TSITP S3 E5: The 5 Moments Making This Episode Go Viral 2025
Dive into TSITP S3 E5's most viral moments! From Conrad's shocking confession to Belly's wedding doubts, we break down the scenes sending fans reeling in 2025.
Isabella Rossi
A lifelong fan of Jenny Han's books and a dedicated TV series analyst.
An Episode for the Ages: Why S3 E5 Broke the Internet
Just when we thought the Cousins Beach drama couldn't get any more intense, The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, Episode 5 dropped and collectively shattered our hearts, hopes, and theories. Titled "The Tide That Pulls Us Apart," this episode was a masterclass in emotional turmoil, setting social media ablaze and firmly dividing Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah for what feels like the final time. We're still recovering.
From iconic book moments brought to life to shocking new turns, the episode delivered on every promise of angst and romance. The tension that has been simmering all season finally boiled over, leaving Belly Conklin—and the entire fandom—at a devastating crossroads. Let's break down the five key moments that made this episode an instant viral phenomenon in 2025.
1. The Return of the Infinity Necklace
Book readers have been waiting for this one with bated breath, and the show did not disappoint. In a quiet, devastatingly intimate scene, Conrad finds Belly alone in the summer house living room. He doesn't just give her the infinity necklace back; he places it in her hand with a finality that feels both like a surrender and a challenge.
The Dialogue That Hurt
The dialogue was lifted almost straight from Jenny Han's prose but delivered with a raw vulnerability by Christopher Briney that elevated it to a new level. "I don't want it anymore," Conrad says, his voice cracking. "It was a promise of forever. And forever is over." The camera lingers on Belly's hand, the silver charm feeling heavier than ever. This wasn't just an exchange of an old gift; it was the symbolic end of a chapter. Fans immediately flooded TikTok with edits of this scene, juxtaposing it with flashbacks from Season 1. The hashtag #InfinityIsOver trended for hours, a testament to the scene's gut-wrenching power.
2. Belly's Wedding Dress Crisis
What should have been a joyous moment turned into a pivotal scene of internal conflict. While trying on her simple, elegant wedding dress with Laurel and Taylor, Belly looks in the mirror and doesn't see a happy bride. Instead, the showrunners used a clever visual trick: for a fleeting second, her reflection shows her teenage self, laughing with Conrad on the beach.
The illusion shatters, but the impact remains. Lola Tung's performance here was spectacular. Without a single word, she conveyed a tidal wave of doubt, nostalgia, and panic. Is she marrying Jeremiah because she loves him, or because she's trying to run from the ghost of her past with Conrad? This moment of silent realization resonated deeply with viewers, sparking intense debate about whether she's truly ready to walk down the aisle.
3. Steven and Taylor's Parallel Turmoil
While the love triangle is the main event, the relationship between Steven and Taylor has become a fan-favorite anchor. This episode, however, put them to the test. The stress of the wedding planning and their impending futures—with Steven heading back to Princeton and Taylor staying local—finally erupts into a major fight.
A Fight About More Than Napkins
It starts over something trivial but quickly escalates into their deepest insecurities. "It just feels like you're already gone, Steven!" Taylor shouts, her frustration palpable. Steven, feeling pressured, retorts with something that cuts deep. Their conflict perfectly mirrors the central theme of the episode: the struggle between a comfortable, present love and the pull of a different, more complicated future. It's a mature, realistic fight that grounds the series and shows that no relationship is immune to the pressures of growing up.
4. Jeremiah's Vulnerable Plea
Following the infinity necklace incident, Jeremiah's confidence is visibly shaken. Instead of the explosive anger we might have expected, we get something far more compelling: vulnerability. He finds Belly sitting by the pool, the site of so many of their key moments, and lays his heart on the line.
He doesn't accuse her. He simply asks, "Are you sure, Belly? Are you sure it's me?" Gavin Casalegno delivered a performance that had Team Jeremiah fans rallying to his defense. It was a moment that stripped away his usual confident facade, revealing the boy who is terrified of losing her to his brother yet again. This scene added a tragic depth to his character, making Belly's eventual choice even more difficult. He's not just the "fun" choice anymore; he's a man deeply in love and deeply afraid.
5. The Cliffhanger: Conrad's Beach Confession
And then came the ending. The moment that made everyone scream at their screens. In the final scene, Belly escapes the suffocating tension of the house and walks to the beach, seeking clarity. She's not alone for long. Conrad finds her, and the scene is shot beautifully, with the setting sun casting long shadows.
He finally says what he's been holding back all season. "I still love you. I never stopped." He tells her he was a fool to let her go, that he's ready now, that he'll fight for her. And as Belly stands there, tears streaming down her face, torn between the two brothers who define her life... the screen cuts to black. It's a brutal, perfect cliffhanger that ensures the wait for Episode 6 will be agonizing. The internet exploded, with reaction videos and frantic theories dominating every social platform.
Book vs. Show: The Infinity Necklace Scene
| Feature | Show Version (S3 E5) | Book Version ("We'll Always Have Summer") |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | The living room of the Cousins Beach house, at night. | In Conrad's car outside of Belly's house. |
| Key Dialogue | "It was a promise of forever. And forever is over." | "I don't want it. You can have it back." |
| Belly's Immediate Reaction | Stunned silence, close-up on her hand holding the necklace. | Initially refuses to take it, then throws it back at him in anger. |
| Overall Vibe | Melancholy, tragic, and filled with unspoken regret. | More confrontational, angry, and overtly painful. |
What Does This Mean for the Finale?
Episode 5 was a game-changer. It expertly moved all the pieces into place for an explosive final act. Belly's doubt is no longer a quiet whisper; it's a roaring siren. Jeremiah's security has been shattered, and Conrad has finally, finally laid all his cards on the table. The love triangle has never been more volatile.
This episode didn't just adapt the source material; it deepened it, giving each character a moment to shine and suffer in equal measure. Whether you're Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah, one thing is certain: the remaining episodes of The Summer I Turned Pretty will be an emotional rollercoaster. Get the tissues ready.