Warning: This article contains minor spoilers.
After four years at Sherman Oaks High School in Los Angeles, Devi Vishwakumar is on her way out of the San Fernando Valley and on her way to college.
Devi, an overzealous South Asian teenager, spent most of her time in high school navigating budding romances, learning who she is and grieving her father’s death. In the fourth season of Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever,” she finishes her final chapter at the fictional high school as a stronger and better version of herself.
“She’s embracing her emotions, and she’s learned how to control them in a way that empowers herself and empowers others. It makes her a better friend, a better family member, a better romantic partner and a better version of herself,” Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, who plays Devi, said in an interview at the “Never Have I Ever” Netflix Golden reception Tuesday in New York City.
Devi begins her senior year caught in a love triangle with nemesis Ben Gross (Jaren Lewison), to whom she recently lost her virginity, and art student Margot (Victoria Moroles). After Ben chooses to be with Margot, Devi sets her eyes on bad boy Ethan (Michael Cimino).
Ramakrishnan said that this season, Devi explores her romantic relationships in a new and healthier way. When Ethan jeopardizes her chances to make a good impression with a Princeton recruiter, she ends their new but passionate relationship.
“I love how she has navigated her worth when it comes to romantic relationships, especially as a young woman. Often, young women lose themselves in relationships because they want to please someone else. You don’t want to seem odd. You don’t want to seem difficult. You want to be worthy of love,” she said.
Being the “it girl” who dates the most desirable guy in school was a dream for Devi for most of the series. But now, Ramakrishnan believes Devi, who did eventually date those guys, has grown past her boy-crazed goals.
She believes Devi’s priorities have…
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