5 Ways Taylor Jewel's Journey Became The Real Heart Of The Summer I Turned Pretty Finale
The Summer I Turned Pretty may have been centered on Belly Conklin's love triangle, but as of the series finale in late 2025, one character’s evolution has arguably become the most compelling storyline: Taylor Jewel. Belly’s fiercely loyal, sometimes chaotic, and always outspoken best friend from home, Taylor, played by the talented Rain Spencer, transcended the typical sidekick role to deliver one of the most satisfying and complex character arcs of the entire Amazon Prime Video series. Her journey, particularly with Steven Conklin, captivated fans, earning a devoted following and becoming a testament to showrunner Jenny Han’s commitment to expanding the world beyond the original books.
As of December 22, 2025, with the final season having concluded, the focus shifts from the dramatic love story at Cousins Beach to the enduring relationships that anchored the show. Taylor Jewel’s pivotal role in the series finale, her emotional confrontation with Steven, and the ultimate resolution of the 'Staylor' dynamic have been hot topics among fans, solidifying her status as a breakout star and a foundational piece of the show's success. Her story is a perfect example of how a supporting character can genuinely steal the spotlight.
Rain Spencer: The Star Behind Taylor Jewel
To truly appreciate the character of Taylor Jewel, one must first recognize the actress who brought her to life with such nuance and charm: Rain Spencer. Her portrayal managed to take a character initially described with sometimes unflattering traits and transform her into a deeply relatable and beloved figure.
Rain Spencer: Complete Biographical Profile
- Full Name: Rain Spencer
- Date of Birth: February 21, 2000
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 25 years old
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Actress
- Known For: Portraying Taylor Jewel in The Summer I Turned Pretty (Amazon Prime Video)
- Career Highlights: Spencer’s role as Taylor is her most prominent to date, launching her into the mainstream and earning her significant critical and fan attention.
- On-Screen Character Name: Taylor Jewel (also referred to as Taylor Madison Jewel)
Rain Spencer’s performance was instrumental in making Taylor’s relationship with Steven Conklin (played by Sean Kaufman) feel authentic and earned. Her on-screen chemistry with the main cast, including Lola Tung (Belly Conklin), was palpable, adding depth to the core friendships and family dynamics that define the series.
The Evolution of Taylor Jewel: From Sidekick to Show-Stopper
The character of Taylor Jewel in the series is a significant departure from her portrayal in Jenny Han’s original book trilogy. In the source material, Taylor is often a more superficial character, but the television adaptation granted her a rich, complex inner life, allowing fans to invest heavily in her personal journey. This creative decision by the showrunners paid off, turning her into a fan-favorite.
1. The Unbreakable Bond with Belly Conklin
Taylor’s primary role is, and always has been, Belly’s best friend. Their friendship is a crucial emotional anchor for the entire series. Taylor is the protective, brutally honest voice of reason (or sometimes, unreason) that Belly needs. Even when their friendship was tested—such as Taylor’s initial appearance at Cousins Beach in Season 1—their loyalty to each other always prevailed. Actress Rain Spencer has often discussed the importance of this friendship, highlighting the genuine connection with Lola Tung that translates into their compelling on-screen dynamic.
In the final season, Taylor’s support for Belly, regardless of which brother (Conrad or Jeremiah) she chose, was a mature and grounding element, providing a contrast to the high-stakes love triangle drama. This consistent, non-romantic relationship became a quiet highlight of the series. The entities involved here are: Belly Conklin, Lola Tung, Friendship, Loyalty, Cousins Beach, and Emotional Anchor.
2. The Unexpected 'Staylor' Romance Takes Center Stage
The romantic pairing of Taylor and Steven Conklin (dubbed 'Staylor' by fans) was a show-only addition that quickly became one of the most beloved storylines. In the books, Steven and Taylor did not have a serious relationship, but the chemistry between Rain Spencer and Sean Kaufman was undeniable from their initial interactions.
Their journey was a classic friends-to-lovers trope, filled with witty banter, genuine vulnerability, and a satisfying slow burn. Season 2 saw the undeniable spark ignite, and the build-up was highly praised by fans who appreciated a healthy, less dramatic relationship to root for amidst the main love triangle.
3. Navigating the Season 3 Love Triangle and Drama
Season 3, the final installment, presented the 'Staylor' relationship with its biggest challenge. The storyline involved a love triangle where Steven was also involved with a character named Denise, and Taylor herself had a boyfriend named Davis. This complexity was a deliberate choice by the writers to add drama and depth to their arc, though it was noted by creator Jenny Han as one of the hardest storylines to write for the final season.
The tension stemmed from Steven's perceived back-and-forth between Denise and Taylor, making Taylor question his true feelings and commitment. This arc allowed Taylor to demonstrate personal growth, moving past her earlier, more insecure self to demand the respect and commitment she deserved. Entities: Steven Conklin, Sean Kaufman, Staylor, Friends-to-Lovers, Season 3, Denise, Davis, Commitment, Personal Growth, and Jenny Han.
4. The Series Finale's Emotional Payoff
The series finale, which aired in late 2025, delivered the resolution that 'Staylor' fans had desperately hoped for. After a period of conflict and uncertainty, Taylor and Steven finally committed to each other, securing their own happy ending alongside Belly and Conrad. Rain Spencer’s portrayal of Taylor in the final episodes was particularly praised for her emotional honesty, especially during her final confrontation and reconciliation with Steven. Their ending was a huge emotional payoff for viewers who had invested in their relationship as a stable, heartwarming counterpoint to the central drama.
This commitment was a major milestone for Taylor, signifying her shift from a girl who was "intensely focused on boys" to a young woman who found a mature, reciprocal relationship. The show's ending cemented Taylor Jewel's story as a successful, fully realized arc, not just a supporting element. Entities: Series Finale, Happy Ending, Emotional Payoff, Reconciliation, Maturity, and Conrad Fisher.
5. The Future: Taylor in The Summer I Turned Pretty Movie?
Even with the series concluding, the world of Cousins Beach may not be entirely over. There has been significant discussion and fan speculation about a potential continuation in the form of a movie. If a movie were to happen, Taylor Jewel’s presence would be essential. Her role would likely shift from navigating new relationships to supporting Belly through her post-college life and potentially exploring the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship with Steven as they both pursue their futures.
Sean Kaufman, the actor who plays Steven, has publicly expressed his desire to see the 'Staylor' relationship continue in a potential movie, focusing on their committed future. This strong interest from the cast and the show's creator suggests that Taylor Jewel's influence on the narrative is permanent, ensuring her spot as one of the most important and beloved characters to emerge from the entire franchise. Entities: TSITP Movie, Continuation, Post-College Life, Long-Distance Relationship, Future, and Franchise.
Key Takeaways from Taylor's Journey
Taylor Jewel's journey in The Summer I Turned Pretty is a masterclass in character development. She started as a seemingly one-dimensional side character and evolved into a three-dimensional young woman whose own romantic and personal arc—the 'Staylor' dynamic—became a powerful fan favorite. Her story provided necessary emotional levity and grounding reality, proving that sometimes, the best friend's story is just as captivating as the main character's. The successful resolution of her story in the series finale is a major reason why the show concluded on such a high note for many viewers. Entities: Character Development, Romantic Arc, Emotional Levity, Reality, and Fan Favorite.
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