Jenny Han explains why season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty includes a steamy scene not present in the books. While the series has largely followed the source material, several notable deviations stand out, including changes to romantic dynamics and how key moments are framed.
In season 3, episode 5, titled Last Dance, a flashback shows Belly’s night with Conrad just before prom. Belly sneaks into Conrad’s guest room, and after a tense moment that tests Conrad’s resolve, the pair share a kiss and then become intimate as Otis Redding’s That’s How Strong My Love Is plays in the background. This marks the second time Belly and Conrad have been intimate on screen, a moment not depicted in the novels.
One major point of departure for fans is that Belly’s sex life in the show diverges from the books, where she does not have sex with Conrad or Jeremiah. The change is intentional, Han explained to Entertainment Weekly, to offer a deeper look at where Conrad was emotionally at that moment. She said the scene was meant to show that Conrad was trying to be there for Belly and to act as the hero she believes in, even though his vulnerability complicates their relationship. This moment, she notes, helps explain Belly’s later reflections about regret—she doesn’t regret the times they were together, but the dynamics at that moment contribute to the distance that forms between them.
The show also continues to reframe familiar material: for example, the peach scene is presented from Belly’s perspective rather than Conrad’s, shifting how viewers interpret that moment, and other characters’ arcs—like Steven and Taylor’s relationship status and Belly’s Paris plans— diverge from the books.
Fans have responded positively to these bold narrative choices, which expand character motivation and emotional nuance beyond the source material. The Season 3 trailer and these new scenes underscore the series’ willingness to explore vulnerability, motivation, and the complexities of love in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Additional context and potential value for readers:
– The shift toward exploring Conrad’s vulnerability aligns with a broader trend in adaptations to give secondary characters more interior life, potentially enriching future seasons.
– By grounding key moments in Belly’s perspective and emotional experience, the show invites viewers to reconsider what drives the characters’ actions, not just what happens.
– The continued blending of book events with fresh interpretation can attract both longtime readers and new viewers seeking deeper character studies.
Summary: The Summer I Turned Pretty’s season 3 includes new intimate moments and perspective shifts not present in the books, intended to illuminate Conrad’s inner struggles and Belly’s evolving view of their relationship. The creative choices aim to add emotional depth and foster a more nuanced exploration of love, vulnerability, and growth.
If you’re looking for a hopeful takeaway, these changes demonstrate the show’s commitment to character-driven storytelling and its willingness to take risks to portray complex relationships on screen.