The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3: A Familiar Storyline Emerges

Prime Video has released the first two episodes of the third and final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, a popular young adult drama series based on the novels by Jenny Han. The show has gained a significant following for its portrayal of love, relationships, and self-discovery among teenagers.

A Storyline That Feels Too Familiar

One particular storyline that has emerged in the third season is the rekindling of an old romance between the main character Belly Conklin (played by Lola Tung) and a former flame, Conrad Fisher (played by Christopher Briney). The couple had previously parted ways, with Conrad moving away to attend college.

As the series progresses, it becomes clear that Conrad's return to the summer destination of Cousins' Beach is not just a coincidence. He has come back to rekindle their past love and to reconnect with Belly. However, as they spend more time together, old feelings and unresolved issues begin to surface.

This storyline feels too familiar for several reasons:

• Tropes from previous seasons: The rekindled romance between Conrad and Belly is reminiscent of other relationships that have developed throughout the series. While it's natural for characters to reconnect with past loves, this particular plot point feels overly predictable.
• Lack of originality: The storyline relies on familiar tropes, such as the "high school sweetheart" trope, which has been explored in numerous other shows and movies. This lack of originality can make the story feel stale and unengaging.
• Overemphasis on nostalgia: While nostalgia is a powerful tool for storytelling, it can also be overused. The show's focus on rekindling Conrad and Belly's past love feels like a cop-out, rather than a genuine exploration of their current emotions and desires.

A Critique of the Show's Narrative Structure

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3's narrative structure is another area where it falls short. The show's use of non-linear storytelling, which jumps back and forth between different time periods, can be effective in certain contexts. However, in this particular storyline, it feels like a gimmick rather than a genuine narrative device.

The show's attempts to balance multiple plot threads and character arcs are admirable, but they often feel like a juggling act gone wrong. The pacing is uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on too long.

A Call for More Emotional Depth

Despite these criticisms, the Summer I Turned Pretty remains a compelling show that explores complex themes such as love, identity, and belonging. However, its narrative structure and character development often feel shallow and unengaging.

To elevate the series to its full potential, the showrunners need to focus on creating more nuanced and emotionally resonant storytelling. This might involve:

• Deeper characterization: The characters in the Summer I Turned Pretty are often one-dimensional and lack depth. To make them feel more real, the show needs to delve deeper into their emotional lives and motivations.
• More subtle plot twists: The show's reliance on predictable tropes and plot twists makes it feel overly simplistic. By introducing more unexpected turns of events, the show can create a more engaging narrative that keeps viewers invested in the characters' journeys.

In conclusion, while the Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 has its moments, its familiar storyline and uneven narrative structure hold it back from reaching its full potential. With some refinements to its storytelling and character development, the show could become even more compelling and emotionally resonant for its audience.