Riverdale 1.13 Chapter Thirteen: The Sweet Hereafter

Riverdale 1.13 Chapter Thirteen: The Sweet Hereafter
I have a ridiculous theory about the ending scene, but I am way too excited! I'm going to start with Cheryl's endless problems before moving forward into all the thoughts I have going on.

It was true when I mentioned the possibility of Cheryl's dad running an illegal drug operation (I don't know why you'd traffic it to Montreal of all places?). It looks like the true nature of the maple syrup business came to surface once the story uncovered the camera footage of Jason's death. I feel there was a lot of anger going on within the family, but it all makes sense how the dad complimented Cheryl as a true Blossom at heart, unlike Jason. She was the one who could handle the business through all of this, even when things get rocky because of what the family business entails.

Now she's all miserable and broken because her brother's death was at her father's hand. The mom isn't showing any signs of mercy or remorse. I still think there was more that she knew (probably just about the business front) but I think the initial shock of Jason's death was something she remained in the dark about.

Cheryl's suicide attempt was less than ideal. Once Archie did all the work, the other three watched aside (when you all have cellphones, call for help). I couldn't understand the other three standing as spectators.

I saw the secret Cooper older brother coming along! I know in the comics, Betty Cooper is supposed to have a brother anyway. I feel like adding him in as a long lost brother would be appropriate. I don't have any theories of where he is or if we've already met him. I just think it's fun to add in a new character this way.

I wonder if Betty will stand with Jughead if he accepts "his place" with the South Side Serpents. Betty looked like she didn't approve if he goes, but I think he's actually smarter than he looks. He was able to handle himself in the public school. I feel he's also able to do the same with the Serpents. Arguably, he could be the next leader if there was an actual hierarchy to these situations.

I see Veronica standing by Archie in all of this. She's had her rebellion against her father (and from time to time her mother) so it's only fitting she'd stick with Archie while all parents sort their business problems out. Above all, she'd support Archie with what I'm about to mention below on the final scene.

I don't know what Fred Andrews wanted to say to Archie at Pop's Diner so early in the morning, but an early morning robbery was excessive. There's NO money in an early morning till (even for a 24 hour diner), especially if there aren't any customers around. There were no witnesses except for Pop and the waitress in the corner. I don't think I saw money getting taken from the register either. There was also no reason to shoot once you got the money, just a simple scare tactic. It appears the shooting was intended all along.

Part of me feels Hiram Lodge sent some low-life hoodlum to kill Mr. Andrews so he can get the land. Too easy of a theory? I don't see a point in shooting the high school quarterback. A hired thug early in the morning isn't the style of a South Side Serpent either. F.P. left off on great terms with Fred, so none of his guys would need a reason to do something like that if they're looking out for Jughead's well being at the moment.

Excellent finale, looking forward to the new season!

Riverdale 1.12 Chapter Twelve: Anatomy of a Murder

Riverdale 1.12 Chapter Twelve: Anatomy of a Murder
Last night's episode was very exciting! We finally know who killed Jason but before I get to the conclusion, I want to talk about everyone else concerning the murder.

It was obvious F.P. didn't do it, even before his farfetched storytelling being in with Jason's plans. It was when he admitted to taking the research files in Sheriff Keller's office that sealed the deal. That's when I knew it was all an act and he was set up to protect Jughead. Who else has that kind of power and pull upon a gang leader? Jughead is the only person F.P. will fight for, so I think that reading the manuscript helped him stretch out the story during interrogation.

I'm sad to see Mary Andrews go back to Chicago. I wasn't sure if that's allowed so soon in a murder investigation, especially since she posed as an attorney to F.P. to get information. It's good enough Joaquin wanted to help do the right thing, but he too had skipped town shortly after. The overdose scene for South Side Serpent's right-hand man Mustang came too heavy. Did he get tipped off that his involvement with the murder meant he was backed into a corner? It didn't explain much with the small leather bag of money with the personalized H.L. monogram. Does this mean we get to see Mark Consuelos soon? Hiram Lodge could present a nice closer to the season.

Archie and his friends get really naive in all of this. The intentions are in the right place but they don't think carefully (another reason why I thought we were looking at an adult murderer). I feel the situation got complicated really fast once the Coopers uncovered more of their family truth.

The background of the Cooper family tree was not what I expected at all. The level of incestuous implication was a shock and changed the dynamic of the storyline. It's so intricately hidden that how could anybody guess this kind of outcome? I really didn't see any of it coming, but it's a great twist.

So the great-grandfather Blossom and great-grandfather Cooper were brothers. Adopting the Cooper last name covered up the Blossom bloodline. Cutting out the family meant a broken link to the Blossom fortune and every bit of politics involved. Most importantly, Polly is carrying Lannister twins. Penelope Blossom is a freak for saying the twins she's carrying are, "truly Blossom blood." I just don't understand how they had the ability to hide this for so many years. It's similar to how nobody knew F.P. was a gang leader or that Jughead was homeless for so long. Is everybody ignorant to their neighbour's struggles? Another turn-a-blind-eye situation.

It's good to learn about the killer before the finale, because at least we can have a better conclusion. When I saw Clifford Blossom hanging in the barn, I didn't think justice was served. It's not supposed to be an eye-for-an-eye. Nobody knows the why factor except for a few contraband drugs taped in maple syrup. Was this supposed to be the result of the Blossom fortune? Were they tied in with drugs all along or were these confiscated overtime? I wonder if the wife has something to do with it or if they both knew he was going to kill himself in the barn. Cheryl gave a fair warning though as if there was a window of a head start for the dad to explain. I like the theory that the family business may have been underground drug dealing masked with a maple syrup front.

It's all funny business and it's going to take a long time before anyone can seek out the truth.

Riverdale 1.11 Chapter Eleven: To Riverdale and Back Again

Riverdale 1.11 Chapter Eleven: To Riverdale and Back Again
I don't know why there's so many breaks inbetween the series, but I am happy to hear it got picked up for a second season. I also discovered Mark Consuelos was casted as Hiram Lodge. I wonder if he will show up by the end of this season.

It's a nice change to see the school hold a winter formal dance! Took me back to the semi-formals I would have in school. I thought the pre-formal dinner with Mrs. Cooper was inappropriate. I'm glad F.P. retaliated though implying Alice and Hal had troubles of their own for a while. It could have possibly been an early pregnancy with Polly? Alice's South Side Serpent past?

I think Betty is taking things too far with protecting Jughead and arguing with her friends. Her judgement is clouded and she goes overboard in certain areas. Has anyone contemplated she could have blacked out at one point and murdered Jason Blossom? That was MY first suspicion at the beginning of the season before concluding I think it was an adult and not a student. I think Kevin would be a scandal since he is the sheriff's son. The sheriff would do everything in his power to protect him, but that's another version of clouded judgement. I stand by my theory that it's an adult with the capability and sources to commit murder.

I don't know who has the capability of planting a gun and safe locker in a trailer. They had to be watching Archie and Veronica to make sure they were okay to enter. It's good they went out to mend things with Betty to explain themselves. At least they know someone is framing F.P. and at least they're willing to make things right on Jughead's behalf.

The Andrews are so sweet together! I admit I was unsure once Archie's mom, Mary, came back in the last episode. I thought it meant the departure of Archie (and ultimately the TV show if they didn't get renewed). I really like Archie's mom though. She's all around nice and is kind to everybody, regardless of their past. She also takes the high road when the likes of Alice try to stomp down with unnecessary gossip. If Mary Andrews comes around, maybe that answers my question that it's not too late to bring Hiram Lodge back as well.

Riverdale 1.10 Chapter Ten: The Lost Weekend

Riverdale 1.10 Chapter Ten: The Lost Weekend
Do high school kids get bored with their lives that they invite themselves to people's homes? I don't understand rude children with no respect, but I guess when you're privileged you're not taught better. I felt this episode showed the version of a stereotypical high school, complete with cliques.

It looks like Kevin's boyfriend Joaquin has a soft spot. F.P. is trying to secure Jughead's safety while also watching his own back. It's crazy to watch but I believe Joaquin will eventually do what's best for Kevin. I think the relationship has become real to them and the South Side Serpent gang isn't going to have too much pull.

I'm glad Veronica fought back in  Archie's house against Cheryl. From the beginning, people didn't bother to put together her love for Jason sounded incestuous and inappropriate. I think that it's finally come clear that Veronica's past makes her stronger in Riverdale. It has nothing to do with the money her last name has but more so the fact she knows to be a better version of herself.

Chuck is a pig and I can't believe he was brought back. I understand he was briefly suspended but it doesn't excuse the fact he degrades women. Typical jock who thinks he's privileged and deserves to go play football for a college. It reminds me of the stories of victims from The Hunting Ground. It's a 2015 documentary of young women and men who did not have the support of their schools. It was heartbreaking to see all the victims who were body shamed because the rapists got the support of their schools for their athletic ability. Many good police officers (only one came forward for the documentary) and faculty lost their careers because they wanted to do the right thing and support the women who filed reports. This documentary was well done and is an example of how athletes get a free pass in American schools.

I understand how Jughead doesn't like celebrating his birthday. I have two siblings who aren't phased by celebrating their day either, but I know that if you at least have the birthday cake and loved ones around you, that's all that should matter. I'm glad he climbed out of his shell and let everybody throw him the party. Even though Archie was trying to get over his break up with Valerie, the result was to make sure Jughead had a birthday party.

I'm liking the Archie and Veronica pairing, especially since Veronica is a nice girl for him as well. Although, I think Archie was acting on impulse on his post Valerie break-up.

I'm glad F.P. did the right thing by trying to mend Jughead's birthday. It's a good thing he got involved and made sure Jughead knew Betty was a good girl for him. We're seeing the genuine side of F.P. and this is why i think he just got mixed up with the wrong people at a moment in time.

Riverdale 1.09 Chapter Nine: La Grande Illusion

Riverdale 1.09 Chapter Nine: La Grande Illusion
I knew Polly staying with the Blossoms was a set-up for a bigger trap. She made it seem like she was a hostage, but it sounds like she's posing as a victim herself around the Blossom estate. I think they've felt entitled all their lives that bullying comes as natural as breathing.

I feel it's really nice Veronica is extending her kindness towards Ethel. Something she genuinely wanted to do was later fuelled by guilt. I have a feeling her dad's involvement with illegal doings may unravel something bigger. Maybe not necessarily Jason's murder, but it could open more doors to everything else. Did I hear Hermione Lodge say that Clifford Blossom wears a wig? I couldn't stop laughing at that comment under her breath!

I can't handle Archie sometimes. He gets blinded that Cheryl's family actually wanted to do something in his best interest. It's all a political game to see out the Blossoms come out on top. Entertaining the idea of trying to succeed on the wrong side of the fence only puts you in their debt. I'm glad he was able to eavesdrop and get out while he could. It was getting pretty intense though with Cheryl showing how vulnerable she is in her home. It makes sense (but does NOT justify) how her behaviour changes at school. Is she really that desperate that Archie needed to hold a bucket in place for tree sap?

If the Blossoms are involved with tossing Hiram Lodge into jail, maybe they're also responsible for all the mishaps in Riverdale. I don't believe everything is as black and white as everybody makes it seem. Depending on who killed Jason, I feel there's more than one person involved. In order to get away with murder, you'll need accomplices to cover it up. On the flip side, you have to be excellent at covering up or well connected to do it on your own.

Riverdale 1.08 Chapter Eight: The Outsiders

Riverdale 1.08 Chapter Eight: The Outsiders
I'm happy they've finally returned after it's brief hiatus. I had speculations over how the parent's of Riverdale are all intertwined and overlap with their secret pasts. I think Jason's death may have to do with a quarrel from the previous generation. The kids don't seem capable of murder, so it must be a person of authority.

In the last episode we saw Jason's letterman jacket in F.P.'s closet. As I thought, it all had to do with drugs. I think it makes him look suspicious because he was making sure he got paid for the transfer. Again, I don't think he did it. Even though Jughead and Betty confronted whether or not he's involved with the murder, I think there may be something more to it. It looks like Joaquin is planted to date Kevin, but I believe he'll try to do the right thing.

I smelled a mess once the baby shower took place. I didn't think Cheryl and her family would go to the Lodge penthouse (especially after what Penelope said to Hermione at the funeral). The whole Blossom family could be the reason why Jason turned up dead. They've made so any enemies over the years that the killer's motives look deeper beneath the surface. Going back to the baby shower set up, how sweet is Jughead?! The only male present to help his girlfriend organize and celebrate the new baby to come. At a time like this, it's nice to have a glimmer of positivity.

I can't believe Fred is struggling to stay afloat with the business. I understand he's been trying to keep quiet, but I didn't think that the old drive-in lot makes the difference in changing his life around. I do believe Lodge's money pumped into the construction makes it all possible. I just didn't think that there would be so many consequences. To find out low-life thugs would beat up high school kids is taking it too far. I knew F.P. had nothing to do with that even before Archie went to the bar on the South side. This is why I think F.P. is innocent. His son is the same age as Jason so it's fairly obvious.

I'm impressed with how Jughead carried himself out with not ratting out his father's present occupation as a gang leader. Archie was quick to judge but it just goes to show how protective the sons are of their own fathers (also sweet). I also just made the comparison both boys have absent mothers in the picture. There's more character development in all of this and the twist that it isn't a squeaky clean Riverdale gains my interest.

Riverdale 1.07 Chapter Seven: In a Lonely Place

Riverdale 1.07 Chapter Seven: In a Lonely Place
I think it's sweet Jughead and Betty are equally supporting one another. This couple can pull together for the truth and show that they don't have to be leftover sidekicks. I'm liking the development, especially since we see a hurting past to Jughead's life. For the sake of my own sanity, I'm glad Archie finally asked the right questions and proved to be a real friend. Offering a home for Jughead to live in is valuable beyond to anything tangible.

I got goosebumps when I saw the purple orchid in the Cooper's kitchen. I know Betty knew where to look for Polly, but the purple orchids were around the Blossoms greenhouse in the fourth episode. Veronica and her mom are as honourable as Archie and Fred by offering Polly to live with them. She'll be safe in the meantime, but I hope she doesn't act out under pressure.

A Holden Caulfield moment, really? I think Catcher in the Rye is good, but I didn't expect it in this storyline. I wouldn't even compare Jughead to the character anyway. He has a dark upbringing but it's also disappointing. His 10 year old sister lives with their mom, but he didn't bother to be with them? I'm confused because he would have been safer (unless of course he wasn't). His character is really growing and developing as the episodes go on.

I almost forgot how annoying Cheryl really is until she opened her mouth. I really didn't miss her absence in the previous episode either. She purposely causes destruction and trouble but regrets it once she slews her parents in the mix. The witchhunt for Polly was awful and the Blossoms are so extra in personality just because their rich. I won't be surprised if it the parents were tied to Jason's murder.

On that note, I don't think F.P. killed Jason. There were drugs in the car that Jughead touched, so I think he scooped it up with the jacket and left. Every parent (except Fred Andrews) has been considered as the one responsible for killing Jason Blossom. I won't be surprised if the mayor is the next suspect on Sheriff Keller's list.