Love Lost – The episode opens in Belly Conklin’s (Lola Rung) daydream in which Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney) kisses her. Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) expresses displeasure over their attraction. Susannah Fisher (Rachel Blanchard) delivers iced tea and encouraging words. Her falling “Hunger Games” book brings her back to reality where Susannah is dead and there is no relationship with Conrad. Cory (Louis Tomeo) retrieves her book.
A flashback of Conrad doting on Belly. After claiming Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) is attracted to her, she admits to kissing him. Blaming himself, he asks if she wants to be with him. She assures him that he is all she ever wanted. They agree it is best for her to break it to Jeremiah. As they sneak back inside, it becomes apparent to Susannah that their relationship is official. The bell draws her back to the present. The Teacher (Steven L. Thornton Jr.) wishes the students a happy summer. She is at her locker when Taylor (Rain Spencer) approaches to try one last time to convince her to sign up for camp. Steven Conklin (Sean Kaufman) expresses his excitement about attending Princeton University this fall. Another student reveals Taylor is playing host for a party while her new love interest’s band will perform live. Belly is still undecided, lucky for her, Mrs. Holzman (Christina Bach) spares the girl further explanation.
A meeting with the guidance counselor, Mrs. Holzman (Christina Bach), reveals Belly’s plummeting grades. Belly contributes to the recent death of a friend. Mrs. Holzman assures her it is a gradual drop, not all recent. No longer the volleyball team captain, Belly isn’t putting any effort toward college. Holzman suggests enrolling at Finch College with her friend. In a flashback, Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) expresses excitement over a new cancer trial that he will take part in. He is still a bit upset to think Conrad (Christopher Briney) hid the diagnosis from him. Belly informs him of her and Conrad’s relationship. He warns that Conrad will break her heart.
Conklin House – Laurel Conklin (Jackie Chung) is reminiscing over a photo of her and Susannah when Belly approaches. Realizing she forgot to make dinner reservations, she begins to panic. Belly assures her that she took care of it. Steven arrives with a gift basket that Susannah prearranged prior to her death. The mention of Susannah evokes another flashback. Conrad and Belly discuss their relationship with Jeremiah. Gifting her an infinity necklace, Conrad says they will be together for infinity.
Back in the present, Belly touches the necklace around her neck. Laurel announces the tickets have been found. Steven asks her to read the card with the gift basket. She ignores his request.
Graduation – Pushing his loss aside, Steven gives an inspiring speech. His words trigger another flashback. Belly suggests hiring a cleaner which gets a “hush” response. Susannah compliments how the infinity necklace looks on her. Belly assures her that she never meant to come between them. Susannah says she is always welcome at Cousin Beach. Belly tells her that she makes it special. Back to the graduation, Steven winds up his speech. John Conklin (Colin Ferguson) could not be prouder. Outside, Belly asks Taylor to help her get reach for the party tonight. Ecstatic, Taylor agrees as soon as thinks with Milo are squared away. Further inspired by Steven’s speech, she promises to sign up for the volleyball camp.
At the restaurant, Steven announces his graduation speech has gone viral on TikTok. Laurel assures him that he will enjoy college where she met Susannah. After an awkward silence, he asks about her book. She tells him that her publisher suggests a “meet and greet” which would dishonor Susannah. John says she would have wanted it.
Belly’s Room – Taylor helps Belly with her outfit. She is excited Belly will be spending the summer there. She suggests getting a fake ID before all else. Taylor’s outfit selection nearly makes Belly regret asking for her help. While looking for an alternative outfit, a “Cousins Rowing” shirt triggers another flashback. It has been three weeks since she last spoke to Conrad when he calls. He immediately questions his decision to call her. She says as friends, they can talk before asking how college is going. He describes it as boring when Steven approaches. He is surprised to discover she is talking to Conrad.
Back to the present, the party is in full force. Steven and Belly watch as Milo (Will Spencer) and Taylor be affectionate. Spike (Colby Burton) asks where are all the hot ladies. Taylor is affronted for herself and Belly. He makes it clear that his interest in older women. In the kitchen, Taylor announces Belly will be joining them at volleyball camp. She assures them that it won’t be long before Belly is captain again.
In a flashback, Belly and Conrad are talking on the phone. He claims his father, Adam Fisher (Tom Everett Scott) had an affair with his secretary. He discovered the betrayal on the day he found out about the cancer diagnosis. She informs him of a scout from Finch College coming to watch her play volleyball. She says Coach Shaw (Heather Magee) may even make her captain.
Back to the present, Taylor boasts of Milo writing a song for her. Steven tells her that the song is part of the “Armageddon” soundtrack by Aerosmith Smith. She tells him that it is romantic nonetheless. Removing his shirt, he attempts to crowd-surf but only lands on Belly. As she is leaving the party, he reminds him of her promise to be the designated driver.
In a flashback, Belly questions if her parent’s marriage isn’t worse than Conrad’s parents. In a phone conversation, she tells Conrad that they are no longer affectionate. She denies knowing if he is unfaithful but doesn’t think her mother would care either way. She asks about Jeremiah who isn’t answering her texts. He assures her that Jeremiah is just busy.
Back to the present, Belly embarrasses herself by calling Venus a star when it is actually a planet. When Cory removes grass from her hair, she takes it as he wants to kiss her. His reaction urges her to immediately apologizes. As she prepares to walk away, he asks her to put in a good word for him with Marcy (Sasha An). A short time later, a verbal disagreement results in Steven splashing her with a beer. He says she is still mulling over Susannah’s death. He reminds her that he lost Susannah as well. He is going to lose Conrad and Jeremiah because she made everything awkward. He continues to roll out insults.
In a flashback, Conrad arrives with Halloween candy. He offers to leave but Belly says to stay. He tells her that Jeremiah has improved since winning Homecoming King. He admits to still having feelings for her. She feels the same about it before kissing him.
Conklin House – Laurel is terribly upset over Belly’s plummeting grades and losing her captain position. She urges her to take responsibility for her actions. Belly accuses her of utilizing Susannah’s death as an escape and a reason to not promote her novel. She says Laurel has been absent in her life for the last few months before fleeing to her room.
Milo and Taylor give a guilty Steven a lift home. His foul mood urges Taylor to ask if he would like to walk home. She chastises him for how poorly he treated Belly. He defends his actions.
Conklin House – Laurel reads Susannah’s letter which is primarily directed to Steven. Inspired, Laurel contacts her agent to validate her interest in a book signing. Belly looks through her phone photo album. While trying to sleep a thought comes to mind. She contacts Jeremiah who asks if she has seen Conrad because he is missing. He claims Conrad complained about things being screwed up before taking off. He voices concern for Conrad missing finals. He will leave for Brown tomorrow to search for him. Belly demands to be part of the search.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Review
I feel as if I must first point out that I have not read the book or even seen the first season of this series. Despite that, I rather enjoyed this premiere for several reasons. I found it refreshing that as complicated as the relationship conflict is, it is between two brothers and a girl. There at least seems to be much less of a “woke” element where that is concerned. The flashback storytelling was also a welcome addition for me, although it’s not entirely original. The dialogue doesn’t appear to be horrendous and for the most part, portrayed rather well by the cast.
Steven and Laurel would, however, be the exceptions. I personally feel that something is missing there at times. Of course, there are things I do not like about the series. The death of Susannah would be the perfect example. I get that death is hard and it’s still fresh, but I feel that everyone needs to get over it. I also found myself embarrassed for Milo at times, especially during the atrocious singing gambit. All in all, not an awfully bad premiere that earns a 5 out of 10.
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