Recently, on September 17, the final episode of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” was released. Many may argue that this episode had the perfect ending to this love triangle TV show – which, I don’t disagree with, but that is only because it ends with Belly not being with Jeremiah, and Conrad being happy, so that’s all that really matters.
Throughout the entire show, Conrad proves time and time again that he truly loves Belly. In season 1, Conrad gives Belly the infinity necklace for her birthday, which becomes a symbol of their infinite love throughout the entire show. (He’s only 17 years old and gets her a beautiful, symbolic piece of jewelry for her birthday, but for an engagement ring, Jeremiah gets her what looks like a piece of tinfoil… says a lot.)
Conrad was even Belly’s first crush since her childhood, which brings me to my first point: Belly should not have even kissed Jeremiah in the first place!! She already is in the wrong because of this. Girl. What are you doing? You had your lifelong crush at your fingertips like you have dreamed of for your entire life… and then you kiss his brother? She is hurting both of them by constantly switching back and forth whenever she finally gets in a comfortable position with one of them. For example, in season 2, all of the main characters stay up all night helping Conrad study for a big test, and he and Belly are in a really happy place at this point. The next morning, Conrad comes out of the test that everyone helped him prepare for the night before, feeling really happy and confident… until he sees Belly and Jeremiah kissing on HIS car. (Belly, you are the problem).
Fast forward a little further in the show, in season 3, Jeremiah and Belly are engaged. Just before this, Jeremiah CHEATS ON BELLY. This proves two things- that Jeremiah should not be with Belly (which we have already known way before this), and that Belly is stupid for forgiving him after finding out! She doesn’t even find out from him, she finds out by the girl, Lacie Barone, accidentally. Belly not only forgives him right away, but then agrees to LITERALLY marry him. So, to compare Belly’s actions between the two brothers – she stays with Jeremiah after cheating on her, but, prior to this, she did not forgive Conrad after his completely normal grieving behavior due to the death of his own mother. Even if you are (somehow) team Jeremiah at this point, you must admit there is no excuse for cheating, and that Conrad’s behavior was very normal considering the fact that his mother just passed, showing that Belly is completely irrational.
Overall, it was good that Belly did not end up with Jeremiah because that would have been the worst case scenario. But, so many examples show that Conrad is way too good for Belly and she messes up and acts immature multiple times to prove this. So, I’m very happy that Conrad at least ends up happy in the end because he deserves anything he wants!! (I guess even if that’s Belly). However, Belly does show terrible actions towards him multiple times, proving she is undeserving of his unconditional love.
