Conrad's Alcoholism: A Summer Turning Point

In the book and Amazon Prime series 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', Conrad Fisher is a central character who is portrayed as a straight-A student and star athlete. Conrad's relationship with Belly, the series' protagonist, is a key theme. However, Conrad's drinking has been a point of discussion among viewers and readers, with some suggesting that his propensity for drinking, including getting hammered in public, could indicate borderline alcoholism. This has also raised questions about the lack of concern shown by his mother and other adults in the series.

Conrad's underage drinking is shown to be excessive

Conrad Fisher is a main character in the Prime Video original series, The Summer I Turned Pretty. He is the eldest son of Susannah and Adam Fisher and the older brother of Jeremiah. Conrad is a straight-A student and a star athlete.

In the first book, Conrad's character is depicted as a "jerk", spending the summer at the beach getting drunk or locked in his room. The series shows Conrad drinking excessively in public during the day at a book signing, which some viewers have interpreted as borderline alcoholism.

In the show, Conrad is 17-18 years old, and it is noted that he is consistently drinking alcohol throughout the series. This is notable because the show takes place in the US, where the minimum drinking age is 21. While underage drinking is not uncommon in TV shows and is often depicted as socially acceptable, some viewers have expressed concern about the normalization of underage drinking in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Some viewers have questioned why Conrad's drinking wasn't more of a concern for his mother, Susannah, and Laurel, especially given that he is a minor. It is speculated that Susannah's cancer diagnosis and the strong bond between mother and son may have played a role in her decision to trust him as a responsible drinker. However, others argue that as a parent, she should have intervened due to his excessive drinking.

Overall, while Conrad's drinking may be portrayed as excessive and concerning to some viewers, it is also important to acknowledge that the normalization of underage drinking in media is a broader issue that extends beyond The Summer I Turned Pretty.

His mother Susannah's cancer may have been a factor in her lack of intervention

In the book series and television adaptation of *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, Conrad Fisher is a central character who is portrayed as a heavy drinker. In the first book, Conrad spends the summer at the beach, where he is often drunk or locked in his room. In the television series, Conrad is shown drinking excessively in public during the day, which some viewers have interpreted as a sign of borderline alcoholism.

Given that Conrad is between 17 and 18 years old in the series, his drinking raises concerns about underage alcohol consumption. However, it is important to note that the legal drinking age in the United States, where the story is set, is 21. This has prompted discussions among viewers about the normalization of underage drinking in television shows and the potential influence on younger audiences.

While Conrad's drinking is addressed in the story, with Laurel and Susannah expressing concern about his behaviour, some viewers have questioned why his mother, Susannah, did not intervene more actively. One possible explanation for her lack of intervention is her battle with cancer, which ultimately leads to her death. Susannah's illness may have impacted her ability to address Conrad's drinking or influenced her decision to trust him to be responsible.

The cancer diagnosis and subsequent death of Susannah could have been a significant factor in her approach to parenting. She may have wanted to foster autonomy and independence in her sons, especially given the seriousness of her illness. Additionally, the strong bond between Susannah and Conrad, as depicted in the series, may have led her to believe in his ability to make responsible choices.

It is important to acknowledge that parenting styles vary, and some parents may opt to give their older teenagers more freedom. However, the normalization of underage drinking and the potential impact on impressionable viewers are essential considerations in the portrayal of such themes in media.

Conrad's drinking is normalised in the show

In the first book, Conrad's character is described as a "jerk", spending the summer at the beach getting drunk or locked in his room. This behaviour is also exhibited in the show, where he is shown drinking excessively in public during the day. While some viewers attribute his drinking to his mother Susannah's cancer and assume she trusted him to be a responsible drinker, others find it alarming.

The normalisation of Conrad's drinking can be compared to other TV shows like Gossip Girl, The OC, and Euphoria, which also feature underage drinking. However, in these shows, the drinking typically occurs at parties without adults present. Despite the legal drinking age in Canada being 18 or 19, some Canadian viewers of the show assume that drinking at 16 is acceptable.

Conrad's drinking is just one aspect of his complex character. He is a straight-A student and a star athlete who has always been responsible and serious. However, he has also pushed away his loved ones and kept his emotions and feelings inside. His drinking may be a way for him to cope with his internal struggles.

Overall, while Conrad's drinking may be normalised in the show, it is important to remember that underage drinking is illegal and can be dangerous.

His drinking is a result of his emotional issues

In the book series and television adaptation of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', Conrad Fisher is a central character who is portrayed as a heavy drinker. Given that the character is between 17 and 18 years old, this has raised concerns about underage drinking and potential alcoholism.

Conrad's drinking is likely a result of his emotional issues. The character has a history of pushing away loved ones and keeping his feelings inside. He is described as moody and distant, and his behaviour is noted to have changed in the past couple of years, with him struggling to ask for help. Conrad's emotional issues may also be related to the death of his mother, Susannah, and the impact of cancer on his family.

In the narrative, Conrad is going through a difficult time in his personal life. He is dealing with a love triangle involving his childhood friend Belly and his brother, Jeremiah. Conrad has developed feelings for Belly, but his protective and jealous behaviour towards her pushes her away. When Belly and Jeremiah get together, Conrad struggles to cope with his emotions, leading to a breakdown.

The character's drinking may be a coping mechanism for his emotional pain and a way to numb his feelings. It is not uncommon for individuals to turn to alcohol as a means of escaping their problems or dealing with difficult emotions. However, excessive drinking, especially at a young age, can be dangerous and indicative of underlying issues.

While Conrad's drinking may be a symptom of his emotional struggles, it is important to note that the narrative also portrays him as a responsible student and athlete. His drinking may be a representation of the complexities of adolescence, where individuals are navigating their emotions and identities, sometimes making questionable choices along the way.

Conrad's drinking is a cause for alarm

Conrad Fisher, a central character in the book series and TV adaptation of The Summer I Turned Pretty, is depicted as a heavy drinker. In the first book, he is described as spending the summer "getting drunk or locked in his room". This behaviour is mirrored in the TV series, where he is shown drinking on multiple occasions.

Given that Conrad is only 17-18 years old, this level of alcohol consumption is alarming and has prompted concern from viewers. In the United States, where the story is set, the legal drinking age is 21, making Conrad's drinking illegal and irresponsible. While underage drinking is not uncommon in TV shows, with examples in Gossip Girl, The OC, and Euphoria, it is still concerning that Conrad's drinking is not addressed by his mother, Laurel, or his father, Adam Fisher, especially given that he is already struggling with his mother's cancer and death.

Some viewers have speculated that Susannah's cancer and subsequent death may have contributed to her leniency towards Conrad's drinking, trusting that he is a responsible drinker. However, others argue that his excessive drinking, particularly in public during the day, is a cause for concern and indicative of borderline alcoholism.

In addition to his drinking, Conrad's behaviour is characterised by moodiness and emotional distance, further cause for alarm. He struggles to express his emotions healthily and pushes away those close to him, including his loved ones Belly and Steven. This behaviour culminates in a panic attack on the beach, brought on by the stress of his mother's death and his college exams.

Overall, Conrad's drinking and related behaviours are concerning and have prompted discussion among viewers about the normalisation of underage drinking in media and the potential impact on impressionable youth.

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