In the latest season of “Never Have I Ever,” Devi’s journey takes an unexpected turn as she shares a significant moment with her long-time foe and on-and-off lover, Ben Gross. However, their encounter leads to misunderstandings, awkwardness, and the realization that Ben has moved on. Devi, known for her fiery temper, finds herself facing a familiar surge of anger but chooses a different path this time. Instead of letting her emotions consume her as they have in the past, she seeks solutions and gains a clearer understanding of the consequences of her actions. This introspection allows her to develop a better sense of self and navigate the complexities of her relationships.

Throughout her high school years, Devi’s primary goal, alongside her aspirations of attending Princeton University, was to be seen as “cool.” This meant pursuing relationships with attractive individuals, engaging in casual encounters, and immersing herself in wild parties. However, her perspective begins to shift when she starts dating Ethan, the resident’s bad boy of the year. Devi quickly realizes that the allure of being with a hot guy loses its appeal when it derails her larger goals and fails to align with her values. In a moment of clarity, she confronts Ethan, stating that he’s not a bad boy but rather a bad person. This newfound self-awareness reminds Devi of what truly matters to her in the long run: her friendships, her family, and her aspirations for Princeton.

Devi isn’t the only character undergoing a period of self-reflection. Paxton Hall Yoshida, Sherman Oaks High’s forever heartthrob, finds himself struggling to fit in at Arizona State University. Eventually, he returns to Sherman Oaks and becomes a faculty member. While he initially appreciates the familiarity of his old surroundings and friends, the judgment and gossip surrounding his “pathetic” return force him to question his life choices.

However, Paxton’s journey serves as a reminder that college isn’t the sole path to discovering one’s passions. Devi’s closest friends, Fabiola and Eleanor, also grapple with defining their own futures. They explore options such as Ivy League universities and world-class performing arts institutions, or perhaps even uncharted paths yet to be discovered. Ben, who plays a pivotal role in Devi’s personal growth, also learns to let down his guard and confront his insecurities.

For characters like Nalini and Patti, personal growth is facilitated through new relationships. Devi’s family gradually finds peace with her father’s passing and collectively redefines what their future holds. Patti, hesitant to reveal her new “white” boyfriend to her family, struggles with guilt as she attempts to move forward. Similarly, Nalini, realizing that she will soon be an empty nester, reevaluates her own needs. Both women find solace in the knowledge that their small yet resilient family unit supports and loves them unconditionally, regardless of their romantic choices, grieving processes, and fears.

While this season still contains its fair share of teenage drama, hormone-driven decision-making, and Devi’s signature chaos, there is a newfound sense of maturity and self-assurance with which she confronts her reality and shapes her desired life moving forward. The show’s conclusion neatly wraps up the narrative, albeit predictably, as Devi and the viewer alike understand that she will not settle for anything less than what she deserves. The Sherman Oaks gang, each content with the choices they have made for themselves, breaks free from the cliché of having to choose between a dream college and a high school sweetheart.

The final two episodes of “Never Have I Ever” leave a lasting emotional impact as we witness the characters blossom into new versions of themselves. The season serves as a heartwarming reminder that personal growth is not always linear, but it is undeniably happening.

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