Summary
A fun, theatrical installment that explores the other cast members in more detail. Again, some dodgy ethics are on display, and no signs of any overarching messages to be learned.
Belly takes a slight backseat in this instalment, allowing the other cast members a chance to shine. Episode 5, “Summer Catch,” focuses more on the adult mothers, but still finds time to explore Belly’s love triangle, too, as the sparring brothers vie for the sixteen-year-old’s heart. This is a much more engaging episode, which is surprisingly adult-themed in its content for a teen drama.
Episode 4 ended with Conrad and Belly almost kissing, and both teens’ hearts are fluttering in Episode 5. There’s an anticipation that love is blossoming between these two, and although they spend the majority of the episode apart, they’re eager to be together again. They text one another throughout the episode in secret. The episode starts with Belly’s favorite memory. Both teens wearing those dorky glasses (yes, we get it, they’re ugly in the past), Conrad teaching Belly how to dance. This seamlessly transitions into the present, where Belly is learning to waltz for the debutante ball. Unfortunately for Belly, everyone else has a partner to practice with. Nicole has to help out singleton Belly, which is awkward considering the ‘almost kiss’ with Conrad.
Jeremiah, who was more than a tad jealous of this kiss, arrives to energize the debutantes. He dances with Belly and livens up the proceedings. The lifeguard has kept his feelings for Belly completely under wraps until now; here, he competes for her attention, becoming the life and soul of the party. Conrad watches on from the side and waves to Belly, yet Nicole thinks it’s for her. These relationships are getting rather messy now, and a lot of teens are about to have their hearts broken.
Susannah and Laurel make amends, deciding to get stoned in celebration of their restored friendship. Laurel apologizes, stating she isn’t trying to manage her friend’s life, and Susannah pleads to be in control of her own destiny. They discuss Laurel’s hook-up with Cleveland and decide to go out drinking, after first ransacking the kitchen for snacks to offset the munchies. The teens watch in horror as the mothers act immaturely while high. Later, the two hit the town, and both get lucky.
Cam takes Belly on a bike ride date, where they watch whales in the sea. Cam is an adorably sweet individual who is kind and considerate to Belly. The teen realizes that there is no spark between them, though, and with the renewed interest from Conrad, breaks up with Cam. It’s an affable split, and Cam ends things by saying he hopes her next boyfriend will treat her right.
In another subplot, Steven is promoted to the card room, where he serves high-rollers at a poker game. They ask for his advice, and Steven manages to help a guest win some money. The guest gives him a poker chip as a thank you, as well as a hefty tip. Steven is loving this new employment until the guests start to act in a racist manner, with vulgar comments. Steven speaks with his boss, who tells him to ignore it and concentrate on the money. Steven considers quitting, but seems to care more about the money than his principles.
Conrad and Belly are finally reunited as the episode draws to an end. Those expecting further fireworks and a romantic embrace will be disappointed. Conrad rejects the teen, and Belly says she is done waiting for him. The star-crossed romance is finally over, and Belly is now without Conrad and Cam. Sharing a midnight swim with Jeremiah, he reveals his love for Belly and the two kiss.
This is another fun episode that provides sufficient drama and progresses the trashy love triangle at the heart of this story. For a teen drama, there’s quite a lot of swearing and sex, with some rather unconventional morals at play, too. Again, the show hasn’t really squashed any of these preconceptions, which is worrying, with only two more episodes to go.
Read More: The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 1, Episode 6 Recap
