... gone to prom

**... gone to prom** is the ninth episode in Season 4 of the Netflix series, *Never Have I Ever*. It is also the thirty-ninth episode overall.

## Synopsis

*After a major setback, Devi feels the burden of telling a lie and must dig deep for a second chance. On prom night, the friends share their truths.*

## Plot

Devi is shocked to discover that she didn't get accepted into any of the colleges she applied to. Worried about her mother's reaction, she lies and tells Nalini that she got into all of them. Nalini is thrilled but Devi is still struggling to come to terms with the situation. Devi reaches out to Akshara from Princeton to inquire about the waitlist. At school, Fabiola congratulates Devi on her supposed acceptance to all the Ivy League colleges, as Nalini has spread the news. Fabiola is excited about their dreams coming true. Devi feels awkward around her friends but they have their own things going on and don't notice her discomfort.

Professor Warner warns Ben that his admission to Columbia will be rescinded if he doesn't improve his grades and complete his assignments. She mocks him for trusting Trent's advice on academic matters. Worried, Ben rushes out to work on his assignment.

In the hallway, Trent and Eleanor have their first conversation since their breakup. Eleanor reveals she quit acting due to the competitiveness of the industry and suggests Trent become a director if acting doesn't work out for him. Trent appreciates the suggestion and thanks Eleanor for it. Devi talks to Professor Warner about her college rejections. The student counselor is shocked that Devi didn't apply to any backup colleges and only focused on Ivy League schools. Professor Warner suggests Devi wait for updates on the Princeton waitlist and consider reapplying in the fall.

Fabiola and her robotics team attend a competition where she meets a Howard University professor impressed by her work with an AI-powered robot. The professor encourages Fabiola to consider applying to or joining Howard.

Principal Grubbs announces Devi's supposed acceptance by all the Ivy League colleges. Devi becomes increasingly worried as her lie spreads faster than she expected. She hides in a room and finds Ben there. Instead of rectifying her mistake, Devi ignores it and helps Ben with his assignment. After school, Devi prepares for prom. Before leaving, she talks to Akshara from Princeton, who advises her to show her true self in another essay to be considered. Devi is frustrated that Princeton isn't accepting her for who she is and asks her to write another essay after the one she already submitted. She learns that submitting another essay won't guarantee her admission.

Nalini compliments Devi's appearance for prom, unaware of the truth about the college rejections. Devi fears telling her mother that she's a failure. The trio drinks alcohol in the car, and Devi's outburst causes the driver to crash. Devi confesses to her friends that she didn't get into college. While the driver looks for a mechanic, the trio spends prom night discussing their respective issues.

At school, Paxton and Lindsay are assigned bathroom duties at prom, where they discover students smuggling alcohol. Paxton is attracted to Lindsay and starts flirting with her. Devi and her friends decide not to attend prom and ask the driver to take them home. Eleanor asks to be dropped off at Trent's house, where she reunites with him. Ben learns about Devi's rejections and rushes to her house to comfort her. Eleanor tells Trent that she still loves him, and they get back together. At school, Lindsay and Paxton talk about becoming teachers. Lindsay shares her aspiration to be a teacher who doesn't give up on students, and Paxton asks her out. They are interrupted by students smoking salmon in the restroom.

Ben enters Devi's room through the window, reminiscent of Paxton, and finds it challenging. He tries to comfort Devi about the rejections and encourages her to write the essay for a chance at Princeton. Devi is reluctant but Ben reminds her that Princeton has always been her dream, urging her not to give up. They fall asleep while discussing college applications. The next morning, Nalini angrily enters Devi's room and kicks Ben out. She scolds Devi for mishandling the college applications and not having any backup options. Devi tries to reason with Nalini, but Nalini's hurtful words break her heart. Devi confides in Dr. Ryan about feeling like a failure. Dr. Ryan reminds her of her true identity and provides a much-needed pep talk.

Meanwhile, Paxton calls ASU to switch to an Educator license degree. Devi gathers motivation from Ben and Dr. Ryan to write her essay. In her essay, Devi opens up about losing her father and how the dream of getting into Princeton could help her reconnect with him.

## Cast

### Starring

* Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi Vishwakumar
* Poorna Jagannathan as Nalini Vishwakumar
* Richa Shukla as Kamala Nandiwadal
* Jaren Lewison as Ben Gross
* Darren Barnet as Paxton Hall-Yoshida
* Ramona Young as Eleanor Wong
* Lee Rodriguez as Fabiola Torres
* John McEnroe as The Narrator

### Guest-Starring

* Ranjita Chakravarty as Nirmala
* Ivan Hernandez as Andres Ramos
* Jeff Garlin as Len
* Alexandra Billings as Jennifer Warner
* Benjamin Norris as Trent Harrison
* Michael Cimino as Ethan Morales
* Victoria Moroles as Margot Ramos
* Genneya Walton as Ms. Thompson