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Thanksgiving Foods as “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Characters 

Elizabeth Taylor Student Contributor, University of Missouri
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Mizzou chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been dreaming of all the Thanksgiving foods that I ate. So, I thought I’d combine my favorite show of the summer, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,”  and my favorite foods of the fall into one article! Keep reading to find out who I think each character represents in Thanksgiving foods. 

Turkey – Belly Conklin

I think this one makes a lot of sense. Turkey is the main character of Thanksgiving, like Belly is the main character of the show. They are both that girl and are always a staple at the dinner table.

Mac and Cheese – Conrad Fisher

I feel like this one doesn’t really need an explanation because mac and cheese is just simply the best Thanksgiving food. Therefore, simply the best = Conrad Fisher. That’s all. #myman #husband #Bonrad

Stuffing – Jeremiah Fisher

Now, this was one I really had to think about because I was not a fan of his character development throughout this show. So, I had to put Jeremiah as the food that I was never really a fan of: stuffing. I feel like it’s so bland, kind of flavorless, yet it’s always there, just lurking at the Thanksgiving table. Much like Jeremiah was during the entirety of the third season. Sorry, Bellyjere shippers (if there are any left…).

Mashed Potatoes – Steven Conklin

OK, now this one I was kind of stumped on what to put Steven as because, well, he’s top tier in terms of side characters, but also in my opinion kind of on the boring side (sorry). I was thinking and then, boom, I think mashed potatoes! And this will make more sense when you read the next character. 

Gravy – Taylor Jewel

I know what you’re thinking, “Ew, gravy? For possibly the best side character and personality in the entire show?” And I completely agree with you, but hear me out. Gravy is like the addition to Thanksgiving that might be a second thought, but everything tastes better with it there. Circling back to my Steven = mashed potatoes, Steven (potatoes) is just better when Taylor (gravy) is around. I would also argue that this is true for Belly (turkey) as well. Taylor just livens up the show. 

Cranberry Sauce – Laurel Conklin

I feel like Laurel is very prevalent and somehow always sticking her nose in people’s business (which, period queen, she’s so me). I figured cranberry sauce was a good fit for her because even if you get just a little bit on your plate, it’ll somehow be in every empty crevice. But it’s also a little sweet and lifts you up, like Laurel. #mother

Green Bean Casserole – Adam Fisher

Green bean casserole is honestly so hit or miss at the Thanksgiving table, much like Adam was during his years on the show. Not much to say here other than it’s Adam, and he’s kind of bland and forgettable. I did have to Google his name because I originally had “Conrad and Jeremiah’s dad” here (if that tells you anything).

Pumpkin Pie – Susannah Fisher

And finally, I give you the sweetest pie, a classic Thanksgiving treat, pumpkin pie, represented by the sweet and loving Susannah Fisher. I feel like Susannah in the show was everything pumpkin pie is to me at Thanksgiving: sweet, heartfelt and full of love. She left a lasting legacy, much like the one pumpkin pie leaves on me after the holidays.

Whether or not you agree with my placements here, hopefully you had some good food this holiday season, or enjoyed watching this show when it was warmer. It was so fun to think of my favorite characters (and Jeremiah) differently.

Elizabeth Taylor is a first-year student at the University of Missouri studying journalism. She is from Olathe, KS and is a huge fan of Sporting Kansas City, loves her cats, and is an frequent consumer of Olive Garden breadsticks.

Elizabeth has been evolving her love of journalism since her sophomore year of high school when she started on the yearbook staff. She did a year at community college and was the Editor-In-Chief of their online newspaper.