Never Have I Ever is now out on Netflix and already trending around the world. This tween, coming-of-age series has been created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher.
We follow an Indian immigrant family living in California. There’s tragedy, culture, tween drama, and something everyone can relate to. However, like any media that wants to tackle culture representation, the wins are met with losses. Here’s my take on the Netflix show.
Never Have I Ever – wins
Everything surrounding the “Durga Puja” Episode
This episode is the one that made this series worth it. It’s the dual-culture story we wanted to see. Viewers experience the casual banter with aunties that cannot be explained. The moments where Devi struggles to get dressed and deals with the itchy fabric is spot on! I can relate to seeing your high school transformed into the venue for your cultural event. Fantastic to see the pandit include pop culture references in worship because now the western religious leaders realize they need to be relate and approachable. This episode is everything.
Family Unit
The normal image of a South Asian family is a dad who is distant and consumed with work, a mother who struggles to assimilate and spends every moment of her caring for her family, and a brood of kids with their own struggles with culture and strict parents. Here, the Vishwakumaris quite different. Mom and Dad love each other and are equally invested in the family unit. Mom is a successful dermatologist. Devi is an only child who forms a stronger bond with her dad. The norms are changing and it’s good for families to see that is okay.
Therapy
Devi, our protagonist, is dealing with so many things as a teen and grappling with her identity. Her biggest hurdle is coping with the sudden passing of her father. Devi’s mom has arranged for her to see a therapist. In South Asian communities, speaking about mental health is taboo and something we brush under the rug.
Arranged Marriage
It is not forced and it may be a success! The concept of arranged marriage is misunderstood and often mistaken for forced marriage. These are two different situations and it is great to see that distinction in this series.
Never Have I Ever – fails
Where are the Indians?
I can understand growing up in a town where the South Asian community is small, but after seeing the Durga Puja episode, this town has plenty. So where are the Desi kids at school?
Devi’s Wardrobe
It was never explained if Devi managed her wardrobe or if her parents had control of it. Mom Nalini did purchase one dress – which is one of the more “normal” outfits. Was the mix-match look a rebellion, a creative choice…?
Sex Craze
Maybe I am too old, but the first few episodes aggressively set Devi up as a teen who is on a mission to get laid. Mindy Kaling often has her protagonists go down this path. I hoped for different with young Devi.
If I wasn’t keen on supporting South Asian media, I wouldn’t have made it to the end of the show, which would have been a tragedy because the second half of the season is great!
All in all, I am a Never Have I Ever fan. From the cast to the spotlight on Desi culture through the modern lens, I am very excited for a second season!
