In Defense of Dean: Why We Need to Cut This Gilmore Guy a Break

Dean Forester. His name inspires many feelings among Gilmore Girls devotees, and not all of them are positive. He's a polarizing figure in the community, once beloved as Rory's high school boyfriend, but the fans were divided with the introduction of Jess. Dean and Rory became a thing of the past, and gone was his Golden Boy status. Opinions fell even further when Rory briefly returned to Stars Hollow and had an affair with the then-married Dean. I can't defend all of his actions, nor the fact that some people find him boring, but I will argue that Dean is a significant, vital part of Rory's life. Without him, she wouldn't be the person she is. I don't necessarily think she should end up with him on Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, but let's, as a people, make peace with Dean. After all, without Dean, would we even have Jared Padalecki as Supernatural's Sam? Think about that.

01
He and Rory Teach Each Other How to Be in a Relationship
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He and Rory Teach Each Other How to Be in a Relationship

Dean is Rory's first boyfriend, and so much of their relationship is a learning experience. They learn how to communicate, how to fight, how to, well, you know. He will always own that special place in her heart.

02
They Just Make Sense Together
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They Just Make Sense Together

Their love story is a classic tale of girl meets boy. Because they're both from Stars Hollow (unless you count Dean's childhood in Chicago), they understand each other in a way that no one else can.

03
He's Polite
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He's Polite

Who asks someone if they can kiss them? Dean may not be as intellectual as Jess or sophisticated as Logan, but his mamma raised him right.

04
He's Helpful
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He's Helpful

Jared Padalecki is 6'4", so not only can he haul a box, but he can reach all the top shelves.

05
He's Willing to Learn the Gilmore Ways
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He's Willing to Learn the Gilmore Ways

Again, while Dean initially isn't cultured in the same way Rory is, he's willing to learn about all her interests.

06
He Has a Damn Job
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He Has a Damn Job

Was I the only one impressed with the fact that Dean is a working boy? He rocks that Doose's apron like it's his job. Also, it's his job.

07
He Wears His Feelings on His Sleeve
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He Wears His Feelings on His Sleeve

Dean feels things on a very deep level. Love and hurt both take huge tolls on him, and he loves Rory with his whole heart. Jess shuts down when he's upset and Logan takes out his frustrations with whiskey and daredevil-style stunts, but Dean just wants to talk about his feelings, and there's something really special about that.

08
He Can Be Just as Cool as Jess
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He Can Be Just as Cool as Jess

Come on, look at that leather jacket. And the hair! So badass.

09
Her Family Likes Him (in the Beginning)
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Her Family Likes Him (in the Beginning)

OK, think of First Wave Dean, when he's not married and he and Rory are just high school sweethearts and everything is good. Lorelai likes him, he gets along with her grandparents, everything is golden!

10
He's There For Her — Always
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He's There For Her — Always

No matter what, Rory has always been able to come back to Dean and cry on his shoulder. Whether it's healthy or not, he'll always have a torch burning for her.

11
They Have Undeniable Chemistry
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They Have Undeniable Chemistry

Seriously. Look. LOOK.

12
We All Make Mistakes in Our Youth
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We All Make Mistakes in Our Youth

Dean isn't perfect, and neither is his relationship with Rory. He's impulsive and argumentative. He makes some terribly destructive choices. But he's a baby! He's so young when he meets Rory, he gets married in season four, and he doesn't have any time to grow up. There's a good chance we'll see a completely different Dean in the new episodes.

13
Finally, They're Just Damn Cute Together
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Finally, They're Just Damn Cute Together

Rory and Dean. It just sounds good, doesn't it?

#TeamDean
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#TeamDean