Episode 5 of The Summer I Turned Pretty, christened “Love Fool”, unfurled some riveting turns in the narrative. The real curveball? Jeremiah (played by Gavin Casalegno) takes on the role of narrator. Historically, it has been predominantly Belly (portrayed by Lola Tung) guiding viewers through her introspective journey. So, did this unexpected narrative shift work? Well, opinions may vary, but here’s our take.
A Quick Dive into the Episode
“Love Fool” throws the beloved gang back together in the summer house—only to find it deserted, prepped for a sale. Undeterred, they opt for an impromptu stay at the clubhouse. As the story unfolds, viewers witness Taylor (Rain Spencer) and Steven (Sean Kaufman) cherishing a memorable moment in the ballroom. Meanwhile, Cam (David Iacono) grapples with the fear of displeasing his mother. And of course, Jeremiah and Belly’s bond shines through, stealing many a scene. Intriguingly, this episode heavily features Jeremiah’s commentary.
Jeremiah’s World: Love, Family, and Internal Battles
Audiences were privy to Jeremiah’s intimate reflections on diverse topics, starting with his bond with older brother Conrad (Christopher Briney). It’s evident Jeremiah reveres Conrad, viewing him as a protective and reliable pillar. However, as events unfold, Jeremiah’s unwavering trust in Conrad wavers. Conrad’s potential romantic involvement with Belly becomes a thorny issue, given Jeremiah’s own history with her. Despite internal turbulence, Jeremiah eventually steps aside, granting Conrad free reign over his choices.
Subtle moments between Jeremiah and his ailing mother, Susannah (Rachel Blanchard), beautifully capture their deep bond. With Conrad away, Jeremiah emerges as her primary caregiver—a role he handles with grace and sensitivity.
But, central to Jeremiah’s narrative is Belly. Despite their complicated past and his attempt to distance himself, unresolved emotions linger. Their intertwined history and deep understanding of each other make ignoring her nearly impossible. By the episode’s end, Jeremiah acknowledges the inevitable bond between Belly and Conrad but hopes for a future where he isn’t overshadowed.
Was Jeremiah’s Narration Truly Essential?
It’s commendable to venture into different narrative techniques, but Jeremiah’s voiceover might have been an unnecessary diversion. Many of his revelations were facts or emotions viewers were already aware of. Introducing him as a narrator didn’t necessarily enrich the storyline, rather, it reiterated known facts.
If the showrunners were keen on exploring alternative narrators, Conrad might have been a more fitting choice. His intricate relationship with Belly and typically reticent nature would have offered fresh insights. But the crux of the argument is: did Jeremiah’s narration elevate the series? The consensus leans towards “no”. It added no depth, and more critically, disrupted the series’ established atmosphere. The deviation seemed more jarring than enlightening. The takeaway? Belly, as the protagonist, should perhaps remain the show’s sole narrative voice.
Conclusion
The Summer I Turned Pretty remains an engaging watch, available for streaming on Prime Video. Yet, while experimentation in storytelling can often bring a fresh spin, it’s crucial to ensure that these changes align seamlessly with the series’ ethos and audience expectations. In the case of “Love Fool”, the narrative detour, though ambitious, might not have hit the intended mark.
