‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Love Triangle: Conrad vs. Jeremiah

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a common coming-of-age story — and one which depicts what occurs when a lady finds herself caught between two brothers. 

The teen drama, which debuted in June 2022 and is predicated the e book sequence of the identical title, follows Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) as she navigates rising up — and determining her relationships with Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno). The three-book sequence options the siblings combating for Belly’s consideration, with Belly exploring her emotions for each boys earlier than making a ultimate choice within the third novel. 

While season 1 and season 2 of the Prime sequence — which premiered in July 2023 – loosely observe the narrative of the books, Casalegno revealed that Jenny Han, who wrote the novels and is showrunner of the TV adaptation, could select to vary how issues play out on display.

“I do feel like there’s a strong chance that that’s a possibility,” the actor completely informed Us Weekly, including that he doesn’t assume too laborious about what the way forward for his character appears like whereas filming. 

“I try to keep it as real as possible in that regard. Obviously, I know where he ends up going and what ends up happening. But I don’t emphasize … that. Because I think Jenny [Han] writes it so well that I’m able to kind of get there naturally without having to force it a certain direction,” Casalegno informed Us. “So even though I know where he is going, I try to play it day by day because that’s all we can do. [We can] just live in the moment and make the most of our time right.”

For Han, it was about taking a look at her personal novels by means of the eyes of her followers.

“I approached it like, what do I think are the most important elements of the story to keep? And what do the fans care the most about? I am able to pull from all the emails, letters, and comments I’ve seen over the years from fans, so that’s how we looked at this adaptation,” she informed Collider in June 2022. “What do the original fans care most about? And then, also for me, what’s going to be most like fun and exciting to explore?” 

As for the place Briney and Casalegno stand, they each have unwavering loyalty to their very own characters — it doesn’t matter what. “I’m Team Conrad, bro. I might be biased, but I have to be,” Briney informed J-14 in June 2022. Casalegno, in the meantime, admitted that it’s {that a} “tough situation” when selecting sides, however he would “have to be Team Jeremiah” on the finish of the day. 

Tung, nonetheless, has a distinct method to the scenario altogether — placing feminine empowerment above all else. “I will forever be Team Belly,” she informed the outlet on the time. “I believe in her finding herself and going on this journey.”

Keep scrolling for an entire breakdown of The Summer I Turned Pretty love triangle: 

Belly’s All Grown Up 

When Belly arrives at Cousins in the course of the pilot, each Conrad and Jeremiah are bowled over by how grown up she appears – and sparks instantly fly for each brothers. 

A New and Unexpected Tension

While Belly has a straightforward and light-hearted dynamic with Jeremiah, there’s a heaviness between her and Conrad within the first few episodes of season 1.

Skirting round how they actually really feel, the twosome find yourself displaying critical jealousy. Belly throws shade at Conrad’s girlfriend, Nicole, at a seashore bonfire, whereas Conrad teases Belly by displaying up on her date with Cam Cameron (David Iacono) on the drive-in movie show. Belly later explodes at Conrad, claiming he offers her a tough time about relationship as a result of he has emotions for her. 

Fireworks and a Close Call

Jeremiah reveals his personal jealous streak in season 1 episode 4 when he catches Belly and Conrad about to kiss on the deck and nearly shoots a firework at them. He later manipulates a scenario with Nicole by suggesting she invite Conrad to exit of city for a live performance — which would depart him alone with Belly. 

A Big Blowout

After their almost-kiss, Belly breaks up with Cam for Conrad. When Conrad nonetheless refuses to be together with her regardless of the actual fact he “thinks about” her usually, she decides to let him go and cease ready for him.  

A Surprise Confession

Realizing that Belly and Conrad aren’t going to be collectively, Jeremiah confesses his emotions to her and so they kiss within the pool throughout season 1 episode 5. They later play collectively in a volleyball match, however Conrad finally ends up subbing in for Jeremiah after they begin to lose. Seeing Conrad and Belly win their match and embrace, Jeremiah begins to marvel if Belly nonetheless has emotions for his brother. 

Picking a Disaster Date 

Belly decides to take Jeremiah to the summer time debutante ball as her date. However, he goes MIA when he finds out his mother, Susannah (Rachel Blanchard), has most cancers once more. Conrad takes his place in the course of the ultimate dance, reigniting sparks between himself and Belly. “I’m glad it was me,” he tells her afterward. 

A Love Returns

Despite casually relationship Jeremiah, Belly and Conrad confess their emotions for one another within the ultimate scene of season 1. Conrad tells her that he “needs” and “wants” her and the pair lastly share a kiss.

Coming Clean

During the season 2 premiere, Belly tells Jeremiah she desires to be with Conrad. Angry, he warns her that Conrad will solely “break her heart.”  Belly decides that being with Conrad whereas Susannah is sick — and Jeremiah is so damage — will solely do extra injury. With summer time ending, they determine to take some area from one another. 

A Long-Distance Reconnection

Belly and Conrad begin speaking on the cellphone as “friends.” He ultimately reveals up at her home, telling her he might “never get over” her. 

An Invisible String Tied Together 

Belly and Conrad share an evening collectively in Cousins at Christmas within the second episode of season 2 and have intercourse for the primary time. 

A Punctuated Prom Night

Belly and Conrad proceed up to now till spring of Belly’s junior yr of highschool. A flashback throughout season 2 episode 3 reveals Conrad takes Belly to the promenade, however breaks up together with her in the course of the dance, leaving her heartbroken.

A Hard Goodbye

Following Susannah’s loss of life in season 2 episode 3, Belly makes an attempt to be there for Jeremiah on the funeral however finally ends up getting distracted by Conrad, who she finds mendacity down with a thriller lady. She tells Conrad she “hates” him and by no means desires to see him once more. 

Summer Again 

Belly calls Jeremiah on the finish of season 2 episode 3 as a result of she misses him. While he solutions the cellphone, it’s as a result of Conrad has disappeared from faculty. The pair then head off to seek out Conrad and find yourself having a blowout battle on the facet of the street. Jeremiah confesses he wasn’t OK with Belly and Conrad being collectively and she or he apologizes for hurting them. The twosome make up and begin to restore their friendship.  

You Can’t Go Back

Jeremiah and Belly discover out Conrad is in Cousins. When they arrive, Conrad is upset Belly is there — and divulges Susannah’s sister is promoting the household’s home.  

A Brotherly Bond

Jeremiah and Conrad, who’ve been barely estranged since Conrad started relationship Belly, apologize to one another and promise to work collectively to save lots of their summer time house.