AdorkableSars

That would be amazing. The crap that Betty gets away with is rather stunning (threatening the lady at Our Sisters of Quiet Mercy, accusing the town sheriff of being a serial killer, the list goes on). I'd like to know her secret. Ugh. This made me so sad. Sweet, sensitive Jughead doing this was awful. I know he's doing it to protect his dad and the Serpents as a whole, and Penny IS pretty awful. But literally skinning her seems excessive as hell. Not sure how I feel about the extremely dark turn that Jughead has taken. They focused on the eye thing so heavily. Even this episode, after they caught Svenson, they made a point of mentioning again how the eyes didn't match. I really and truly do not think that the Black Hood saga is truly over. Especially with that final scene of Betty keeping the hood and looking all sinister. I am really glad about Archie and Veronica too. However now you mention it, the timing is a little suspect, and it's quite convenient that after Ronnie was able to say the big L-word after how it was SUCH a big deal last week that she couldn't. And now I too suspect nefariousness, especially after Hermoine said they could use Fred in the next step of their plan (which WTF is this plan? What are the Lodges doing? It's cool that Veronica got caught up to date, but we are still in the dark). I hope not though, because I really do like Archie and Veronica together. They obviously do care about each other alot, and are really good for each other. And I need a couple to root for, because as much as I adore Bughead, at this point in the season, they should absolutely NOT be together. Also, huge word to the last point. They HAVE set up a lot. Hopefully they can now focus on some of that, and not try and run through an insane amount of plot at a rapidfire pace. BAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!! I needed this laugh! I think someone needs to make a masterlist of all of the fake names...Spiffany's. American Excess. The Matchelorette. All so epic. And least this brings some levity to this show. Almost makes me miss the Cover Girl closeups from last season. Almost. Seriously! We need more Cheryl. There better be more Cheryl post-holiday break. She's crazy as hell, but she is funny and amazing, and I just need more! There is and should be more to this show than the Core Four, for crying out loud. I think Jughead's character may have undergone the biggest 180 since last season. And that's saying a lot. Last season, he was broken and had darkness, sure. But he was also incredibly smart and sensitive and fairly sweet and funny. And he was so anti-Serpent. But this season????????? The hell? I'm gonna chalk this one up to the writers, and say that they probably forgot that they even introduced this storyline *eyeroll* So sure, we had the Black Hood “reveal” this episode. And yeah, Betty kissed Archie. And OK, Jughead literally skinned another human being. Not to mention Veronica being seemingly fully brought into the Lodge family “business” happenings and dealings. But I want to unpack what really matters... Yo, Kevin...why was your Secret Santa gift exchange at school? Jughead doesn’t even go there? You really couldn’t of have it at Pop’s or someone’s house or something? Did you have to rent the student lounge? Isn’t it an open area for the whole student body? Why weren’t people crashing this gift exchange? Also, why was Cheryl a part of it? I love her to bits, but she’s barely friends with the gang. What qualifications were needed to be a part of this gift exchange? And I want to know what other gifts were purchased? Like, who got Jughead? And what did they buy him? He’s a badass gang member now. I doubt any gifts/regifts will quell his badassedness. I need answers! And lastly, all I want for Christmas is to crawl through my TV screen, and give Jughead a big hug, and take him the hell away from Riverdale. His wardrobe would fit in real good in my Canadian city. I just want to feed him cookies and burgers (but also salads, because he deserves healthy nutrients), and protect him and take care of him...

This so hard. I really adore the Betty/Veronica and Archie/Jughead friendships. I even enjoy the Betty/Archie friendship. IF Barchie happens, especially now, I don't see how that wouldn't permanently affect all of those friendships in a wholly negative way. And if these writers tried to write in any other way, it would be a disservice to us as viewers and to the show as a whole. To me, there is enough to work with here to have storylines and drama without adding partner swapping and love triangles to the mix. Sure, Archie and Veronica could still break up over Veronica being unable to say she loves Archie. And they could all the angst and drama, but then they could work through it, which would still bring drama and angst. And yes, Jughead could still push Betty away to protect her. But then we could see him dealing with gang life (and hopefully leave it eventually) and her dealing with the Black Hood, and then they could work their way back to each other. There is still storylines to be had without making Betty and Archie, or the love triangle of Betty/Archie/Veronica happen. Yes, I know it was a staple of the comics. I think at this point, it is more than fair to say that this show...is not abiding by the comics. So I don't see why this triangle needs to happen. Betty and Archie need to be there for each other as friends right now. And Betty and Veronica. And Jughead and Archie. Down with triangles! And the whole thing about Veronica being unable to tell Archie she loves him too...the scene where she was talking to Hermonie about it, and said that she hardly even heard her parents say it to each other...it made sense why it was hard for her to say it back to Archie. My heart broke for Veronica there. But I think she is starting to love Archie, even though she couldn't say it. She certainly wants to be with him still. Yeah the differences between not only the characters, but the show alltogether between season 1 and 2 is pretty jarring. You better believe I will keep watching, and I still enjoy the hell out of it (even though it's ridiculous sometimes), but it is getting way too dark and depressing. Even last season, it never felt this dark and sad all the time. At this point, I'm not sure I want Jughead back at Riverdale High. At least he has Toni at Southside, who has been a good friend to him. He needs/deserves that with all of shit in his life. Especially if Barchie happens, which will crush him. (And me. But this isn't about me. But it should be. JK.) Bahahaha!!!! Oh yeah! This was another moment of levity for me in this episode. That the Serpents lost their collective shit over Archie and Veronica running out mid-song. Thanks for reminding me! Good question! I though FP found all of this out after he and Jughead had their post-motorcycle ride talk. But it could very well have been before, and FP was trying to take a gentle and fatherly approach to getting Jug to leave the Serpents. And then he had to resort to rejoining them to protect Jughead. If anything, that look that Betty and Archie exchanged is for sure getting people talking! It would be funny if nothing ever came of it. Knowing these writers on this show, this season...not a chance. We can only dream!

Ughhhhhh.......this just made me sad for Jughead all over again. Everyone says that FP is a great dad who obviously cares about Jughead and his well-being, and to an extent, that is true. But then, there's also FP being an alcoholic gang leader, who's lifestyle made Jughead decide that being homeless was better than being at home. This FP behaviour also drove away Jughead's mom and sister. Any chance he had at the semblance of a normal life was screwed with all of FP's doings. And then this episode, where FP basically told Jughead that it was his fault that FP was back with the Serpents. And made eye contact while taking his stupid shot. As if to say "look what you made me do". And great point about FP's hypocrisy regarding Jughead joining the Serpents. The whole reason Jughead did it was to try and calm them down from turning into bomb-planting and violent and (stupider) imbeciles because their leader/Jughead's father (one FP Jones) was in PRISON. This is what propelled Jughead to join the gang. So basically, it was FP's doing, yet he turns the tables on Jughead. No. NO!!!! Word. Cory and Topanga on Boy Meets World - example of a teenage relationship that actually stood the test of time, and got through their troubles and tribulations by communicating like normal people and working through it. And ended up married with a family, still going strong years later. Granted, they didn't have criminal parents, Black Hoods, dead siblings, gang initiations, etc. to deal with. And also granted, that was a sitcom. But ALSO, how much shit can these high school kids go through? Can they have anything nice, ever?

Three of the best parts in this episode: 1. Jughead's glorious hair. 2. FP's pinky raise when drinking his coffee. 3. Jughead calling Tall Boy a bitch. Profanity is a turn on for me, what can I say?

REALLY, Archie? Veronica can’t say “Love” yet, so you suddenly get goo-goo ga-ga over Betty? REALLY, Betty? Jughead breaks up with you to protect you because you alarmingly did a weird, slutty dance, and the second Archie looks longingly at you, you’re back on the Archie train? REALLY? Where are Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler when you need them? Oh DAMN SON. The chemistry between FP and Alice is hella hot and electrifying. Like a portable wok. (Is that a thing?) They definitely have a past, and maybe a future? This episode legitimately made me cry twice. I’m a big time crier at shows/movies/commercials/etc, just a sensitive freak. But I can honestly say that before tonight, I never once cried at Riverdale. Damn scene where FP told Jughead he came back to the Serpents to protect him from Penny and the scene where Jughead broke up with Betty and told her to leave. On that note, can Jughead ever catch a break? Every episode, my hearts breaks a little more for him. Tonight was especially rough, because it seemed as though FP was going to turn things after getting out of jail, but now he’s back in the Serpents and back to drinking. And it’s so, SO clear he loves and adores Betty so much, and it’s a soft spot for him, as evidenced when Penny brought her up. And then he felt as though he needed to push her away to protect her. It’s like he lost his Dad all over again and did lose Betty and pardon me while I go get another box of Kleenex... I liked that this episode actually had quite a few humorous moments, such as the banter between Alice and FP at Pops, and pretty much every Alice scene at the Whyte Wyrm. It was nice to have some genuine laughs amongst all the angst and murdery stuff... Betty's dance was Cringe City, and I'm the mayor. That was hella uncomfortable to watch. Even Toni told her not to. Hoo boy. I did like that the tables turned, and that we saw Veronica and Archie sleuthing for once. It was pretty fun to watch. Where the hell was Kevin this episode/ Also, not enough Cheryl. Enough Core Four drama - focus on some other characters too, pretty please??

I agree...it was nice seeing the pairs being more friendship geared than romantically geared this episode. We had Archie & Jughead -Archie being there for Jughead and then Jughead wanting to spend time with Archie at the library looking into the Riverdale Reaper. And the sadness that Archie couldn't. I really like their friendship, and I love that we're seeing more of it this season. Jughead was there for Archie when Fred got shot, and now Archie is being there for Jughead through all of this (probably literal, if you check the snake cages at the Whyte Wyrm) snake shit. (Not even sure if snakes shit. Ok, just Googled "Do snakes poop?" They do. This is very offside...) We got Betty & Veronica sleuthing, and it was a blast to watch. Got a chuckle out of the scene at the school too where Betty was saying she thought Sheriff Keller was the Black Hood, and Veronica said it was an affair. And then we got sweet, precious Kevin & Veronica friendship scenes. I think theirs is the most underrated friendship on the show. They're adorable! And the Cheryl & Josie friendship scenes were sweet...until that Cheryl reveal. Yowza...but on another note, she is an insanely talented artist. Girl could go places with that! Also super annoyed at how they're dumbing Jughead down this season. He should be way smarter than this. I guess we can chalk it up to his misery over his dad being in prison and the whole Serpent initiation. I think both of those messed him up pretty bad. But I miss smart, logical Jughead. Please come back, Juggie!!! And lastly, word to your point about these character's seemingly never getting to enjoy themselves. At least last season there was parties and dances, and milkshakes at Pops and lunch breaks together. This season, even those moments are interspersed with DARKNESS and DRAMA and ANGST. Ooh, truth! Preach! Praise hands!! Poor Kevin. I kind of hope he finds out that Betty thought his dad was the Black Hood. (Maybe still could be? Who knows, on this crazy show...) Yeah man! It's the Denny's of Riverdale! I really enjoyed how the Riverdale reaper clearly stole his MO from the book "In Cold Blood". And speaking of stealing, is it just me, or did the beginning of Josie's song sound exactly like the beginning of "Do It Again" by Steely Dan? I though the format of last night's episode was really cool, how the stories all intertwined. The direction was great last night. And I have to say, the acting this season has been pretty fantastic. KJ Apa especially has really impressed me this season. And I know a lot of people think Cole Sprouse is overacting, but I think he's been really impressive in his subtle moments - example being this episode when he went to visit FP in prison, and his reaction upon seeing that FP was very much not hurt. I can't wait for FP to find out the crap that Penny Peabody is pulling. I think she's gonna have hell to pay for messing with FP's boy.

Hahaha! Seriously in regards to the weather! Also loved Fred asking about Jughead and caring about him. Seemed like definite foreshadowing to me...Fred Andrews is pulling a Kevin Pearson on us. (Fist pump! Just married my two favourite shows!) Yeah, I'm rather upset we didn't see the scene where Betty told Jughead about the Black Hood. I hope we get to see it at some point, maybe as a flashback. I loved their scenes this episode, especially the car fixing scene. It was awkward and tense, but it was real. And YAAAAS to the chemistry. I think maybe Toni was trying to offer Jughead some comfort? In any case, I'm glad they didn't do more than kiss and PG-13 groping. I really, really like their friendship. And I hope we get to see it grow more. Jughead needs all the allies he can get with all of this Serpent/Southside shit going down. And I like Toni as a character. This is such a great post! They can't just move past their issues. They need to work through it, and these are the kinds of Bughead scenes I love. That being said, I really hope that when/if the Toni kiss comes up, that Betty does not get too upset over it. Jughead had just had his heart broken and been through a severe ass-kicking. He was vulnerable and sad. He thought that he and Betty were over. honestly, I'll be a little upset if Betty gets really upset about it. (Could I say the word upset anymore?) I loved all of the Jughead/Archie scenes in this episode! Archie did redeem himself...he's shown himself to get mad in the heat of the moment, so it makes sense that we went off on Jughead last episode when he saw that he was becoming a Serpent. But then, as he has done in the past, he had time to cool down and come to his senses. And see WHY Jughead joined the Serpents. Good point about the race and why the Serpents weren't trying to kick his ass! I guess maybe they could see that Archie was on their side now? They do seem to be heading towards Barchie...but I hope it's just a red herring. I want to give this show more credit that going down the obvious route. I have faith in these writers. Please don't make it misplaced, writing team!

Yes, I'm responding to my own message! I just want to say that while I'm Team Bughead ALL THE WAY, Cole and Vanessa do have a nice chemistry, and I want a Bughead reconciliation bad, but I do hope that Jughead and Toni can become good friends. Maybe even Betty and Toni. Because Toni actually seems like she is with Jughead on not wanting things to get too violent, and not wanting a full on war between the North and South. She clearly doesn't like the North side, but she seems to think that Sweet Pea et al are being idiots. Also, is Toni the only girl in the Serpents? Did she have to go through that initiation too? Because yikes. Although this episode did show us that girls are strong and tough. Still... Oh, and also forgot to point out last night that Archie REALLY went for the jugular (hahaha...JUGular) when breaking up with Jughead for Betty last night. I know a lot of that was Archie projecting his own neurosis about the Serpents, but dang. Also, I think Jughead's #1 insecurity about his relationship with Betty has always been Archie. You could see he feared that he was merely a rebound for Betty to tide her over until Archie came around and decided that he wanted Betty. So to have Archie deliver this breakup to him likely added even more to Jughead's heartbreak/drive to become a Serpent. Yeah, I agree. This is full on darkness. At least last season, there was some levity and humour every episode with Alice and Cheryl's one liners, Jughead's snark, and Kevin's sassiness. But this season - not so much. There's little bits of humour, but is also so, SO grim and terrifying. I was so ramped up and freaked out that even after a glass of wine and watching the CMA Awards after Riverdale, I still had trouble falling asleep and getting it off my mind. I had to listen to an Acoustic Chill playlist to relax. (And then I had a dream that I adopted a dog who looked like Hot Dog...that was actually pretty sweet.) Good point about Jughead being a dummy. He's supposed to be the smart one on this show, along with Betty. But they are both making some questionable (to say the least) choices right now. The pace they're going at, I don't think there is any way they can make this Black Hood drama go all season, which I really like, yet also fear what they have planned. Though this season alone, they've already covered murder, drugs, sexual assault, and gang initiation. Maybe, just maybe the last half of the season will have these kids being happy and normal teens who find light at the end of this dark-ass tunnel. and come through it stronger and ready to meet their full potential together as best friends/lovers forever! (Or with this show, maybe not...) YES, the Bughead reconciliation if (hopefully when) it comes better be sweet, and it better be amazing, and they BETTER have a hot scene, even hotter than the one at the end of last season. Make it so, show! (Although they are leading up to possible Barchie naturally and nicely...which I don't like.) Also, who ever thought "Lollipop" would be so ominous and horrifiying. I'll never listen to that song the same way again! Well...I've avoided work long enough for one morning. Time to get back to it. Lord knows I know the paychecks to keep affording the cable AND wine that help me watch Riverdale.

My only prior experience seeing Graham Phillips was in Staten Island Summer, where he played a really cute, charming, sweet character. So I was impressed by well he played then skeevy Nick St. Clair. Because he was skeevy AF. LOVED seeing Veronica, Josie, Valerie, and Melody kick his ass though. That was some well-served girl power. Also loved getting another Josie and the Pussycats song this episode. I totally agree with your point about how well edited the scene with them singing Out Tonight was. The juxtaposition of a catchy and upbeat song with all of those awful things (Cheryl being drugged and nearly assaulted, Jughead getting the shit beat out of him, Betty falling apart...) was quite jarring, which completely worked for an episode like this. I think Jughead responding to the kiss was more about him feeling defeated, and just needing human interaction/affection more than anything. Dude has been to hell and back more than once, and that\s just since Riverdale started, not even including what happened before the timeline in which the show started (like his mom taking his sister and leaving town). This episode he (seemingly) lost his best friend/brother Archie, and got a few pounds of salt poured into those wounds when said best friend/brother told him that Betty wanted to break up with him, and has wanted to for some time now. Not to mention feeling like he had to join to the Serpents to keep the peace, and going through a crazy messed up initiation. And Toni was there for him throughout all of that, and is a fellow serpent. He was shat upon, and found comfort in someone who seems to support him, especially when he's lost all of his support system recently (his dad, Archie, Betty). Yup. It sucks. A lot. Especially coming after their sweetest scene of the season at Pop's earlier in the episode. Hoping it's only temporary. Once all of this Black Hood crap gets solved, they can hopefully be honest with each other, and have that strong communication and love that they used to... BLACK HOOD, who the hell are you?!?! The psychological trauma he's putting Betty through is mind blowing. On one hand, I think Betty is ridiculous for not telling anyone other than Archie about the Black Hood calling her. On the other hand, the cops in Riverdale are absolute buffoons, and her own mom thinks she made up the letter/crypted code. She is stuck between a rock and a hard place for sure.. One the plus side, Lili Reinhart is CRUSHING it. Her acting this episode was incredible. I had thought that Alice was starting to redeem herself towards the end of last season, but now she's kind of a jerk again. That being said, the slo-mo scene of her sauntering into the party with that red dress/snake necklace was outstanding. I can't believe how much happened this episode. My jaw was dropped with my hand over my mouth for literally the whole last half of the episode. I needed a big ass glass of wine after that to ease the tension in my body and calm my nerves. On the plus side, I think they're gearing up for a Black Hood reveal soon, and so the whole season hopefully won't focus on this, and we can get to something else after. Though this is riveting as hell...

Good point! My work is too cheap for spring for those, so we have to lick, or use the aformentioned envelope moistener that doesn't really work...

Preach!! Please don't let her just be here to be detriment to Bughead. They can and should do so much more with her. I think Betty and Jughead will have enough issues to deal with without adding the tired love triangle trope. And I hope if she is to be an obstacle to Bughead, it's not romantically so. Just that she's trying to pull Jughead more towards the Southside's side. Well said. Betty and Jughead both seem to be feeling very helpless, and are keeping secrets from each other to maybe try and protect each other and their relationship? One of the reasons I so adore Bughead is how well they communicate. It seems as though their communication is falling apart with all of the shit going down in Riverdale/their lives, which makes sense. I hope they can start being honest with each other again, and be there for each other. Hear, hear! This damn show makes it seem like the Southside is an entirely different town/jurisdiction. It doesn't make sense. Oh heyyyyy fellow Murderino!!!!!! Your whole post was gold, but 4. especially. I never even though of this, but duhhhh, yeah. The envelope could have clues as to who the killer is. DNA from the envelope licking for sure (unless the killer uses one of those envelope moisteners), but maybe more.

This episode.........was insane. Sooo much happened. Toni...girl, you were hostile to poor Betty and her iconic ponytail tonight. AND you didn't let sweet Kevin walk you home (although you maybe walked him home). However, as a fellow true crime junkie, I feel you girl. When all this black hood shit is over, let's have a Forensic Files marathon. Actually no. You only get two episodes I'll do a true marathon with Betty and Jughead. (Sidenote: how cute were they asleep on the couch?) And then we'll listen to My Favorite Murder. Archie...boy. You are insane. I know you want to avenge Fred's shooting, and save the town from this craziness, but dang, you dumb. Glad he threw the gun into the river at the end, but I don't think his crusade to kill the Black Hood Killer is over. New Reggie is definitely growing on me. I liked that he and Kevin brought some levity to an otherwise intense and dark episode. I really just need to know what the hell Hiram (and Hermoine, though maybe not entirely willingly) are up to. What is their endgame here? Thei villainy is somewhat cartoonish and over the top (I half expected Hiram to be petting a fluffy cat when Veronica walked into the study), but it's entertaining, and I can't wait to see where this is headed. I loved Fred being the voice of reason at that town hall meeting. I missed Cheryl this episode. I also kind of miss the Cover Girl product placement. It used to bring me great joy, lauding the subtlety of it all... This is true. But we're still in early part of the season (only four episodes in), so I think they're still kind of setting up storylines and making sure all of these characters make an appearance. I think as the season goes on, there will be more focus on the main characters/storlylines.

It's the CW...they hadn't filled their "shirtless bod" quota for the episode yet, and they realized it when filming the final scene. So they had the dudes strip it on down. I liked Toni. She was feisty and funny, and I'm glad that it seems Jughead has an ally/protector at Southside High. But I too am dreading a potential love triangle. Hopefully they go somewhere else with the character. I really adore Betty & Jughead together, and it seems they'll have enough drama without adding a love triangle into the mix. Sheriff Keller and Kevin have a really sweet relationship. Also, I'm not sure what did a bigger 180 since last season - Hermoine Lodge or Jughead @ Southside High. Like you said, last season showed him fitting right in at the school. But I guess what wouldn't be fitting for the DRAMA. Also agreeing about Hiram. I don't see anything redeeming about his character at this point. Even his love for his daughter seems so twisted and conniving. Oh wait...he is super eye candy. I guess that's redeeming. (FP is still the hottest Daddy though. Ew. I hate that I said that. Sorry...blame the wine I'm drinking, please?) Not gonna lie, I cougared over badass Archie holding a gun as some dude scream sang "I'M A BAD MAN" at me. then that final scene with the video happened, and this cougar got declawed. Loved Jughead reviving the "Red and Black". He looked so happy when he got the go ahead. But then Jughead can never stay happy, and it turned into him getting his ass kicked. And now it's seeming he'll have no choice but to become a Serpent. Overall, a solid episode. Setting up a lot of potential storylines for the season, and it's gonna be good, I think!

Well, Madelaine Petsch keeps saying in interviews that Cheryl is getting an unexpected love interest this season...we know Fred has a thing for redheads. Just saying. (Jokes though, because this would be crazy gross!) Yup! Which makes me think of Community! Anyone else? I don't think I've ever seen a TV character do as much of a 180 as Hermione Lodge. She started off last season seeming like a geniunely good person and good mom, and then episode by episode, it all changed, and now she she is scary and creepy and sinister as @#$%. However, I'm all for it. It's ridiculously fun to watch, like it was for the Blossom parents last season. Also, Mark Consuelos is RIDICULOUSLY good looking. He may perhaps have usurped the "Sexiest Dad on the show" crown from FP Jones...perhaps. Haha!! I was thinking about the cast needed to be changed too. But this description of how awful it must smell is perfect, and now I feel like I can actually smell it, and the nausea is real! I hardcore agree on both of these points. All in all, I really enjoyed the premiere. KJ Apa was especially impressive. Just goes to show how great he can be when they're not trying to make Archie Troy Bolton 2.0. I though Camila Mendes was also really great last night, and I loved all of the Archie/Veronica scenes. The shower scene was hot and all, but the scenes aside from that were excellent, as they showed that there is an actual emotional connection between them as well. Loved all the Betty/Jughead scenes too. The motorcycle "drama" provided some levity with Jug joking about calling Alice for a ride, and I adored the swoonworthy kiss in the rain. The Pops scene with them was great too. I also got a laugh out of Jughead saying he was always hungry, and Betty incredulously watching him eat. The Jughead/serpent scenes were INTENSE though. Yowza. That dude they beat up legit made me shudder when the showed him. Cheryl is batshit cray, and I'm totally here for it. I love it! I can't wait for her antics this season.

That scene with Archie punching the ice was actually hard to watch. The blood and the drama. If I'm being honest, I looked like a total noob during that entire Cheryl rescue scene. I had my hand over my mouth and my eyes were wide the entire time. KJ Apa was really great in that scene though. everyone was! That was ridiculously intense. I adore how Archie saved Cheryl, but I wish there had been more follow up to her suicide attempt. It was so devastating, and I hope Cheryl gets some happiness next season. Maybe the foster family who adopted Jughead can adopt her too? I'd love to see some snarky Cheryl/Jughead scenes. The Jughead/FP prison scene legitimate made me cry. So well acted. I've been saying it pretty much every episode, but Cole Sprouse is absolutely killing it as Jughead. And I've also been saying this pretty much every episode, but please, please let Skeet Ulrich become a series regular next season. I also liked the Archie/FP prison scene. Hermoine did a complete 180, didn't she? Good LORD. She was giving off vibes as sinister and creepy as those of the Blossoms in this episode. I don't know if it's a front, and she's acting this way to protect Veronica/Fred/whoever else, but her coldness towards Cheryl was very off-putting. Pretty much every Hermoine scene this episode was off-putting. She and Penelope rival each other for worst person in Riverdale right now. And it's kind of great how Alice went from awful mother to probably the best on the show. She is absolutely flawed, but she actually cares about and supports her daughters. Fred CANNOT be dead, right? RIGHT? No dead Fred! He is the best parent in Riverdale, and a character that I have grown to become very fond of. I hope that's he's just injured...but not too gravely. Just enough for the drama and to move the storyline along. I really liked the opening scene where it went back and forth between Jughead and Alice narrating/writing/drinking coffee. It was a really cool sort of juxtaposition . - I liked the quick Veronica/Jughead cafeteria scene that we got, where they talked about they were dating each other's best friends/their criminal fathers. And Cheryl apologizing, and funding his "burgers and S t-shirts for decades" was also great. I straight up fan-girled during those final Jughead/Betty scenes. They told each other that they love each other. (I kind of wish that Betty had said it first, but that's very nitpicky of me, and I apologize to you all.) And that makeout scene after?!?!?!?! *fans self forever* DAMN. Crazy hot. And I must admit it was also quite hot when Jughead put on that Serpents jacket. Also, HOT DOG!!!!!!! Seeing that adorable mutt made my heart so very, very happy... This finale was crazy, and kind of batshit, but I loved it. So much happened, and it set so much up for next season. Please, NO Archie/Betty next season. I feel there was some Archie jealousy this episode, but also he seems very crazy about Veronica. And I think Betty will continue to stand by Jughead, regardless of whether he gets too deep into the Serpent life or not. We've gotten indication that Alice may have been previously involved with the Serpents, so Betty could easily follow suit. And her and Jughead are too great together to ruin it. So in summation, I love Cole Sprouse and he has impressed me greatly with his acting in his show, Fred better not be dead, Betty/Jughead are fantastic, Hermoine be cray, poor Cheryl, and HOT DOG.

One more Joaquin bread crumb: he leads Kevin, Betty, and Archie to a spot in the woods where they can find Jason's letterman's jacket, and inside it, a flash drive. On that drive is a video. The one that was in all the commercials for this episode. The one to which Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and even Kevin give A+ horrified reaction shots at what they see, while Archie looks like he may have just sat on a thumb tack. Haha, that line from the Previously.tv post made me laugh hard. Reading that post also reminded me of yet another heartbreaking Jughead moment from the episode. When he apologized to Cheryl because (he thought at that time) his father killed Jason. You didn't kill him Juggie? Why are you so compassionate and sweet and caring and broken?!?!? So many Jughead feels right now...Cole Sprouse is really killing it.

I think in this instance, Fred could've shown more compassion towards Jughead. When Fred said "FP may have ruined Jughead's life, but I'm not going to let him ruin yours." to Archie, I was smad (sad and mad). And when Jughead overheard the conversation that Fred and Archie were having, where Fred was all "the Jones family sucks, Jughead is going to turn into a monster like his dad, blah-dee-bloo" (pretty much exactly how the conversation went down, right?), I was even smadder. Fred is really the only decent parental figure in Jughead's life, and he's been so good to Jughead, and then bam. Suckage. I did really like how much compassion Archie had towards Jughead all episode. He truly cares for his bro, and it was great to see. And also, why the hell didn't Jughead's mom want him going there?! My heart absolutely broke at that. I mean as shady as FP is, at least it's been made clear how much he cares about his son and loves him (he even falsely confessed to murder to protect him). I want to find out why Mrs. Jones sucks so much...is that the next mystery? I said the exact same thing on Twitter! But then someone pointed out (before I had even got to the scene) that Clifford died. So I guess that answers that? This really was the least surprising reveal. I think people have been suspecting this since pretty much the beginning. But I am excited to find out why Clifford killed Jason, and see all of the fallout from this. I liked that there were so many scenes with the core four/Kevin this episode. I hope we have a lot more of that to look forward to next episode/season. And I actually liked Hal this episode. And I continue to love Alice more and more... And here is my weekly plea to make Skeet Ulrich a series regular next season. He's just so charismatic and great, and adds so much to the show. Every Jughead/FP scene is pretty wonderful, and I want more!

I understand that Jughead felt betrayed by no one telling him what was going on, and mostly Betty. But my heart kind of broke for her in the scene where Jughead confronted them all, because she was so actively against her mom/Veronica/Archie doing this, and she trusted Jughead enough to not want to look into FP. I do think that Betty and Jughead will get past this though. As we saw last episode, they has a disagreement, but then they talked through it. Their support for each other is so strong and sweet, and they probably have the healthiest romantic relationship in Riverdale. Which is very sad. Also, Alice said she likes Jughead. She LIKES Jughead. And her face when Betty said she loves Jughead was actually one of compassion and understanding. Alice supports their love guys. And when Betty said she loved Jughead. And he was willing to not go be with his family (which is one of his biggest dreams, something that is so important to him), just to stay with Betty?! My fears for Betty and Jughead's relationship have subsided somewhat. Yes, they fight and have issues...but that is real. Their relationship is real. And you can see how much they care about each other. It just gives me a lot of feels... Say what now?! YAY! I adore him! Kevin (and maybe Alice and Cheryl to lesser extents) provides some much needed comic relief to this show, and Casey Cott is adorable. I am happy we will be getting more Kevin! Now all I need is to hear that Skeet Ulrich is being promoted to a series regular next season, and I will be one happy lady. Hi Archie! Welcome to Riverdale. Really loving how he's been more involved in the past few episodes. And the chemistry between he and Veronica is pretty amazing. I think Archie certainly meant well in going behind Betty and Jughead's back, as he was doing it to help and protect Jughead (and maybe kind of to mack on Veronica, which worked out well for him). But I don't think Veronica really meant well for anyone but herself. She even said she wasn't connected to the Jones family the way Betty was, and seemed to have little regard for how much this could hurt Jughead - it was more about her finding out what Daddy might've done. Lord, yes. Please bring back scruffy FP. Scruffy people can be good people too! Shaving doesn't make you a better person! (Charles Manson, anyone?) Yes, this scene was so well acted. I always want to just give Jughead a cookie and a hug, but this episode just fortified that. I'd probably even throw in a steak dinner for the poor guy. Also, Cole really resembled Skeet in this scene. Also sad was how hopeful and happy Jughead was when Alice invited he and FP over for dinner, only to have it basically turn into an interrogation. I loved how FP bit back though. Lili Reinhart was also really great in this episode, especially in the hallway scene before they found out that FP got arrested. We were! When she was watching her parents as her mother was bawling over FP's arrest over Jason's murder, it showed her with the ring in her hand. I think it might've been the very last scene. Cole Sprouse did an AMA on Reddit where he said that Jughead was 16, turning 17 in episode 10 (his birthday episode). So they're actually 16/17. Which is only a year older than 15, but when you're a teenager, a year can make a difference...that being said, no 15, 16, or 17 year old I know or have ever known have had the kind of lives that these Riverdale teens are living. Most adults I know haven't! Guys, I'm just really happy that the super subtle Covergirl product placement is back. Covergirl gets more airtime than Josie. Covergirl should be one of the top billed stars of this show. Or it should get an "and Covergirl", maybe after Luke Perry's name. It deserves it. It has really been amazing in all of its scenes. And last, but definitely not least, can we give Fred some mad props for pulling out this line: "Always like to have a beautiful woman on my arm...tonight I have two." What a suave, suave Casanova! *heart eyes*

Haha, yeah my first thought was that Jughead (or anyone) could've just unlocked the door after Cheryl locked it. I'm with you rmontro! But if I watched this show for the believability. I would've checked out quite a while ago!

I really enjoyed this too. I feel amidst all of the DRAMA in this episode, Jughead especially brought some levity with lines like this and his reactions to Kevin and Veronica were funny too. And I absolutely adored his little dance after taking the pizza out of the oven and the dainty pinky raise while drinking milk straight out of the carton. I too fear that he may be killed off, but I hope for the very opposite. I want Skeet Ulrich to be promoted to series regular next season. He is by far one of the most interesting characters on the show, and I really love him and Jughead's relationship. For all of his shortcomings, FP truly does seem to love Jughead, and care about him so much. Skeet Ulrich is so fantastic in this role. I want more FP! Archie certainly is a dumbass. This is the same Archie who in this very episode, touched a hot pizza pan and flinched in pain despite knowing that the pan had just come out the oven. He had literally just seen Jughead wearing oven mitts to handle the pan a mere millisecond before. I totally agree about the OTPs, and that those couples should be endgame. Veronica and Archie are so good for each other. They can open up to each other, they support each other, and the actors' chemistry is very good. I also kind of really liked that Jughead brought that up. I think it was justified on his part. Betty had a long ass crush on Archie, and he rejected her. Of course Jughead would worry that if Archie changed his mind, Betty would go running to him. Jughead's insecurities this episode gave me all the feels. He obviously feels like he's not good enough for Betty. He feels like he's the weird freak who will always be rejected, and that he doesn't deserve kindness. That being said, I think Betty did think that she was doing a nice thing throwing this party for Jughead. And she did just mean for it to be their circle of friends. But I felt for them both in their fight. And yes to no more Chuck. So long, farewell Chuck. Yup. The Betty/Veronica friendship is amazing. The Jughead/Archie friendship is (for the most part, ahem Archie) amazing. Archie/Veronica's budding relationship is great, and Betty/Jughead's relationship is one of most riveting and well-written aspects of this show. No triangles, please. And no squares. There's enough drama and storylines on this show without love triangles/squares. Let's just ignore all of the shapes. On a somewhat related note, I liked that there was a Jughead/Veronica scene tonight. Him catching her doing the "walk of shame" and promising not to tell anyone. Super cute scene. Hopefully with Veronica getting more involved with the investigation, we will see a Juggie/Veronica friendship start to develop! AND Juggie/Kevin. It made me kind of sad tonight when he said that he didn't really consider them friends. Me too. He was especially impressive tonight. Tonight is the first time I ever cried at this show, and it was during the Jughead/FP scene after he punched Chuck. (I cry at TV shows A LOT, but never thought I would cry at this one, as much as I love it. It's more of a guilty pleasure type show, and I usually don't cry at those.) Cole sold all of the dramatic and emotional moments wonderfully, and also had a few moments that provided some levity to a drama heavy episode with his line deliveries and gestures. The Betty and Jughead reconciliation scene at Pops...honestly, fantastic and sweet. They are really great for each other. Even though she's the "perfect girl-next-door" and he's from the "wrong side of the tracks", they are very compatible, and supportive of each other. They have common interests, and have been there for each other through all of their respective family issues. When he kissed her hands, I swooned so hard. I just want Jughead to have nice things, OK? Give the poor boy a break! Let him and Betty be wonderful together. (And on a shallow note, Juggie without his hat...hello, Jughead. Cole Sprouse's hair is majestic. And his face. Sorry. I clearly need sleep right now...) Team Joakevin!! (That's a good shipper name...am I the first to cleverly say that? I'm not "Joaquin" around right now. I'm so sorry. This is the sleep deprivation again.) Although Joaquin is using Kevin, he does seem to have developed real feelings for him. FP looked very surprised to have walked in on their makeout session, which leads me to think that Joaquin was never supposed to take the relationship too far, and that he's kissing and spending so much time with Kevin because he likes it/him. Veronica accusing Cheryl was so dramatically amazing, as was their dance-off. So campy, but that's what makes this my guilty pleasure/obsession. Veronica protecting her mom is sweet and sad.

That would be a no. At this point, I can't decide which parent is the most awful: Hal Cooper, Clifford Blossom, or Penelope Blossom (not going to lie, I had to Google the Blossom parent's names.) Alice has redeemed herself the past couple of episodes. And even before that, the actress is so great, I still kind of enjoyed her character. I think Hal is the worst of them all. The Blossoms, while they suck, their creepiness and vibe is at least fun to watch. This made me feel so bad for Veronica. Yes, it's obviously her fault that her dad is an evil tool. Camila Mendes was really great this episode. This, and the bathroom breakdown scene were great. I liked her final scene with Ethel too. Bughead are beyond cute. Jughead is an amazing boyfriend. The scene where he comforted Betty in the Blue and Gold office. Oy Vey. So wonderful. I'm going to have faith that even though they might break up, they would find their way back to each other. I mean, even Alice seems to approve of them. If that's not telling, then I don't know what is! I think one of the only redeeming qualities for Archie at this point is how much he cares about his dad and (to a lesser extent, mind you) his friends. Even when he defended Cheryl this episode, it seemed to come from a good place. And his scenes with Jughead last episode come to mind as well. This Canadian really appreciated all of the maple syrup content in this episode. Maple syrup really is so important. I'm glad Riverdale recognizes this.

Thought I would share this with everyone who may have developed a crush on Cole Sprouse, particularly one of the feline variety (aka you're entering cougar territory like me!). For Anyone Who Now Has A Crush On Cole Sprouse And Feels Kinda Weird About It

Alice was great in this episode. I've always enjoyed her evil ways, because it makes for good DRAMA, but this is the first time I've felt sympathy towards her, and really felt her love for her daughters (specifically Polly). However this episode threw Hal and FP further into scary douche territory. This line and Madelaine's delivery of it legit made me LOL. Seriously Polly...what in the actual hell? Your mom kicked your unsupportive father out for you...your angel/sister/godmother to your child and mother (who actually seems to care about what you want now) want you to come home, and you go with the Blossoms? Credit to the actors playing the Blossom parents, because they are creepy and offputting as f*ck. I don't know what Polly is thinking. Interested/terrified to see how it turns out though! Betty and Jughead are the sweetest. The way they support each other is so great. Am I crazy naive to think that maybe they will let Betty and Jughead be happy and remain a couple/endgame? High school relationships (especially those built on a strong friendship) can be built to last forever, and I think Betty and Jughead have the foundation for that. Just because the triangle was a staple of Archie comics, does not mean that it has to be here...let's face it, this show is not like the classic Archie comics. And I mean that in a good way! So there's really no need to visit a Betty/Archie romance ever. Then again, this is the CW, where every hot teen must horn down for every other hot teen at some point, and triangles are so SEXY and DRAMATIC. So I am sadly already preparing myself for the end of Betty/Jughead, even though they are one of my favorite couples on TV. (I'm even reading Bughead fanfiction....should a person over the age of 30 really be doing that, ever? Please don't answer that...) And that kiss after they visited FP? So, so great! YES. These Archie looks over Betty and Jughead being together is very annoying. And like you eloquently stated, there is NO need for the triangle in this series. Also, poor Valerie! Girl deserves better than Archie and his looks at Betty/Jughead. And yes to FP looking good. (AND Jughead. Cole Sprouse has a pretty great bod. Who'd a thunk?) Rawrrr, indeed... Once again, just quoting this to showcase that there is no need for the triangle! People are just putting it into words better than me, so thanks for that! Also i do think that we need a Veronica story. Maybe with her dad making Hermione "pay" for her romance with Fred, it will bring up more for Veronica. Almost spit precious wine on my laptop reading this. Thanks for the laugh! I am older than him...by more than a little bit (like 7 years) :( But I have been fangirling (or fanwomaning? Because I'm old?) hard for him since Riverdale began. I actually did watch the Suite Life sometimes, and he and Dylan were pretty funny. And of course he was adorable on Friends. But since this show began, I have been reading/watching more interviews with him and combed through his Twitter and Instagram. He is so funny, intelligent, eloquent, and talented, and just seems like a well-adjusted down-to-earth guy. (And very handsome...indeed.) Glad fame hasn't seemed to negatively affect him or his brother (who is also a gem on social media). Poor Jughead. He's so hopeful that his dad is trying to turn things around. FP did seem kind of remorseful when he was talking to Joaquin about how they're all making sacrifices, but if he really cared about Jughead, I don't think he would be doing all of this. This just makes me feel awful for Juggie and Fred. I liked how after Archie stopped being a prick, he and Jughead had that heart-to-heart where he told Jughead that he was like a brother to him. And Juggie returned the sentiment, saying he would do whatever he could to help Archie/Fred. Their bromance is really sweet when Archie isn't being a dick. And I'm glad that Jughead has a positive figure like Fred in his life. Once last thought - I love Kevin. I want him to be my best friend, and I want Joaquin to turn on the serpents and just love Kevin, and help bring the serpents down.

I hope the show addresses why Jughead didn't go with his mom and Jellybean. Or similarly, why his mom didn't insist that Jughead come with them as well. Poor Juggie :( But I'm glad to know he's at least still talking to his mom. I wonder if she knows that he's homeless, or thinks that he's still living with/taking care of FP...

This is the most I've ever been interested in the Andrews men (boys?). I loved how worried Archie was about Jughead. Archie was finally really likable in this episode, and I though KJ Apa turned in a great performance. And it's great that Jughead is now living with the Andrews. Not holding out hope that his dad will turn his act around anytime soon, so I really appreciate that he has Archie and Fred looking after him. I'm looking forward to seeing the repair of Archie and Jughead's friendship. It's interesting that their dads were apparently best friends in high school too. Cool backstory. Killer "Boy Meets World" reference. So on point! And also, YES. Skeet Ulrich is hella hunky. Even when he's looking all drunk/hungover, deadbeat, and messed up. I have to agree with those saying that it seems Jughead might be more into Betty than she is to him. However, there wasn't really a lot of focus on them specifically in this episode, so I won't put too much stock in that. She was there for him at the police station, and like some of you have pointed out, she was kind of giddy when talking to Veronica about it. The scene where he walked her home and they held hands was really sweet, as was the scene with the two of them in the interrogation room at the police station. I love that Archie seemed supportive of Jughead/Betty, but I did notice the jealous looks. Back off Arch...I'm just starting to like you! And yeah Sheriff Keller...it's kind of telling that a bunch of teenagers are making more headway on a murder investigation than he is. It's sad that Veronica and Hermoine have the healthiest mother/daughter relationship on this show. I like the way this played out though. They came to an understanding, and were completely honest with each other along the way. ARE YOU IN MY HEAD?!?!?!?!? Ever since the trend of former teen idols playing the parents on this show began, I've been thinking that they should get Neve Campbell to play Jughead's mom. I'm kind of freaked out right now that someone else went there too! Thought Cole Sprouse was the most impressive he's ever been in this episode acting wise. My heart was breaking for Jughead. Cole played the vulnerable moments so well, and had some light moments too which were also great. (And shallow-ly, I must say, shirtless Jughead? Yes. Please.) I love that Cheryl had a conscious, and warned Polly/Betty of her parents probable less-than-great intentions. And the clubbing scene with Veronica/Kevin/Josie/Reggie was fantastic and fun. I want a best friend like Kevin. I just adore him more and more with each passing episode. One last thing: another great and super subtle Cover Girl product closeup! Riverdale is crushing the product placement game. However, am I really to believe that Alice Cooper would deign to use Cover Girl? She seems more of an Estee Laudee type. Drugstore cosmetics?! Quel dommage!!!!!!!