In Netflix’s Dear White People, Sam (Logan Browning) and Gabe (John Patrick Amedori) have had quite a turbulent history despite being positioned as the series’ most endearing romantic couple. Gabe, a teaching assistant in the film department at Winchester University, fell in love with Sam as she enrolled in the same degree. However, as much as their interracial relationship seemed like it’d educate on rising racial tensions at the institution, it created envy, leading to a major fracture point in their relationship.
Sam led the Black Student Union, which began inspiring and connecting with other marginalized groups on the predominantly white campus to stand against systematic racism. However, it took the student collective a while to warm to Gabe as Samantha (who’s half-white) always touted she’d only go for Black guys.
It made Gabe a bit uncomfortable and insecure, but in time, he was accepted for his genuine wokeness and the fact he even turned against his parents’ biased political views. Unfortunately, Reggie — someone forever in love with Sam — couldn’t stand him. Reggie felt betrayed, often taking potshots and reminding Gabe his white privilege and entitlement would never make him one of them.
It came to a head when a fight broke out at a party over white folks singing derogatory terms in hip-hop, with someone calling the cops. Unfortunately, one cop became aggressive and pulled a gun on Reggie, leaving him with PTSD after the incident and reflecting real-world issues about police brutality against Black teens.
It made Reggie withdraw, with Sam eventually meeting him and breaking his walls down. He admitted how hurt he was by Sam leading him on time and time again. So, out of guilt for emotionally abandoning him that night, Sam slept with Reggie. She didn’t want to leave him alone, even ignoring the protest she arranged at a football game where Gabe and the crew were left trying to buzz the duo. It was an odd emotional coping mechanism, but it was Reggie’s dream come true.
Gabe became suspicious thereafter as he realized Sam was too awkward around Reggie after their one-night stand. It’d lead to jealous arguments with Sam and Gabe. While the truth came out about the cheating, they said “I love you” to each other. However, before clarity could be gained, another bombshell dropped.
A 911 recording was released, confirming Gabe called campus security at the party because he didn’t want the incident to escalate. This angered Sam and pushed the entire collective away as they felt he overreacted, not getting how white cops could treat Black students. Everyone, except Reggie, forgave Gabe. Still, when Sam approached about reconciliation, it was too little, too late. He’d never let his friends ostracize her like that and feeling like a token pawn in Sam’s social justice movement, Gabe decided it was best to part ways in a heartbreaking Season 1 finale of Dear White People.
Season 4 of Dear White People premieres Sept. 22 on Netflix.
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