choose Ben in the first place. Like... that's crazy when you think about it!! Despite the pieces falling into place for her and Paxton, and against her friends' shallow advice, she decides that she won't let go of Ben. Instead she makes the misguided decision to date both. This isn't the kind of mistake she'll ever make again. It isn't Devi acting out because of Ben -- it signals a profound attachment to him when, all things considered, picking Paxton here should have been a no brainer. That revealed everything I needed to know in order to understand that Paxton wasn't who she wanted in her heart of hearts.

Then, of course, 3x10 brings that all home with the stomach knots comparison. It tells us that ever since Devi and Paxton moved into a place of genuine friendship, with him no longer on a pedestal, those romantic feelings have dissipated. As a bonus, Devi even explicitly states that Paxton was a dream! Ben, however -- her flawed reality -- is the one who still gives her butterflies. This is the result of Devi's slow awakening to her true inner self, the Devi who values growth and authenticity and loving through imperfection. It's a step closer to the complete acceptance of herself. (Notice as well that right after this point, it becomes clearer than ever that Ben is who she wants to be with.)

As long as Paxton was a romantic possibility for Devi, their relationship was tied to her feelings of insecurity and inferiority. Again this is not Paxton's fault -- he assures her of the opposite all the time -- but this is Devi's story, and we are shown over and over that Devi fears true vulnerability with Paxton (both sexually and emotionally). Compare this to the way she has always felt confident, seen, driven, and unabashedly herself in her relationship with Ben, even when they were enemies. At a glance Devi may appear to act more immature in Ben's orbit, but the truth is that she grows with him more than anyone else (besides Nalini) thanks to Ben's penchant for encouraging accountability and showing her that actions can have consequences.

Anyway, TLDR version:

Paxton = Devi's youth, Mohan, grief, distraction, the past, idealism, and the head (constructed ideas).

Ben = Devi's future, Nalini, healing, confrontation, the present, reality, and the heart (authentic truths).

Never Have I Ever's romantic story structure rests on the premise of these symbolic definitions. They are gospel, and while the characters will grow and change and become better versions of themselves, they will do so within the lines that are already drawn. The lines exist for a reason -- they are a narrative tool! These characters cannot and should not 'grow out' of their roles because those roles are their identities within the show's framework. The characters are exactly who they are meant to be right through to the end. They are symbols. If that's not your cup of tea then so be it! But there's nothing wrong with this writing style. In fact it's one of my personal favorites because everything is so neatly defined, yet fascinating to read into 🥰

The imperfect Ben had to be Devi's true love because her love interests are, in a way, reflections of herself. By no fault of his own, Devi always felt the need to be "perfect" for Paxton because that's how she viewed him; a false paragon of everything she wanted to be. That is the point of their story together. Her acceptance of the deep love she has for Ben (and Nalini!), despite his sometimes off-putting demeanor, is aligned with Devi's acceptance of her own imperfections -- that she is hot-headed, she can be self-absorbed, she acts without thinking and makes mistakes -- but that she is also brilliant and driven and caring and radiant, and she is equally worthy of receiving the love that she has to offer others.

Narratively speaking, it was never truly a competition.

[thefabulousfab-3]

Need to know all your s3 thoughts NOW!!!

This season was perfect, I refuse to take any criticisms.

These thoughts are incoherent and rambling but here they are:

First of all Ben and Devi returning to their bantering dynamic!!!!! YES!!!

Ben was SUCH A DICK!!! to Aneesa the first three episodes and I am so glad she called him out on it. I’m also glad he apologized.

Paxton was a really good boyfriend. He is a cutie and I love him. I really enjoyed his story arc this season a LOT!! It was a million times better than his dumb pov episode last season. Also he got into college ❤️ I’m so proud of him.

That scene with Fabiola and Ben 😢🥹. So so good!!!

Episode five was actually my favorite thing ever and it felt like I was watching the fanfic of my dreams. THEIR BET!!!!!!! I wanted them to kiss so freaking bad.

BEN GETTING FRIENDS!!!!!!

BENS WHOLE EPISODE!!!! HIS DAD!!! ❤️❤️😭😭😭

I agree with your post, Des did not do it for me either. Also his mom was the worst, not only to Devi but also to Nalini. She was a terrible friend! Nalini needs better friends.

Also Nalini sticking up for Devi!!!!! YES!!! I’m using her words whenever someone says something dumb about Devi. I absolutely adored their relationship this season!!

Kamala and Manish are the cutest and I love them so much.

Fab and Aneesa ended so well. I love them very much.

I also absolutely adored Kamala’s talk with Devi. It was super good and a much needed lesson for teens.

Literally all go Ben and Devi’s interactions this season were golden. I loved every single one of them.

The dinner scene was amazing.

The NOTE!!!!!!!!!!

Art girl??? (No offense to art girl she seems cool) Why Ben why?? They better not milk that next season or I am going to be so mad.

THEIR TALK IN THE HALLWAY!!!!!!! “I don’t want you to go. I’ll miss you” 😭😭😭😭😭

HER STARING AT HIM AS HE WALKS AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Her clearly being over Paxton!!!!!

DEVI BEING BEN’S PERFECT MATCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE STOMACH KNOTS AS SHE LOOKS AT BEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can’t I am freaking out!!!

THAT ENDING!!!!!!!!!!!

HIM KISSING HER WHILE CLOSING THE DOOR!!!!!!!

[a-member-of-minuteswithmandm]

So like, there's definitely things about Ben and Devi's dynamic that I liked - that the challenged each other, were intellectual equals, funny banter, etc. But I don't know if I really think Benvi was superior to Saxton.

Paxton definitely wasn't perfect but there was something so sweet about how he grew into more than just the "dumb jock", and he constantly treated Devi was such kindness and compassion even when he really didn't have to.

Idk, yes either option could have been good for Devi but I'm a little miffed that she picked Ben.....couldn't she have gone off to Princeton single? You don't need to end up with your highschool boyfriend yunno

Other than that I feel like Devi had such incredible growth this season and honestly I was so incredibly proud of her and how she handled herself in her senior year. (also Margot can fuck all the way off)

I loved how much acknowledgement was given to Fabiola's intelligence this season. Hated Eleanor's storyline tbh, everything with wanting to be an actress and then breaking her and Trent up did nothing for me

Nalini was a gem as always an dim glad she's ready to start moving on - over all it was a pretty good season!

Listen to us talk about it on our podcast and tell us what you think! How do you agree with?

[latinforlight]

So! I went to the screening of the first two episodes yesterday (and got a "Plowed by Paxton" shirt signed by Richa (Kamala) and Poorna (Nalini) because they were the guests at the screening.

Most people have been talking about Devi, Ben, or Paxton, which makes sense. But I am here to give spoilers about Nirmala, Nalini, and Kamala.

As we know from the script, Nirmala is deeply disappointed with Kamala, who tried to make it up to Prashant, but it ended up not working. Nirmala is still upset, Nalini tried to mend their relationship.

This dynamic continues for the start of the second episode.

Nirmala points out that Nalini has no friends and is lonely, Nalini says she has friends but Nirmala debunks that. Nalini convinces Nirmala to forgive Kamala, but Nirmala does so with a catch. Throwing a party for Kamala to find a new fiancé. Nirmala also ends up inviting a nutritionist for Nalini to make friends with. Nalini judges her at first for saying she doesn't consider herself as part of the medical field.

Earlier, Manish (Mr. K) asks Devi in a not so subtle way about what Kamala is up to, Devi told him about the party. He shows up, Kamala is happy to see him, and Nirmala notices they have a connection. Nirmala begins to ask many questions about his profession, his family, and his culture. He says all the wrong things, as he's high school teacher, his parents are divorced and have "unimpressive" careers, he has no connection to his grandparents because they are back in India, and does not understand "any Indian language."

Learning all this about Manish, Nirmala begins to (at least look like) have a heart attack, Nalini wants to call an ambulance, but the nutritionist uses something she made and Nirmala feels better. Nalini thanks her, and they seem to have formed a connection.

Manish asks out Kamala, she agrees. Kamala later tells Nirmala of this news, but Nirmala quickly tells her not him, and expresses her disappoint for him and his lack of connection to traditions.

Bonus: Poorna says that Nalini goes on an arc to have more friendships. Richa said Kamala will discover romance. Poorna is team Paxton, or team Des. Richa is team Ben.

[the-paris-of-people]

Hi Grace!! What did you think of S4?

OMFG EVELYN I LOVE YOU SO MUCH HELLO I AM SO EXCITED TO TALK ABOUT S4!!!

So *claps hands* here's the thing. I loved s4 and it had some incredibly special moments and conversations that I think are so important in media. Here is an exhaustive list of storylines/moments I loved, in no particular order: Fabiola saying fuck it to the Ivies and going to an HBCU, all the model UN conflicts and Devi and her friends handled them, the model UN in general I loved this season, Devi having a little bit of fun with Ethan, Devi and Paxton finally closing the door, Paxton finally letting go of high school and figuring out the best career path for him, Ms. Thompson being beautiful stunning and amazing, Trent proposing to Eleanor in the worst possible way, Devi realizing that she might burn out in college and she and Ben comforting each other, Nirmala serving sassy line after sassy line, Dr. Ryan admiring how far she had made in her progress and Devi leaping across the room to hug her, Nalini telling Devi that it wasn't that she didn't believe in her, it was just that she knew life was unfair because of her experience immigrating to the U.S., Devi saying "Sorry you came to America for nothing" when Devi didn't get into college, Devi's college essay about her Dad, Devi's connection to Princeton BECAUSE of her Dad, Devi screaming you're not real to the imagined figure of her Dad and Nalini coming in and comforting her, Nirmala telling Nalini that she was lashing out at Devi because she didn't want her to leave, the final Nalini/Devi scene, Kamala's storyline about being afraid to be away from her family, Devi's final prayer scene, Eleanor realizing she didn't want to be like her deadbeat mom (fuck Joyce) and going to prom with her girls!, Ben and Devi in the final episode!

Now here are what I had issues with:

The BIGGEST issue I had with this season was with Ben and Devi's storyline. It felt like stalling to me. No, it was stalling to me. Because basically the writers said, oh, okay Devi is ready to go and is In Love with Ben and want to be with him. They should have just gotten them together because at that point, Ben had admitted he didn't want Devi to go and confessed to her that he liked her at Paxton's graduation, but nooooo they added all this stupid conflict on Ben's end that made absolutely no sense. I would have been FINE if they had touched on Ben being afraid to be hurt by Devi again, because he cheated on her in the past, etc. etc. Or at least explained why he said what he did in the parking lot, why he chose to stop talking to her, etc. But nope! They just moved past it, no explanation.... okay??? Then what was the point of that? And where did the "insecure and too competitive" comment even come from? It made no sense. And I maintain it was a dick move to ignore her after they slept together, I don't care about the intent, I care about the impact, and it was an awful thing to do to Devi.

I really liked the scenes they had of Ben and Devi together, but there weren't enough of them. And they were all scenes of them being so sincere, and in my opinion, there wasn't enough hyper-specific Ben and Devi banter/snark. Everything between them was very sweet, which I somewhat enjoyed, but it was missing that special Ben and Devi sauce. I feel like the entire season was riding on knowledge of their dynamic from previous seasons, rather than their actual conversations/interactions in the present. They never really spoke about their issues, and all their conversations were just them supporting each other. Again, fine, but like I was craving more complexity I guess?

My last gripe with D/B people are going to come for me but while I loved them in the final episode, and I love the Mindy Kaling style of rom coms, their love confession felt a little generic to me and I felt like I had seen it watching other Mindy Kaling shows. Again, I wish there was more hyper-specificity, like saying I love you in their graduation speech shading each other, or going on their Cheesecake Factory date, or going to Malibu for some reason. I love they broke back the model UN sign, for instance. I did love that they rode the scooter to Ben's house, and people paralleled it with Mohan and Nalini, but I didn't really understand the significance of the scooter other than that? This is me being extra picky just because the show is so good because Maitreyi and Jaren's acting was stunning in the entire episode.

I didn't like Margot. She was mean to Devi, and to Ben, and I would have been fine if they cut her out.

Andres was cute and I was happy Nalini was happy but he underwhelmed me, especially because I loved Dr. Jackson.

Aneesa served in every scene she was in, but there wasn't enough of her. There also wasn't enough of Trent! And I think of Eleanor as one of the funniest characters, but honestly she didn't really have many funny lines this season?? Fabiola cracked me up though.

Also the outfits didn't really hit for me this season? Every single one of Devi's outfits ate in s2 and s3 but I was underwhelmed in season 4 with them. Again, I'm being PICKY.

Overall, I really enjoyed the season and it was really emotional for me. But idk for some reason I feel like it kind of had this forgettable quality to me and I am not sure why. It could be because I didn't get everything I wanted (particularly from Ben and Devi). I honestly would have been fine if season 3 was the last one because I thought it was PERFECT and s4 ruined that image of perfection for me. Still, there was so much that I love and the series and characters will always have a special place in my heart.

[seeyoumondaydevi]

what are the things you are excited to see for paxton in the new season

So there are a few things I want to see but I doubt if it might happen. 1) Paxton going back to swimming. I don't think he'll immediately go back to how good he was before the accident, I think he might struggle a bit and it could be interesting to watch how he reacts and handles it because he's always been very good at swimming. Maybe his position as the captain of the swim team is at stake because he's missed so much and others have caught up or something.

2) I kinda wanna see how he balances academics and swimming this season, is he gonna loose interest in his classes just bc he can swim again or will he try his best and improve in both areas.

3) In 2x01 Paxton said he wanted to go to ASU bc swimming was good there but then when a scout from Stanford was coming to watch him swim, he wanted to go to Stanford bc swimming was better.. he's made his college choices based on swimming bc he wasn't bothered about his grades/classes and now that he's interested in academics, I wanna see how that would affect his college choices.

4) Less of Paxton keeping his feelings inside please. In 1x10 instead of admitting he's hurt bc Nalini yelled at him sm he went with the "Im cool and she's not" reason. In 2x03 he convinces himself that he and Devi wouldn't work out, they don't make any sense together etc. He ghosts people if he's hurt instead of actually talking about it.

5) I wanna see Nirmala and Paxton scenes, I think it'll be funny. I also wanna see Nalini warming up to Paxton, I still don't think she'll be okay with Devi dating tho.

6) I don't want these moms creeping on him. In season 1, Trent's mom is sliding her hands all over paxton and literally mutters "I wish you could pick me up and throw me with those muscles". In season 2, Fabiola talked about how her mom rear ended a bus after seeing Paxton in grey sweat pants. He's 16. STOP.

7) Fabiola and Paxton scenes.. awkward lesbian and jock himbo is one of my favourite dynamics and I'm getting that this season. Really excited to see the scene Lee and Darren talked about. Even if Daxton isn't "endgame" I really hope they don't stop giving us Fab and Paxton scenes.

[chenfordswopez]

Also was Manish in literally one episode? I also feel like Kamala was underutilized 🙁

Yeah, he was only in the finale :(!

I do think Kamala had some good storylines tho, with her and Dr.Logan, the job offer, and that whole thing with Len. Although it would’ve been cool to see what her relationship with Mohan was like, since he was her uncle. They showed Devi’s, Nalini’s, Nirmala’s, but we never got to see what Kamala dynamic with Mohan was like when she was growing up.

[catty-words]

[coldweatherhater]

nalini and devi dynamics this season >>>>>>

[revolver111]

My thoughts on NHIE S3:

Devi wears sweaters an awful lot for someone who lives in Southern California

I really want Devi’s green butterfly sweater. I can’t find it anywhere online. If you could send a link to that I’d really appreciate it

My favorite ship so far this season is Kamala and Mr. K

But if I were Devi seeing my cousin date my teacher would be the most embarrassing thing ever. Like eww I don’t wanna know you fuck my cousin

People saying Devi is a toxic character need to STFU. She hasn’t killed anyone or ruined people’s lives for good like all the middle-aged white male anti-heroes we’ve seen who mind you, got praised for it. Just admit you can’t stand seeing young WOC lash out or watch the goddamned Disney channel instead to watch a teenage girl be well-behaved

Kamala’s apartment? Let’s just say I’m glad that Desi parents don’t put their kids into show business like her neighbors do

Devi’s grandma is a badass

Lol when Mr. K tells Devi’s Grandma about how he has zero connections to the culture

Paxton has so many nice things to say about Devi

Glad Ben and Aneesa split

Kind of rooted Aneesa and Fabiola but glad things didn’t get in the way of their friendship

Really don’t like Trent and Eleanor together and how she has to be the one to talk sense into him all the time. I know it’s supposed to be this opposites attract dynamic with them, but it doesn’t work here.

Loved Des and Devi together. He was a good influence on her and he didn’t get offended when Devi would say she was better than him or anything like that

The way Des exudes coolness, good God. He doesn’t try to act like he’s someone else and isn’t a fuckboy.

LMFAO’d when Rhylah walked in on them when they were at second base

Surprised that Nalini let Devi date him

But fuck Rhylah for being a two-faced kutti. She helps Devi overcome her panic attack and then has the gall to say she’s a danger to her son? Her dad died the night of her recital, you pretentious asshole!

If it wasn’t for her I’d want them to stay together

How TF is Devi considered a loser when she’s made out with four dudes before graduating high school?

This show has such a good soundtrack

The principal calling the French theater night event a school sanctioned orgy 🤣

If I were Devi I would’ve gone to the Colorado school but I know she wants to be with her friends and family

WTF?! She chose to lose her V-card to Ben? I love enemies to lovers just like everyone else and know this is common in Mindy Kaling’s stuff, but it didn’t seem to me like Ben genuinely changed. I just really didn’t want her losing it to a white guy. Then again he’s a saint compared to Danny Castellano *cough* cough*

But I like to think they kiss and then it feels awkward to her and she runs out of the room. We’ll have to wait till season 4

[rainparadefromhell]

tw// LOL a think piece by me about daxton and s3 expectations (it is long bc i am bored and extremely opinionated)

(if you are a daxton fan please try reading with an open mind as i am making commentary on tv romance and ship dynamics on a broader scale than just why i dislike your ship. at the end of the day we are all here to have fun and it is perfectly fine to like whatever you like!)

Putting all of my anti daxton jokes aside, I would actually love to see Mindy handle their storyline with respect and their, in my opinion unavoidable break up, with some cleverness. I don't hate Paxton and I don't wish him any harm, just to clarify!

I know nhie is a comedy show and its point isn't to make some big commentary on romantic high school relationships but i think it is a great opportunity to show young impressionable people that you shouldn't hide the parts of yourself to win over someone's affection. You shouldn't change for them or just want to be with them because of societal pressures. I am team benvi but I do realize that Devi isn't ready for a relationship and her ending up single would be fine with me. What I do not stand for is this horrible notion in teen rom coms and rom coms in general that portrays girls and women like some desperate for love, would do anything to get it creatures. I will say this description does suit Devi for now - she is a (young!) nerdy, insecure and traumatized girlie that just wants a boyfriend. Ain't nothing wrong with that! And ain't nothing wrong with having a kind of superficial relationship when you are that young. I do understand that. But if we are taking the longevity of the show into account, I want to see Devi mature and learn.

And maturing means understanding that you ARE deserving of love AND respect! This is not to shame Paxton, he is a kid as well but why aren't we teaching young women what it means to love and be loved? And not even love, just how to feel respected in a relationship, even a silly high school one. How much time it takes and sacrifice, yes, but not at the expense of losing yourself in that person. Why aren't we teaching young men how not to feel pressured by your friends to obtain an image? I see that a lot among boys. The feeling like you can't share your feelings and that masculinity means pretending like you don't care about anything and that nothing fazes you.

Imagine if the show went in deeper into THOSE topics and not just have Paxton have one panic attack and 3 days later he is magically okay. This is where I fail to connect to his character and I would argue that that is not his fault. I just don't understand how the same writers that wrote these three amazing characters with the most depth in the show (Devi, Ben and Nalini) won't do that for the rest of them (there is probably not enough time but c'mon Paxton is a pretty big character).

I also see a lot of discourse about daxton and the idealization of their relationship from young people (not all of them are young of course but I am talking about influencing young people here) and it makes me sad sometimes. Not because I look down on them (bc i ship benvi) but because this trope, if you will, is all over media. We've seen it a million times. I'm tired of it. I'm tired of the message that it's "cute" to pine over someone that isn't really that interested. That the crumbs that this person gives you sometimes are acts of love or romance (like climbing through your window to make out or saying "Damn Devi are you really gonna make me say it" when asked if you are committed, or showing up with your tail between your legs at a dance). I'm sorry but that isn't romantic and shouldn't be viewed as such! It is teaching young girls to settle and conform if they want love. And that is absolute bullshit! You are deserving and perfectly able to find someone that is going to communicate with you in a healthy way and treat you the way you want to be treated. And this goes both ways! Devi should communicate all the issues and things that bother her to Paxton!

It would be fine and I wouldn't be writing this now if Devi is a type of girl that is fine with being casual and not putting much effort and passion into things. But she is not and that is where Paxton and Devi's love languages will probably never meet in the middle. And that's okay! As long as they realize that in s3 and talk about it and end things with no hard feelings. Devi now understands what she wants in a relationship and even better how to ask for it. This would be my perfect ending for s3.

(i need to take a break from the nhie tag now like i've got actual college papers to do lol-)