The Summer I Turned Pretty - Jeremiah

[justinate]

I pondered whether this deserved its own thread or should just go into the catch-all thread, but ultimately decided to go for it since bi guys are such a rarity on television, much less one who's the male co-lead of a novel adaptation by a very popular YA author.

We're used to queer male characters being written out, straightened out or replaced by lesbian counterparts - but the Prime Video adaptation of Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty does the opposite. Jeremiah (played by Gavin Casalegno) was straight in the books but has now been written as bi for the series and even has a gay kiss in the first season. The show revolves around his rivalry with his brother for the female protagonist's affections, so there might not be a lot of gay action but if this twist has been popular, it might just encourage the show to further explore his bisexuality in the already-commissioned second season.

Here's an interview where Gavin talks about playing the role including the character's bisexual orientation:
www.popsugar.com/celebrity/gavin-casalegno-popsugar-crush-interview-48859825

And here's some pics of Gavin, just because. (Yes, he is shirtless a lot in this series.)

http://instagram.com/p/CdjrFiYr4tZ

[nenhovi]

Oh interesting. I saw a clip that suggested that one of the boys having flirty chemistry with another guy, but then I watched the trailer and it was all about a hetero love triangle so I thought maybe I misinterpreted or it was just a tease. But a bi guy as one third of a straight love triangle is definitely something I don't recall seeing very often.

That said, the fact that he's bi makes me think he will be the one to "lose" the girl, because his bisexuality gives him "more options" and so won't be hurt as much by his straight brother.

[mizuryuu]

I'll wait until something more than a kiss happens before I'll binge the show. Been burned way too many times before

[sunshine0786]

Jul 5, 2022 3:12:51 GMT -5 mizuryuu said:

I'll wait until something more than a kiss happens before I'll binge the show. Been burned way too many times before

The premise of the show is

SPOILER: Click to show

a girl, Belly, is caught between two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. Considering Jeremiah is secretly pining for Belly for like half the series I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a same sex romance for Jeremiah. At least for this season. I haven't read the books, but I'm like 90% sure Conrad/Belly are endgame so in future seasons it's possible that Jeremiah would have relationships with guys, but if that's the only thing that interests you about this show I recommend you skip it.

[justinate]

They've started production on season 2. I won't hold my breath for much more same-sex representation though; the show/author/actor seem so pleased with themselves just for including that 'twist' so I'm getting the sense they think crumbs are good bi representation. Not to mention the inevitable pandering to fans who are moaning about Jeremiah being bi as a betrayal of the books, even though it's a change sanctioned by and written by the same author herself!

www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a40723506/the-summer-i-turned-pretty-season-2-filming/

[mrfixit477]

all I saw was he kissed a guy at a party to all the other time he was after her and kissed so other girls that (writing Jeremiah as an openly proud queer teenager)

[overtherainbow]

I don't know where to start with this. I'm glad they made the character bi as he was apparently straight in the book. And the actor they got to play the character is gorgeous! On the other hand I don't really get what was the point of making him bisexual in the first place when he really got nothing to do in relation to his sexuality? I mean he had one gay kiss, and flirted with a guy in one episode, but the other 6 he was basically drooling over girls (and in the second half of the season it was Belly). Also, the love triangle is done to death, ugh. Even if they wanted a love triangle, why couldn't he get a boyfriend or girlfriend, like his brother did? Why was he the only one without a significant other? It was weird, like they did that just so he wouldn't be too gay or whatever, it felt like an excuse. Like, yes, he was ment to be flirty and not really the commitment type, I get it, but still. I wanted to know more about him. When did he come out? How did his parents and brother take it? Has he ever had a boyfriend? We know nothing about him. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy everyone seemed to be accepting and I'm happy he's bi, but I still wish they did more with his character, they could have given him a boyfriend, even if it didn't last, or since he's not the commitment type, they could have given him a guy he regularly hooked up with or something idk. Even besides the sexuality part, he really didn't get much to do this season. I think he got the least amount of screen time out of the main cast, which is a shame.

Anyways, lets hope they do something more with his character next season. I'm not holding my breath though. Seems like everyone got a love interest except him (not counting Belly, as even Conrad got a girlfriend before he got with her).

[mrfixit477]

Season 2 starts tonight 7-13-23

[justinate]

First 3 episodes are out now. Based on recaps, no gay content.

[dmagiclight]

there probably will be no gay content until the last episode

[overtherainbow]

There won't be any gay content this season. The show totally blew it. They obviously made Jeremiah bi just to score diversity points. They have no actual plans to explore that part of him, except that one gay kiss in the first season. The worst part is that they managed to introduce a few new characters, the sister of the deceased mother and her non-binary child Skye (who is a female born). They also introduced long time teenage friend Cameron, who is kinda hot, but it's obvious they're pairing him with Skye (this couple makes no sense whatsoever! another brilliant decision by the totally clueless writers). I was sorta hoping Cameron was gay or bi, but it totally looks like he's straight. He has had scenes with Skye, but very few with Jeremiah, so it's obvious what the writers want to do with them.

[justinate]

I suspect you're right about this season being gay-free.

It's already been renewed for a third season, but I'm not holding my breath that gay/bi male representation will improve. IMO, the third book presents the perfect opportunity:

SPOILER: Click to show

Jeremiah cheats on Belly with another girl - they could swap that into another boy, and explore biphobia.

But like I said, I won't hold my breath. XO, Kitty is better in this sense.

[dmagiclight]

I already dropped the show

[justinate]

The season ended, and as predicted nothing gay for Jer.