In the much-anticipated finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, the longstanding connection between Belly (played by Lola Tung) and Conrad (portrayed by Christopher Briney) takes center stage. After Conrad's unexpected arrival in Paris, Belly finds herself grappling with her feelings. Initially hesitant, she eventually opens up, allowing the couple to confront years of unresolved tension and chemistry, culminating in an emotional declaration of love.
Lola Tung describes this shift as a “role reversal” for Belly, who is now more reserved while Conrad wears his heart on his sleeve. In a recent interview with Deadline, Tung shared, “I like seeing the switch. It’s clear that she’s had a lot of time to grow and has enjoyed her life in Paris, which makes Conrad's surprise visit all the more jarring.” She elaborates on how Belly's hesitance to invite Conrad into her life reflects the fear of commitment that arises from their shared past.
Reflecting on Conrad’s character arc, Christopher Briney expressed pride in how far his character has come. “I’m happy for him. I’m proud of him,” he stated, reminiscing about the early days of the show when they hoped to simply entertain a handful of viewers. Briney emphasized that the finale was the culmination of Conrad's growth and the lessons learned throughout the series. “All the things you can say about his past actions were leading up to this finale,” he added.
In discussing Belly's character development, Tung noted the influence of her mother, Laurel, portrayed by Jackie Chung. Although she didn’t directly consult with Chung about channeling Laurel, their close relationship on set naturally informed her performance. “Jackie is such an incredible role model and actor,” Tung remarked, highlighting the positive impact of her co-stars on her growth as an actress.
As the series reaches its climax, both characters have undergone significant personal growth during their time apart. Briney pointed out that they hadn't seen each other in about a year, a period that was transformative for Belly. “She experienced a lot and made decisions for herself,” he noted, emphasizing how they are now meeting each other at different stages in their lives. The surprise nature of Conrad's visit adds an additional layer of complexity to their reunion.
When discussing the pivotal scene where Belly and Conrad finally kiss, Tung expressed hope that the three seasons leading up to this moment felt well-earned for the audience. She emphasized that the characters needed to experience life apart before reuniting, allowing for a deeper emotional connection. “It feels like, ‘Okay, we’ve done all the things. What’s stopping us now?’” Tung stated, showcasing the growth they both experienced.
As fans eagerly await the upcoming film adaptation that will conclude The Summer I Turned Pretty, Briney and Tung expressed excitement about what lies ahead. While specific details remain under wraps, Briney humorously remarked about his desire for action-packed scenes, while Tung emphasized her eagerness to see how the story evolves. “I’m getting my hands on that draft,” she joked, highlighting their commitment to the characters they’ve come to embody.
Both actors reflected on what they've learned from their characters throughout the series. Briney acknowledged the valuable lessons that come from prolonged collaboration on set, including understanding personal limits and maintaining balance between work and life. Tung, on the other hand, shared that playing Belly has instilled in her a sense of confidence and determination that she hopes to carry into her future roles.
As the finale concludes, Briney addressed the complexity of Conrad's emotional journey, noting that his character is learning to accept rejection and move forward. Meanwhile, Briney also touched on concerns about being typecast in romantic roles, expressing his desire to explore various characters and narratives in the future.
As we bid farewell to Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the emotional depth and character development showcased throughout the series leave viewers eager for what’s next. With a film adaptation on the horizon, fans can only speculate about how Belly and Conrad's story will continue to unfold.
