Rachel Blanchard Reflects on Susannah‘s Role in “The Summer I Turned Pretty“
Los Angeles – Rachel Blanchard, known for her portrayal of Susannah in the hit Prime Video series “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” recently shared her thoughts on the complexities of her character and the unintended consequences of her actions throughout the show. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Blanchard expressed that the message conveyed by Susannah may have been misinterpreted by viewers, leading to a tangled web of relationships that defined the series.
The Character of Susannah: A Mother’s Aspirations
In “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Susannah is the mother of two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah, played by Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno, respectively. The series, based on Jenny Han’s popular book trilogy, revolves around the romantic entanglements of the protagonist, Belly, who is the daughter of Susannah’s best friend, Laurel. Throughout the three seasons, Susannah harbors the hope that Belly will ultimately choose one of her sons, a notion that sets the stage for a complicated love triangle.
Blanchard emphasized that Susannah’s intentions were not to create the emotional turmoil that unfolded. “I don’t know if Susannah knew they were interpreting it as pressure,” she stated. “If she had known that, she would have maybe expressed it differently.” This insight sheds light on the character’s motivations, suggesting that her dreams for her sons were rooted in a sense of fantasy rather than a calculated push for a specific outcome.
Misunderstandings and Emotional Chaos
The love triangle at the heart of the series has sparked intense discussions among fans, with many interpreting Susannah’s actions as favoritism towards Conrad. However, Blanchard clarified that Susannah was not fixated on one son over the other. “I don’t think she was set on Conrad at all costs,” she remarked, indicating that her character’s desires were more nuanced than they appeared.
The emotional fallout from the love triangle has been significant, leading to a rift between the brothers. Blanchard reflected on how Susannah would have felt about this fracture in their relationship. “I think she would have been so disappointed,” she said. “She didn’t mean to cause this kind of chaos and fracture in their relationship.” This perspective adds depth to Susannah’s character, portraying her as a well-meaning mother whose aspirations inadvertently led to conflict.
The Broader Themes of Love and Family
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” explores themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of growing up. The series resonates with audiences, particularly younger viewers navigating their own relationships. The emotional stakes are high, and the characters’ struggles reflect real-life dilemmas faced by many.
Blanchard’s comments highlight the delicate balance between parental aspirations and the autonomy of young adults. Susannah’s desire for her sons to find happiness is relatable, yet it raises questions about the extent to which parents should influence their children’s romantic choices. This theme is not new in literature or film; it echoes the age-old conflict between parental expectations and individual desires, a narrative thread that has been explored in various forms throughout history.
Future of the Series and Susannah’s Role
As the series concluded its third season on September 17, the creators announced plans for a feature film based on the original books. While details about Blanchard’s involvement remain uncertain, her character typically appears in flashbacks, suggesting that her influence will continue to resonate in the upcoming adaptation.
The transition from a series to a film adaptation is a significant step for any narrative. It allows for a deeper exploration of characters and themes, potentially offering a fresh perspective on the story. Fans of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” are eager to see how the film will expand upon the relationships and emotional complexities established in the series.
Conclusion
Rachel Blanchard’s reflections on her role as Susannah in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” provide valuable insights into the character’s motivations and the unintended consequences of her actions. As the series navigated the tumultuous waters of young love and familial bonds, it also raised important questions about the nature of parental influence. With a film adaptation on the horizon, audiences can look forward to further exploration of these themes, ensuring that Susannah’s story-and the intricate dynamics of love and family-will continue to captivate viewers.
