New Delhi:
mismatch season 3A Netflix series based on the novel by Sandhya Menon When Dimple met Rishi It returns with an ambitious attempt to build on the relationships and themes that have resonated with fans since its debut. The show, known for its depictions of young love, technology and the complexities of growing up, struggles this season to balance its broad thematic explorations with the emotional core of its characters. While still confusing in parts, this third installment falters in its attempt to evolve.
Season 3 begins with a three-year time jump. Rishi (Rohit Saraf) and Dimple (Prajakta Koli), now in a long distance relationship, are trying to figure out their life after college. Rishi is achieving success in NNIT, a state-of-the-art technical institute in Hyderabad, while Dimple, still struggling with the rejection in NNIT, joins LLIT, another technical institute. Their relationship, once the show’s heartbeat, is tested by distance, personal insecurities and their evolving future. The show introduces new dynamics with “Betterverse”, a virtual reality project being developed at NNIT, which serves as both a plot device and backdrop for an exploration of identity, technology, and relationships.
This season also brings other characters to the forefront. Anmol (Taruk Raina) is now in a relationship with Vinny (Ahsaas Channa), and their story explores Anmol’s efforts to move on from his trolling past. Celina (Muskan Jaffrey) pursues relationships with Krish (Abhinav Sharma) and Rith (Lauren Robinson), a new trans character, whose journey of self-discovery becomes one of the most compelling of the season. Yet, despite these introductions, the show never fully commits to exploring these relationships with the depth they deserve, leaving most of the emotional burden unnoticed.
heart of mismatch It has always been exploring relationships, but in season 3, the main love story between Rishi and Dimple, though relatable, becomes tiresome. Their on-again, off-again dynamics become predictable, and repeating cycles of misunderstanding and reconciliation hinder any potential growth. The issues that plagued their relationship in the first season – insecurities, miscommunication, and incompatibility – are still at the forefront, but the lack of development in their characters makes their drama feel like a rehash rather than a fresh exploration.
One of the more interesting, though underdeveloped, aspects of this season is the introduction of the Betterverse, a virtual reality space where characters like Rhett can escape the confines of the real world. The show attempts to address the growing impact of AI and technology and the blurred lines between the digital and physical worlds. However, this subplot remains more of an aesthetic addition rather than a narrative force. Although it hints at deeper questions about how technology can shape relationships and identity, the show never fully explores these ideas. It serves more as a backdrop than a narrative driver, and ultimately, the potential for a compelling commentary on technology goes largely untapped.
Despite the show’s expanded cast and thematic reach, Mismatched season 3 struggles with character development. Rishi and Dimple’s relationship remains central to the story, but it is not developed in any meaningful way. Supporting characters like Anmol and Vinny have their own arcs, but these also feel rushed and underdeveloped. Rhett, played by Lauren Robinson, is a welcome introduction and adds an element of depth to the show’s portrayal of LGBTQIA+ issues, but even her story feels ignored. The show touches on themes of body image, trauma, and self-worth, but these issues are often simplified and resolved without offering the depth or solutions they need.
The pacing of the season is inconsistent, with some episodes feeling dragged out while others skip through key plot points. The writing, though engaging at times, often falls into familiar patterns, with characters constantly rationalizing their actions through self-incrimination. This leads to a lack of real progression, especially for the lead couple, whose unresolved conflicts are drawn out in a way that feels more like plot convenience than emotional authenticity. The lack of adequate development for the characters – especially with the three-year jump – makes it difficult for the audience to invest in their arcs, and the story often feels stagnant as a result.
The show’s attempts to merge the real world with the virtual world fall flat, and while the Betterverse is an interesting idea, it never fully comes to life. Its potential as a tool of social commentary on the intersection of technology and relationships is wasted. Instead, it becomes a narrative distraction, cluttering the already overloaded plot with vague references and inconsistent stakes.
The performances remain one of the show’s strongest elements. Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf bring warmth and chemistry to their roles, but even their charm can’t save the repetitive nature of their story. Taruk Raina once again stars as Anmol, playing a character who seeks redemption from his trolling past. However, even these performances struggle to lift up a script that fails to deliver real emotional depth.
Ultimately, Mismatch Season 3 attempts to build on its initial success by focusing on the time jump, new characters, and technology, but ultimately fails to deliver the fresh and meaningful development that fans were hoping for. The show’s core love story, which was once its strength, has become repetitive, and exploration of deeper themes like AI and self-discovery remain underdeveloped. The result is a season that feels more like a glitch in the system than an evolution of the series. For those invested in the characters, Mismatched still offers moments of warmth and nostalgia, but the lack of development and cohesion makes this third season feel like a missed opportunity.
