If you’re looking for something that’s not murderous to binge watch over the weekend, this is it. So I am a bit late to the bandwagon, but I finally watched TSITP. Not because it was all hyped up, but because it was a book turned tv series where the show got more attention than the book. And p.s. the author? Same one who wrote To All the Boys I Loved Before. I haven’t read either book, but watched both on screen and it’s exactly what you would expect of a YA romance.

This is a story about a childhood crush that blossoms into love and gets swept away by lust due to ocean blue eyes. If you watched it, you will know what I mean. If not, well those blue eyes are here to stay.

Now can we talk about the cast starting with Jeremiah because there’s a lot to unpack there and not because he’s the one with the blue eyes? Does he have the whole ocean in there, because you could literally drown in them. And drown you will, because that guy has so many issues. He’s unhinged. Completely and unapologetically.

Belly Conklin 🙄WTH is wrong with you? I know it can be confusing when two extremely good looking guys throw yourself at you – but god make your mind. And if you do stay clear of the other one. Because if you’re unsure there’s no way you can all be in the same room and not have strong feelings. Stay clear of your ex. Period. You can’t all haha we are done, haha we are friends and carry on as if you have no history.

There’s a lot of team Conrad and I get why – he’s the most realistic, the ideal, and the most evolved end of season. But he has the tendency to self destruct. He feels way too much. Loves a lot. Hates a lot. Does everything excessively and nothing in moderation. Which begs the question, if another tragic event comes there way how will he cope? But yes every millennial woman would jump at a Conrad. He’s in tune with the times, but so responsible at the same time. Chances of that happening ? Super slim. So if you have a Conrad in your life. Yay you!

Taylor is the friend everyone wishes they had, but not wants to be. She’s there fixing everyone’s problems but not having enough time for own. I am sure she and Steven got together in the end though because she is only person that deserves him.

So goes without saying that my favorite person in TSITP was Steven. He’s funny, knows what he wants, focused and just there when you need him. The only itch I had with him was that he refused to communicate with Taylor on his move to California. That’s big. And he should have spoken to her before making a decision.

But can we have a moment when the main three seemed to get along on the drive to Brown? That too when Belly is dating Jeremiah. There were a handful of these scattered across the show, but if I had to pick I would say this one’s my favorite!

That being said, would I recommend it to the masses? At the risk of being called a person with questionable taste, maybe. I love shows where I don’t have to use my brain to unpack the plot and characters, and TSITP is exactly that. The beautiful setting, (a summer beach house? Yes, please), hair brained characters and a very contentious love triangle make it a breeze to watch. It is definitely a user guide on how not to date, so if you’re in the throes of a “complicated” relationship, stay away!

Rating: 7/10

Still undecided? Here’s a couple of newspaper reviews to add to your woes!

The Guardian
Rating: Not stated
“Han seems to have mastered teen romance, making it all feel refreshingly tender and sweet, taking seriously what is often dismissed as frivolous. Her stories ask readers and viewers to step into worlds where the choices these teenage girls make feel undeniably consequential.”

Vogue
Rating: Not stated
“In a society where the wants and desires of women are often ridiculed or belittled, here is a piece of pop culture that tells us it’s okay to feel things deeply. That we’re allowed to lean into the crushes and cravings of the teenage girl that still lives inside all of us. And that, regardless of whether we’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah, what we want matters. Even if it is a fictional character with wounded eyes and exceptional hair.“