For many EHS students, the most anticipated day of the year was September 16: the date the final episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty aired. And that day, throughout Edison High, you could hear whispers of people that had been skipping spoilers all day talking about Belly and Conrad and which brother would get the final rose from Belly—or, more importantly, how it was definitely going to be Conrad.
That night, there were mixed reviews on what had happened and how the story had developed. Many fans of the show felt that the episode was empty and rushed, disappointed that the wedding promised in the books was never realized. Others felt that Belly and Conrad’s love was too focused on Susannah, rather than on Belly and Conrad. Luckily, a new sequel movie was announced, which I predict will be all about Belly and Conrad’s wedding and life afterward.
I definitely defend the finale, just like I defended Conrad since Season 1, which I’m sure we know was more difficult than defending Season 3 Conrad. I would even say that if we did get a wedding in the last episode, it would have been rushed, and having over eleven episodes would drag the series out.
With just five minutes left to watch, Belly runs to catch Conrad on the train before he leaves for Brussels. That is very them. It is very Conrad and Belly to be spontaneous and be sad before happy. The show is about their spontaneous love, from the very moment in Season 1 when Conrad stepped in for an absent Jeremiah at the debutante ball and confessed to Belly. And I’m sure we know that with Belly and Conrad, things get depressing before the ultimate happy ending.
This is exactly why the last episode was so perfect for them. They were happy, then everybody got depressed, like usual, and Belly kept us wondering if she was going to pick him or herself, until she finally chose him. The ending tied together what their relationship is, and how, no matter what, they will keep coming back to one another because their love for one another is strong enough to withstand anything.
Not only was the content of the season good, but the quality of the production contributed to the ending we were waiting for. The low, romantic lighting of the restaurant Belly and Conrad were in for her birthday suggested rekindled feelings between them, indicating that they may be endgame. The music made their scenes more romantic, and the final slow burn made the anticipated ending exhilarating.
But the last episode was not only good for Conrad—every character got a satisfying ending to their arc. Taylor and Steven finally got together after seasons of back-and-forth drama; Jeremiah matured and found a girlfriend not in love with his brother; and all underlying problems were resolved, easing tension in the group. Most importantly, Conrad and Belly ended up together at last.
Because in the end, he will always be the boy who taught her how to ride a bike.
