The Amazon Prime series The Summer I Turned Pretty has been taking over the internet this summer. Every Wednesday, fans sit down and focus to see what Belly, the main character, will do next. The biggest question is left hanging in the air: Will she choose Conrad, the older brother who has forever loved her, or Jeremiah, the younger brother who swept her off her feet but has made some bad choices?
At the start of Season 3, Belly is engaged to Jeremiah. On the surface, they seem happy, but fault lines soon develop. In Episode 8, entitled “Last Kiss,” it all falls apart when Conrad admits he is still in love with Belly. Jeremiah also learns the truth about a lost letter from their recently departed mother, which further destabilizes his trust. The episode ends in heartbreak at the airport where Belly tearfully walks away from both brothers.
Some students at ILS say drama is exactly what makes the show so addictive.
“I was shocked when Belly walked away at the airport. I thought she was finally going to pick someone, but now I feel like she doesn’t even know what she wants,” said sophomore and SALTT member Ivanna Penalver.
This week’s Episode 9 offers a huge change of scenery. Belly interns in Paris for the summer, a world away from Cousins Beach and the drama of the Fisher family. She’s on her own for the first time, learning to prioritize herself instead of whom she’s dating. Conrad’s letters continue to have a strong influence on her, though, reminding audiences that her story with him is very much not done.
Fans have not been holding back with their opinions. On TikTok, many say they have officially switched to Team Conrad after watching Jeremiah’s mistakes play out on screen. Others say Belly and Jeremiah have better chemistry.
Students have opinions of their own, too.
Even the actors have put in their thoughts about all the fan theories. Christopher Briney, who plays Conrad, called the rivalry between the brothers “brutal but still full of love.” Jackie Chung, who plays Belly’s mom Laurel, said that she is “Team Belly,” in the sense that she wants Belly to focus on herself before she makes any big romantic decisions.
Others agree with that statement, saying Belly’s independence might be more significant than the person she ultimately ends up with.
“Honestly, I think Belly is the real problem. She keeps going back and forth between Conrad and Jeremiah, and it’s not fair to either of them,” said sophomore, SALTT member, and cheerleader, Brianna Puglisi.
With only two episodes left this season, viewers are anxious to see how everything wraps up. Does Belly pick Conrad, Jeremiah, or neither of them? The season finale comes out September 17, and until then, the debate continues.
