The world of 'Off Campus' is a captivating one, and the character of Dean Di Laurentis, brought to life by Stephen Kalyn, is a key part of its allure. Dean, the free-spirited hockey player and best friend to the show's leading man, Garrett Graham, has quickly become a fan favorite. But there's more to Dean than meets the eye, and his journey in the sixth episode, where he finds himself caught between his carefree lifestyle and a budding romance with Allie Hayes, is a testament to that.
Kalyn's portrayal of Dean is a study in contrast. On the surface, Dean is all about having a good time, as evidenced by his line, 'I’m Six Flags, baby. Everybody wants a ride. They come for a good time, not a long time.' But beneath this carefree exterior lies a man who, as Kalyn points out, is just doing what he wants. It's this duality that makes Dean such an intriguing character.
The actor's interpretation of Dean's character development is particularly fascinating. As Dean begins to develop feelings for Allie, he finds himself in uncharted territory. Kalyn explains, 'To catch feelings for Allie was an interesting turning point too for me. I learned a lot of things about him through that process of him meeting somebody that he genuinely [likes].' This transformation from a man who always gets what he wants to a man who is genuinely interested in someone else is a powerful one.
The relationship between Dean and Allie is a central theme in the show, and it's a relationship that challenges Dean in ways he's not used to. As Kalyn notes, 'Dean always gets what he wants, but Allie puts him in his place. He doesn’t quite understand that, but he’s attracted to it.' This dynamic is a key part of Dean's character development, and it's what makes his journey so compelling.
The show's intention to follow the Bridgerton model of rotating main characters each season is an interesting one, and it's a strategy that could keep the audience engaged. Kalyn, along with his co-stars Antonio Cipriano, Jalen Thomas Brooks, and Ella Bright, are aware that their time in the spotlight is limited, but they're grateful for the opportunity to learn from their talented co-stars.
The 'Off Campus' book series, which began with 'The Deal', follows a new couple in each book, and the show plans to keep this model. The first season, which focuses on the fake dating trope, has already captured the hearts of many. The show's creators, Louisa Levy and Gina Fattore, along with executive producers Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, and James Seidman, have crafted a series that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
As the show continues to stream on Prime Video, fans will no doubt be eager to see where the story goes next. The relationship between Dean and Allie, and the challenges they face, will no doubt continue to be a central focus, and it will be fascinating to see how Kalyn and the rest of the cast continue to bring these characters to life.
