The Summer I Turned Pretty Recap: Team Benito

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In this episode of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” I found myself rather unengaged, but that’s alright because Isabel, or should I say Belly, seems about to experience the Parisian lifestyle I’ve been imagining for her. Hopefully, Conrad won’t interfere and disrupt it once more.

In this setting, you’ll find “La Javanaise” by Serge Gainsbourg, a tune familiar to anyone who has dated a French man. There’s also the Canal Saint-Martin and a disrespectful girl named Manon. Belly takes some time to feel the charm of the area initially. After a couple of months, her French language skills remain limited, her flatmates are unkind and messy, she works two undeclared jobs to cover rent, and she’s causing quite a stir by trying to prepare Stove Top stuffing for Thanksgiving – something uniquely American that Europeans might struggle to grasp. It would have been wiser to just whip up some gravy instead, as at least everyone can relate to that.

As a film enthusiast, I must say that Belly, though quirky at times, presents a relatable portrayal of early adulthood struggles. Take the scene where she finds herself grappling with an exorbitant single apple purchase – we’ve all been there! Yet, Belly demonstrates maturity by not allowing her nostalgic longing for home to overshadow what should be a life-changing adventure.

Now, let me clarify something: one doesn’t have a “wild yearning” for home. One yearns for grander adventures like sailing across oceans, relocating to Barcelona, or embarking on a space mission. Yearning for home is simply known as yearning. Belly decides to spend Christmas in Paris, even if it means a solo celebration with a bottle of red and chocolates.

But here’s where things get interesting! Enter Benito, Belly’s non-European friend who becomes enchanted by her charm without even realizing it. Now, you don’t need a European passport to pull off European antics like zooming up to a café on a moped and spouting lines like, “There is beauty in emptiness.”

Belly jokes that Benito is just another pretentious nerd who will wander the streets reciting Baudelaire. To which he responds, ““Okay, bet.” And for your literary pleasure, I present a verse from Pablo Neruda: “I loved her. And sometimes she loved me too.” As if the references in this show couldn’t get any more obvious!

Moving forward, Belly’s time in Paris becomes even more enjoyable, as Taylor, dressed as an extra from Emily in Paris, visits for New Year’s Eve and persuades her friend to embrace her “charming Latino Chalamet,” despite Conrad’s manipulative tactics (which will be discussed later). Over time, Belly learns French fluently and becomes accustomed to sharing living spaces with less-than-ideal roommates. However, things take an unexpected turn when Gemma offers Belly her spacious Haussmann apartment with a view of Sacré Coeur. Her romance with Benito is thriving so much that he invites her to his grandmother’s birthday party in Mexico, joking about not proposing during the gathering but knowing full well that such moments are typical for Belly. As her birthday approaches, she finds herself not only enjoying a beautiful apartment and a loving relationship but also planning to attend graduate classes at the Sorbonne and considering a job offer once she completes them. To top it all off, she adopts a classic red lipstick and likely plans to get a stylish bob haircut, completing her transformation into Isabel, the enigmatic American expat with an intriguing past.

In simpler terms, when Belly is away in Paris, it seems unnecessary for me to check on the Fisher brothers since they appear to be entirely focused on one woman. However, contrary to expectation, they don’t disappear or change when she’s not around. Instead, they’re dealing with their post-Belly sadness in their own ways. Jeremiah is acting out by partying with Steven’s colleagues and Taylor’s friends, and being a potential deadbeat again. Dick Dad, at a Friendsgiving gathering, threatens to cut Jeremiah off. Throughout the evening, Jeremiah has been argumentative, particularly about mashed potatoes. It seems silly to argue over potato ricers versus hand mixers, doesn’t it? Isn’t it not worth losing your free room in Steven’s apartment or upsetting Taylor’s feelings? It makes me wonder what Jeremiah would say if he knew that at that exact moment, Belly was using his name to serve off-brand Stove Top stuffing to the French. Regardless, Jeremiah has to exchange his free room at Steven’s for a free room at Denise’s. Interestingly, being broke seems to have improved Jeremiah’s attitude. To some extent, it appears that experiencing life as an ordinary person was what Jeremiah needed to change his attitude. However, he hasn’t fully forgiven Conrad yet, although a month might not be enough time for complete forgiveness.

Previously mentioned and repeating for emphasis: Belly’s illusion seems innate, considering she believes Conrad and Jeremiah would share a harmonious family Christmas in Cousins, given their shared past hardships. To clarify, before Belly opted for Paris, Laurel intended to assemble the entire group, including her ex-husband John and Dick Dad, whom she presumably thought would bring Kayleigh, or “the mistress.” One must wonder how Laurel expected this scenario to unfold, given it couldn’t have been more favorable than reality. Jeremiah doesn’t even leave the car, thus avoiding any confrontation or violence. Moreover, Laurel receives roasted carrots seasoned with gochujang and an apology as a result. By New Year’s, Jeremiah’s therapeutic stint as a line cook seems to have improved his mental state enough for him to call Belly from the kitchen, reassuring her that he’s alright and giving her permission to continue with her life.

It seems that throughout the year, Conrad has been preoccupied with thoughts about a person named Belly. He’s pondered reaching out to her, written several letters on yellow legal pads that remain unanswered, and even sent her a collection of emotional mementos in an effort to remind her of his feelings. In response, Belly wrote, “It’s sweet of you to think of me,” which can be interpreted as her having fond feelings for Conrad, but she didn’t express missing him or thinking about him reciprocally. This note might have caused anxiety in other situations, but Conrad keeps the postcard close, dreaming of a future romantic encounter with Belly.

I’d prefer to discuss some thoughts with Conrad’s psychologist, since it seems Conrad is excellent at identifying Jeremiah’s problematic behaviors towards Belly, but less so when it comes to his own situation. On the anniversary of Susannah’s death, they both happen to visit her grave, where Jeremiah accusingly claims that Conrad took Belly from him. Responding appropriately, Conrad asserts that a person cannot be stolen because they are not an object. He is also correct in stating that Jeremiah wanted to marry Belly to keep her. Excellent insights indeed! However, it appears he doesn’t apply the same logic to his own situation. Belly currently resides in Paris and has not made any effort to stay in touch with Conrad aside from giving him her address and signing off with “I hope you are well.” He contemplates whether this is a hint, but of course he doesn’t act upon it. Conrad struggles to comprehend even the most obvious signals, like: She’s marrying his brother.

When Conrad arranges his trip to Paris, he fails to consider several factors. For instance, it’s possible that Belly is currently with her temporary partner named Benito. If Conrad were to suddenly appear without warning, it could disrupt the intricate dynamics that may eventually lead Belly back to him. It seems we all understand that Benito is just a short-term lover for Belly. Laurel might have informed Conrad about Belly’s self-crafted future in Paris, which doesn’t involve him at the moment. Instead, he could have established himself in Brussels, the city where the conference he was invited to takes place, and then sent her a message expressing his proximity, inviting her for a coffee date or similar outing. Yet, Conrad often enjoys making grand entrances, doesn’t he?

Good Luck, Babe

It seems that Kayleigh has followed in Anika’s footsteps, becoming casualty to a production budget that needed to accommodate “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” as well as extended Paris location shoots.

To be honest, I’m just as clueless about the details of Belly’s international phone plan as you are. It’s quite possible that Dick Dad might be footing the bill for it.

It seems likely that the developing relationship between Jeremiah and Denise is the cause for keeping Big D hanging throughout the entire season so far. While it’s sweet, it feels like a squandered opportunity for more character development with Big D instead.

As a movie lover pondering, I find myself wondering, what secret hustles does Belly have up her sleeve to maintain such high living costs? Could it be ties with the underworld? Or perhaps she’s involved with some mysterious organization like those in “Taken”? The mysteries surrounding her financial sources keep me intrigued.

In a single instance, Susannah reclines on the couch, observing young Belly solve a puzzle as she mulls over her European destiny – a blend of Aunt March’s ambitions and the grandmother in “Gigi.” It appears that she is thinking aloud, “The girl will head to Europe and assimilate into society. If she doesn’t secure one of my sons for herself, she’ll find a suitable match there instead.

Among all the astonishing events featured on this program, it’s Jeremiah expressing a silent approval for Conrad rekindling his relationship with Belly that seems the most implausible to me.

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2025-09-11 00:59