This week on the Spill It Girl Podcast, we’re cracking open what might be the most emotionally layered episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty yet Season 3, Episode 5, directed by Jenny Han herself. And when we say this was art, we mean it. From the lighting to the soundtrack to the symbolism in literal fruit, Han gave us a cinematic love letter that broke us and we’re here to talk about every single detail that’s flying under the radar.
We start with the Otis Redding opening (“These Arms of Mine”) and how it set a soul-aching tone from the jump. The entire episode is soaked in blue emotionally and visually signaling sadness, longing, and the emotional depth Belly is wading through. From there, we deep dive into the rooftop scene with Conrad and yes, it’s The Notebook coded. Jenny Han may have denied the inspiration on GMA, but respectfully, we don’t buy it. Everything from Conrad’s outfit to the soft rooftop lighting screams Noah Calhoun, and we’re not mad about it.
Let’s talk music. When Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” plays during Belly’s flashback of learning to ride a bike, it’s more than nostalgia. It’s grief. It’s longing. It’s the innocent joy that’s been lost. Every musical cue this episode was intentional adding depth to memory and emotion in ways that words can’t. And then there’s the helmet. Yes, the helmet. Pink in the front, purple in the middle, blue in the back. The color theory here is mind-blowing. Pink symbolizes Belly’s innocence, purple her in-between state, and blue her emotional connection to Conrad. One of our followers messaged, “Red + Blue = Purple,” and our minds exploded. She’s literally caught between the Fisher brothers, and it’s right there in her bike gear.
Then we dive into the chocolate tantrum. When Jeremiah hears that Belly prefers milk chocolate, he spirals and not in a cute way. This moment in the bakery is so telling: she refers to him as her “boyfriend,” not her fiancé, and leaves saying she’s calling her friend. It feels like she’s mentally detaching from something that no longer feels safe or right. The cracks are forming, and they’re not subtle anymore.
On the flip side, the Michaels craft store scene with Conrad is everything. It’s soft, flirty, and so layered. Fake flowers, yes, but the symbolism? Real. This scene felt like a wedding daydream Belly didn’t even realize she was having. The way they move together in that store — the lighting, the banter, the subtle references to their past it’s all quietly romantic in the most devastating way.
And then there’s the peach scene. Golden light. Golden intimacy. When Conrad wipes Belly’s chin? That’s the kind of moment you remember forever. It’s sensual, but soft. Intimate, but innocent. Lola Tung deserves an Emmy for her performance in this scene alone, the emotion in her eyes, the vulnerability in her body language. It's book-accurate and completely breathtaking.
We also decode the sunflower symbolism that’s woven throughout the episode. Camellia caught its first sunflowers everywhere. In the roadside stand, in the decor, even in the background of quiet moments. And Belly’s earrings? Moons and stars. It’s the visual metaphor of the entire love triangle: Conrad is the sun. Jeremiah is the moon. And when the sun rises, the stars fade. It’s no coincidence that Belly glows when she’s with Conrad literally and emotionally because we’re finally seeing her through his eyes.
Finally, that guest room scene. It’s tender. It’s emotional. And yes, it’s controversial. But more than anything, it’s a milestone in Belly’s journey not framed by lust, but by love, trust, and mutual respect. And then BAM Jeremiah returns. And the entire vibe shifts. He’s possessive. Irritated. Controlling. From interrupting their alone time to trying to manage her schedule, the contrast couldn’t be more clear. Jenny Han didn’t just show us the difference between these brothers she let us feel it.
This episode was layered in color theory, nostalgia, emotional growth, and unspoken truths. Jenny Han reminded us that love isn’t just about grand gestures — it’s about who sees you, who listens to you, and who lets you grow. Episode 5 is full of small, beautiful details that speak volumes and we’re spilling them all.
Listen now to hear the full breakdown and bring your tissues, your theories, and your Conrad-core hearts. Don’t forget to rate, review, and follow Spill It Girl Podcast so you never miss a deep dive. And come scream with us on Instagram and TikTok we’re breaking down TSITP, motherhood, pop culture, and the chaos in between
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