The Ultimate Guide: Decoding The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Timeline Jumps

Spoilers for The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 lie ahead. In contrast to the perfect summer depicted at Cousins Beach in season 1, the second season of the Amazon Prime series takes a major turn by delving into the aftermath through two parallel timelines. The Summer I Turned Pretty is a drama series that follows Belly Conklin, a young woman caught between two brothers during an incredible summer. Based on Jenny Han's books of the same name, the series now has two seasons.

Season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty veers off significantly from its predecessor by introducing alternate timelines. Instead of solely following Belly's present-day journey as in season 1, the latest installment interweaves between her present and past. This shift highlights the stark change in tone since the first season, where Belly experienced a perfect summer at Cousins Beach, surrounded by loved ones and finding her own identity. However, in season 2, her happiness begins to crumble and her perception of reality is challenged.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Has Two Moving Timelines: When They Take Place & What Happens In Each

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 switches between two different time periods. The first is the present day, which takes place after the events of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 1. Belly has just finished her junior year of high school and Steven has graduated as valedictorian. The second timeline begins right after the end of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 1, when Belly and Conrad finally confess their feelings for each other. However, the past timeline does not follow a linear progression, often jumping between weeks and months.

Although the two timelines portray separate events, they are interconnected. In the present day, Belly is feeling down. Her grades are slipping, she has lost her position as volleyball captain, and nothing seems to bring her joy. She reveals that her current mood is influenced by two events: the death of Susannah and her breakup with Conrad. This is where the past timeline comes into play. As Belly gradually shares the story behind her current situation, the past timeline provides context by showing Belly and Conrad's experiences at the end of the previous summer, their developing romance during the fall, and Conrad's growing isolation due to Susannah's illness.

Why The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Has Multiple Timelines

The dual timelines in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they allow the continuation of Belly's story without overwhelming the season with explanations. As the show is centered around summer, it is important to maintain the seasonal tone. However, it is also crucial for the audience to see what has happened between seasons in Belly's story. Thus, the show strikes a balance between introducing new events in her present and resolving past events from her past.

Additionally, the dual timelines enable the inclusion of Susannah in the season, despite her character's death. They also honor the integrity of the timelines established by Jenny Han in her novels.

Although it may appear confusing at first, The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 effectively presents a combination of past and present. The jumping between timelines keeps the audience informed while keeping them anchored in the present. This approach allows the series to cover more ground and adds depth to the story, making it more dynamic than the first season. In essence, the dual timelines enhance and enrich the narrative of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2.