The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 3: “Crossroads” Recap
Original Air Date: July 23, 2025 (Prime Video)
Episode Length: 56 minutes
Director: Megan Griffiths
Writer: Gabrielle Stanton
Previous Episode: Episode 2: “Last Christmas”
Episode 3 Plot Summary
In Season 3’s pivotal third episode, Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) faces life-changing decisions as the Fisher brothers’ rivalry reaches its boiling point at Cousins Beach.
Key Events:
- Beach House Showdown: Conrad and Jeremiah’s argument escalates into physical confrontation
- Belly’s Ultimatum: Gives Jeremiah 24 hours to decide their future
- Laurel’s Revelation: Discovers Susannah’s hidden letters about the boys’ childhood
- Flashback: 14-year-old Belly’s first kiss with Conrad resurfaces
Full Episode Breakdown
Opening Scene (00:01-08:15)
Belly wakes at dawn to find Conrad asleep on the porch swing at the Fisher beach house, exactly where she left him after their emotional conversation in Episode 2. As she watches him sleep, flashbacks show their first meeting at age 12. The moment is shattered when Jeremiah arrives unexpectedly with breakfast, noticing their intimate proximity.
The Ultimatum (18:30-24:10)
In the boathouse, Jeremiah confronts Belly about her lingering feelings for Conrad. After a heated argument where Jeremiah reveals he’s known about their almost-kiss at Christmas, Belly delivers her ultimatum: “You have 24 hours to decide if you can truly forgive me – and yourself – or I’m leaving for Spain tomorrow.”
Brotherly Conflict (32:45-38:20)
The tension explodes when Conrad finds Jeremiah drinking Susannah’s hidden cognac in the living room. Their fight escalates from verbal jabs (“You’ve been running from reality since Mom died” – Conrad) to physical violence, culminating in Conrad shoving Jeremiah through a glass coffee table (later revealed to be Susannah’s favorite).
Laurel’s Discovery (41:05-44:30)
While searching for first aid supplies, Laurel discovers a box of Susannah’s letters hidden under the guest bed. One dated just before her death reads: “I fear Jere will always need saving, and Con will never ask for help. Belly deserves someone who can do both.”
Final Scene (46:50-49:00)
The episode closes with parallel sequences:
- Belly packing her suitcase while replaying voicemails from both brothers
- Jeremiah stitching his own arm wound while staring at their childhood photos
- Conrad rebuilding the shattered coffee table, symbolizing his attempt to fix things
The final shot shows Belly’s passport flipping open to reveal a one-way ticket to Barcelona dated tomorrow.
📖 Book Comparison:
This episode adapts Chapter 12-14 of We’ll Always Have Summer, with key changes:
- The physical fight between brothers is new to the show
- Belly’s ultimatum happens later in the book timeline
- Susannah’s letters replace the novel’s diary device
Character Arcs
Belly’s Turning Point
Episode 3 marks Belly’s transition from passive observer to active decision-maker. Her ultimatum to Jeremiah (“Choose me or let me go”) demonstrates newfound agency, contrasting with her hesitation in Season 3’s premiere.
Fisher Brothers’ Fracture
The beach house fight scene (filmed with handheld cameras for intensity) reveals the depth of Conrad and Jeremiah’s resentment. Notice how:
- Conrad attacks Jeremiah’s immaturity (“You’ve always been the baby”)
- Jeremiah counters with Conrad’s emotional withdrawal (“You left us first”)
Behind the Scenes
- The fight scene required 2 weeks of stunt training for Briney and Casalegno
- Episode title “Crossroads” references the 2023 song by JVKE playing during Belly’s decision scene
- Filmed at the actual Cape Cod location used in Season 1