Mismatched season 3 review: Technology has always been central to this coming-of-age series, so it makes perfect sense that the latest season dives into the digital era. With themes like artificial intelligence, the metaverse (called ‘Betterverse’ in this show), and top tech schools, the third season shifts from the early days in Jaipur to the big moves in Hyderabad. Dimple (Prajakta Koli) and Rishi (Rohit Saraf) are now navigating a long-distance relationship, which only adds to the complexity of their already tricky dynamic.

Is Betterverse a good thing or a bad thing?

Rishi and a few other important characters move to Nandini Nahata's (Dipannita Sharma) institute, where they’re working on creating Betterverse, a new virtual reality. Since Ambala is quite a distance from Hyderabad, Dimple's interactions with Rishi have shifted to the virtual realm. They connect in a beautiful retreat and a dream home, but there's still a strong desire to be together in person. Rishi encourages Dimple to come to him, but she's feeling too down after Nandini's rejection from the previous season.

This season really dives into the disconnect between what’s real and what’s virtual, highlighting the gap between reality and expectations. You’ve got a long-distance couple who are left questioning their connection when they finally kiss—why doesn’t it feel as fulfilling as their online flings? Then there’s a character who uses an AI chatbot to bring back their deceased father, trying to process their grief. Anmol (Taaruk Raina) is also dealing with his own struggles, feeling disconnected even as he watches himself score a goal in Betterverse.

One of the most compelling side stories features a new character, Rith (Lauren Robinson), a queer hacker eager to enter the Betterverse just to see themselves as a man, rather than the woman everyone else sees. Their longing feels authentic and relatable, thanks to Gazal Dhaliwal, the head writer. Gazal, a trans writer, is known for their queer narratives, like Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and the short film A Monsoon Date starring Konkona Sen Sharma.

Aging without embracing adult responsibilities.

The writers' team behind Mismatched – Gazal, Aarsh Vora, Sunayana Kumari, Nandini Gupta, and Akash Jhunjhunwala – is truly the heart of the show. In season 2, they boldly stepped away from the usual coming-of-age formula and tackled some tough topics. Season 3 takes it up a notch, introducing more relevant themes and well-developed side characters within the series' fresh setting. They do lean on some familiar tropes, like using a new character's voiceover to capture the overall vibe of each episode, but they also mix it up with innovative storytelling, especially in that suspenseful episode where we’re left in the dark about Dimple’s struggles.

Topics like gender dysphoria, grief, body positivity, and childhood trauma are not just brushed over. The writers dive deep, ensuring that their inclusivity feels genuine rather than forced. While they might be ticking some boxes, these storylines are thoughtfully woven in and not just hurriedly wrapped up. Every subplot and character journey has a purpose. They even critique woke culture through Anmol, who rolls his eyes at the buzzwords college students throw around, making points that resonate and linger. After facing backlash for his past as a professional troll, his regretful expression shows his desire for redemption. Taaruk Raina continues to shine this season, just like he has in the past.

There are a lot of different themes and issues in the show that can be tough to digest or keep track of, but they all tie together when you look at how they affect the characters' love lives. Their personal insecurities and struggles often get in the way of their ability to support each other. Challenges like balancing work and life, miscommunication, and playing the blame game are made even more complicated by social issues, highlighting that relationship problems are usually more complex than they seem. With the added layer of the tech world, Mismatched becomes a vibrant mix of young adult experiences, rather than the watered-down version we saw in the first season.

However, Mismatched struggles because the cast and the way the story is presented haven't quite matched the depth of the material they're working with. Rohit, Prajakta, Muskkan Jaferi, Abhinav Sharma, and Ahsaas Channa show promise and don’t seem completely out of place, but they lack the depth and skill to really convey the weight of their conflicts. Even when they shine, especially the two main characters, their strengths often get lost without a strong directorial presence. Akarsh Khurrana directed the first two seasons, but this season feels like it’s missing a cohesive directorial vision. This feeling of disconnection is made even more pronounced by the sudden shift in setting.

Rannvijay Singha's Siddharth and Vidya Malvade's Zeenat bring a fresh vibe to their romantic storyline. With a break from the usual hustle of student life, they finally get to tackle their own personal issues—what they truly seek in love and life. Their relationship feels mature, not just because of their characters' age, but also due to the life experiences these actors have gathered over the years. Kshitee Jog shines again as Dimple's mom, blending humor and warmth, especially after her memorable performance as Ranveer Singh's mother in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

However, Mismatched seems to be aging without really maturing. It feels like the characters have jumped straight to adulthood without going through the necessary growth. For example, the show still shies away from depicting sex in a raw, honest way. But maybe that’s just how mid-20s feel—like being blindsided by a truck, grappling with feelings of dislocation and existential dread. Dimple sums it up perfectly at the end: “Love is when what you want is what you need.” This disconnect is something the show needs to address—while it aims to grow up, it requires a more thoughtful approach to make the transition feel genuine and relatable.

Mismatched season 3 is now available on Netflix India.

Read Also: Bougainvillea Review: A Visually Stunning Thriller That Falls Short on Surprise

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!