The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 10: New Friendships in Paris, but Conrad’s Shadow Lingers

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 has been a whirlwind of emotions, and Episode 10, which premiered on September 10, 2025, on Prime Video, continues to tug at the heartstrings of fans worldwide. This episode, set against the romantic backdrop of Paris, marks a pivotal moment in Belly Conklin’s journey of self-discovery. As she navigates new friendships and the allure of a fresh start, the lingering presence of Conrad Fisher proves that some loves are impossible to escape. This recap explores the episode’s key moments, the introduction of new characters, and the emotional undercurrents that keep Belly tethered to her past, even as she tries to forge a new future. Spoilers ahead for Season 3, Episode 10.

A New Chapter in Paris

Episode 10 picks up where Episode 9 left off, with Belly (Lola Tung) settling into her Parisian adventure after calling off her wedding to Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). Paris, with its cobblestone streets and twinkling lights, serves as the perfect setting for Belly’s attempt to redefine herself. The city is both a literal and metaphorical escape from the emotional chaos of Cousins Beach, where her relationships with the Fisher brothers—Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah—have left her heart in knots.

Belly’s arrival in Paris is not without its challenges. As noted in Episode 9, she discovers that her study abroad program spot was a misunderstanding, leaving her to fend for herself in a foreign city. This setback, however, becomes a catalyst for growth. Belly’s resilience shines as she takes on side jobs—waitressing at a quaint café and tutoring English to locals—to support herself. These moments are underscored by Taylor Swift’s “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” a fitting anthem for Belly’s journey toward independence.

The episode introduces a vibrant cast of new characters who form the backbone of Belly’s Parisian friendships. Among them are Gemma (Corinna Brown), a free-spirited artist; Julien (Fernando Cattori), a charming classmate with a knack for poetry; Elise (Isaline Prevost Radeff), a pragmatic exchange student; and Leo (Jahz Armando), a street musician with a contagious zest for life. These newcomers, as highlighted in the Season 3 trailer, bring fresh energy to the series, offering Belly a chance to see herself through new eyes. Their interactions are light and playful, from late-night crepe runs to impromptu dance parties in Montmartre, providing a stark contrast to the heavy emotional weight of Cousins Beach.

New Friendships, New Perspectives

Belly’s new friends serve as a mirror for her self-discovery. In one poignant scene, she opens up to Gemma about her tumultuous history with the Fisher brothers. Gemma, with her no-nonsense attitude, tells Belly, “You can’t navigate your twenties without breaking a few hearts—including your own.” This advice resonates deeply, as Belly grapples with the guilt of hurting Jeremiah and the unresolved feelings she harbors for Conrad. Julien, who seems to catch Belly’s eye as a potential love interest, offers a gentle flirtation that feels refreshing yet fleeting. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Belly’s hesitation suggests her heart isn’t fully open to new possibilities.

Elise and Leo, meanwhile, encourage Belly to embrace Paris fully. They convince her to join them on a Seine River boat tour, where they share stories of their own messy twenties. Elise confesses to leaving a fiancé back home, while Leo admits to running from family expectations. These confessions help Belly feel less alone in her struggles, reinforcing the episode’s theme of growth through connection. The group’s dynamic is a highlight, with their banter and support providing Belly with a sense of belonging she hasn’t felt since her summers at Cousins.

Conrad’s Letters: A Haunting Reminder

Despite the vibrancy of her new life, Conrad’s presence looms large. Episode 10 introduces the first of his handwritten letters, a plot point teased in the Season 3 trailer. The letter arrives unexpectedly, tucked into a stack of mail at Belly’s tiny Parisian apartment. As she reads Conrad’s words—“Dear Belly, I’ve been thinking about you every day since you left”—the camera lingers on Lola Tung’s expressive face, capturing the mix of longing and pain that defines Belly’s inner conflict. The letter, filled with Conrad’s signature sincerity, recounts a memory of their childhood summers, specifically a moment when he taught her to surf. It’s a tender reminder of their deep connection, one that no amount of distance can erase.

Conrad’s letters, inspired by Jenny Han’s novels, are a narrative device that amplifies the emotional stakes. Unlike the books, where Belly studies in Spain, the show’s Parisian setting adds a layer of romanticism to their correspondence. Fans on Reddit have speculated that these letters will play a crucial role in Episode 10, with some hoping for a “Before Sunset”-style slow burn where Belly and Conrad reconnect through words before a potential face-to-face reunion. The letter’s arrival prompts Belly to question her decision to leave Conrad at the airport in Episode 9, a moment that left fans reeling when she chose to board her flight instead of confronting him.

The Love Triangle’s Enduring Pull

The episode doesn’t shy away from the love triangle that has defined the series. While Jeremiah’s absence is felt—he’s back in the U.S., grappling with the fallout of the canceled wedding—Conrad’s influence is inescapable. A flashback reveals a moment from last Christmas, where Belly and Conrad shared a quiet, intimate moment by a fireplace, reigniting their chemistry. This memory, juxtaposed with Belly’s new life in Paris, underscores her struggle to move forward. As she tells Julien, “I thought I could leave it all behind, but some people stay with you, no matter where you go.”

Social media buzz, particularly on Reddit, suggests fans are divided. Team Conrad supporters are hopeful for a Paris reunion, citing rumors that Christopher Briney filmed scenes in the City of Lights. Others argue that Belly’s arc should focus on choosing herself, a sentiment echoed by Teen Vogue’s recap of Episode 9, which praised her self-discovery arc. The episode balances these perspectives, showing Belly’s growth while acknowledging the pull of her past. A particularly gut-wrenching moment comes when Belly writes a response to Conrad’s letter but hesitates to send it, her pen hovering over the page as tears well up.

Themes of Growth and Nostalgia

Episode 10 excels in weaving together themes of growth, heartbreak, and nostalgia. The Parisian setting amplifies the sense of possibility, yet Belly’s memories of Cousins Beach ground the episode in the series’ signature wistfulness. Susannah’s letters, a recurring motif, make a subtle appearance when Belly finds one tucked into her suitcase, offering words of wisdom about following her heart. These letters, as noted by Forbes, add emotional depth, reminding Belly of the family bonds that shaped her.

The episode also touches on the strained relationship between Conrad and Jeremiah. A brief scene shows Conrad in California, writing another letter to Belly while reflecting on his fractured bond with his brother. His vulnerability—admitting to his father, Adam, that he feels responsible for “ruining everything”—humanizes him, making his longing for Belly even more poignant.

Looking Ahead to the Finale

As The Summer I Turned Pretty nears its finale on September 17, 2025, Episode 10 sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion. Will Conrad follow Belly to Paris, as speculated by FandomWire? Or will Belly choose to embrace her independence, as some fans hope? The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Belly standing on a Parisian balcony, clutching Conrad’s letter as the city sparkles below. Her voiceover echoes the trailer’s sentiment: “I don’t know who I am without them, but I’m ready to find out.”

With only one episode left, the stakes are higher than ever. Belly’s new friendships in Paris offer her a glimpse of a life untethered to the Fisher brothers, but Conrad’s shadow—and his heartfelt letters—prove that some loves are impossible to outrun. As fans eagerly await the finale, Episode 10 delivers a poignant reminder that The Summer I Turned Pretty is as much about self-discovery as it is about romance. Whether Belly chooses Conrad, Jeremiah, or herself, one thing is certain: the truth of her heart will bleed through.

Catch Episode 10 of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 on Prime Video now, and brace for the finale on September 17, 2025.