The second season of Prime Video’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty” begins with a heart-wrenching loss, setting the stage for a captivating storyline. As someone who has been a fan of Jenny Han’s books for over a decade, the death of Susannah, the end of Conrad and Belly’s relationship, and Jeremiah’s anger didn’t come as a surprise. However, seeing Belly’s dreams shattered on the screen and feeling the depth of grief was an intense experience. The episode opens with Belly lounging in the sun, soaking up the warmth. Conrad approaches and playfully shakes his wet hair over her, bringing a smile to her face. Jeremiah jokes about their connection, and Susannah, the boys’ mom, appears, expressing their perfect compatibility. Conrad leans in for a kiss, but the moment is abruptly interrupted by Belly waking up in class, realizing that her dreams are shattered. She reflects on the difficulty of living with memories instead of escaping into dreams.
The narrative takes us back in time to a moment shortly after the first season ended, where Belly and Conrad share their first kiss. This non-linear movement of time reflects the way grief and memories intertwine, triggered by various objects, places, and people. The structure of the season mirrors that of the book, “It’s Not Summer Without You,” combining present-day scenes with flashbacks to tell Belly’s story of heartbreak and hope. The characters in the show grapple with the question of what it means when someone is truly gone. Belly’s mom, Conrad, Jeremiah, and even Steven navigate their grief and broken hearts while dealing with life’s new challenges.
The beach house in Cousins, which was once a constant in everyone’s lives and a place of solace, is now at risk of being sold after Susannah’s death. This conflict brings the characters together in the second season, as they fight to prevent the sale. While the first season spanned an entire summer, the second season compresses the events into a few days, intensifying the love triangle between Conrad, Belly, and Jeremiah. Belly will ultimately have to make a choice that will have lasting consequences.
Although the resolution of these storylines can be predicted from the book, the true appeal of watching the final five episodes lies in how Jenny Han brings it all to life. The picturesque filming locations in Wilmington, North Carolina, create an idyllic setting, complemented by the raw performances of the young actors and a perfect summer soundtrack. What stands out the most in this season is the realistic and nuanced portrayal of grief. The show captures the overwhelming loss while still allowing room for hope and the possibility of healing. It balances the weight of flashbacks and emotions with a sense of lightness, demonstrating that despite the worst happening, there is still a chance for forgiveness, growth, and the preservation of cherished places and memories.
Ultimately, I hope that Belly and the other characters will once again experience the magic of the beach house and the transformative power of summer. This magic connects viewers to their own past summers and the people and places they have lost. And so, I eagerly await the rest of the season, ready to re-experience that special connection and be reminded that even in the face of tragedy, there is still hope for brighter days.
Please note that TV and film writers and actors, including those working on “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” are currently on strike to advocate for fair pay and better working conditions in the streaming era.
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