The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 2 Finale), Episode 8: The summer is ending, and with it, our favorite guilty pleasure is also ready to say ‘Goodbye’ to us. Belly is finally taking her last step towards the love she deserves, and we are all for it.
Hereby diving into this season one last time:
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 2 Finale), Episode 8 “Love Triangle” Recap:
The episode starts with Belly openly admitting that her affection for Conrad has changed, while her sentiments have gravitated towards Jeremiah. Despite Conrad’s claim that her kiss with his brother was meant to incite jealousy, the undeniable reality is that Conrad’s attempt, known as “Plan Belly,” to reignite their bond is immediately foiled when he observes her embracing Jeremiah. In keeping with Conrad’s characteristic demeanour, he resorts to falsehoods about his emotions, conveying that he no longer desires her.
Even with these words spoken to her, Conrad doesn’t facilitate their situation. During their journey back from Brown, Conrad persistently teases the pair regarding Belly’s susceptibility to motion sickness and her appearance in his sweatshirt, aiming to assert his superior understanding of her and his status as the one she truly desires. He crosses boundaries by inquiring about their comparative kissing experiences, striving to position himself as her most deserving romantic prospect.
For Belly to proceed with her relationship with Jeremiah, he requests an open conversation between Conrad, Belly, and himself about the prevailing unexpressed sentiments Conrad holds. Jeremiah, well aware of the past dynamics, shares my certainty that if Conrad musters the bravery to honestly address his emotions, Belly would swiftly gravitate back to him. This time, Jeremiah is resolved not to anticipate events.
As fate would have it, a formidable storm strikes, marooning the trio during their journey and compelling them to share a solitary motel room. Belly claims the bed, flanked by one brother on each side of the floor, enveloped in the perplexing circumstances she finds herself in. Then, amidst the midnight hours, Conrad unburdens himself. He gently revisits his prior words, assuring her that an immediate response is unnecessary. His sole intention is to ensure she comprehends his sentiments.
The following morning, Belly rises early, likely due to the challenge of sleeping after such a revelation. Upon exiting the bathroom, she finds Jeremiah absent, which initially causes distress. However, he promptly returns with breakfast in hand, dispelling her concerns. Before she can respond, he assures her that regardless of her decision, he’s committed to avoiding a repeat of the previous summer’s ghosting. His primary concern now is her happiness. Instead of words, she seals the moment with a kiss, accompanied by Beyoncé’s “XO.”
A still from The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Finale, Episode 8.When Belly approaches Conrad to share the news, he preemptively speaks, retracting everything he disclosed the previous night. Clearly, it’s a defense mechanism, one his mom cautioned Belly about in a flashback where Susannah urged her to be patient with him (the scene underscored by Taylor Swift’s “Bigger Than the Whole Sky”). He attempts to return the infinity necklace symbolizing their relationship, gently placing it in her hand as he suggests that this conclusion feels distinct from their previous stops and starts. Another Taylor Swift tune, “Exile,” plays (seriously, how extensive is this show’s music budget?!) while Belly’s voiceover declares her decision to remove him from her heart.
Entering the room, Jeremiah is met with Conrad’s determined facade. Conrad, putting on a show of courage, proposes the idea of friendship and mentions their upcoming meeting on July 4, just before he departs for the Cousins’ beach house via bus. Yet, the instant he steps beyond the threshold, he halts, descending against the wall, tears held at bay as he finally permits his emotions to surface.
Our newly favored couple, Steven and Taylor, also encounter a brief rough patch. Back in the realm of reality, Steven arrives with roses at a group gathering, but Taylor remains aloof. Her friends reveal that her ex, Milo, has released a disparaging album aimed at Steven. Taylor ditches their plans the subsequent evening and somewhat fades from communication with Steven, who seethes while enduring the songs directed his way.
However, he’s not ready to surrender without a fight. He takes a drive to Taylor’s place just before her departure for volleyball camp, and at last, she confesses her apprehension about the depth of her feelings for him. Vulnerability isn’t her strong suit, especially considering Steven is on the brink of starting college. Yet, he offers reassurance, expressing his genuine fondness for her, and they reconcile. Sincerity on his part is paramount, or season three might bring about complications.
Laurel, too, enjoys her moment in the spotlight. Encouraged by her flame Cleveland, she reluctantly attends a writer’s meetup in Brooklyn. Anxious about being overshadowed by urba authors, she surprisingly connects with another attendee who admires her work. Stepping out of her comfort zone, she takes a leap by sharing a passage from her memoir detailing her experiences with Susannah.
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 2 Finale), Episode 8 “Love Triangle” Ending, Explained:
As the season draws to a close, Belly’s journey takes her to volleyball camp, where she pleads for a fresh opportunity to rejoin the team. The Coach eventually relents, swayed by the collective plea of the entire team. At long last, we witness Belly’s remarkable prowess on the court. Casting a glance towards the stands, she spots Jeremiah, and her inner monologue concedes that this unforeseen path is not the future she had envisioned.
Well what holds in the future will only be revealed if the series is renewed for a 3rd season and we get to follow our favourite trio and their misadventures in love, life and love lives.
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The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 2 Finale), Episode 8 Links: IMDb, Wikipedia, Rotten Tomatoes
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 2 FInale), Episode 8 Cast: Lola Tung, Jackie Chung, Rachel Blanchard, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Sean Kaufman, Alfredo Narciso, Minnie Mills, Colin Ferguson
Where to watch The Summer I Turned Pretty
