The new Netflix series, Mindy Kaling, follows high schooler, Devi, trying to navigate her family and school life after tragedy strikes. Kaling has again created engaging storylines and characters throughout this new series.
One of those characters is the high school popular and attractive Paxton, who Devi is infatuated with. Paxton goes back and forth between being a nice guy and a complete jerk. He seems to switch back and forth a lot and hopefully, the show will continue to delve into his backstory so his actions might be explained more. Let's revisit some of the times throughout Season 1 where Paxton was a jerk or a nice guy.
Jerk: Initially Only Wanting To Have Sex With Devi
Devi rambles and then nervously asks Paxton if he wants to have sex because she doesn't think he'd actually want to be in a relationship with her. Although she's the one that brings it up he doesn't say anything until she brings up sex, and even then he only says a few words as he agrees. Devi has to bring it up again to him, and he actually forgets they had the conversation.
Nice: Being There For His Sister
Paxton apologizes to Devi for getting angry with her when he finds that Devi is talking with his sister Rebecca. He had assumed Devi is making fun of his sister and opens up he has always been protective of her since she was adopted. It's a sweet stereotypical older brother moment that gives Paxton a softer side.
Jerk: Asking Devi To Be Project Partners To Get A Good Grade
Devi is so excited when Paxton suggests that she be in the same group as him and his friend. She wonders if he likes her and maybe there's a future relationship with him after all.
But her dreams are immediately crushed when she overhears Paxton telling his friend they'll get a good grade because she's so smart. Paxton has to know by now that Devi likes him and only asking her to be around him for a good grade is manipulative and a jerk move.
Nice: Taking Devi To The Hospital
After Devi is attacked by a coyote at a house party, Paxton quickly jumps into action to get her to the hospital immediately. Everyone else at the party is shocked and not sure what to do and no one else tries to help her. Paxton makes sure she is okay and stays with her at the hospital until her mother shows up.
Jerk: Going To Devi And Being Confused When She's Not There
In general, Paxton never tells Devi he likes her, and yet when he goes to her place and she's not there he's upset. It seems like he wants her as a second option, while he flirts with other girls at school, and thinks that she'll wait for him because she's so infatuated. Him assuming that she's just waiting around for him instead of having her own schedule and things to do, like spreading her father's ashes, is a jerk mindset.
Nice: Not Telling Everyone Devi's Lie
When Paxton learns that Devi has been lying about their relationship and telling people they have had sex he's understandably upset. Although he's upset with her he doesn't let his anger get to him and lets the rumor die down by not responding to it.
Devi hides out in school and is horrified when people start spreading the lie that she and Paxton had sex, but when she realizes that he didn't tell anyone that she lied and no one seems to know about the lie due to his lack of reaction to the rumor.
Jerk: Too Aloof With Devi
The audience hasn't seen much of Paxton's character and he didn't have an episode dedicated to his backstory, as Ben Gross did, so maybe there's a reason why he is so aloof with his emotions. It's frustrating that he never clearly tells Devi what he thinks about her and how he feels about their relationship.
Maybe this is just how a cool high schooler acts, but it would be nice if he would be clear with her because she is obviously infatuated with him. Hopefully, Season 2 will delve deeper into his character's backstory.
Nice: Telling Devi Not To Care What Other People Think
Devi constantly speaks down about herself and cares too much about what others think of her. When she starts spiraling again, Paxton tries to reassure her and tells her not to care about what other people think.
Hearing this from a popular guy she really likes will probably help her to not be so hung up on what other people think.
Jerk: Not Really Caring About Devi
Again, maybe it's because Paxton isn't comfortable with sharing his feelings or he hasn't found the right time, but it doesn't seem that he really cares about Devi. He's done some nice things and has shown that he can be dependable in a crisis, but it's too hot and cold to fully depend on him or say that he cares for her like he should if he were interested in a relationship.
Nice: Helping Devi Out Of The Pool And Driving Her Home
In the same vein as taking Devi to the hospital, when Devi falls into a pool at another party he gets her out quickly, lets her change into his dry clothes, and drives her home. Most people at the party are laughing at her or shocked and her friends Fabiola and Eleanor leave her because they're in the middle of a fight, but Paxton helps her.