Team Conrad or team Jeremiah? The online dilemma taking over every teenage girl’s phone screens. From heart wrenching TikTok edits to very serious debates with friends, this isn’t just a coming of age tv show anymore. No, it’s a piece of pop culture.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty”. The story in which Jenny Han perfectly encapsulates the true, universal, teenage experience. Belly, otherwise known as Isabel Conklin, counts down the days until she is back at the coveted summer house. Really what she means is when she is back in reach of Conrad Fisher. The boy of her preteen dreams.
With its A-list soundtrack and massive online fan engagement the series is enjoyed by everyone. From your mom to your aunt to your little cousin, we all know the show because it is “tender, layered, and psychologically rich” says therapist Deborah Robbins in Radin’s article in ELLE. First released as a book series back in 2009, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” has transformed into a binge worthy tv show with the final season 3 out now! The anticipation of the finale has been gnawing on us each and every week. Who will she end up with? Who is Belly’s ultimate endgame?
While these questions will be answered in a couple of weeks, the real question dividing fans and causing arguments is, who is the right choice for Belly?
In season one, we are introduced to the Fisher brothers. At first glance, the obvious choice is Jeremiah. The epitome of a golden retriever. With his angelic golden curls and bright ocean eyes he’s the ideal for Belly. Not only is he easy on the eyes but he is energetic, cheery and bubbly. A stark contrast to the brooding Conrad who is distant, solemn and moody. He snaps at Belly and can’t express how he really feels. If only it were this simple. This is just the surface. As the audience dives deeper we understand their true intentions and that it is not how they act towards her, it’s why they acted that way.
Conrad’s actions derive from the need to protect Belly and not wanting her to have to deal with the darkest parts of him. He loved her the way you can only love someone once. He pushed her away out of selflessness and the need to be her “hero”. He cared for her deeply which is precisely why he made choices to satisfy her happiness and consistently put her before himself. Jeremiah however always acted with immaturity and out of competition. He saw Belly as a way to get back at his brother and his jealousy of Conrad is seen throughout all three seasons. Conrad pushed back his feelings and gave her all he could give (Jeremiah could never!).
Team Conrad has been on the rise this season. Whether it is when “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones played or “False God” by Taylor Swift, it is obvious who is “end game”! In my humble opinion Conrad Fisher is true husband material and the only choice for Belly! As belly would say, “We are infinite. Me and Conrad.” Only two more weeks until we find out! Let me know your opinions…Unless your team Jeremiah.
