Everyone loves a story about a small town. You know, the seemingly perfect place to live where every person knows everyone’s business and a dark secret is being harbored.
Shows like Pretty Little Liars and the remake of Twin Peaks, have institutionalized these central ideas. But the newest show that has captured attention is Riverdale.
Based on a comic book series from Archie Comics, the show appeals to the masses with its diverse and relatable characters. The storyline surrounds the disappearance of one of the town’s wealthy, teenage residents. When the police struggle to find leads for their investigation, a group of friends decide to try and figure out what happened.
Season two is quickly approaching. Here are the top five moments from season one, and some predictions for season two.
Cheryl’s suicide attempt/Mr. Blossom's “suicide”
It does not take close analysis to realize that Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch), sister to the murdered Jason Blossom (Trevor Stines), is crazy. She was driven to attempt suicide by living in the shadow of her dead brother. But running into the frozen river where she last saw Jason was completely unexpected. Did you see how bloody Archie’s hands got trying to free her? Also, Mr. Blossom (Barclay Hope) hanging himself when Cheryl found out the truth behind their family business was pretty sketchy.
What this means for season two: Obviously, fans will be on the lookout for any further signs of depression in Cheryl. The investigation into Mr. Blossom’s death might reveal the cause to not be suicide. That would just wrap things up too nicely.
The Blossom-Cooper incest and secret baby
Viewers found out the reason Betty (Lili Reinhart)’s older sister Polly (Tiera Skovbye) was sent away was because she was pregnant with Jason Blossom's babies. That’s right — twins! But later in the season, we learned the disagreement that started the Cooper-Blossom feud was actually a fight between brothers. That means that the Blossoms and the Coopers are related! It explains why neither family was supportive of Jason and Polly dating. We also learn that Mrs. Cooper got pregnant at 16 too. Their father did not want the baby, so she went to same asylum that Polly stays at, and the nuns arranged an adoption.
What this means for season two: Hopefully, the babies will be born happy and healthy. But you have to think of the predicament this leaves Polly in. This season will delve into how she is coping with these developments. I am also thinking the Cooper girls are going to try and find their older brother this season. And who knows? Maybe fans have already met him.
Hiram is freed
Much of Veronica (Camila Mendes)’s internal struggle throughout season one is realizing her father was not the most ethical businessman. Her wealth was a result of him destroying a lot of families, like that of her friend Ethel Muggs (Shannon Purser). The finale reveals that Hiram (Mark Consuelos) was supplying drugs to Mr. Blossom, who was actually running a drug ring rather than a syrup empire. No one saw that coming, right? Veronica’s mom, Hermione, also tells her that her father was released from prison and will be coming home to Riverdale.
What this means for season two: It’ll be interesting to see if Hermione and Hiram will have the same relationship that was alluded to at the beginning of the show. Hermione was interested in Archie’s dad, Fred, and did not seem to want to patch things up with her husband. If only Fred (Luke Perry) hadn’t found out about the drive-in construction project. Then maybe they would have gotten together.
Jughead’s Dad arrested/ Jughead joining the South Side Serpents
When Jughead (Cole Sprouse)’s dad is arrested, everyone in the town believes he is the one who killed Jason. However, the audience knows that's not a possibility. When the police offer him a plea deal to give them the names of the Southside Serpents involved in the murder, he takes a loyal oath of silence. It allows the Serpents to induct Jughead into the gang since he now attends the high school in their territory.
What this means for season two: Jughead does not want to be anything like his father, yet he is now in the gang that allowed his bad habits to flourish. He is also at a high school away from his friends and girlfriend, and his mother and sister want nothing to do with him. In addition, a new character from the comics will be coming to his school and playing a potential love interest. We can only hope that Jughead stays true to his values.
Archie’s dad is shot
In the last moments of the season one finale, a masked man robs Pop’s diner. Fred goes to try to save Pop and smooth things over. The assailant then shoots him, and Archie runs to help stop the bleeding.
What this means for season two: Season two clips have shown Archie’s letterman’s jacket covered in blood, and him pacing anxiously around the hospital. Fred is too central to the storyline to be killed off, but I am not sure Archie will react in the best way. Keeping the secret of his affair with Ms. Grundy drove him off the wall. And without his mom there to support him, he might retreat into himself.
We will have to wait to see if any of my predictions hold true. But just as the town of Riverdale appears to be understood, there are always darker things brewing beneath the surface.
Riverdale returns Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 8:00 p.m. on the CW.
