Mismatched season 3: A near match that misses its moment!

Here's how the third season of Mismatched, the much-loved teen drama, has become the ultimate cute and breezy young adult show that constantly craves more! 

To say that Mismatched is just a casual time-pass watch, one to curl up with for a good time, would be judging it too harshly and dismissing it. The show, especially in its third season, has more to offer than that. Lately, I've come to realize that it’s an acquired taste that is bridging the gap between the melodramatic soap operas on TV and the more serious dramas on OTT platforms. While it doesn’t demand your full attention, it still asks you to spend some quality time with it. It’s neither too light-hearted to pass off as breezy nor intensely deep to leave you traumatized; it sits comfortably in the middle, which isn't necessarily bad. In fact, in a world where extremities demand you to pick a side and stick to it, it offers a much more relatable lens of being confused, offering a chance to grow up while figuring it all out. For that, I enjoyed watching Mismatched Season 3 but I couldn't shake the feeling that it could have been more. The show keeps missing a potential opportunity here, so it feels both a hit and a miss for me. 

Here’s why!

The relatable theme of the contrasting hypocrisy we live with

From the very beginning, Mismatched has been about exploring our identities, desires, and the art of growing up in a world where we constantly tussle with the reshaping of it by technology. The first two seasons focused on how apps, social media, and the internet influence our lives. In the third season, the spotlight shifts to virtual reality—a timely focus considering the growing presence of AI and VR in our daily lives. The show taps into the idea of escaping our messy, complicated realities by retreating into virtual worlds, a concept that feels particularly relevant today because we as a generation are busy building a new world order with our reformed versions of explanations to age-old existing things. However, this is only when it comes to discussions about things, otherwise, we have a massive problem applying it all in real life.

No wonder the show's exploration of virtual reality offered by the "betterverse" provides an accepting space for a trans man, companionship in a long-distance relationship and allows a person with a disability to feel truly free. But how long can these virtual escapes last before the cracks begin to show? The series reminds us that ignoring real-life challenges in favour of curated realities is not the solution! After all, being woke isn't a currency that just lies in pride parades, debates, big slogans or protests! It lies in accepting others as they are and ourselves as who we are. And real growth comes from accepting and living with the harsh truths of life—loss, pain, grief, and the inevitable chaos that doesn’t always have answers.

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While the theme of mismatched lives finding harmony has been the show’s core since season one, this season’s exploration of virtual versus real-life truths feels both timely and thought-provoking. Because sometimes, what seems good on paper might not necessarily be in real life, hence even the show ends heartbreakingly. But despite this relatable representation of a generation that doesn't even know what it wants and needs, the season feels distant, which brings me to my next point.

It’s cute but nothing more

I don’t take issue with the show’s lighthearted approach to deep-rooted problems, where conflicts often get resolved with monologues, hugs, or smiles. Sometimes, all you need is a moment of realization! The issue lies in translating these concepts into genuine emotional impact. While I love how the show effectively captures Hyderabad's corporate culture and tech life, where finding time for personal connections is challenging, hence, various events like speed dating, concerts, debates, and preparing for a play or pitch meetings become a foreground for realizations. Yet, it's not enough to leave a lasting heart-to-heart impact. This is why, while it’s understandable why Rishi and Dimple can't be together, even after their "happily ever after" moment, the emotional impact doesn’t fully land. You feel their struggle, but it doesn’t resonate as deeply as it should.

Additionally, the uneven pacing and over-explanatory writing suggest that the show’s creators don’t fully trust the audience to grasp its themes. Each episode has a narrative voice that provides different perspectives, but the overabundance of explanations often becomes irritating rather than insightful. At the same time, some storylines are abrupt and underdeveloped and leave you confused and dissatisfied. That said, the show’s saving grace is the earnest chemistry between the cast, some sprinkled heartwarming moments and an eclectic, groovy soundtrack. 

Could Mismatched be India’s answer to shows like Sex Education or Heartstopper?  Maybe! But currently, while Mismatched has the potential to stand alongside these shows, which have mastered the art of representation while delivering entertaining, heartfelt drama, it still has miles to go because it is incredibly ironic for a show that is based on how, in various ways, technology affects our lives to conclude with the message that tech including VR is more hopeful than harmfully addictive.

Mismatached season 3 is currently streaming on Netflix! 

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