“Love Game” opens with Steven Conklin’s (Sean Kaufman) attempts to calm Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney) on the beach while he has a panic attack. Conrad informs him of his acceptance into Stanford University. Stunned, Steven is surprised by how the news upsets him. Conrad suggests it has to do with everything going on. Back at the beach house, Conrad makes Steven promise to keep Stanford a secret.

Seeing Julia Fisher (Kyra Sedgwick) at the kitchen sink, Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) is shocked by her likeness to Susannah (Rachel Blanchard). Skye Fisher (Elsie Fisher) interrupts Julia’s thoughts by urging her to not waste water. Belly enters before asking about the muffins. Soon after, Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) arrive with the question. Conrad and Julia get into a verbal disagreement about the beach property. They storm off, ending up in the same bedroom. He tries to convince her not to sell the beach house by offering her the bedroom back. She complains of the cost of the upkeep which she cannot afford.

Taylor teases Steven about his pajamas while he talks to Laurel Park (Jackie Chung) on the phone. He explains his choice. Taylor joins Belly in her room to ask why she is hiding. Belly denies the allegations before voicing her concern about Julia selling the house too quickly. Taylor invites her to play some volleyball. Belly questions her ability to make the team right now. Before they get to leave, Sandy Denati (Brooke Jake Taylor) arrives looking for Julia. Belly tells her that Julia decided to cancel the open house because she is having second thoughts. Conrad backs up her claim. Julia interrupts to announce the open house will go on even though the AC is broken. Once alone, Conrad apologizes to Belly for calling her his girlfriend. Jeremiah joins them to discuss a strategy to stop the sale.

Later, Julia announces the open house has been canceled. She orders everyone out until the AC is repaired. Conrad refuses to leave leading to another argument. Skye reluctantly agrees to join Belly and the others on a trip to the Boardwalk. Belly tells Jeremiah that she invites Skye to show how much she will love it there. He thanks her for everything she has done.

At the Boardwalk, Belly asks Conrad if he is glad he came. He assures her that it is no cooler outside than in the house with the broken AC. Taylor believes ice cream will naturally cool them. Skye admits to being an introvert before questioning if the Boardwalk is “horrifying.” Belly promises the Boardwalk is fine. Jeremiah reminds Belly of how she cried on their last visit. Belly claims to have been sick. Conrad contributes her sickness to “fear.” Skye tells them that Susannah forced Julia to come to the Boardwalk when they were children. He says Susannah also loved the beach house. Skye tries to convince him that Julia is not “evil” before assuring Susannah was no “saint.” Belly offers Skye to play “Shoot Your Shot” but they refuse. She asks if they would like to see her beat Conrad. Someone says it is not possible but Skye is all in with several stipulations. Jeremiah reminds them that the loser buys the winner candy.

Laser Tag Arena – Everyone in gear, Belly explains the rules. A short time later, team Conrad is in the lead by two points. Steven puts his target on Taylor until she tags him from behind, evening up the score. Jeremiah holds Belly while Conrad tags her, ending the game. Skye reminds Conrad and Jeremiah of the last time they were together during Christmas. Conrad recalls how Skye and Julia left on Christmas morning, leaving Susannah heartbroken. Skye claims Julia left after an argument with Susannah. He believes Susannah only wanted a fresh start, not to shut Julia down. Skye regrets they never worked out their issues.

Belly and Steven are surprised to see a woman reading Laurel’s book. She suggests sending Laurel a picture but he talks her out of it. Steven informs her of Laurel being nervous about a New York author reading. She assures him that Laurel does not get nervous. He challenges Taylor to a rock climbing challenge. Cam (David Narciso) approaches with a harness when recognizing everyone. Belly asks about his whaling internship. He admits it did not work out. After a quick apology, she compliments his uniform. Steven gets the flag first.

Shoot Your Shot, Cam explains the rules before the game kicks off. The game remains tied until Conrad misses. Taking a shot, Belly’s ball hits the rim before going in for the win. Picking a prize, Junior Mint triggers a flashback about her first heartbreak when Conrad invited her to the Boardwalk to see another girl. He gifts her Junior Mint, not realizing she was hurting. Back to the present, she choose a stuffed giraffe. Taylor admits to enjoying Belly beating Conrad. Belly assures her that it is okay. Taylor asks Steven if it is strange that the AC broke after the engineering student arrived. Steven denies any knowledge of what she is saying. Conrad offers Belly another game, with the loser riding the Tower of Terror. She reminds him of how he cried when he saw the Tower of Terror. She tells the audience that she no longer loves him.

Jeremiah and Belly discuss her and Conrad’s challenges. She believes competitions keep Conrad happy. He asks what makes him happy. She says cheeseburgers and Ariana Grande. He agrees. Skye and Jeremiah are the first to play “Step To This.” Skye takes the win. A photo cutout triggers a memory for Belly. She sends Susannah’s old photo to Laurel.

Cleveland (Alfredo Narcisco) approaches Laurel at the book signing. Over a drink, she tells him that Conrad and the others are finding it difficult. He assures her that it can be difficult for her as well. She admits to finding it difficult. He compliments her appearance. Passing it off, she says looks can be deceiving. He says although their relationship fizzled out, she can talk to him. She tells him that she has no idea how to help Belly. He suggests letting Belly know that she is hurting as well. She warns that her grief would frighten Belly. He explains his past bout of depression and how his friends helped. She asks if he is there for his new novel. He says what if he came for her. She says it would depend on where he takes her dinner. After his departure, she checks her messages to find Susannah’s photo from Belly.

Belly gives Skye and Taylor a pep talk before the go-cart competition. Cam yells start as the engines roar to life. Conrad is the first to cross the finish line. Skye offers to pay for Conrad’s candy. The loss makes Belly question if she is good enough for their volleyball team. Taylor says the team needs a player to lead them, regardless of the outcome. Skye contributes her good day to Belly. Steven heads off for a barf bag for the Tower of Terror. Jeremiah offers to go with her. Harnessed in, Belly has a flashback of Jeremiah staying with her while she was sick, instead of going to the Boardwalk. Back to the present, he grabs her hand before the tower drops to the bottom.

On the ride home, Steven admits to having a good time. Conrad says although Susannah wanted them to be happy, it is difficult. Steven comments on Conrad and Belly’s vibe. At home, Conrad asks Belly why she picked a giraffe instead of Junior Mint. She reminds him that she is no longer 13. Stunned by the empty beach house, everyone looks lost as the episode ends.

 

The Summer I Turned Pretty Review

It would be nice to see the story move forward past the beach house. The Boardwalk visit was vital for their future but it dragged out too long. The cinematography is top-tier while the acting is hit-and-miss. The dialogue is at times infantile and cringeworthy. Sticking to the plot, the story is heartbreaking but lovely.

The episode deserves a 5.5. Get more The Summer I Turned Pretty Recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by donating to our site. Our onsite advertising builds brand awareness, click the link to learn more.