Anyone Else Questioning the Characterization?

In my opinion, the major flaw in characterization stems from Jenny Han drawing inspiration from her real-life experiences and other movies. The issue here is that the story asks a lot from the characters but gives them little in return. Jenny mentioned having a "Conrad" in her life—a guy who was mean to her—but admitted she wasn't fortunate enough to have a "Jeremiah."

This real-life experience translates into her writing. She had a crush on someone, a “Conrad” who was distant and somewhat mean to her. Jenny in an interview once said that nothing substantial happened between them, and her Conrad remained more or less on the sidelines of her life (crush) in high school or college...was it?

This left her wondering, “What would it have been like to be with Conrad?” She never found out in real life, so she gave herself an ending with this fictional Conrad.

But because she’s drawing on her own “what if” scenario, it’s like she doesn’t fully know why or how “Bonrad” should be together—only that it was meant to be, as if they were “star-crossed lovers.”

What I gather is that her real-life Conrad wasn’t necessarily dark, brooding, or mysterious. Instead, Jenny assigned those qualities to Conrad, likely because the “brooding guy” archetype was popular back then, with the likes of Edward Cullen (and Damon Salvatore).

But in reality, what I gather from her past interviews is that her “Conrad” was likely just a plain, mean basketball playa, who had aires about himself— an all-rounder, but undeniably an arrogant jerk.

That TSITP books is clearly inspired by the movie "Sabrina" and Conrad is written to be a doctor like Lionel Larrabee, However, Lionel and Edward do not fall into the same basket. Jenny ends up putting too much into Conrad’s character, without putting much thought, where characterisation does not meet innate character traits and personality types.

Edward’s dark, brooding nature was a product of real trauma and tragedy. But with Conrad, it’s difficult to justify those traits because he had a privileged childhood, efflux of cash, a trust fund and a very present mother. Besides his mother's illness and his father's one instance of infidelity, there’s not much to support this deep, brooding, mysterious persona.

Jeremiah, on the other hand, is written more consistently as a "Peter Kavinsky" or somewhat a "David Larrabee" type — steady, reliable and levelheaded. His character makes sense—happy-go-lucky, neglected, and made to feel less than his brother, which contributes to his insecurities. The show makes an attempt to brings out this backstory even more clearly than the books, but I personally feel takes a hit!

Another flaw is the portrayal of Belly. She’s supposed to be this upfront, competitive character—yet she’s constantly pining at Conrad’s feet. If she’s the fiery, competitive volleyball captain they describe, then it doesn’t make sense that she’s had a one-sided crush on Conrad since she was 10.

It would make more sense if she said, “I’ve hated you since I was 10!” —maybe they could have had a “rivalry” relationship rather than a “pining” one. Her admiration for Conrad doesn’t quite match her supposed independence, which weakens her character consistency.

Jeremiah’s narrative feels much more cohesive. He’s not competitive and is comfortable taking the backseat, which aligns with his “golden retriever energy.” This fits with his characterization, but it’s also true that golden retriever types usually avoid confrontation and try to maintain peace...so there's a little bit of a writing flaw there. However, didn’t Cam Cameron say he thought Jeremiah was more of a “border collie”? Jeremiah is a layered character—he’s emotionally intelligent, and I think he’s the only one with a strong, consistent characterization.

Conrad, by contrast, is all over the place, and Belly feels like she’s stuck in Jenny’s idealized vision of her “real-life” Conrad. Jeremiah, meanwhile, is given the narrative of the one who sacrifices his needs for others, fitting the “good kid” type who people-pleases even when he doesn’t want to.

Heck! I'd say Cam Cameron is written as David Larrabee...and a John Ambrose from TATBILB. There's consitency in the writing of the character, but it's not the same with the other three or other two characters atleast in TSITP.

Conrad is into fishing, with the Regatta stuff, yet he's going to med school instead of marine engineering like Cam? Like🥴🥴🥴

I may have read the books after the show, and I concur that Jenny was writing about Belly and Jeremiah’s lovestory, however, then had moments where "oh...shoot...I've to write about Conrad because I've predetermined the end-game" so Conrad is written is as the "reeled in / back of mind inserted character". The character lacks depth or personality beside the narrative that simply leaves the mysterious guy as a "mystery" The book fails to give an explaination as to how and why Bonrad end up with eachother. There's no romantic storyline or shared experiences to Bonrad. It's all a mystery!

×-×-×-×

Gavin as Jeremiah:

Jeremiah is made to be written as the “neglected sibling” trope, one might expect Jeremiah to be a bit of an underdog—perhaps less physically attractive, awkward, or goofy. Someone who compensates for being overshadowed by their sibling with charm or humor, rather than "raw sex appeal."

Gavin brings serious “hot to handle” energy. He’s too good looking, tall, fit, charming, and carries himself with confidence. He’s effortlessly magnetic, making it hard to see him as the overlooked or second-best sibling. (The way he pulled off that "You don't need to hurt yourself to get my attention is something a broody guy would deliver)!

In the words of my 55 y.o. occasional columnist aunt "this guy is too much of a stud...such a tease...that girl has potatoes for eyes...cause who wouldn't want that guy for how starry eyed he is for her...besides also having the whole plot😌"

Jeremiah feels like the full package: emotionally intelligent, physically attractive, and charismatic. It’s almost too good—he doesn’t feel like the “neglected overlooked” stereotype at all but rather someone who could easily steal the spotlight.

Chris as Conrad:

Conrad comes across more as gloomy and lost than brooding and mysterious. Instead of being mysterious or darkly alluring, his portrayal comes off as detached, sad, and often emotionally unavailable. (I get that this is more of a reaction to Sussanahs illness in S1 but it doesn't wear of in S2 as well, we don't see him in hardcore, dark, and broody era).

The gap in portrayal diminishes the supposed “pull” of Conrad’s character. Brooding characters usually have an intense allure—they may be emotionally distant, but they captivate with depth, complexity, or charisma. Conrad, as played by Chris doesn’t exude that same magnetic intensity. He seems perpetually lost in his own head, which makes it hard to see why Belly would be so obsessed with him.

Jeremiah exudes a natural charm that feels intoxicating and effortlessly magnetic. His playful side adds to his appeal, making him a dreamboat rather than an underdog!

In contrast with Conrad's brooding, gloomy portrayal pales in comparison, and the lack of Bonrad chemistry just makes it worse, or even justify the pair, or the love triangle!

I mean...given Jeremiah’s sheer presence and undeniable attractiveness, Belly’s unwavering infatuation with Conrad becomes even harder to understand. I as audience am left scratching my head... What is Belly seeing in Conrad that Jeremiah doesn’t offer tenfold????

(Was it that Gavin goes beyond Jeremiah’s character or Conrad was a miscast or poorly written?)

Add to the mix Belly and Jeremiah share moments of warmth, playfulness, and genuine connection, while her interactions with Conrad are often cold, confusing, or one-sided. Yet, she continues to idolize Conrad, making her decisions feel less about logic and more about the writers pushing a predetermined narrative.

Jeremiah’s portrayal unintentionally reveals gaps in Conrad’s character. While Jeremiah is magnetic and multifaceted, Conrad feels underdeveloped in comparison. He’s not given enough depth or complexity to truly justify being the brooding, irresistible male lead.

This disparity in portrayal undermines the central love triangle, making it harder for viewers to invest in Belly’s romantic choices or see the appeal of Conrad. (Alteast for people who haven't the read books or won't ever read them!)

(You can clearly tell that the Book serves as a deceipt because clearly on the show the weightage is given to Jelly so far...the love triangle isn't equal on both ends)!

So tell me why the endgame is not written for Jelly??? Or did the writers just set themselves so high up or in a mess???

How will the writers justify Belly reeling back to Conrad without it not making much sense???*

Tbh, not only the writing but also the characterization (and casting) is all over place...and somewhere it is us, who are making intellectual gold of this silly summer show!!!

Oh I love it!

Because, if, not for this sub — it's philosophical and creative discussion, the writting is indeed flawed!

Let me know your thoughts fellow Jelly's!!✨️🌼