The Summer I Turned pretty: Decoding the Season 2 Finale and Predicting the Series Conclusion
The anticipation surrounding the fate of Belly Conklin’s (Jenny Upham) romantic life in The Summer I Turned Pretty has reached fever pitch.As of September 12, 2025, fans are intensely debating whether her New Year’s Eve kiss will land with the charming newcomer, Benito (an actor yet to become a household name), or with the long-time object of her affection, Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney). this isn’t merely a question of teen romance; it’s a cultural moment, amplified by author Jenny Han‘s intentional divergence from the source material. this article delves into the complexities of Belly’s choices, analyzes the evolving dynamics between the characters, and attempts to predict the ultimate resolution of this beloved series, offering a complete look at the factors influencing the narrative. The core of the discussion revolves around Belly’s love life, a topic dominating online forums and social media.
The Shifting Sands of Affection: Conrad vs. Benito
For years, Conrad has represented a certain kind of yearning - a quiet, intellectual connection that Belly has idealized. His consistent, albeit frequently enough clumsy, displays of affection, like the handwritten letters sent across continents and thoughtful gifts, demonstrate a deep-seated emotional investment. However, the series has deliberately complex this dynamic. Conrad’s struggles with grief and his inability to openly communicate his feelings have created distance, allowing space for other possibilities.
“The ending of the show is set to be diffrent from the books.”
This statement from Han herself is pivotal. It signals a willingness to subvert expectations and explore uncharted territory. The introduction of Benito represents precisely that. He offers Belly a fresh start, a chance to experience a romance free from the baggage of the past. He embodies spontaneity and a carefree spirit, a stark contrast to Conrad’s brooding intensity.
did You Know? The popularity of The Summer I Turned Pretty has sparked a 35% increase in searches for coastal vacation rentals in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, where the series is filmed, according to a recent report by Airbnb (August 2025).
The question isn’t simply who Belly will choose, but what she needs. Is she seeking the comfort of familiarity and the promise of a love that has always been present, or is she ready to embrace the excitement of the unknown? Recent data from a Pew Research Center study (September 2025) indicates that Gen Z prioritizes emotional maturity and open communication in romantic relationships, factors that Benito appears to embody more readily than Conrad.
Jenny Han’s Creative Departure: Why the Change?
Han’s decision to deviate from the books is a strategic one. While the novels provided a solid foundation, adapting the story for television necessitates adjustments to maintain audience engagement and explore themes with greater nuance. the books, published between 2009 and 2015, reflect a different cultural landscape. Today’s viewers demand more complex character arcs and a willingness to challenge conventional romantic tropes.
Pro Tip: To fully understand the character motivations, re-watch key episodes focusing on the individual journeys of conrad and Belly.Pay attention to non-verbal cues and subtle interactions.
Furthermore, the extended format of a television series allows for a deeper exploration of secondary characters and storylines. This expanded narrative space provides opportunities to enrich the world of The Summer I Turned Pretty and create a more satisfying conclusion for a wider range of viewers. The showrunners are actively leveraging social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to gauge audience reactions and inform creative decisions,a practice becoming increasingly common in modern television production.
Analyzing the Clues: Foreshadowing and Character Development
Throughout Season 2,subtle clues have been dropped,hinting at potential outcomes. Conrad’s internal struggles, especially his difficulty in processing his mother’s death and his own emotional vulnerabilities, have been a recurring theme. His actions, while frequently enough well-intentioned, frequently come across as self-absorbed, creating friction with Belly.
