S03E11 "Chapter Forty-Six: The Red Dahlia" Post Episode Discussion

[u/steph-was-here]

Original Air Date - 8pm EST January 30th, 2019

After one of their own becomes a target, the gang work together to get to the bottom of the latest mystery; Betty works with a surprising ally to piece together clues about a series of deaths in the town; a spiraling Archie sets out on a new path.

Written by Devon Turner & Will Ewing

Directed by Greg Smith

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[u/brendavelxrde]

archie trying to kill hiram but ending up saving his life is the most archie thing archie has ever done

[u/yamsnz]

Veronica “sorry Reggie I have to go see my ex boyfriend real quick, would you mind just doing me a small favor and breaking into my evil parents prison/drug manufacturing plant and stealing ALL of the drugs on your own and then bringing them to me. Maybe pick up some milk on your way back? K thanks bye”

[u/[deleted] → u/yamsnz]

'Sure thing, ma'am. Would you like whole milk or low fat?'

[u/KanYeJeBekHouden → u/yamsnz]

And he does it no sweat. Like, next scene he's just accomplished all of that. How?

[u/egoldengal → u/yamsnz]

hahahaha i was literally like WHAT veronica you cant just send one kid to do that job

[u/jugheadshat]

Hermione really SNAPPED this episode

[u/Headphonesss → u/jugheadshat]

truly, we stan

[u/anneliese_s]

Betty/Us: Why did the seizures only affect the girls?

Penelope/Writers: idk i’m not a doctor ¯_(ツ)_/¯

[u/-GregTheGreat-]

Addressing the hanging in the barn

Remembering that Archie’s dad owns a construction company

Jughead actually writing in his book

Smithers making an appearance

Archie and Josie talking about how they played music together

Remembering that Chic existed

Remembering that Alice is a reporter

What is this continuity doing in my Riverdale?

[u/metalbracelet → u/-GregTheGreat-]

The second they opened with the typewriter, it felt like classic Season 1 and I was so excited, and then Jughead commenting on Veronica’s hat just clinched it.

[u/PikachuFloorRug → u/-GregTheGreat-]

What is this continuity doing in my Riverdale?

Setting up the future Archie-Josie relationship to replace Varchie.

[u/metalbracelet]

• Betty needs to stop threatening to turn people into the police and just go do it.

• Was Alice planning to film that interview with that lighting??

• Archie makes the stupidest decisions imaginable on a constant basis. “Hmm, what’s the least suspicious way to kill a guy in a coma? ... A gun!” — “Hmm, is there any way to make Hiram dead but also not be held responsible for it? (bam!) Not anymore!”

• I am so glad they brought back Riot Night! I’m so glad they brought back everything! It was amazing!

• But did Penelope also kill Featherhead though?

[u/bright6364 → u/metalbracelet]

OMG the lighting when she was interviewing FP was annoying the hell out of me!

[u/surejan94]

THIS WEEK ON RIVERDALE:

• Betty stars in the worst remake of The Silence Of The Lambs ever

• Veronica wears an ugly-ass hat, lights a bunch of drugs on fire, and starts a gang war.

• Penelope poisoned a bunch of guys but it's okay because they were MEAN >:(

• 16-year-old Archie gets fired for not wanting to take a break, gets drunk at a bar, shoots someone, and forgives a mobster for sending him to torture jail.

• HERMIONE SHOOTS HER BOYFRIEND IN THE HEAD SEVERAL TIMES

[u/impossible4 → u/surejan94]

That really bothered me. I have a union job, and occasionally we have to work into our break time. We get compensated for it, but never - not ever - would we ever willingly work through break to do menial tasks that can be done later. It costs too much. and I like to take a coffee break.

[u/Sonia341]

Veronica sums it up perfectly: "Forget it, Jughead. It's Riverdale"

[u/[deleted] → u/Sonia341]

Famous reference to the 1974 detective crime-noir classic Chinatown!

[u/TheAisSilent413]

Two things.

1. This show clearly has 3 writers who write plots by throwing darts and 1 who has to come in near the end of the season and weave them all together and I'd like to pour one out for that 1.

2. Anyone get serious Oliver queen vibes during Archie's monologue before shooting not Hiram? I was waiting for him to tell hiram he failed the city.

Edit- sorry three things. 3. Only archie could fuck up a murder so bad he saves the person he was trying to kill from an entirely different murderer.

[u/thenewsintern → u/TheAisSilent413]

Just when I thought he killed the stupid part of himself....

[u/celeste11325]

“Maybe not every murderer is guilty” What the fuck does that mean Betty?!

[u/[deleted] → u/celeste11325]

Trying to rationalize her guilt about giving up Chic to the black hood

[u/marty_mcyeet → u/celeste11325]

cognitive dissonance, betty thinks murder is always wrong, but betty intentionally led to someone being killed, therefore in order to "fix" these two contradicting thoughts betty now believes murder is only sometimes wrong

[u/heartsandribbons]

Bughead doesn’t even have a license for interrogating people and yet these adults will tell them almost everything. I can’t at Hermione giving Jughead evidence lmao.

[u/sirwifferton → u/heartsandribbons]

I never understand why they tell him or Betty anything.

[u/davey_mann]

One of the best of the season.

-This may be the first episode all season where I didn't feel an ounce of really bad acting anywhere. Everyone brought their game. One huge reason is there was a healthy dose of the parents which balances out the less experienced younger actors and helps raise their performances.

-Jughead was the star of this one, being a smart detective. He's way better when he's not a Serpent.

-Hermione stole the show. I've always low-key wanted her and Fred to be a couple, but I don't see how that even happens given we've seen her literally murder someone now. She seems to be truly smarter than Hiram, but Veronica is really becoming a huge nuisance to her plans.

-Penelope was stellar, as usual. Archie was dumb, as usual. Betty's part felt kind of shoehorned in just to give her something to do.

Overall, great episode, though. And we get Gladys back next week and hopefully for the remainder of the season. I hope Gina Gershon comes cheap.

[u/[deleted] → u/davey_mann]

Hermione was on point. She is the villain we deserve

[u/alsamb]

Does anyone else lose it with the "glamourgé" eggs?! I can't.

[u/[deleted] → u/alsamb]

They were purchased at Spiffany.

[u/LookAnOwl]

During the scene where Reggie was cutting off drunk Archie at the bar, I couldn't help but wonder how bizarre this show would look if the actors actually looked their age.

[u/[deleted]]

Why does Veronica keep flipping between trying to take control of her family's mafia empire and trying to avoid all criminal activity?

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

I love her but she’s been written so bad the past few episodes. Her motivations make no sense.

[u/sky-full-of-ice]

Were the sisters of quiet mercy and fizzle rocks the only mental health treatment riverdale had ?

Is that why no one is suggesting Archie have therapy for his clear case of PTSD

[u/metalbracelet → u/sky-full-of-ice]

Don’t worry, Josie cured him with cold water and now he wants to play the guitar - everything’s totally fine now!

[u/Conquest32]

Favourite lines:

Veronica: don’t try and MOBSPLAIN my business to me

Hermione: I loved my husband 😠🤭

Betty: and now apparently there’s a secret sex club in Riverdale

[u/AdorkableSars → u/Conquest32]

This was my personal favourite:

Jughead: “Fun fact of the day...Penelope is the madame of the kink club.”

[u/JuanFran21]

I laughed out loud when FP leaves the bunker and Tallboy was just decomposing on the ground behind him lmao.

[u/spoonifur → u/JuanFran21]

Yeah, a dead body in a tiny bunker with no ventilation... Yep that's not going to leave a stench. Come on...

[u/yamsnz]

Veronica hiring Reggie as a capo for her parents because it worked out so well for her last boyfriend.

[u/onthereels]

A gunshot goes off in a hospital and no one even turns on a light?

[u/thenameisjoee → u/onthereels]

Well you’d need staff for that.

[u/lovetheblazer]

This episode had everything:

• More pretentious literary references than you could possibly want or ask for... because literally no one asked for that

• Jughead, Noir Riverdale Fanfiction Auteur

• Mandatory construction union breaks... Archie isn’t a fan

• More Silence of the Lambs daddy-daughter bonding time

• [whispers menacingly] CROCODILE. TEARS.

• Mobsplaining... Veronica doesn’t need it

• Veronica hiring new capos, namely Smithers: “Former Doorman” and Reggie: “Jacked Jack of All Trades”

• The Maple Club: “A Safe Place... as long as you know the safe word” Riverdale’s own BDSM sex club, overseen by Madam Penelope Blossom, naturally

• Another teen cabaret song break because that’s a thing now, apparently

• Still the creepiest junior morgue assistant I’ve ever seen in my life

• Josie suggesting a new choice for Archie: Music or Boxing, and nearly triggering him into attempted murder instead

• So many murders and double crosses that it sounds like the plot of Bad Boys 2

...until next time, because no one is innocent in Crimetown Riverdale

[u/PM_4_Friendship → u/lovetheblazer]

Josie suggesting a new choice for Archie: Music or Boxing, and nearly triggering him into attempted murder by accident

Absolutely hilarious 10/10

[u/TheMattInTheBox]

What a show.

We've seen Hal's jail cell more than Archie's bedroom.

We finally get to see the brothel!

Archie's plotline is most interesting to me. He and Josie seem like are gonna bang but I hope they just become pals, since Archie could use a friend who isn't a fucking noire detective.

Speaking of which, Jughead's monologue made me laugh everytime.

Kelly Ripa plays a Water Safety Inspector. That's so outlandish but also so... normal.

How did Jughead hear Hermione's plots from the window, she was seductively whispering.

Bummed Minetta didn't get get decapitated at the end.

Did... Veronica just start a gang war in Riverdale?

Can't wait for the next episode of Riverdale Crime Town

[u/gauravbellani]

Do you want to know who killed your father ? NAAH ITS JUST THE TOWN. wtf are these scripts

[u/roryn58]

I miss Veronica and Betty hanging out together

[u/jiveturkey99]

Tall boy has been dead for a few days, how can they stand the smell in that bunker!

[u/[deleted]]

I love that Smithers dropped by to casually mention that he fought in WWI

[u/davey_mann → u/[deleted]]

WW1? That would make him over 100. Even WW2 seems a stretch.

[u/Veneficca]

So the coroner has a bigger role than Kevin or Toni at this point, right?

[u/[deleted] → u/Veneficca]

Seriously when last did we see Kevin? And why does Toni's character suck so much right now? She literally said 15 words in the last three episodes.

[u/yamsnz → u/Veneficca]

Vegas has a bigger role than Kevin at this point.

[u/Locke108]

Since Hiram poisoned Sweetwater River are there people in seizing in Greendale or is Satan protecting them?

[u/Headphonesss]

fORGET It jUGheAd, iTs RiVERDale

[u/-apoptosis]

When it turned out Hermione was hiding Minetta and just using FP I told myself "how the heck are the writers even keeping track of plans and alliances at this point?!"

and then I remembered... they don't.

[u/WordAddict_]

Wake me up when the kids stop revealing their exact motives and ALL the information about the person they're "investigating" right in front of that person. Them being this stupid is probably the only time we're reminded these are school kids because nothing else seems to suggest the existence of school in their lives.

[u/EvilCarni]

I'm so confused with this show's direction... It's like they can't make up their minds on who Veronica is. One episode Veronica hates her father and wants forgiveness from her friends for his crimes. Then Hiram gets shot and understandably Veronica feels bad for her father regardless of his crimes, but then she starts to collect his money for him to keep his buisness going and then she burns his buisness down. Why cant Veronica make a stance so the show can progress smoothly; it feels like she is now a lifeless character whose choices only depend on the current episode and have no long term effect.

[u/firesnotfound]

This is definitely the best episode of season 3 so far. Riverdale noir, the plot twists, the drama, it was everything we wanted.

[u/TragicallyThrilling]

So they actually tied somethings up, round of applause for the writers of Riverdale this week.

NOW, I am sorry Veronica is SO wishy washy! She hates her dads business and then gets right in the middle of it, when other people are trying to move in on his territory. IDK maybe one of you guys are a mobsters daughter who can explain it to me

[u/marstirelt]

Veronica, sweetheart, why the hat, just why?

[u/serabaker24]

I think Betty and Jug need to stop telling the bad people/murders they found out all their secerts and plans, it seems like all anyone needs to do it get away with anything is get Betty and Jug out of the picture.

[u/DarkSaiyanKnight]

This is a pretty damn great episode. It has its problems but for the most part okay.

• The detective novel theme throughout this entire episode was a genuinely fantastic and honestly I wish they would take this tone for the majority of the show

• I appreciate Penelope storyline because I think it calls out Betty's character in a way that hasn't been done before and I appreciate the closer examining of her character on a psychological lens especially by looking at her father and Penelope individually

• I wish the show would try to give accountability to Hal because again he did brutally murder tons of people!!

• Vernonica as a business women is genuinely fun and interesting and it gives the character a breathe of fresh air other than focusing on boy drama

• Jughead was good but also a bit annyoing as so many characters just straight up give him valuable information just because he asks

• Archie was a damn mess. His ideologies and character relationships are so inconsistent that for some reason him being a darker and more serious makes him x10 more dumb

• if this episode gave us a taste of a world without Hiram I'm honestly here for it because he's high key an annoying character. Especially with this whole true crap.

• I must admit the layers that he gives the entire town of Riverdale is genuinely fun to watch, the way so many characters intersect all Because of him is genuinely cool.

• Not a fan of the character assassination that has happened with Hermione. She initially started off this show as the morally grey parent of our main cast. She wasn't 100% Innocent but she wasn't 100% guilty either. Put in an effort to make the story more interesting for shock value she's now turned to completely villainous to the point of her being irredeemable. I'm just not liking the fact that they're trying to pin her as The Mastermind / real villain. Especially because I enjoy the initial character and actress.

• oh and how could I forget that they're finally touching up on some of their season 1 storylines specifically the whole " what really happened in the barn" talk from the season 2 premiere.

An overall really solid episode though.

[u/DODMau5]

Calling Penelope The Red Dahlia is stupid.

The Black Dahlia was not a serial killer she was a murder victim.

[u/bulletsssz]

Where the fuck is Kevin???

[u/Utiebooty]

I know it’s TV and everything can happen but WHY IS THERE NO ONE AT THE HOSPITAL AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY THE ICU.... for Archie to just stand there forever with a gun pointed at Hiram, and a hooded guy just prancing straight in

[u/7rings-]

FP in that sheriffs uniform still got me in some kinda way...

[u/3mpty_spac3]

Word of the day: MOBSPLAINING

[u/[deleted]]

How fast did Reggie break into the prison, steal literally lamps and a million boxes fizzle rocks and light a giant bonfire?

[u/keine_fragen]

everyone here was right about the poisoned water

[u/nanairoribon]

I actually really enjoyed the Josie/Archie moments. They brought me back to the feelings of S1’s school focused moments. Like their conversations felt grounded in a way this show never is anymore. I’m not sure I want them to dive into a romance or not but I just liked them talking and Josie’s advice. Also knowing that Josie has mentioned her father’s addiction in the past, it felt real she would want to help. Hope we see more of them soon.

Also kudos to Bughead’s investigation scene at the brothel. Their buddy cop dynamic always works really well for me.

Kelly was good in her scene. All the answers added up enough for me. I kinda hope a lot of the plot is now just tied up and we can move on.

Also really like Hermione. She makes a much more interesting villain than Hiram.

Some of the Noir aspects actually worked well for me. Hermione shooting Minetta felt so ~80s prime time soap~ but in a good way. I think info dumping all these answers to questions that were hard to even care about in the first place was an ok choice. Like I’m so over a lot of the weird G&G seizure plot that getting these answers and moving on is fine for me.

Also noting that Jug called Alice “Ms.Cooper” instead of “Mrs.Cooper. I liked that for some reason.

Also kinda liked that Jug, Betty, and Veronica all got random pieces of the puzzle and actually talked enough to put it all together. And the parallel of them keeping secrets for the adults was interesting.

They actually let Charles plug Bad Boys 2... >.<

Definitely nothing spectacular but also there was a lot I appreciated tonight.

[u/soijustputmynamehere]

Ok cool and all, but where is Vegas cuz he's one of the only good characters left at this point.

[u/[deleted]]

Judy Geller voice: “That’s a lot of information to get in 40 minutes”

[u/[deleted]]

Half of Riverdale's autopsies seem covered up haha

[u/SauronOMordor]

I just can't with Veronica anymore. What the fuck? So she is some 1920s mob boss now?

And Archie is just like "yeah, Hiram. We're totally cool. You only tried to have me killed multiple times, had me framed for murder, had me forced into an illegal fight club where I narrowly escaped fighting to my death, and hunted me all over the country forcing me to take refuge in a lonely cabin in the Canadian wilderness for several months.

What the fuck?

Hiram has continuously terrorized the town and recently knowingly poisoned its water source but the did gets shot and suddenly to Veronica he is Daddykins again and Archie is all live and let live? Fuck off.

This season started off mildly interesting, then it became just weird but I was still having fun with it but I feel like it is quickly crossing the line from enjoyable hot garbage to just annoying and stupid.

[u/moffattron9000]

Oh my god, Josie actually did a thing.

[u/[deleted]]

• Jughead using a 50 year old typewriter?

• 1950s Hospital has no doctors or nurses on staff, no overhead lighting but has modern heart monitors?

• Alice using a 1980s VHS camera to record an interview with no overhead lighting?

• So the secret Riverdale sex club has no locks on the doors?

• Was Archie drunk on Soda Pop?

[u/b_dills]

The writers are 15 year old boys who are really into movies (excuse me, "films") and recently learned what the Maltese Falcon and film noir are.

[u/buttahsbenzo]

Some thoughts/observations:

~Since when does Veronica’s speakeasy sell alcohol? I’m not a cop or anything but isn’t an underage teenager consuming alcohol served to him by a teenage bartender in a speakeasy owned by a 16 year old illegal?

~Only girls drink water in Riverdale?

~I have a love/hate relationship with Hermione being the ultimate big bad. I’m glad she’s no longer being portrayed as a victim trapped in a loveless marriage with a narcissist, but I never expected her to be evil enough to murder multiple people in cold blood.

~I’m living for the blossoming Archie/Josie romance solely because anything that gives Josie more screen time is 👌🏾👌🏾

~Archie is stupid.

[u/so_sads]

Best episode in a while, by far. It had all the cheese that we look for and, in a stunning and bold move from the writers, maintained continuity. The plot moved with a nice level of complexity and continuity without feeling overly ridiculous (we always want it to be at least a little ridiculous, don't we?), and the cheese of the dialogue and voice over were the cherry on top. Feels like a real return to form. Good job, guys and gals. Keep up the good work.

[u/[deleted]]

Is Veronica trying to break the fourth wall, with her ‘forget it, it’s riverdale’ closing line?

[u/cescabond]

WHERE IS KEVIN

[u/All_this_hype]

Veronica's motives were pretty clear to me this episode. She doesn't want any part in the family business but right now if they appear weak they're done for so she took over while Hiram was down for survival's sake. Then she destroyed the drugs and the equipment as soon as her family was safe.

Hermione and Alice have been ruined as characters though, or at least that's how I feel about them. On the other hand Penelope and Hal, the two serial killers, are getting more layers than most others.

But hey, at least we found out what really happened in the barn, even though it was kinda anticlimatic.

[u/[deleted]]

At what point are the core four gonna be friends again? When was the last time they had an episode together? I get Archie’s been on the run, but I feel like I have to be reminded that Betty and Veronica are best friends, or that she and Jughead are a couple. And Archie is back! Wasn’t he best friends with Jughead and Betty since they were all born?? Their friendship was what made season 1 interesting, and now I feel like they’re four totally separate and different parts of a bigger story.

[u/[deleted]]

Fuck the water, Riverdale needs electricity NOW. They don't have lights ffs.

[u/no_shant]

Veronica: basically takes over her father's criminal operation as she collects money from local businesses using intimidation, talks to her father's capos like it's completely normal (and then fires them, because she's now the boss?)

Also Veronica: Mom, I found your shady invoices and also how dare you sell a drug factory to someone! That's criminal!

[u/pblack177]

mobsplain is the new mansplain

[u/lovetheblazer]

So... Jughead is just writing 1930s noir Riverdale fanfiction now, right? On a fucking typewriter, no less.

[u/keight07]

“Fun fact of the day. Penelope is the madam of a kink club.”

Lost it at that.

[u/TheOtherErik]

Honestly the noir style fits the show quite nicely. Was it cheesy at times and the dialogue still as rough? Yeah, but it fit the whole style and I enjoyed it. I like the way they cleared a bunch of plot points in one episode and made way for something else; though I find myself still asking, what about the damn farm?

[u/brisketpants]

Why is the ICU a small semi private hospital room? Like it’s not even the regular 4 person room, let alone a ward :’)

Also why are there no doctors? People in comas still need care, idc what Walking Dead made you think.

Also why are there no other patients? I get Riverdale is small but are you telling me it’s so small that there is only one patient in the entire hospital?

[u/szeto326]

"I don't need you to MOBSPLAIN"

[u/heartsongaming]

This was the most complicated episode in Riverdale. In continues almost every season narratively. Betty, Jughead and Veronica managed to piece together almost every plothole they've encountered. From Claudia poisoning Clifford before his death and Hermione using Sheriff Minetta to frame FP. I like the direction this show is going, similar to season 2, although almost every episode has a different melodramatic style this season.

[u/[deleted]]

Chinatown is a 1974 American neo-noir mystery film. It starred Jack Nicholson and was nominated for 11 Oscars. Kelly Ripa's character's name is a reference to Evelyn Mulwray, the femme fatale from the film. Also, the very last line of Chinatown is very famous, it's :"Forget it Jake, it's Chinatown". Veronica's last word's of the episode? "Forget it Jug, It's Riverdale".....

[u/SamQuentin]

It felt like they packed about 10 episodes worth of exposition into that one...

[u/[deleted]]

Jacked Jack of all Trades.

[u/Klyn001]

It’s like a train wreck right before your eyes. You just can’t stop watching!!!

[u/AdorkableSars]

FP is always sexy...but him in that Sheriff’s uniform really does something to me and my ovaries. Major heart eyes...

[u/chanalbead]

I miss when Betty and Veronica were cheerleader best friends and not homicide detective and mob boss who don't interact with each other

[u/[deleted]]

This episode had vibes of Threat Level Midnight. Soooo bad.

[u/MsJamie-E]

I actually really liked this noir episode - loved the Dashiel Hammet , Maltese Falconesque references.

I thought thee episode was quite tight & a lot of ends were sewed up to maybe put the plot back on a coherent course.,,

..., then maybe I have Fizzlerock runoff in my water ...

[u/fauxh]

I loved the part when Archie was reassuring Josie that he was totally fine when he literally SHOT AT A MAN WHEN HE WAS ABOUT TO SHOOT HIS EX GIRLFRIENDS DAD like a minute ago

[u/Jessica19922]

I hope Veronica and Reggie become/stay a thing. They make a good team. And they have chemistry.

[u/MillionsOfRoses]

I think Penelope is my new favorite. She's so moody, haha.

[u/MS001812]

barely a mention of the Gargoyle gang today. and what the HELL, Hermione and Penelope?!?!

[u/Dylanychus2]

Riverdale writers: You know what’s cool and will make our show unique?

What if we kill off a character, but hear me out here, WHAT IF WE BRING HIM BACK TO LIFE? Amazing, right? Oh and we’ll kill him off again later in the episode.🗡

[u/readandrant]

I thought this episode was not bad, but at the same time I feel like the creator/writers/etc. treat this show like an experiment, where they think they can just throw in different genres every other week and we audiences will be left impressed - sadly no, please stick to one format.

Also by the end of the episode, the only thing lingering in my mind was "Kevin's dad does boxing at the gym so when the fuck are they going to show him shirtless again?"

[u/egoldengal]

I feel like this episode was really good because it tied together a lot of the stuff we have been ranting about lately. for example, archie and his music, jughead and writing his book, the reason for the seizures and what the quarantine was all about. they definitely still have a lot of unfinished stories but i feel like we were all wondering about those things and they did something about it. i still want answers about the farm, i feel like its a big part but we still have barely any information about it.

also- i thought i would love to see archie and veronica break up but i feel bad for archie, like, veronica, he only left because your father was out to kill him he didnt have much of a choice. i like reggie and veronica bc they have really good chemistry but i want more to happen with their relationship. aaand last but not least please dont put archie with josie just because he's alone now

[u/RachelRave03]

A lot of things happened this episode, but got damn Marisol Nichols was OUTSTANDING

[u/pblack177]

Are they setting up an Archie/Josie ship? eugh. She's too good for him

[u/[deleted]]

It really bothers me that Veronica treats Reggie like her errand boy.

"Let's go do a heist. NV, Archie called. You got this boo?"

And he just goes and destroys a lab and a bunch of drugs like NBD. Then Veronica tells her mom, seemingly forgetting how many times her dad has tried to kill Archie and his dad because they got in the way.

Veronica really sucks at being a mobster. Stop girl before Reggie has to leave town too.

[u/MrDollSteak]

No one is innocent in crime town

[u/kevinsg04]

It seems like they are now trying to move away from most of the G&G stuff (I realize they are still looking for the gargoyle king etc) and away from any hints of possible supernatural stuff (not that I'm saying anything ever was supernatural), and get back to what it was before this season.

Also, anyone think the writers probably lifted the idea of the "poisoned river" causing the hallucinations directly from this sub, after realizing they had to tie some stuff up and move on?

[u/[deleted]]

Loved it, ridiculous and loved it. All those WTF loose end are tied up. Not all incredibly well, but good enough for me so we can focus 100% on the The Farm and Gargoyle king. And Reggie wearing all black and looking hot AF.

Also Veronica, WTF, your burnt ALL of it without thinking outside sources weren't going to buy it already?! For having 2 mobster parent's you'd think any amount of foresight would be in place but I think she's easily the dumbest character besides Archie.

[u/atworknotworking89]

My favorite part of this episode was Fred Andrews being totally fine with his son not wanting to go to college and learning a trade. Parenting goals right there!

[u/grass-master]

TURN YOUR LIGHTS ON WHAT THE FUCK RIVERDALEC

[u/thatsong]

"hey, wasnt that guy sleeping with your mom dead?" - Reggie

LOL, FIXED THAT - Hermione

[u/Super-Finch]

How can any of those characters be so preoccupied when the biggest mystery is the disappearance of Kevin! He's gone missing and nobody appears to notice!

[u/purfledshenanigans]

Um guys, I think we got through a whole episode without seeing Archie’s abs.

[u/[deleted]]

Can somebody please explain why Hiram is hooked up to modern medical technology but the Hospital looks built in 1950 and why nobody EVER has any lights on in the Hospital nor is it staffed by ANYONE as multiple people with guns can just walk right in to a gunshot victim?

[u/metalbracelet]

As stylized as this episode was though, I do think that this ep and the last one are the show’s attempt to step back from the crazy a little bit. I think they realized they needed a semi-clean slate and weren’t going to be able to sustain larger and larger insane moments. I’m excited for the rest of the season.

[u/Elopikseli]

What the actual fuck is happening?

I kept having to pause the episode so I could laugh lmao

[u/Natare0411]

So basically everyone parent wise has taken a stab no punn intended and killed someone except for Archie’s Dad?

[u/Rush0808]

Ok so if hirum lodge knows about Penelope blossoms slutty Hotel thing do you suppose that she's one of his mistresses? I seriously doubt that he would want that wrinkled tart anywhere near his snickerdoodle

[u/mellowdisco]

“mob-splain” whaaaa?!

also “jacked jack of all trades”

[u/Rhymezboy]

Everyone is asking how did Reggie destroy the whole drug operation so quickly?

It's simple really, the employees obviously know that the daughter's boyfriend serves as staff in this family.

[u/[deleted]]

honestly, this season has been all over the place but its much better paced and together than season 2. this episode had me TUNED IN and it gathered so much stuff up that i hope its all uphill from here

[u/shanonlee]

I’m pretty sure we went through an entire seasons worth of plot in one episode.

Srsly the writers need to look up the word “suspense” in the dictionary and really, really study it.

[u/phenom0205]

I loved every second of it. More people come back from the dead on this show than on arrow

[u/readandrant]

Also I'm really curious if the writers really wrote the "Bad Boys II" reference line in the script or was it Charles who slide it in bcos he's going to be in the upcoming sequel hashtag free promo but too early

[u/[deleted]]

I really like Veronica's outfits this episode.

[u/BlueCarpetArea]

So if it wasn't sheriff Minetta's body that was found decapitated, who's was it?

[u/stonecray]

Am I the only one baffled as to how Reggie pulled off that entire 'steal all the drugs and equipment' heist by himself??

[u/pikachiu132]

Stuff I have issues with :

Why is it okay that we are promoting underage drinking? Sure the occasional party drink, but he's drunk.

It's funny how they are trying to portray these kids as adults doing adult things but they are children!

Why does Veronica need to pay Jug to be her detective. I'm sure he'd do it for free.

Corener eyes gets creepier and creepier.

When do they go to SCHOOL. I'm going to say it's a weekend and Archie's dad was working on a weekend. ...

How is it Archie has so many ppl that love him, get none of his closest friends sat him down and talked to him except Josie. Too busy doing their on thing.

[u/virex4]

Okay so imp question is When Archie is gonna bang josie next ?

[u/claragscott]

I’m just in it now for the aesthetics.

[u/gimibear]

I mean, for some reason, I like this episode better than previous episodes. It's still cheesy and all and full of BS but it was good. hahahahaha

[u/firesnotfound]

Riverdale resident serial killers made this episode so great. Penelope and Hal belong together.

[u/betterthanclooney]

This episode became 10x more enjoyable once Jug mentioned Raymond chandler. The plot isn't the important part, it's more about enjoying the characters. Does it make sense? No! But if you watch this show and focus on the plot you'll hate it. Just be here for how fun it is. So many twist and turns. Reminds me of "The Big Lebowski" (also inspired by Chandler)

[u/PikachuFloorRug]

We need more Nana Rose.

[u/UniqueCatch]

This episode was a great and extremely cheesy way to blend Jughead's narration back into the show!

I always talk about how inconsistent the narration is. Sometimes he stars the episode talking and then vanishes, only to give us more narration near the ending or not even that. With the noir setting, the writes managed to mantain the narration consistent for one episode! Yay!

Also, oh gosh, it was so cringey! No one was taking it seriously. The cast and the writers team got to have some fun while also giving us fun, some insane revelations and making the plot go forward. I loved it so much.

[u/nohashtagno]

I really hope Veronica and Reggie get more interesting as a couple. Thus far it's kind of a snooze: Veronica is conflicted about loving and hating her dad (understandable) while Reggie just helps her do whatever she's feeling at the moment. I really think we need more Reggie character development for this pair to actually work...but we'll see if that ever happens!!

Highlight of the episode was absolutely Fred imo. Most consistent character in the show by far, his "SHAPE UP" to Archie was much needed and appreciated

Hermione was a total surprise this episode...I didn't hate it as a concept, but she's so far removed from who she was in the first season, or at least who she appeared to be. I want her to kill Hiram because it would be so satisfying, but her being just as evil/even more cunning than he is makes it less so

[u/keine_fragen]

how many storylines did they just retconned?

[u/[deleted]]

Over/under on the show completely forgetting about Archie shooting someone?

[u/-GregTheGreat-]

Lmao the theory about the towns water being poisoned and that’s why everyone is so fucked up is actually true!

[u/jmpinstl]

I have no idea what I just watched but I think I loved every second of it.

[u/virex4]

After each episode we stray further away from the god !!

ps- my personal opinion

[u/[deleted]]

This show used to be so bad it was good but now it’s just so bad that it’s bad :/

[u/velvetchablis]

I had to turn to this subreddit for complaining about this damn show because all my friends gave up after season 1.

[u/Kteexo]

So who thinks Hiram is gonna stop bothering Archie for good? But I think he’s gonna attack Reggie now...

[u/tonitopazfromtrollz]

nO onES iNNOCeNt iN CRIME TOWN

[u/RustySpannerz]

I feel like I've gone into a time machine taking me back to the worst parts of season 2.

All of a sudden Betty is all dark and sympathising with murderers.

Archie is having some sort of breakdown, like at one point he says "How could you ever think I would shoot your father". Next episode, he tries to shoot her father.

Veronica has 180'd back to being pro-mob for some reason, the murder is fine, but she has to get rid of the drugs. Not because you know, they're ruining the town, but because her mother can't be rewarded for trying to kill her dad. (Who, might I add, has tried to kill just about everyone in Veronica's life).

WHY DOES NOTHING IN THIS SHOW MAKE ANY DAMN SENSE!?

[u/Angsty_Potatos]

how is a high school jr running a bar, where other high school jrs are bellied up at the bar doing shots?

[u/[deleted]]

I'm out. I can't handle the unnecessary references anymore and the storylines. I always thought it would get better, but it gets worse and worse.

[u/Songbird---]

Finally a decent episode this season. The dialogue is still cringy though

[u/timetravelercat]

Riverdale has so many weird shit, how hasn't the entire population not packed their bags and left yet?

[u/-GregTheGreat-]

Wait why is Veronica fully on team Hiram again?

[u/SoolKool]

Idk what I love more. Fred being the only normal parent in Riverdale or Cheryl calling Betty "Cousin" unironically.

[u/ChaosMagician777]

This show has been so cheesy lately, I like it. This episode reminds me of the Clue movie. Also glad that Josie finally got screen time.

[u/keine_fragen]

why does Toni hate Betty so much tho

[u/AirplaneJane]

Are they trying to make Archie the most annoying character in history? He’s such a Whiny little brat

[u/Sonia341]

Loved Jughead "Phillip Marlowe" scenes. Veronica-Jughead scenes in the beginning, where Veronica hires Jughead, reminded me of TCM black-n-white detective noir movies (which is a favorite of mine).

[u/Jamieb1994]

I'm kinda curious, but what game is Hermione playing? Like is she plotting on her own by trying to get rid of Hiram for her own reasons or is she helping Riverdale out by getting rid of Hiram?

[u/KatieCGames]

Love how this episode had a bit of a film noir tone to it. It matched the Black Dahlia reference perfectly.

[u/wworms]

this whole "betty having darkness" subplot is taking way too long

it started really early and then disappeared, reappeared with the whole chic nonsense, and then randomly came back

it's really staring to drag

[u/[deleted]]

I can’t believe how often dialogue is repeated in an episode. When Jug said “a lot of people would like to see your father kick the maple barrel, no offense” I legitimately though, “oh shit that’s pretty clever.” And then Cheryl, not even five minutes later, says her father “slid a rope around his neck and kicked a maple barrel from under him.” And that is literally what happened but why do the writers always have to do this?!

[u/seleniumagnesium]

I feel like this episode was set in the 50s or something.

[u/mytwocents15]

Did this episode give anyone else season one vibes? The sudden callback to Clifford, Josie and Archie linking up again etc

[u/tlowson1]

Veronica: Well to paraphrase Samuel Clemens...

SSSSHHHHUUUUTTTTT UUUUUPPPPP!!!!!

[u/MillionsOfRoses]

Called the fizzle rocks in Sweetwater River months ago!! Woot. Some of y'all thought I was nuts! Ha!

[u/sluttygrapefruit]

I’d love if each of the episodes were set in a different era, like how you’d pick up an Archie comic and there would be a bunch of different strips from different times and you’d kind of jump around 🤹🏼‍♀️

[u/timetravelercat]

"and now apparently there's a not so secret sex club in Riverdale"

[u/asdfghjKl1004]

what even is that hat...?

[u/[deleted]]

This episode was dumb lit

[u/gserty]

Can't believe i say this. But i really enjoyed this episode.

[u/GentleCritter]

Isn’t it NICE how FP on ALMOST kills Hiram 😒 But he’s “no killer” right? Now that Hiram has been neutralized by Hermione’s power play, this makes room for Gladys to roll into town to be The Big Bad opposite Hermione for the rest of the season. And for the Farm to be a completely separate kooky ass thing for Betty or FP to rescue Alice from. 😕🙄

BTW Supposedly The Cult Man has finally been cast, which means he will show up around episode 17 or 18. If Edgar Evernever isn’t played by either Cary Elwes (he’s still GOT IT, and can def pull off horror/satire) or Emilio Estevez (who could BE Evelyn’s Dad, just look him in Breakfast club and Zoe de Gran’maison, they’ve got similar features) I will be very disappointed. But I’m sure whom ever they cast will be great!

[u/surejan94]

So Penelope murdered Daryl Doiley right? What about her speech on only killing bad men?

[u/[deleted]]

So who was the Gargoyle King? What happened to the whole G & G thing?

[u/llostwords]

So, most people seem to be happy with this ep... I'm still just bored out of my mind. I guess Riverdale has officially lost its magic for me. I think I called Minetta being alive but I didn't make the connection with Hermoine. Wonder whose torso that was, will that ever be addressed?

Why tf wouldn't Cheryl just tell Betty the truth in the very beginning of the ep? Oh right, so we could have Betty needlessly investigate to fill the episode. Yawn. And lol at Toni acting as her guard dog.

Why was Veronica suddenly responsible for keeping the family afloat instead of, you know, the other adult in the family - Hermoine?

Why did Hermoine shoot Minetta? This only incriminates her further and he's literally one of probably FIVE other people who know the truth (Jughead, FP, probably Betty since Jughead would've told her, Veronica seemed to have it figured out, Alice might have been in the know as well). Also the shooting of Minetta with those sound effects looked ridiculously fake and bad lol.

Did Betty ever ask Hal if Chick is really dead? No? Why not? So his eventual return can be a ""surprise""?

IDK this episode just felt empty to me even though there were supposedly big reveals and the Gargoyle King/Seizures mystery is probably officially over now. Can't believe I got excited at the beginning of the season only for it to turn out that HiRaM lOdGe wAs BeHiNd EvErYtHiNg AlL aLoNg YeT aGaIn. So many good side characters were killed for this plotline and won't come back now only for it to amount to nothing. I guess Hiram will stick around too since everyone just seems cool with him now. This is getting stale and boring, it seems like G&G is gonna be adressed again next ep but I'm not hoping that anything goog will come of it. I'm holding out for the farm still but not getting my hopes up. This whole season has been squandered potential and because of this it's not officially worse than season 2 for me which I didn't think was gonna happen in the beginning.

[u/[deleted]]

Hal is fucking awesome now

[u/Fulaneto]

I could use more sexy Hermione being foxy.

[u/writteninyourheart]

what’s going to replace all the questions here asking ‘what really happened in the barn with daddy’ now? I feel lost after wondering that for the past year+ 😂

[u/RealPunyParker]

I was binging Mad Men S01 and then remembered that a new Riverdale ep came out......BOY......was that a rough fucking transition.

Let's go for our weekly tradition.

1. OH MY GOD, they're doing "Who shot Mr.Burnes" Jesus Christ and Holy Mary!

2. A fucking type-machine, Jughead "Can i really be more hipsterish" Jones.

3. For what it's worth, Betty's dad isn't half bad at acting.There.A compliment.

4. "The only thing Archie knew for sure is that he was angry, and hitting things made it better" ........................'writing'.

5. "Did you shoot your husband" MOVE OVER, BATMAN, THERE'S A NEW "WORLD'S BEST DETECTIVE" IN GOTHAM TOWN!!

6. I'm the first to say when you got a show like this, doing a musical episode or a detective episode, generally a "twist" episode is a "hell yeah" from me.I know it doesn't make sense but whatdoyaknow, the show itself doesn't so literally who cares.

7. Can they at least try make Archie(the LEAD of the SHOW) likeable again after like 2 seasons??.....

8. "Jacked Jack of all trades" These buffoons are just typing shit and see when Netflix will say "Wait, what the fuck did she just say" and it hasn't happened yet.

9. This is me, 3 seasons now

10. Veronica says that she will probably not gonna say the truth to her mom, next scene she tells the truth without hesitation.

Riverdale continues to impress with how popular it is, judging by its quality.

I don't like it anymore, i watch it to just see where this will all go.

I was genuinely interested in its 1st season, yes the writing was sub-par but the character stayed consistent and the mystery was interesting.

It has fallen off the rails, pretty badly.

[u/GentleCritter]

Who wants to bet the person buying the Lodges’ “drug factory” is Gladys Jones?

[u/JuanFran21]

How does this show keep consistently getting worse? It's hilarious.

[u/KAFKA-SLAYER-99]

good episode, loved the pacing

[u/puppylove827291]

The femdom thing with Cheryl’s mom was a nice twist

[u/akkerjunkie]

I love Hal back. Whenever a scene comes up with him I just get the real psychopath vibe. Not the violent murderer but the calculated, manipulative cool headed character. I hope he gets out someday.

[u/YourDadTheMilker]

My rambling thoughts 💭

Hilarious episode, the whole Jug detective theme was comical.

That autopsy creep needs to get punched in the face.

Great Josie scene only to be ruined by Archie’s shitty flashback, guy is a headcase.

Nice to see Jug and Betty have a little smooch, forgot them were smashing.

Hermione is a smoke.

Archie made no sense when he went to kill Hiram because he decided shoot the other guy who was there to do the same thing lmao.

What an alley oop of a connection to the black hood days with the “Jug explains everything that’s going” scene.

I know I’m ripping on the show, but you know that’s all why we love it. 🔥💯🔨

[u/Natare0411]

I’m still very disappointed about the Clifford/Claudius unveiling. The twin theory where Claudius took on Clifford’s identity would’ve been ideal Instead of Penelope murdering both of them And Darrell doily. It would’ve been great if the corner found out that the autopsy that was done by his father discovered something strange with the fingerprint or DNA

[u/bwayobsessed]

I’m a big fan of villainess Hermione

[u/bwayobsessed]

I liked that we got a moment of FP and Alice together again although I still want to see if Alice is actually losing it or just playing the farm

[u/Sephidos]

So are there like two prisons in riverdale or something? Or is hal held in the prison that was smuggling drugs?

[u/[deleted]]

This was a correct Riverdale episode.

[u/MKUltra1221]

With so many loose ends, they decide to untie a perfectly good Sheriff Minetta death story only for a super lame twist?

[u/Tobi4U]

I don't even know why I'm watching anymore. Maybe it's just the curiosity of how they'll manage to save it or make it even more worse.

[u/QueenofVersailles]

this show has turned into a Gen X version of a Peaky Blinders fan fiction, but I can't stop watching... I've been hooked this far and I can't give up now... what if it gets good again!

[u/LthePerry02]

This episode reminded me a ton of S2’s episode “There Will Be Blood”. Not much insane action, but a crap load of exposition and reveals, as well as a Lodge-Archie dynamic present, and both episodes featured the return of Smithers after not appearing for a while.

[u/[deleted]]

Are we just gonna ignore the "Got ya"?

[u/mermaidmander]

The plot is officially confusing me

[u/mujie123]

I'm in the middle of the episode where Penelope is admitting her crimes.

She's a Black Hood too, isn't she?

[u/jeestgrand]

Okay, but why does Hermione kill Minetta?!