Roundup

This week's theme is: One very explosive teenager, one very repressed teenager, both shaped by grief.

Television

Never Have I Ever

When I began the show, I thought it had Booksmart vibes, but by the end of it, I think it's more Crazy Ex Girlfriend, despite the lack of singing. Mostly because of how Devi focuses on the hot dude to avoid thinking about the heavy stuff, making decisions that frustrate her friends and family. She's so angry. (She's so angry, the V.O. narrator isn't her talking to her diary, but tennis legend John McEnroe who is known for his on-court yelling at umps. Hearing him empathize/convey with teen girl rage oddly works.) I enjoyed watching her barreling through this season, as often as I mildly cringed in second-hand embarrassment.

Everyone else in the cast is great, from Devi's family to her friends to the other kids in school. The standout is definitely Mohan, who crucially elevates every scene he's in.

( spoilery list of thoughts )

I'm caught up on B99 and ODAAT which have been delightful. Sad there won't be more ODAAT episodes for a while.

Movies

The Half Of It

Alice Wu looked back on Saving Face and really went, you know, Wil could have been more repressed. Let's do that.

I kid, I kid. This was a lovely coming-of-age film starring great mains, with Ellie being an instant fave ("Are these deciduous trees?"). I already want to rewatch it.

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Links

Mindy Kaling’s Netflix Show Tells a New Kind of Story: One Like Hers

Alice Wu Is (Finally) Ready to Break Your Heart