The Cousins Beach house, an integral part of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" series, is more than just a property. It's a capsule of their shared youth, a backdrop for cherished recollections, and a metaphorical representation of their unique kinship fostered by the bond between Susannah and Laurel.
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When the prospect of a sell threatens the beach house, the characters rally together. Conrad even abandons his final exams. Jeremiah, Belly, Steven, and Taylor journey extensive distances to prevent Aunt Julia's detached "for sale" sign from becoming a reality. The beach house is the heart of their summer reunions, even more so in the aftermath of Susannah's passing.
Episode 4, showcases the peak of Aunt Julia's fury as she attempts to ready the house for prospective buyers. An enticing aroma of freshly baked muffins fills the house. But, the cheerful morning is cut short when the air conditioning abruptly breaks down. Suddenly with a free day, the youngsters venture to the boardwalk. They attempt to drown their worries about the house in a sea of nostalgia.
Steven and Belly's deceit to Laurel about their presence at Cousins Beach continues, while Laurel struggles with the impact of Susannah's loss. During a book event, she encounters Cleveland Castillo, a fellow author, and a romantic interest from the previous season. He encourages her to communicate openly with her children. However, Laurel finds it hard to express the depth of her grief over Susannah. Instead, she briefly tells Belly she'll call back later.
Laurel's journey of processing and accepting her feelings challenge some racial stereotypes, particularly the expectation for Asian women to suppress their emotions. Her decision to invite Cleveland for dinner indicates a step towards expressing her feelings more openly.
In a strategic move, Belly asks Skye, who identifies as non-binary, to accompany them to the boardwalk, hoping to better understand Aunt Julia's intentions. Skye reveals some past disputes between Susannah and Julie. They suggest that there might be more to the tension between the two sisters than meets the eye.
Despite their family quarrels, the youthful energy of the boardwalk prompts the group to forget their differences, igniting a playful competition in the arcade. The day evolves into a reminiscent homage to their past summers, allowing Belly to reflect on her evolving relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah. Conrad's perception of her as a child irks her, whereas Jeremiah's unwavering support comforts her.
The episode climaxes with Belly losing a bet and having to endure a nauseating ride, "The Tower of Terror." Jeremiah accompanies her, stirring up the flames of their love triangle. Taylor observes their shared moment, hinting at a potential twist in Belly's love life.
Meanwhile, Conrad admits to having a great time despite his loss in a basketball game against Belly. Steven notices a chemistry between Conrad and Belly, suggesting potential complications. Earlier in the episode, Conrad reveals his acceptance into Stanford, implying he may distance himself from his feelings if things go sour with Belly.
However, their happiness is short-lived. On returning from the boardwalk, they discover the house has been gutted. Aunt Julia's movers have left nothing behind, leaving everyone, including Skye, shocked and disheartened by the stark change. This sudden alteration in their cherished space tugs at their heartstrings, signifying an abrupt end to an era of their lives.
The Summer I Turned Pretty is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
