The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 10 trailer hints at a midnight goodbye — Belly seen crying at the pier with her suitcase. Fans are convinced this shocking moment means she’s leaving both brothers behind. 💔✈️
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 10 Trailer: A Midnight Goodbye and Belly’s Emotional Departure
The anticipation for The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 has reached a fever pitch, with the trailer for Episode 10 dropping tantalizing hints about a pivotal moment in the series. The image of Belly Conklin, played by Lola Tung, crying at a pier with her suitcase in hand, has sparked intense speculation among fans. The phrase “midnight goodbye” has become a focal point, suggesting a dramatic and potentially heartbreaking turning point in the narrative. Many fans are convinced this scene indicates that Belly is leaving both Fisher brothers—Conrad and Jeremiah—behind, marking a significant shift in her journey. This article delves into the trailer’s implications, fan reactions, and the broader context of the series, exploring what this moment could mean for Belly’s story and the resolution of the central love triangle.
The Trailer’s Emotional Core: Belly’s Midnight Goodbye
The trailer for Episode 10 of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, set to air as part of the final season’s 11-episode arc, presents a haunting scene: Belly, visibly distraught, stands alone at a pier under the cover of night, clutching a suitcase. The imagery evokes a sense of finality, as if she is preparing to leave something—or someone—behind. The term “midnight goodbye” has been interpreted by fans as a symbolic farewell, not just to the summer haven of Cousins Beach but potentially to the romantic entanglements that have defined her story. This moment appears to align with the season’s overarching theme of Belly standing at a crossroads, forced to make a definitive choice about her future, both romantically and personally.
The trailer’s use of evocative music, reportedly featuring Taylor Swift’s “Daylight” transitioning into “Red (Taylor’s Version),” enhances the emotional weight of the scene. Swift’s music has been a hallmark of the series, often underscoring pivotal moments in Belly’s relationships with Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). The choice of these songs suggests a reflection on past love and a possible move toward closure, reinforcing the idea that Belly’s departure could signify her breaking free from the love triangle that has consumed her since childhood.
Fan Theories: Is Belly Leaving Both Brothers Behind?
The fanbase has been vocal on platforms like X, where posts have dissected the trailer’s imagery and its implications. Many believe that Belly’s tearful moment at the pier represents her decision to prioritize herself over her relationships with the Fisher brothers. One user speculated, “The concept of Belly’s POV returning next episode and us hearing what she was REALLY thinking” suggests that this scene could be a culmination of her internal growth, where she reflects on her choices and asserts her independence. Another post noted, “This really puts into perspective how fast Belly moved from brother to brother, she needed time to herself,” indicating a sentiment that Belly’s journey should lead to self-discovery rather than a romantic resolution with either brother.
This theory aligns with the narrative arc established in Jenny Han’s novel trilogy, particularly We’ll Always Have Summer, which Season 3 is based on. In the books, Belly grapples with her feelings for both Conrad and Jeremiah, ultimately confronting the emotional toll of her indecision. The TV series, however, has taken liberties with the source material, introducing new characters like Anika (Belly’s college roommate) and Agnes (Conrad’s friend) and altering key events, such as the engagement announcement in Episode 3. Fans are thus divided on whether the show will follow the book’s ending—where Belly chooses Conrad—or chart a new path where she chooses neither, opting instead for independence.
Contextualizing the Scene: Belly’s Journey in Season 3
Season 3, which premiered on July 16, 2025, picks up at the end of Belly’s junior year of college. She is initially set to spend another idyllic summer in Cousins with Jeremiah, whom she considers her soulmate after choosing him at the end of Season 2. However, core-shaking events, including Conrad’s unexpected return, disrupt her plans. The season has explored themes of maturity, grief, and the complexities of young love, with Belly navigating her engagement to Jeremiah, family tensions, and her lingering feelings for Conrad.
The trailer’s pier scene likely ties into the fallout from these developments. Earlier episodes have shown Belly and Jeremiah planning a wedding, only to face resistance from their families, particularly Laurel, who disapproves of their rush to marry. Conrad’s presence has further complicated matters, with moments like the “band-aid scene” in Episode 6 highlighting the unresolved chemistry between him and Belly. The trailer’s depiction of Belly alone, crying, suggests a moment of reckoning—perhaps she realizes that neither brother can provide the stability or self-assurance she needs at this stage of her life.
The Symbolism of the Pier and Suitcase
The pier setting is rich with symbolism in The Summer I Turned Pretty. Cousins Beach has always been a place of transformation for Belly, where childhood memories intertwine with adult decisions. The pier, a liminal space between land and sea, mirrors Belly’s position at a crossroads. Her suitcase, a practical yet poignant prop, suggests she is physically and emotionally preparing to leave—whether it’s Cousins, the brothers, or her past self. The midnight setting amplifies the scene’s gravity, evoking a sense of closure and the end of an era, as midnight often signifies a transition in storytelling.
Fans have pointed to a specific X post that references a behind-the-scenes video from last year, showing Belly standing frozen in front of the country club, with Laurel and John comforting her. While this scene may not directly connect to the pier moment, it underscores the emotional weight of Belly’s decisions and the support (or lack thereof) she receives from her family. The suitcase could indicate a literal departure, perhaps to pursue her study abroad opportunity in Paris, which was mentioned earlier in the season, or a metaphorical one, as she leaves behind the love triangle that has defined her youth.
The Love Triangle’s Resolution: What Lies Ahead?
The central question of Season 3 has been which Fisher brother Belly will choose—or if she will choose at all. The trailer’s focus on her crying alone suggests a narrative shift toward self-empowerment. In the books, Belly’s choice of Conrad is controversial, as it follows Jeremiah’s betrayal and Conrad’s emotional confession. However, the show has hinted at deviations, with Jenny Han herself noting that “there are surprises” and that fan-favorite scenes may not play out as expected.
Critics and fans have mixed feelings about the love triangle. Some, as seen in Rotten Tomatoes reviews, find the focus on Belly’s oscillation between the brothers “tasteless” and poorly scripted, while others praise the show’s emotional depth and Lola Tung’s luminous performance. The pier scene could be a response to these criticisms, offering a resolution that prioritizes Belly’s growth over a tidy romantic conclusion. If she is indeed leaving both brothers behind, it would align with posts on X that celebrate her rediscovery of her “light, effervescent, positive” self, as seen in Episode 5’s Conrad-focused voiceover.
Cultural and Emotional Impact
The Summer I Turned Pretty has resonated with audiences for its nostalgic portrayal of summer, first love, and coming-of-age struggles. The trailer’s pier scene taps into this emotional core, promising a climax that will leave viewers reflecting on their own pivotal moments. The show’s use of Taylor Swift’s music, picturesque beach settings, and strong performances has made it a cultural touchstone for young adults, particularly those who identify with Belly’s journey of self-discovery.
The fan reaction on X, with posts like “THE MOMENT WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR” and “Belly looks like she was more in love with ‘that person’ [Conrad],” highlights the polarized Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah camps. Yet, the suggestion that Belly might choose herself has gained traction, reflecting a modern audience’s desire for narratives that prioritize individual growth over romantic dependence.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Belly
The trailer for Episode 10 of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 has ignited fervent discussion, with the image of Belly crying at the pier with her suitcase symbolizing a potential departure from the Fisher brothers and her past. Whether this “midnight goodbye” marks a literal exit from Cousins Beach or a metaphorical break from her romantic entanglements, it promises to be a defining moment in the series. As the final season approaches its conclusion on September 17, 2025, fans are bracing for an emotional resolution that may redefine Belly’s story—not as a girl caught between two brothers, but as a young woman forging her own path.