Summer romances create tangled web of relationship intrigue, drama

Previously, on The Summer I Turned Pretty, Belly Conklin shared a beach-filled summer at Cousins, the small town where Belly spent the annual break in. What started as childhood friendship, soon blossomed into the love triangle of the summer starring Conklin (Lola Tung), and brothers Jeremiah (Gavin Casalengno, Vampire Diaries) and Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney, Daliland). Now, as the summer has come to a close, viewers get to see how the cold grip of cancer collapses the once family of friends. 

First revealed in Season 1, Susanah’s (Rachel Blanchard, Psych) battle with cancer comes to an end, resulting in a changed dynamic for Conrad and Belly’s powerful bond. As common sense gets befuddled by grief, the power couple dismantles, leaving a burning pile of their once beautiful relationship. As the group needs each other most, they disperse, making closure nearly impossible and heightening tensions within the group. But, in a sudden turn of events, Jeremiah calls Belly to help search for the now lost Conrad, as they cannot find him at his college. As viewers take on the wild ride searching for the lost boy, it is revealed that a previously unmentioned Aunt Julia (Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer) has plans in action to sell the beloved beach house. This brings along a new member of the family: Skye (Elsie Fisher, Despicable Me), Aunt Julia's only child, who diversifies the cast by being openly non-binary. Following a journey of family bonding and understanding, the team, with new recruits, Skye and Cam Cameron (David Lacono, Joker), a love interest turned close friend, save the beach house from the hands of buyers. But of course, the season can't end on a happy note. Belly simply must continue to date the boys as foretold by Susanah in season one, resulting in more battles between the brothers for the love of Belly Conklin. 

Perhaps even more controversial than Belly choosing Jeremiah at the end of season two is Skye. Fans have very mixed emotions on Skye’s overall character. Although it's nice to have non-binary representation in the media, many fans dislike their character, calling them lackluster and annoying. This hatred is because of their unique personality, always having the need to claim to be not like others and telling people about it. Unlike many parts of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the fandom is mostly unanimous on its dislike of Skye. 

In contrast, the rivalry between team Jeremiah and team Conrad fans continues, especially with the twist ending of the season. Now the fandom is on edge, divided by Jeremiah and Belly’s relationship. Conrad fans claim that it’s destined to fail because the relationship is superficial. But this is not as it may seem, although the two have not had obvious feelings for each other as long as Belly and Conrad, maybe that is for the best. As previously mentioned in season one, Belly believes and feels as though she needs to date one of the boys because of the time shared with each other in childhood. This caused unnecessary pressure on Belly and Conrad’s previous relationship at the end of season one, and contributed to their break up. This new love between Belly and Jeremiah is much healthier for a relationship. It’s not as deep and profound as Conrad and Belly’s relationship, but it’s more loving, which is what matters the most.

Amidst this controversy, The Summer I Turned Pretty fans have turned to Belly and the obvious toxic patterns Belly creates. Instead of finding any other person to date, Belly continues to go back to the boys. Belly has had many opportunities, such as in season one with Cam Cameron, to date people outside the Fisher family. But still, she chooses to destroy the close family friends. Especially during times of crisis for the once close knit family, breaking up with Conrad during his time of need. Not to mention continuing to ruin the brothers’ relationship when it was needed most. Because of this, many fans hope that the series will move from which brother will Belly date, to Bellys’ character development on becoming an overall better person in upcoming seasons. 

Quickly turning into a smash hit to last many summers from now, this new drama has struck the hearts of many, even making it onto the shelves of American Eagle, sparking disdain between “Team Conrad” and “Team Jeremiah” fans. But despite this, The Summer I Turned Pretty community will wait patiently for season three to see what happens next in the romantic drama. 

Rating; B

Summer proves an entertaining watch; however, the dialogue is sometimes annoying and the acting occasionally mediocre.

by Delaney Smith

Published October 2 2023

Oshkosh West Index Volume 120 Issue I