The opening of the second season of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" with "Love Lost" subtly hinted that Susannah's funeral might hold the keys to the mystery surrounding Belly and Conrad's split. This theory is affirmed in "Love Sick," the third episode of the season.
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The flashback in this episode takes us to Belly's prom, where Conrad is her date. However, he falls short of being the perfect partner. He forgets her corsage, comes across as moody and refuses to dance. When they finally decide to step outside for a conversation, Belly senses something amiss and breaks up with him. Conrad's lack of interest becomes more obvious after discovering that Susannah's medication is changing. This is an event he negatively interprets without fully understanding the rationale behind it.
The transition from a seemingly blissful relationship to a breakup seems abrupt. The previous episode showcased the pair's first intimate encounter and the love they shared. There is a significant timeline between the Christmas of that event and the prom in May. The story could have benefited from showing how Conrad gradually distanced himself or struggled with his mother's deteriorating health.
Nevertheless, the narrative leaves us with Belly, heartbroken on her prom night. She gives back her infinity necklace - the token of their enduring love - to Conrad and seeks solace in her brother's arms. Following closely is Susannah's funeral where there is a brief moment of connection when Conrad sings in his mother's honor. His voice wavers upon making eye contact with Belly. Despite the breakup, Belly is resolute about being there for Conrad, a plan that goes awry during the funeral reception.
Belly tries to comfort the grieving brothers with food, but finds Conrad in the company of another woman. Hurt and shocked by this, Belly flees the scene. This leads to a public altercation with Conrad, ending with her telling him she never wants to see him again.
Fast forward to the present, Belly unexpectedly arrives at the beach house where Conrad is residing. It appears that the house, now technically owned by Susannah's half-sister Julia (Kyra Sedgwick) and her daughter Skye (Elsie Fisher), is set to be sold. Despite Conrad and Jeremiah's desire to purchase the property with their trust fund, their father rejects the idea, asserting the house will indeed be sold.
Meanwhile, Steven, feeling left out, decides to head to the beach house too, accompanied by Taylor. Steven's role in the family's social circle has been unclear since he doesn't appear to be very close to either Jeremiah or Conrad. His trip to the beach house could be his attempt to alleviate these insecurities. During the journey, flirty exchanges between Steven and Taylor hint at potential romantic feelings.
Arriving at the beach house after Jeremiah and Conrad have abandoned hope of keeping it, Steven and Taylor decide to instigate a movie night to lift spirits. However, an unexpected message on Conrad's phone drains him of all color and he rushes out to the beach, followed by Steven. This suspenseful ending leaves the audience on edge, eager for the next installment of "The Summer I Turned Pretty."
The Summer I Turned Pretty is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
