Ep 9. ... had to be on my best behavior

Deviant behavior is part of human nature, but it's also something we can control. For the characters of Never Have I Ever season 1 episode 9, this idea of behaving in the most appropriate manner possible is put to the test. In "had to be on my best behavior," Devi, her classmates, and even her mother have to make a conscious effort to rein in their impulses, even as life throws them curveballs and tests their patience.

The episode is focused on Devi's school life, particularly her relationship with Ben. With Devi's dad out of the picture, her mom Nalini has been trying her best to ensure that Devi doesn't go off the rails. One night, she catches Devi sneaking out of the house to go see Ben, and she's not happy about it. Nalini reminds Devi that she has to behave herself if she wants to have any hope of getting into Princeton, and this includes avoiding distractions like Ben.

Begrudgingly, Devi agrees to cut Ben off for a while, but this is easier said than done. Her feelings for him are undeniable, and when Ben starts showing interest in another girl at school, she finds herself struggling to keep her emotions in check. Meanwhile, Devi's classmates have their own battles to fight. Paxton, for instance, is still trying to figure out how he feels about Devi, even as he struggles with his own family issues. Meanwhile, Eleanor is trying to keep her own secrets under wraps, even as she deals with the fallout of her mother's infidelity.

Throughout the episode, the theme of controlling oneself is omnipresent. Devi has to resist her attraction to Ben in order to achieve her academic goals, Paxton has to figure out how to deal with his feelings for Devi without letting them consume him, and Eleanor has to refrain from divulging her mother's secret to her friends. Even Nalini, who is usually the voice of reason, struggles to keep her temper in check when she's forced to deal with an insufferable neighbor. It's not just about following rules and being polite, but being mindful of one's impulses and avoiding doing things that could hinder one's progress.

Despite the heavy focus on self-restraint, the episode still manages to be funny and engaging. Devi's wacky schemes to avoid Ben are entertaining, and Paxton's plight is relatable to anyone who's ever had a crush on someone they shouldn't. Even Nalini's subplot, which seems like it could be a bit too serious, is played for laughs, with her sniping at her neighbor over a fence dispute.

Overall, "had to be on my best behavior" is a solid entry in the series, with a great balance of humor and heart. It's a reminder that, even as we struggle to control our impulses and do what's right, we can still have fun along the way.