Lucy Tarpy, Special to The Denisonian–
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”
Endings can make or break a series, and for me, the finale of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” (“TSITP”) Season 3 left me both relieved and frustrated. Relieved because it gave closure to Belly’s exhausting love triangle—and, of course, because she ended up with the better brother: Conrad—but frustrated because the ending seemed to be rushed and incomplete.
I was left with more questions than answers, and while the last episode did wrap up key points, it failed to give viewers a satisfying end that justified the complex, multi-season storylines that have been building for so long.
But never fear, on the same day the finale aired, “TSITP: The Movie” was announced, and Jenny Han (the author of the books that the show is based on) said it would properly end Belly’s story.
But with no confirmed release date and a vague idea of what plotlines will be addressed in the movie, many loyal fans are still dissatisfied. Millions of “TSITP” enthusiasts have predicted, dissected and complained about the series’ final season on TikTok and Instagram since the release date was announced, and it was clear the finale struck a nerve.
Team Conrad fans rejoiced! While Belly’s choice seemed inevitable, it was still an exciting relief to see her choose Conrad. Following three seasons of built up tension, their reconciliation provided a sense of closure that Jeremiah’s storyline never could have, and it is clear the two are meant for each other. However, their fairytale ending lacked depth, as it was confined to one episode, and it did not match the previous pace of the relationships in the show. The finale collapsed the entire arc of Conrad and Belly’s relationship into an hour and twenty minutes, sidelining other characters’ in the process.
Taylor and Steven’s relationship, one that has become a fan favorite since its onset in season two, could have culminated in a heartfelt, romantic way, but instead the show seemed to skip over their gradual development as a couple. There was no build up to their rushed, dramatic ending, which undercut the emotional payoff viewers have been waiting for and made their relationship seem shallow.
Other secondary characters like Laurel and Jeremiah were left undeveloped, and it seemed the writers only came up with last minute ideas to explain away their storylines. Laurel’s emotional depth, which was such a cornerstone in season two, was explored at only a baseline level. Jeremiah ended up with the only other single character left: Denise, someone he realistically never would have chosen or had any connection with. It is unclear whether or not these characters will receive proper endings or the screen time they deserve in the movie.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty: The Movie” was announced on Sept. 17 on the red carpet for the finale in Paris, France. This made the last episode feel less like an ending, and more like a placeholder used to stall for time. Han said the movie would not be out anytime soon, but some fans are predicting differently.
Essential scenes from Han’s book, such as Belly and Conrad’s wedding, were not included in the third season, likely meaning the movie had been in the plans for quite some time. Additionally, photos from Belly and Conrad’s Christmas together in Paris played behind the credits in the finale, making some fans believe this upcoming Christmas season could be important.
As we await the release of the movie, the question will remain: will it provide the depth and closure the finale could not?
Or will “The Summer I Turned Pretty” always be a good show with a mediocre ending?
Lucy Tarpy ‘29 is a communication major from Bay Village, Ohio.