They Actually Got It Right: Why I Loved Off Campus
From the fake-dating chemistry to the smart script changes, how Prime Video did the books justice.
Now this was the most hyped I have been for a new tv series in a long time. As someone who is obsessed with the Off Campus books, Elle Kennedy and Garrett Graham, I was begging the universe for this show to be good. And honey, it did not disappoint. Honestly, I was shocked how much I liked it even after all the changes they made. I could probably talk about this show for hours but let’s dive into the main items I loved about this adaptation. As always, SPOILERS ahead.
Number #1 — The ensemble cast
We knew the main focus of season one was going to be Hannah and Garrett as The Deal is the first book in the series but I loved that all the other characters still got some amazing screen time. Doing this really helped capture the college friend group vibe. Plus that is the magic of these books! Even though each book focuses on one couple all the previous couples and characters always appear and are there for each other.
I also love that the showrunner, Louisa Levy, already confirmed that while season two will focus on Allie and Dean, Hannah and Garrett are not going anywhere and will have an equal part in the story. No more following the Bridgerton model where the happy couple disappears, never to be heard from again.
Number #2 — The respectful boys
Obviously one of the reasons the Off Campus books are so popular is because the men in them are written so beautifully and are every girl’s dream. They are kind, respectful, and don’t have an ounce of toxic masculinity which is beyond sexy. Garrett saying he would only look at Hannah naked when she wanted him to,, Logan noting that the “closed cans are safer”, Dean’s prep talk to Garrett about how trust and consent are key to making a girl feel safe in the bedroom, and Tucker being the mother hen of the group cooking for everyone. It’s genuinely so refreshing to see a group of boys act this way and I really hope guys will watch the show and take note.
Plus let’s see more of this going forward and no more Chuck Basses please.
Number #3 — Allie knowing Hannah’s secret without her saying a word
This whole scene made me tear up. Hannah obviously was scared to share this secret with anyone and made up a lie that it was her friend that got drugged and raped in high school. When she finally felt comfortable enough to tell Allie the truth, Allie tells her that she always knew it was about her and not a friend but she was just waiting for Hannah to tell her in her own time. Like come on, that is peak girl friendship and everyone needs an Allie.
Number #4 — The change to the campus wide hands off law
I’m going to be honest, I am one of the ones that LOVE this scene in the book. I know it is problematic but I love a “if I can’t have her, know one can” moment sometimes. Sue me.
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However, I love how they handled this in the show. Instead of Garrett directly making the campus wide hands off law, it is an accidental thing that the hockey team spreads around. When Hannah confronts him, he tells her he would never do that and she can be with whoever she wants. Then, she even goes back to the dorm and tells Allie she is a bit sad Garrett doesn’t care if she hooks up with someone else. To which Allie responds, “well that would be problematic if he did.” Like, way to call us all out but also explain exactly why the change was made.
Number #5 — Hannah’s call with her mom
Okay, this one actually made me cry. In the book, Hannah’s parents are very supportive of her but I loved how they expanded on that in the show. Hannah calling her mom and crying about how she thinks she ruined their life and her mom just calmly telling her “she was just a young girl who had a drink at a party, It is not her fault.” Excuse me while I go clean up my puddle of tears.
Number #6 — Allie and Dean
This one I was surprised by! Dean and Allie’s book is number 3, so I was not expecting them to get together so soon, but I loved it. The JLo dance, the reveal of her in Dean’s bedroom on Thanksgiving, them sneaking around, the U & UR hand moment at Malone’s, it was all so good. Honestly, I did not love Allie and Dean in the books but the show really changed my mind. The 2 actors had such great chemistry and I am so excited for them to lead season 2.
Number #7 — The subtle hints to the other books
The mention of Grace Ivers at the fundraiser at Malone’s? Tucker taking care of a fruit “baby” as a hazing ritual from Beau? Summer Dilaurnetis being mentioned? Amazing. Louisa Levy must be a huge fan of the books or she did her freaking research because those breadcrumbs were everything to us book fans.
Number #8 — Hunter Fucking Davenport!!!!
And let’s not forget the biggest reveal of all, HUNTER DAVENPORT!!! Now, if you did not read the books, I feel like this was probably not a big deal. But if you love all the books in Off Campus and Briar U, this is HUGE. When the show was initially announced, we had no clue if the Briar U characters would be a part of the show. I think there was a general hope that maybe if the show did well and got multiple seasons, that eventually Briar U would be adapted.
So, finding out in the last episode that not only did Allie sleep with another guy, but that guy is actually Hunter Davenport??1?!?! Incredible. 100/10. No notes. Best cliffhanger I have ever seen. I am not even mad that they changed Hunter from being Dean’s protege to his rival. I am now just excited to see how this all plays out. Plus I feel like this means we have to be getting Summer and Fitz too.
Closing Thoughts
Genuinely, I could not love this show more. It was one of the best book adaptations I have seen in a while and I am so excited they already got renewed for season 2. Here’s to hoping for season 3, 4, 5, 6 and so on.
