The emotional rollercoaster that is “The Summer I Turned Pretty” reached a crescendo in its season two finale, leaving viewers heartbroken and moved by the carefully curated soundtrack. Swifties and fans of the series alike found themselves captivated by the strategic and poignant use of Taylor Swift’s music, particularly the heart-rending songs “Exile” and “Bigger Than The Whole Sky.”
Painful Parting
As the finale unfolded, the ache of unspoken words and fractured connections took center stage. The breakup scene between leading lady Belly and her ex-boyfriend Conrad was underscored by the haunting lyrics of “Exile.” The Bon Iver collaboration, masterfully woven into the narrative, resonated deeply with the characters’ inability to communicate and understand each other’s emotions. The lyrics echoed their pain, with lines like “I never learned to read your mind” and “you never gave a warning sign,” amplifying the emotional turmoil that defined their relationship.
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Song of Farewell
One of the most poignant moments of the episode came as Belly said her final goodbye to Susannah, her dear friend who was battling cancer. The emotionally charged scene was accompanied by Taylor Swift’s “Bigger Than The Whole Sky,” a track that beautifully encapsulated the indescribable loss and the vast impact Susannah had on Belly’s life. The lyrics “Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye/ You were bigger than the whole sky/ You were more than just a short time” echoed the depth of their relationship and the overwhelming feeling of grief.
Crafting Emotion through Music
The genius of the show’s music supervisors was evident in their ability to seamlessly integrate Taylor Swift’s discography into the fabric of the narrative. This wasn’t the first time Swift’s music had left its mark on the series, as tracks like “Lover,” “False God,” and “The Way I Loved You (Taylor’s Version)” had graced the debut season. Season two continued this tradition, weaving in emotionally charged songs like “august,” “Back to December (Taylor’s Version),” “Snow On The Beach,” and more, each enhancing the storytelling experience.
Third Chapter Awaits
While fans are left reeling from the emotional impact of the season two finale, they can find solace in the knowledge that the journey of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is far from over. The show’s renewal for a third season promises to bring further heartache, beauty, and carefully chosen musical accompaniments. However, the start of the next chapter is currently on hold, awaiting the resolution of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
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In a world where storytelling is elevated through the synergy of visual and auditory elements, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” has mastered the art of combining music and emotion. Swift’s songs have become the emotional threads connecting viewers to the characters’ joys and sorrows, reminding us of the universality of human experiences. As fans eagerly await the next season, they can find solace in the fact that the series’ ability to weave together music and emotion will continue to deliver moments of both heartache and healing.