“The Summer I Turned Pretty” Season 2 has fans in a chokehold and rightfully so. The new batch of episodes are equally as emotionally charged as in Season 1. However, there are so many big differences that have turned up the heat and raised the stakes for fan-favorite characters Belly (Lola Tung), Conrad (Christopher Briney), and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). So, how has the show changed its dynamic?
(Warning spoilers for Seasons 1 and 2 of “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”)
During Season 1 of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” fans are introduced to Belly, her brother Steven, and their close family friends Jeremiah and Conrad. They also get to see the sweet relationship between the siblings’ mothers, Laurel and Suzannah. The moms are front and center and their story was woven through the fabric of the episodes. Laurel is navigating life after divorce, while Suzannah deals with her cancer diagnosis and her failed marriage.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 is made better by the lack of adult supervision
All the while, fans watched Belly eager to find out if she and Conrad would get together, and where Jeremiah stood in the situation. The will they or won’t they between Belly and the Fisher boys created intriguing drama. However, in Season 2 we know they would, they did, and they will. That’s right, Belly has strong feelings for both brothers and Season 2 has made it perfectly clear that she’s more conflicted than ever.
The stakes are higher as Belly now has a romantic past with Conrad and Jeremiah. An incredibly romantic flashback scene even revealed that Belly and Conrad got intimate at the Cousins beach house during a winter getaway. (Cue Taylor Swift’s “Back to December.) However, Jeremiah has come back in a strong way, showing Belly that he’s ready to put her first and really playing on the fact that she finds him attractive and nearly irresistible. Some fans are all for it, wanting Belly to choose Jeremiah as her endgame.
All of this drama and tension is escalated by the fact that there is a real lack of adult supervision for the teens in Season 2. Suzannah has tragically died, Laurel is busy trying to deal with her grief and cultivate her writing career, and the kids’ dads are mostly M.I.A. per usual. This has left Belly and company to fend for themselves, albeit they’ve had to deal with Suzannah’s sister, played by Kyra Sedgwick.
The Summer I Turned Pretty supporting characters are raising the stakes led by Taylor and Steven
In addition to “The Summer I Turned Pretty” raising the stakes with the lack of adults and focus on the teens, the show has also given fans more in-depth storytelling when it comes to the supporting characters. Belly’s best friend Taylor is finally getting her time to shine as she’s been at the center of plenty of the drama and romance with her hilarious, yet relatable romance with Milo, as well as her growing feelings for Steven. (Yes, we screamed when they finally admitted their feelings for each other!)
Of course, the other supporting characters are also having some main-character moments. Cam Cameron, with his sweet golden retriever boyfriend vibes, is a look at a vulnerable and shy young man who seems in tune with his feelings and not ashamed to be the sensitive guy in the group. Meanwhile, Jeremiah and Conrad’s cousin Skye is also making their mark on the show, complete with a budding romantic storyline with Cam.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 storylines are heavy and emotional
Sadly, the heavy emotional conflicts that the characters are dealing with also make for more layers to the story. Suzannah’s death has hit the core four characters hard, and the looming loss of their beach house has them all feeling nostalgic. In addition, the ins and outs of growing up, finding yourself, and navigating the ups and downs of life will have viewers of all ages in their feels.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty, season 2 has been better than 1,” one fan said of the show. “I was so scared of Season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty being horrible but I honestly think I like it better,” another commented. “Never thought season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty would be better than the first, but here I am admitting I was wrong,” another agreed.
The tension in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Season 2 is too good, and while Season 1 was all about the story setup and Belly’s relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah, the sophomore season feels more raw and emotional and honestly fans can’t get enough.
Image Credits: YouTube, Amazon Prime Studios, YouTube.
Emma Taylor 
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Joshua Dale