Mismatched Season 3 review: Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli's series glitches again with a time leap that fails to jump to new heights

Mismatched Season 3 attempts to weave a story of tech dreams and love but falters with toxic dynamics and too many narrative flaws.

Mismatched Season 3 review

Mismatched Season 2

Mismatched Season 3 story:

In order to embark on the next chapter of their relationship, Rishi (Rohit Saraf) and Dimple (Prajakta Koli) have moved from the Aravali Institute to a new campus in Hyderabad. In this tech-infused love story, the protagonists face their aspirations and the challenges of maintaining a relationship while delving into the concept of leading a dual life. Meanwhile, at the virtual reality lab Betterverse rivals Anmol (Taaruk Raina) and Rishi end up working together. Krish (Abhinav Sharma) keeps finding his footing, and a new persona named Rith (Lauren Robinson) tries to make it big in this virtual world with the help of Celina (Muskkaan Jaferi). This new beginning for Sid sir (Rannvijay Singha) and Zeenat (Vidya Malavade) is symbolic of the different "worlds" that the group encounters throughout Mismatched.

Mismatched Season 3 review:

Mismatched is a series that screams YA and has been doing it at the top of its voice since its inception. Now, the show has come back after two years with its third season, and the story has taken a three-year leap. But what has changed in three years, and does it make the two-year wait worthwhile? Let's find out...

ALSO READ: Mismatched Season 3 out on Dec 13: What to expect from Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf's series? 

We learn that Rishi and Dimple are in a long-distance relationship three years later. Dimple is dejected and unable to handle the rejection she faced after not being selected at NNIT, which is headed by Nandini (Dipannita Sharma), while Rishi is thriving at the institution in Hyderabad. I initially wanted to understand the institution's complex and arbitrary system. Anyway...

Meanwhile, after three years of waiting and things remaining unchanged, Dimple finally gives it a chance and travels to Hyderabad to join the institution headed by Sid Sir (Rannvijay Singha). The long-distance is finally over, and the lovebirds who have an eternal toxic relationship have reunited. Mismatched explores the story of a couple who find themselves compelled to be together due to both their circumstances and personal desires.

However, when the show features an excessive number of characters who constantly rationalise the actions of teenagers through self-victimisation, it becomes evident that the situation is unsustainable.

From Jaipur to Hyderabad, places have changed, but have people changed? Oh, no way! In a world where AI and the virtual world are vying for control over people's lives, the series provides a small window of opportunity for the real world to improve. Every now and then, there's constant discussion of how there's going to be a "Betterverse"—the technology they are creating from their institution. 

Despite your best efforts to comprehend it, it's advisable to avoid consuming Mismatched, as the writers didn't put much effort into it. It's a team of five writers this time: Gazal Dhaliwal, Aarsh Vora, Sunayana Kumari, Nandini Gupta, and Akshay Jhunjhunwala. Dhaliwal has been a constant since the first season, but this time, the story has stretched so much that even the introduction of new characters doesn't bring any freshness.

Finally, Anmol (Raina) presents a love story, with Vinny (Ahsaas Channa) serving as its protagonist. Their storyline is emblematic of the broader issues plaguing the season. The show reduces what could have been a nuanced exploration of love, vulnerability, and healing post-trauma to a superficial arc with no real payoff. On the other hand, Celina (Jaferi) juggles between Krish (Sharma) and Ritika, aka Rith (Robinson), but nothing fruitful comes out of it.

Robinson's transitional character, Rith, presents a distinctive viewpoint. However, transcending reality and finding solace in the virtual world is impossible, and delving too deeply into it creates an antagonistic character who doesn't deserve it.

The biggest disappointment lies in how the characters, despite a three-year time jump, show minimal growth. Although Dimple's struggles with rejection and self-worth are relatable, her toxic dynamic with Rishi overshadows them. Their constant push-and-pull relationship, though central to the story, begins to feel repetitive and emotionally exhausting. 

One of Mismatched Season 3's recurring issues is its inability to anchor the sprawling storylines. The series juggles multiple themes—long-distance relationships, personal insecurities, the pressure to succeed, and the rise of AI—without providing any of them the depth or resolution they deserve. 

Rishi and Dimple’s love story, which has always been the series' emotional core, feels like it’s running on fumes. Their constant cycle of conflicts, misunderstandings, and reconciliations has become predictable. Instead of addressing their inherent incompatibilities head-on, the show keeps pulling them back together in a more convenient way than organic. The introduction of new challenges had the potential to add complexity (again, not something a series like Mismatched needs would typically do), but it ended up being more of the same.

Sid Sir and Zeenat, once a grounding presence in the chaos of teenage emotions, now seems reduced to symbolic figures rather than active participants in the story. Their subplot is heartwarming but feels like an afterthought amidst the overly ambitious narrative. 

The dialogue often feels juvenile, and the pacing is inconsistent, making the series feel stretched. The "Betterverse" subplot, which could have been a fascinating commentary on the intersection of technology and relationships, becomes an overcomplicated distraction. Unfortunately, the show treats it as an aesthetic rather than a narrative driver, with vague explanations and inconsistent stakes. 

Given that the show revolves around the realm of coding, AI, and technology, I believe the script occasionally delves deeper into this subject matter, rather than focusing solely on the characters' emotional states.

Mismatched is a mismatched attempt at growth that leaves its audience longing for the sincerity and charm of its earlier seasons, which were also quite limited.

Mismatched Season 3 verdict:

Mismatched Season 3 tries to code a new narrative but ends up with too many bugs in the system. While it attempts to reboot its story with a time leap and fresh themes, it fails to debug the repetitive toxic dynamics and disconnected subplots.

ALSO READ: Mismatched Season 3 trailer OUT: Prajakta Koli's Dimple and Rohit Saraf's Rishi explore love, tech, and the tough side of growing up 

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