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The Summer I Turned Pretty S2-Beautiful Yet Frustrating Return

 

The Summer I Turned Pretty S2

The second season of The Summer I Turned Pretty picks up about a year after the emotional finale of season one—and it doesn’t waste time diving into grief, change, and complicated relationships. 

While it remains heartfelt and engaging, this season also brings some frustrations that may divide viewers.

A Story Shaped by Loss

Season 2 begins in the shadow of Susannah’s (Rachel Blanchard) death, and her absence is felt in every scene. Each character copes differently, making the story deeply emotional and relatable.

The use of flashbacks is particularly effective. As the season unfolds, these glimpses into the past slowly fill in the gaps, helping us understand how everyone has changed over this year. 

When Cultural Differences Break the Immersion

However, this was also the first time I experienced a real “cultural shock” while watching an American show.

The legal situation surrounding the beach house was especially frustrating. The house, owned by Susannah and her sister, passes entirely to the sister after Susannah’s death. From my perspective, this felt like a massive plot hole—because in many countries, children automatically inherit from their parents. I expected Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) to have a legal claim.

But as it turns out, this isn’t a mistake—it reflects how inheritance laws can work in the U.S.

The same confusion came with the dispute over the house. Where I’m from, a property typically cannot be sold if heirs don’t agree. Here, things unfold differently, which made it hard to accept at first.

And then there’s the trust fund situation. Turning 18 technically makes you an adult, but the show suggests that managing your own finances isn’t always straightforward. Again, it felt unrealistic—until I learned that, yes, these nuances do exist in the U.S.

Once I accepted that, it became easier to stop questioning everything and just follow the story.

The Love Triangle: Compelling but Tiring

At the heart of the season is, once again, Belly (Lola Tung) and the Fisher brothers.

Belly’s indecision and the ongoing tension between Conrad and Jeremiah can feel repetitive and, at times, frustrating. Personally, I found myself wanting to sit all three characters down and tell them to sort things out.

The idea of two brothers fighting over the same girl is not something I enjoy watching—it feels unnecessary and emotionally messy, detracting from the story. That said, the narrative itself is well-crafted; it’s more a matter of personal taste than poor writing.

The Highlight: Steven and Taylor

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the season is the dynamic between Steven (Sean Kaufman) and Taylor (Rain Spencer).

Their relationship feels fresh and promising, with plenty of room for growth. There’s a sense that their story will evolve into something meaningful, built on mutual understanding rather than drama alone.

A Beautiful Portrayal of Friendship and Grief

The emotional core of the show remains the bond between Laurel (Jackie Chung) and Susannah.

Even in her absence, Susannah’s presence lingers through memories and relationships. Laurel’s journey is especially moving—she tries to stay strong, as many parents do, but it becomes clear that she also needs space to grieve, to break down, and to be supported.

It’s a gentle reminder that strength doesn’t mean suppressing pain.

 Worth Watching, Despite the Frustrations

I can’t say I loved this season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, but I also can’t deny that it kept me invested.

Despite the frustrations—especially with the love triangle and the cultural differences that initially pulled me out of the story—it remains a heartfelt and emotionally rich show.

In the end, it’s still a warm, engaging series about love, loss, and growing up… even if it occasionally tests your patience.

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