Mindy Kaling’s writing stems from her context f being Indian-American and the quirks she adapted while navigating “being different” than the rest. As the only female writer on The Office, she brought a fresh perspective to office dynamics. And who can forget her iconic portrayal of Kelly, the eccentric “customer service manager whom she only had herself to manage?”
Although many might disagree after the Velma debacle on HBO Max, Mindy at least paved some path for South Asian representation in American Television. After the office, she ventured into individualist writing, creating memorable shows like The Mindy Project, The Sex Lives Of College Girls, Champions, and many more.
But her Netflix show, “Never Have I Ever,” turned out to be a groundbreaking young-adult story and Indian representation. The teenage life of a girl was relatable to a wide demographic, be it young girls, mothers, dating adults, or even grandmothers.
Now, we are at the pinnacle of Devi’s journey. And we are about to find out if Devi really prayed for the right thing when her mother says this iconic line in Season 1–
“Pray you get into Princeton. Don’t waste your prayers on stupid things like world peace.”
Did Devi Get into Princeton?
Season 4 starts with Devi pursuing her dream to get into Princeton University, and her final year at Sherman Oaks is a break-it or make-it deal for her. Ever since the start of the show, it is established that Devi is one of the toppers of her class. While her academics look promising, her teachers assure her she might get into Princeton.
But with the famous misadventures of Devi throughout the show, she makes a wrong first impression on the Princeton Admissions Officer at the college fair. However, Devi does manage to sway her opinion in the end but gets deferred.
Devi decides to map a backup plan by applying to other Ivy League Colleges. Meanwhile, she wants to solidify her Princeton application, so she rakes up a few extra credits as equipment manager for the Sherman Oaks swim team.
Devi has come a long way from being a slightly unlikable protagonist to a mature character who takes responsibility for her decisions. By the last season, we are all moving past her chaotic choices and rooting for her dream. However, life can be unforgiving sometimes, as Princeton put her on a waitlist and other Ivy Schools rejected her.
She again puts her soul into her essay application, narrating how her father shaped the person she has grown to be.
But there’s another story that is unfolding behind her. Fabiola’s application catches the eye of Princeton Admissions. She is selected but is hesitant to reveal it to Devi yet. Devi finds out about Fabiola’s acceptance letter, and although disappointed at first, she decides to support her friend nonetheless.
Fabiola is struggling with her own final choices as she wants to continue her passion for robotics. In the end, she finalizes on Robotics major at Howard University.
Devi’s essay does make an impact on her application, and we can see her reaching her ultimate milestone of studying at Princeton University.
Does Devi Date Ethan? Who Does Devi End Up with in Season 4?
Devi’s love life throughout the show has molded her self-image, and some relationships taught her self-love. But Season 4 was never really about who Devi ends up with. It was about ending her high school journey after the grief, growing up, improving her relationship with her mother, and forming a sisterly bond with Kamala.
Along the way, she encountered quite a few boys. But one always remained a constant denominator throughout the show….who is the chosen one?
Season 4 introduces a new love interest, Ethan. As it’s the final year., Devi is looking for the last adventure, and Ethan is exactly the “Bad Boy” as an accomplice. Devi does date Ethan, briefly. However, deep down, she knows his misbehavior could cost her future.
But still, a fraction of fans were rooting for this ship-
Next is Paxton, who shows Devi that she must first love herself to love someone. The two share a last kiss before realizing that they are better off going their separate ways, albeit in mutual admiration for each other. Again, Team Paxton had some strong moments in the finale.
Paxton ends with a younger school teacher, where he is appointed as Swimming Coach.
Ultimately, the chosen one was always Ben. From bickering to appreciating to loving each other, Devi always had a strong connection with Ben. And the final scene of him showing up to the wedding to meet Devi cements his pure love for her. Although he is interning in New York and Devi is off to Princeton, they still share the final tender moments to be remembered forever.
Will There Be a Season 5 of Never Have I Ever?
Mindy has expressed her feelings about the ending of the show as the end of coming-of-age. The heart of the show lies in the high school journey, and stretching it for more seasons will be unrealistic.
Although she acknowledges the jokes that a 32-year-old is playing Paxton, a high-school student is a far reach.
Kaling told ET Online-
“The actors get older and it starts looking insane that a 34-year-old is playing a 15-year-old. We got to know the characters, We really told the story of this 15-year-old girl and that felt like the perfect amount of time.”
She credits Netflix for allowing such shows–
“Tell stories that you wouldn’t necessarily be able to tell in traditional network shows, And so we feel good.”
And with the final words for the last episode, she says–
“It was a very emotional finale. I truly love this world and what the actors brought to these characters. It made it one of the best creative experiences of my life.”
There will be no Season 5 of Never Have I Ever, but we are left with a binge-worthy show.
What are your thoughts on the show? Did you like the final episode? Were you Team Ben or Team Paxton?
What did you think of the side stories of Kamala, Nirmala, and Dr. Nalini Vishwakumar? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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