The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 9: A Secret Confession Shakes Belly’s Summer of Love 🌊
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 has kept fans on edge, and Episode 9, set to stream on Prime Video on September 3, 2025, delivers another emotional wave in the saga of Isabel “Belly” Conklin and the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. Titled speculatively as a continuation of the dramatic fallout from Episode 8, “Last Kiss,” this episode dives into the aftermath of a canceled wedding, a heart-wrenching confession, and Belly’s bold move to Paris. With a mysterious letter from Conrad and new characters entering her life, Episode 9 explores themes of self-discovery, lingering love, and the courage to forge a new path. Drawing from web insights, trailers, and Jenny Han’s book trilogy, this 1000-word review offers a glimpse into what fans can expect from this pivotal chapter, without spoiling unconfirmed plot details.
Belly’s Parisian Escape
Episode 8 left viewers reeling: Belly and Jeremiah called off their wedding after Conrad’s raw confession of love and the revelation that Jeremiah knew about Belly and Conrad’s secret Christmas rendezvous. The episode ended with Belly at the airport, spotting Conrad before boarding a flight to Paris for her study abroad program. Episode 9 picks up with Belly embracing a fresh start in the City of Light. The August 29, 2025, trailer shows her working a part-time job, forging new friendships, and soaking in Parisian life. New characters, including Corinna Brown, Fernando Cattori, Isaline Prevost Radeff, and Jahz Armando, bring a vibrant energy to Belly’s journey, suggesting she’s stepping out of the shadow of the Fisher brothers.
This shift to Paris marks a turning point for Belly, who has spent much of the season caught in a co-dependent love triangle. Reviews, like those from ScreenRant, have criticized her lack of agency, noting that decisions often happen to her rather than by her. In Episode 9, her choice to pursue her study abroad program signals a reclaiming of independence. The trailer hints at moments of joy—Belly laughing with friends, navigating cobblestone streets—but also introspection, as she grapples with the weight of her past. The Parisian setting, filmed in late 2024, offers a visually stunning contrast to Cousins Beach, with its romantic ambiance amplifying Belly’s journey of self-discovery.
Conrad’s Letter: A Book-Faithful Twist
The trailer’s most gripping moment is the voiceover of Conrad, played by Christopher Briney, saying, “Dear Belly,” as she receives a letter in Paris. This nod to Jenny Han’s We’ll Always Have Summer is a fan-favorite plot point, where Conrad’s letters provide a space for reflection and emotional clarity. In the books, his words are deliberate, contrasting his earlier impulsive confession on the beach in Episode 7, where he pleaded, “Don’t marry him. Be with me.” The letter is expected to reveal a vulnerable, accountable Conrad, addressing his past mistakes—like pushing Belly away four years ago—and his enduring love.
This written gesture could be a game-changer. In Episode 8, Belly admitted to Jeremiah that she still loves Conrad “a little,” a confession that shattered their engagement. The letter’s arrival in Episode 9 forces Belly to confront these feelings again, but from a distance. Will it rekindle her longing for Conrad, or serve as a final farewell? Jenny Han’s July 3, 2025, PEOPLE interview teased a “hopeful ending” that avoids a tidy resolution, suggesting the letter will deepen the emotional complexity rather than provide clear answers. The airport scene from Episode 8, where Belly and Conrad locked eyes, may lead to a brief conversation in Episode 9, setting the stage for this written exchange.
Jeremiah’s Road to Healing
Jeremiah’s arc in Episode 9 is poised to explore his life post-breakup. Episode 8 saw him devastated, not only by Belly’s lingering feelings for Conrad but also by his own secret: he knew about her Christmas with Conrad but never confronted her, instead cheating in Cabo out of spite. His decision to take a job at his father’s firm, revealed during the rehearsal dinner, hints at a desire to move forward. In the books, Jeremiah steps back from the love triangle after the engagement ends, focusing on personal growth. Episode 9 is likely to show him grappling with betrayal and heartbreak, possibly drowning his sorrows with Steven, as seen in Episode 8’s final moments.
Gavin Casalegno, who plays Jeremiah, addressed fan backlash over his character’s flaws, emphasizing the story’s fictional nature. Episode 9 may soften Jeremiah’s portrayal, showing his pain and resilience. The rift between him and Conrad, marked by his “You’re dead to me” outburst, could see tentative steps toward reconciliation, as Christopher Briney hinted at the brothers’ “unconditional love” in a recent statement.
The Love Triangle’s Shift
The love triangle, a cornerstone of the series, evolves in Episode 9. Belly’s Parisian journey suggests a move away from choosing between Conrad and Jeremiah toward choosing herself. Her rejection of Conrad in Episode 7—“You and I were never anything”—felt hollow, as her tears and voiceovers revealed her inner turmoil. The trailer’s focus on her new life hints at a break from the co-dependent dynamics criticized by fans. Conrad’s letter, however, ensures the past isn’t easily left behind. His promise to wait, as teased in the trailer, aligns with the books’ patient Conrad, who gives Belly space to grow.
The introduction of a potential new love interest, possibly Fernando Cattori’s character, adds intrigue. Could this be a test of Belly’s resolve to move on, or a genuine new path? The show’s divergence from the books, as Han noted, keeps the outcome unpredictable, making Episode 9 a crucial pivot.
Supporting Stories and Emotional Depth
Episode 9 will likely tie up arcs for supporting characters. Steven and Taylor’s relationship, a fan favorite, may progress after Steven clarified his platonic dynamic with Denise. Their flirtation in Episode 8 suggests a reunion, offering a lighter contrast to the main trio’s drama. Laurel and John’s rekindled connection, alongside Lucinda’s recovery from her ex’s betrayal, will reinforce the show’s themes of family and friendship.
The series’ intimate, romantic moments shine, and Episode 9 is expected to deliver with poignant scenes, likely underscored by a signature soundtrack. Taylor Swift’s influence, a staple of the series, may return to amplify the letter’s emotional weight. Lola Tung’s nuanced performance as Belly, praised for its raw vulnerability, will anchor these moments.
Conclusion
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, Episode 9 is a turning point, blending heartbreak, hope, and self-discovery. Belly’s Parisian adventure, Conrad’s letter, and Jeremiah’s healing journey promise a mix of raw emotion and new beginnings. As the series nears its finale on September 17, 2025, Episode 9 sets the stage for a resolution that balances love, loss, and growth. Fans of Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah will find their hearts stirred by this chapter, as the summer of love takes an unforgettable turn.
