Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3, episodes 1 and 2.
After a two-year hiatus,The Summer I Turned Prettyis back with its third and final season, and its first two episodes made the wait well worth it. The series is based on Jenny Han’s book trilogy of the same name, with each season following one novel. So,The Summer I Turned Prettyseason 3 adapts the last book,We’ll Always Have Summer,for the screen.
Even if viewers haven’t perusedWe’ll Always Have Summer, Han and co. have ensured they’ll still enjoy the show’s last season. To be fair,The Summer I Turned Prettyseason 3should entertain readers and non-readers alike, if its two-part premiere is any indication.It’s already a love letter to book fans,but it also adds something new to the 14-year-old story.
The Summer I Turned Pretty’s Season 3 Premiere Is The Perfect Balance Of Adaptation & Original Storytelling
Season 3’s First 2 Episodes Feature Numerous Iconic Book Scenes
The Summer I Turned Prettyseason 3 opens with Belly and Jeremiah happy and in love,Steven and Taylor engaging in a “casual” fling, and Conrad thriving at Stanford. However, things soon take a turn for the worse (as they always do when things are too good to be true).Belly learns that Jeremiah cheated on her,Steven gets into a car accident, and Conrad loses his job.
All in all, it’s clear from the jump thatThe Summer I Turned Prettyseason 3 is honoring the novel in perfect fashion, while also incorporating its own style.
While many of these developments are new and completely original to the Prime Video show,several are pulled straight fromWe’ll Always Have Summer.The Summer I Turned Prettyseason 3’s changes to the bookinclude everything involving Steven and Taylor. Steven never gets into a car accident in the books, and his and Taylor’s relationship isn’t a thing.
We also see more of Conrad’s point of view. However, his conversation with Agnes about being in love with Belly is almost word-for-word what happens in Han’s novel. Additionally,Jeremiah cheating on Bellywith Lacie while on spring break is one of the turning points of the entire book trilogy. AndBelly and Jeremiah getting engaged sets the events ofWe’ll Always Have Summerinto motion.
Belly and Conrad shippers will also be over the moon with how well the Christmas flashback sequence is executed. It features keen details pulled straight from the book (like Belly’s pajamas and Conrad picking her up after she fell).Han still added original moments to the beloved Christmas scenes that feel organic and exciting(like theP.S. I Still Love YouEaster egg).
All in all, it’s clear from the jump thatThe Summer I Turned Prettyseason 3 is honoring the novelin perfect fashion, while also incorporating its own style. That way,book fans will be happy but can also be shocked by certain twists,along with the rest of the audience. Hopefully, the same will be said for the following nine episodes.
The 2-Part Premiere Sets Up The Summer I Turned Pretty’s Final Story In Entertaining Fashion
Fans Are In For A Wild Ride
The Summer I Turned Prettyseason 3 features a significant time jump of four years. As such, the premiere had to catch us up with what happened during those missing years. Yes,there is some blatant exposition(e.g., Belly mentioning her injury to excuse her not playing volleyball, Denise explaining that Steven graduated early, etc.), but it never feels overly heavy-handed.
Everything that happens in the first two episodes is meant to set upTheSummer I Turned Pretty’s last season. Nevertheless, the exposition is still entertaining. It also helps that the cast deliver performances of a lifetime from the get-go.Lola Tung, in particular, is brilliant as Belly.With the exposition being good, I expect season 3 to continue providing greatness.
Whether you’re Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah, or Team Belly, the premiere has something for everyone. No one is left out, which is part of what makes the series the success that it is. Every character is thoroughly developed, even if it’s via telling instead of showing. Consequently, I’m thrilled about what’s to come inThe Summer I Turned Prettyseason 3.
Prime Video releases new episodes ofThe Summer I Turned Prettyseason 3 on Wednesdays at 3 am ET.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, Episodes 1 and 2
Cast
The Summer I Turned Pretty, released in 2022, follows a pivotal summer in the life of Belly, who turns sixteen during her family’s annual stay at the Fishers' beach house. This transformative season involves first love, heartbreak, and personal growth, marking a significant journey of self-discovery.
