Cyann Fielding
Fans were thrilled by the return of Never Have I Ever for its fourth and final season. Following the story of Devi, a teenage Indian girl living in California, the series explores the difficult transition between being a teenager and a young adult.
The much-awaited fourth season of Never Have I Ever follows Devi through her final year of high school, as college applications loom over her life. Focussing the final series on college applications is a stroke of genius, as it rounds off Devi and her friends’ final teenage years.
Never Have I Ever gone from Enemies To Lovers
The romance did not let viewers down this season. When Devi finally loses her virginity, viewers are presented with a realistic depiction of sexual pressures and first experiences of intimacy during teenagehood. But looking back to series one, you may never have expected Devi to lose her virginity to…Ben!
Ben and Devi’s story arc has been a complex one, and this continues into season four. Their relationship continues to bloom in a way that reflects the common dynamics of many teenage relationships – often sparked by hatred, which unexpectedly turns into attraction. But in season four, it becomes apparent that the mutual hatred between Devi and Ben is, rather, mutual respect for each other’s intelligence and work ethic.
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Far-Fetched Futures
Whilst this final season is a good watch, there is much scope to depict a broader range of realities in a teenager’s final year of high school. The idea that within Devi’s friendship group, one person is heading to Columbia and two have offers from Princeton, strikes me as slightly unrealistic.
One character with a believable story arc is Eleanor, who struggles with her career path before it has even begun. The harsh reality she faces whilst pursuing an acting career is raw and honest, and offers insight into alternative career paths within the entertainment industry that are equally valid.
However, the show’s portrayal of all of Devi’s hopes and dreams coming true does make the show feel far-fetched. She goes to the college of her dreams, with a boyfriend she adores, her mum with a new partner, her cousin in a new and exciting job, and her grandmother soon to be married. While her achievement of so many victories in quick succession makes for light-hearted entertainment, it is far from an accurate representation of a teenager’s final year of school.
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Never Have I Ever Explored Uncharted Territories
One stand-out part of the series is its normalisation of children and teenagers seeking therapy. TV series and films alike seldom show this experience, so it is commendable for such a successful series to give it the limelight, while also depicting the challenges associated with therapy. This is certainly a high point of Never Have I Ever.
Whilst therapy plays a part in each season, by season four we see Devi come full circle. We are shown how significant therapy has been for her in finding herself, managing her emotions, and ultimately becoming a better person.
As a finale, season four is a little predictable, following the typical story arc of teen romances. Nevertheless, some elements are refreshing to see. For instance, the ethnically diverse cast, as well as the unique way in which each character confronts their own problems.
There is definitely scope to explore these narratives further. The series could definitely delve further into therapeutic methods, or even into the pressures experienced by Paxton to stay forever youthful and, what he deems to be, ‘cool’.
But, to maintain the series’ lighthearted tone, it ends the way it should. Since Never Have I Ever targets a young audience, it seems appropriate that the series only touches the surface of hard-hitting topics.
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Image courtesy of Nicolas J Leclercq via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.
