Honey Bear

Thanks. Finally got a chance to re-watch the episode. On the first viewing, I blinked and missed it. I was distracted and mistakenly thought Valerie had spoken Melody's line. I guess, for now, Melody is a person of few words. So far, Riverdale's take on the iconic Archie characters has been interesting. I still find sexy Jughead to be somewhat disconcerting. However, in the context of the show, his characterization works. Josie and the Pussycats have been the most disappointing to me. Josie seems to have Alexandra Cabot's personality. Valerie seems to have Josie's traditional comic persona. And Melody seems reticent--currently, nothing like the bubbly, ditzy, bombshell classic character. Other than being a musical band, they're virtually unrecognizable from the original source material. Riverdale Reggie has a race change, but he's still recognizably the lovable louse Reggie Mantle of Archie comics. I wish Riverdale's Josie and the Pussycats weren't In-Name-Only characters.

That makes sense for Jughead to remain in Riverdale. Especially factoring in his crush on Betty. I'm still on the fence with whether or not Betty truly loves him. I'm glad she initiated the kiss this time. (You could practically see the hearts fluttering around Jughead -- so adorable!) Until the romantic stroll with him, she couldn't puzzle out where Polly was hiding. Seemingly, Juggie gives Betts a sense of safety and comfort, which helps her to think clearly. The same flash of insight also happened when Jughead kissed Betty in her bedroom. Except this time, she could've kissed Jughead out of sheer gratefulness, by him triggering her memory. Or perhaps it was a genuine display of affection for him aiding her. I hope it's the latter. I really love the Bughead ship. But for now, I still have one hand on a life preserver. It's a running gag. AFAIK, Melody hasn't spoken any lines as of yet also.

Hear, hear!

New Archie Horror Comic Delivers Werewolf Jughead

I appreciate Archie's storyline because it's a whiff of normalcy in the madness of Riverdale. K.J. Apa is perfect because he seems to have good chemistry with practically everyone which is an important trait of Archie being the everyman. I'm happy for the Archie and Valerie hookup. It's nice nod to their comic roots as a couple. Sadly, given Archie's nature, it won't last. (Down the line, I'm wishing for Archie/Veronica to be the grand romance of the series.) I'm glad that Josie finally got some focus. I can totally commiserate with her. Her story brought back some painful memories (that makes her Dad look like a Saint). The Coopers (Alice and Hal) are creepy as all get-out! Polly doesn't seem quite right either. She's madly in love with Jason -- emphasis on mad! I feel sorry and scared for Betty. While I'm rooting for Bughead, the execution seemed off; like a crucial intermediary scene was missing. They went from point A to point C. Since the episode's theme was fear, I guess Jughead impetuously kissed Betty out of fear of losing her. Polly losing her chance at happiness with Jason might've encouraged Jughead to make his move. Well, one of my fears about Bughead may have been hinted at. Betty's mind still focused on the mystery after the kiss doesn't bode well. Supposedly, when it's a kiss of true love, afterwards you won't remember what you were thinking about previously. Heck, you probably won't even remember your own name! My money's on Betty still harboring feelings for Archie, considering him to be her one true love. I think she'll go along with Jughead as a (temp) bf due to the notion that's it's better to be with someone than no one. I'm also concerned about Dark Betty coming out to play with Jughead. Although, Juggie would be the one person least likely to object to D-Bets pouring maple syrup all over him. That'll be a dream come true! ---------------- Sorry for the edit, but I wanted to add: The werewolf mask in Archie's dresser and his fear manifesting as a werewolf football team might be a reference to the Archie's Weird Mysteries episode Fleas Release Me.