Title: Riverdale
Network: CW
Season: 2
Episode: 22 “Chapter Thirty-Five: Brave New World”
Aired: May 16, 2018
Summary: “With Fred trailing in the polls, Archie steps in to help; Veronica stays one step ahead after uncovering Hiram's latest scheme; Cheryl finalizes her emancipation from her mother; FP makes a surprising announcement to Jughead and the Serpents.”
Spoiler Alert! Spoilers Ahead! You’ve been warned…
Riding off the excitement of episode 21 “Chapter Thirty-Four: Judgement Day,” the Season 2 finale of Riverdale delivers a series of twists and turns culminating with the season’s ending cliffhanger. After the events of the previous episode, the finale may come off a bit anti-climactic, however, the episode is not without its excitement. With the riots over and The Serpents temporarily laying low, Riverdale returns to its regular programming; but nothing is ever really normal in Riverdale, and the corrupt powers at play within the town are ready to make their move.
Though the finale is significantly less action-packed than much of the season, the episode does not disappoint. Lodge Industry’s plans for Riverdale are finally revealed, promising more mayhem for season three. Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica continue their quest to thwart Lodge’s evil plans, while Lodge is revealed to be working with Penelope and Claudius Blossom, Penny (the ex Serpent), and the Ghoulies. With the conspirators finally all revealed and an evil plan in motion, the episode concludes with the series’s hero in handcuffs.
Unlike Season One, Riverdale is a much darker place and the characters are far more complex this season. The Black Hood, Lodge Industries, and the Ghoulies represent real danger within Riverdale. The show’s creators expertly play off Jason Blossom’s death in season one, and push Riverdale further into darkness. The town is no longer a shiny place, its inner darkness, revealed in season one, has spread.
For me, the most significant part of this season was the writers’ ability to develop the characters from the first season. Throughout the season, characters lose their way, lines are blurred, loyalties are questioned, but it all culminates in the season finale, with the Riverdale High School finally united.
Archie’s path to becoming a hero is muddled throughout Season Two, as he builds questionable alliances and troubling loyalties. In fact, much of this season is centered on the dynamic between Archie’s relationship with Hiram and Fred; however, the finale returns Archie to his family and back on his hero’s journey. Archie’s actions throughout the season lead to consequences in the final episode. While Archie’s journey is compelling, the development of the Serpents, in my opinion, is the true gem this season.
The Serpents rise from Southside gang to leather-bound neighborhood protectors, earning the respect of the Northside. The season moves from one generation of Serpents to the next, as the season focuses on Jughead and his band of teen-not-so-misfits. This evolution progresses over the season as Jughead is seen continuously assuming the role of leader, going as far as to sacrifice himself for the Serpents. Then, in the finale, FP retires as head of the Serpents, officially handing the title over to Jughead, signifying a new age for the gang. As Archie reigns as the leader of the Northside, Jughead ascends to the leader of the Southside, a perfect yin and yang relationship joining the two halves of Riverdale. I am guessing that this dynamic will play an important role in season three in order to defeat the villains behind all Season 2’s drama.
I really can’t end this review without a little shoutout to this season’s villains, who are significantly more complex this season. Though I’m team Jughead and the Serpents all the way, the villains this season were topnotch and deserve some credit for their nefarious deeds and secret plans. Not only does Penelope Blossom rise to ranks of evil mastermind, a position I never expected of her after last season, but Hiram Lodge is able to assemble a team of high profile villains, each with their own unique talents. We may all love to hate them, but Riverdale would be incomplete without these devilishly bad citizens. And for those fans who prefer the dark side, what could be better than Hiram Lodge: mob boss, evil mastermind, and ring leader behind almost every action this season? I look forward to watching Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica eventually take Hiram Lodge down, but, until then, I can appreciate the man’s style and forethought.
As the finale episode ends and the season comes to a close, a new era has descended upon Riverdale, with the Hiram Lodge at the helm, and it will take a united Riverdale to defeat him.
The Bottom Line:
“Chapter Thirty-Five: Brave New World” lives up to the season’s hype. Filled with unifying moments, unholy alliances, and another intense cliffhanger, the finale is an exquisitely slow build to the final moments. After a season of questions and unknowns, the evil conspirators are revealed and their plan is set in motion. The conclusion signals a new era in Riverdale, with new questions for season 3. Season two of Riverdale was well plotted, with extensive character development and plot twists. As the show delves deeper into the town’s darkness, Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica must make difficult choices if they are to remain on the path of righteousness.
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