Never Have I Ever
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As much as I love the John McEnroe narration (it doesnt get old, even three seasons in!
These seasonal one-off episodes have become essential in understanding the men in Devis orbit.
Both Paxton and Ben are more layered than they let on.
The deadline for Columbias Early Decision applications is looming … meaning its 300 days away.
So Ben, of course, is even more manic than usual regarding his academics.
When the principal finds out Bens been taking ten classes, she informs him he has to drop two.
Now I know why!)
The mismatched trio work at Devis house after school until its time to eat.
And guess whos coming to dinner?
This guy is hotandsmart?!
The next day at school, Ben asks Devi whether she likes Des or something.
She tentatively admits as much, and Ben altruistically gives her some advice: Stop trying so hard.
Just be yourself and ask him out.
Hell be getting a zero, and his overall grade will be brought down to a gasp B!
But Ben cant exactly focus on this scholastic nightmare because hes in too much physical pain.
He leaves the classroom, doubled over, clutching his stomach.
Paxton witnesses this; Ben says he thinks his appendix burst and Paxton carries him to the ER.
(Isnt this the third time in the series that Paxton finds himself at the hospital?
Its practically his second home.)
Ben hasnt had a bowel movement in 16 days and will need surgery.
Thankfully, all goes well on the operating table.
Like a real sheet rustler?
Bens, of course, mortified by this turn of events.
I kinda thought getting cheated on by Devi wouldve been the end of our journey together, he says.
Paxton admits he had wondered how Devi could like them both at the same time.
Paxton says that given his level of commitment and constipation his dad should already be proud of him.
Ben appreciates the sentiment but switches the topic, asking what Paxtons doing on his laptop.
Ben asks, Do you not know what an event is?
and, once again, I want to punch him.
This is why you have no friends, ya jerk!
Ben asks what Paxton knows is true about himself, and Paxton admits hes a good brother.
It turns out he cut his trip short to check in on Ben.
Sounds like you might be a workaholic like your old man, says Mr. Ben informs him he wants to scale back his schedule, which unfortunately might affect his chances at Columbia.
Were healing generational trauma and patterns, people!
Bens dad calls him a brilliant boy, and they both say I love you.
And it turns out Devi took Bens advice and is going on a date with Des.
She thanks him, and instead of feeling jealous, Ben is much more zen.
He realizes if this situation brings him pain, he ought to just let it and her go.
No more torturing himself.
In the meantime, Paxtons friends want to hang out with him, so things are looking up!
Extra Credit
A flash of his computer screen reveals one of Bens essays.
What skeletons are you hiding, Ben?
And where are they?!
Speaking of movies, Bens obsession with getting into his dream school briefly reminded me of Try Harder!
a recent documentary about high-achieving students going through the ridiculously stressful and competitive college software process.
Ive never gotten so close to having to do work.
Remember how I joked that Devi might end up a flat-Earther after all of that compatibility quiz chaos?
We coincidentally (and thankfully) get confirmation here how thats not the case.
Can you just carry me in a less emasculating way?
