Review of “Riverdale” Season 7 Premiere on The CW: The gang time travels…again

*Please note that some spoilers are ahead.*

“The year is 1955…”

Riverdale season 7 premiered on March 29th 2023 on The CW. The final season will feature twenty weekly episodes. It stars Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse, KJ Apa, Camila Mendes, and Madelaine Petsch. Each episode runs for approximately 42-46 minutes.

After Bailey’s Comet threatened to destroy Riverdale for good, the gang got transported back in time to when the Archie Comics first took place. Only no one remembers what their lives were like before except Jughead.

Here is the trailer:

Riverdale was one of my favorite series for the longest time with crazy plot twists, insane cults, and love triangles that made our heads spin. As the seasons continued, the show became really far-fetched and lost its way, but the final season may be able to finish the series strong after all. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of The CW

This time jump is a lot more promising…

I wasn’t a huge fan of the time jump into the future after the gang finished high school. It felt forced and it never really worked for me personally. Well, the gang gets a second chance at high school…only this time they are back in 1955, which will give fans of the original comic series something to be excited about.

The costumes and music are a lot of fun and the series is even tackling important issues during this time period.

Old characters return.

The parents of Riverdale were pretty much phased out after the first time jump, but now we get to see some familiar faces return, which has actually been a lot of fun so far. I’m curious to see who else will come back for the final season since many of my favorite characters left the show at various points.

There also seems to be some hints at one of my favorite ships reigniting. Fingers crossed Choni fans!

We’ll have to see how all of this works out and things might get messy when the gang finds a way back to their original time…or universe. 

The Cons:

Images courtesy of The CW

Some characters regress…

While I was super excited to see Toni getting some well deserved screen time, other characters like Tabitha were barely around, which was slightly worrisome. I’m also not sure how I feel about Veronica’s character dealing with more nonsense surrounding her family when she worked so hard to break free of that.

Cheryl and Kevin are back in the closet and Betty doesn’t have the same fire within her that I’m used to seeing.

I’m hoping that our characters can remember who they are because they are all so fantastic to watch, but I’m worried about certain plots feeling recycled…just merely in a new time setting.

Our characters deserve better than that.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of The CW

I’m in about 75 percent…

Season 7 starts off with a lot of potential and I’m hoping that this show can redeem itself and finish strong, but we still have a ways to go.

Either way, I’m a lot more excited about this season and it’s already a lot stronger than the last two seasons I watched so there’s definitely some hope here!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale season 7 in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Hardy Boys” Season 2 on Hulu: A Mystery with Edge

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“Find another mystery…”

The Hardy Boys (season 2) premiered on Hulu on April 6th 2022 with ten episodes available to stream now. The series stars Rohan Campbell, Alexander Elliot, Bea Santos, Keana Lyn, Riley O’Donnell, and James Tupper. Each episode runs for approximately 42-44 minutes. 

Based on the iconic book series, this new re-imagining of The Hardy Boys takes place in the 1980’s. Frank and Joe Hardy are back to solve a new mystery plaguing the town of Bridgeport, but are they in over their heads this time around?

Here is the trailer:

The Hardy Boys managed to omit a lot of the teen drama that can sometimes weigh down shows like Riverdale and Nancy Drew in season one, making it a welcomed addition to the amateur sleuth genre, but does season two do enough to bring the audience back for more? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Darker mystery this time around…

I enjoyed season one, but the mystery was just kind of okay for me. Season two pulls us in right away with a darker mystery with supernatural elements which gave this series a more mature edge this time around. I think this worked in the show’s favor and I actually got through these episodes fairly quickly because I was so intrigued by what was really going on.

Loved it!

Images courtesy of Hulu

Supporting characters get more development.

Season one focused primarily on the Hardy brothers, but I appreciated that season two took the time to really develop some of the supporting characters. Everyone contributes to the “Scooby Gang,” but we actually got to give some other characters with potential a chance to shine, which was nice to see.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Frank’s trippy visions…

I didn’t mind the visions, but I had an issue with the way they were portrayed to the audience. They were just really distracting and they took away from the nostalgic Hardy Boys feel just a little. I also felt like I needed to do a re-watch of season one to remember a lot of what was going on since it’s been some time since that aired. There was a lot to remember!

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in!

I actually enjoyed season two more than season one. The 80’s nostalgia and music soundtrack was fun once again and we got a chance to actually develop some of these interesting characters a lot more with a super creepy mystery!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Hardy Boys in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

Girl Number Thirteen Lurking Promo

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Dive Club” on Netflix: A Splash of Solid Mystery Drowned out by Teen Drama

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“We’re ready to hunt for treasure…”

Dive Club released on Netflix on September 3rd 2021. The Australian teen series originally premiered back in May 2021 but season one is now available to stream. The show stars Miah Madden, Sana’a Shaik, Mercy Cornwall, Aubri Ibrag, and Georgia-May Davis. There are twelve episodes in total and each one runs for approximately 25-28 minutes.

A group of teenage divers pass the time by hunting down underwater treasure, but when a storm hits the small seaside town of Cape Mercy, one of them goes missing as the others desperately attempt to find out what happened to her.

Here is the trailer:

Dive Club has an interesting premise surrounding a mystery at sea that will give you some Pirates of the Caribbean feels, but does the teen drama get in the way of pure greatness? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Fun premise.

I really like shows and films that involve scuba diving for buried treasure even if they can be cheesy sometimes. The show features some beautiful views and I thought that the core mystery was a good one. It takes a little while to unfold, but the second half of the series is much stronger than the first and the cliffhanger ending leaves a lot open for the potential for season two.

G rating makes it watchable for the whole family.

The show in a lot of ways reminded me of a mash-up between The Babysitter’s Club, Fool’s Gold, and Nancy Drew. The characters are likable for the most part and I’m always a fan of kids or teens solving mysteries on their own.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Too much teen drama.

I was initially excited that this series was rated G because I thought we would skip all of the teenage soapy drama, but there was so much of it! There is usually a good balance of this in shows like Riverdale and Nancy Drew, but I thought that the drama completely took over the show.

We also got a lot of singing, dancing, and montages that really didn’t add to the plot at all. I understand that we are focusing on a younger generation but I’m not sure it is going to translate well with anyone…

This was frustrating because it took away from the solid mystery at the center of this show. We did get back on track toward the end of the series, but I think that since we had shorter episodes, this fluff should have been cut out completely.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m 50/50 on this one…

The treasure hunting mystery was actually a lot of fun and I enjoyed these moments, but the teen drama really dominated the show, which was disappointing. I wouldn’t move this to the top of your watch-list, but if you are looking for short episodes that are family friendly, you can put this show on in the background.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Dive Club in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My new young adult horror thriller comes out October 7th 2021! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Review of “Riverdale” Season 5, Episode 13 on the CW: Riverdale goes Coyote Ugly on us

**Please note spoilers are ahead if you are not caught up with the series.**

“I should have stabbed you harder when I had the chance…”

After Hiram Lodge’s origin story last week, we return to present day events with episode 13. Betty and Tabitha continue to work together to stop the mysterious trucker killer while some other new partnerships form as well.

Does Riverdale season 5 episode 13 get things back on track?

Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of The CW

The team-up continues!

Betty and Tabitha really do make a good team and I was happy that we actually spent a lot of time on them in this week’s episode. Betty attempts to lure a possible suspect but winds up in a lot of trouble with a chainsaw, but luckily Tabitha shows up to help her out.

But, is this deranged trucker really the killer Betty has been looking for?

I’m not so sure, but it looks like things are going to get really interesting in next week’s episode when Betty decides to interrogate him.

Even though there were a lot of things that seemed ridiculous and unbelievable with these scenes, they were still entertaining and that’s what I’m looking for from this show.

Images courtesy of The CW

The Coyote Ugly performance was a lot of fun!

Betty and Tabitha come up with an idea to put on a Coyote Ugly-esque performance to lure in potential trucker scum, allowing us to witness a showstopping number featuring Veronica, Betty, Tabitha and Cheryl! 

I thought this was genius and finally the singing made sense!

Unlikely partnerships are in the air.

Cheryl and Kevin and Veronica and Reggie work together in this episode and I actually really liked the interactions here. It allowed some of the supporting characters a chance to get some air time without pushing the envelope too much. 

I just don’t want to hear about Veronica being the “She Wolf of Wall Street” anymore…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of The CW

Archie’s story-line…

Look I really like Archie, but these post-war flashbacks were beyond ridiculous. The acting was so bad in them so I could not take them seriously. As much as I want to support Archie with helping out rescue dogs in need (seriously loved this), I’m not sure I am buying the rest of it.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of The CW

I’m in about 75 percent…

I liked this episode a lot more than the last two I watched, but things are still spiraling out of control in terms of the plot. I think we need to focus more on the trucker mystery and Jughead’s potential disappearance and find something else for Archie to do in town…

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Review of “Riverdale” Season 5, Episode 11 on the CW: A New Team-Up

**Please note spoilers are ahead if you are not caught up with the series.**

“What the hell just happened?”

A good question for sure as new episodes of Riverdale finally return. It’s been a while since we last checked in on our favorite little town and a lot has happened. After the brilliant idea to flash forward into the future, our favorite characters may be older, but they haven’t really changed…

Even though this episode is right in the middle of season 5, it does serve as a mid-season premiere in a lot of ways, but does it do enough to keep us coming back for more?

Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of The CW

More Cheryl!

The Queen of Riverdale hasn’t really been in the spotlight lately so I appreciated that this episode devoted some well deserved screen time to her…along with Penelope Blossom. I don’t really buy Penelope’s new act and I’m also wondering how she convinced people to actually join her new ministry with promises of a realm filled with maple syrup?

As silly as it is, it gave our scene stealer a chance to shine although I think that the writers should come up with a better angle/story-line for our girl Cheryl. She deserves it and so do we!

Images courtesy of The CW

Tabitha and Betty make a great team!

I don’t know about you, but I always love the episodes where Betty teams up with another girl to kick some ass. Betty is Final Girl material to her core and so much more, but sometimes she needs someone else (Veronica or Cheryl) to back her up to add in a new dynamic.

Well, we have a new duo to talk about and that’s Tabitha and Betty. I actually really like Tabitha and she has been a welcomed addition to the series. After working with Jughead’s ex to figure out what happened to him combined with a crazy drug trip, it looks like Tabitha and Betty will be working together to find out what happened to the missing girls, which is the strongest story-line this season.

I can’t wait to see what they do next!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of The CW

Too much going on in one episode…

Riverdale is known for jamming multiple story-lines in at once, but this episode felt really chaotic and all over the place. We had the convicts on the loose, Hiram taken hostage, Veronica and Archie contemplating their relationship, a drug trip, and Jughead roaming around Sketch Alley. Sure, that sounds like a good place to visit…

Once we got to the random singing, I really couldn’t take it. I love the musical entries when they make sense, but this just seemed over-the-top and I expect a lot more from one of my favorite series…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of The CW

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Season 5 has made some bold decisions and while I love some story-lines, others need to go. I really want to get back to the mystery surrounding Polly and the trucker, but it looks like we are going to have a Hiram origin story next week…

Overall, the episode felt all over the place but I’m confident that we can get back on track with the remaining episodes. It looks like we just have to get through some filler ones first.

Plus, I’m dying to find out what happens to Jughead now that he got on that truck…

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Gossip Girl” Reboot on HBO Max: Why So Serious?

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“Been a minute…did you miss me?”

The reboot of Gossip Girl premiered on HBO Max on July 8th 2021 with the first episode. The remaining nine episodes will air weekly. Each episode runs for approximately 55 minutes. The reboot stars Jordan Alexander, Whitney Peak, Tavi Gevinson, Eli Brown, and Emily Alyn Lind.

Kristen Bell returns as the voice of Gossip Girl, but the rest of the original cast do not. The Upper East Side is back on display as we follow a new group of teenage elites and witness them go to scandalous measures to get what they want while attending Constance Billard. The original Gossip Girl website may have shut down, but a new source emerges to keep the dirt coming.

Here is the trailer:

Gossip Girl (2021) has a lot to live up to as the original series was an entertaining guilty pleasure to indulge in. Are we ready for a reboot of the series and does it do enough to find a voice of its own? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

A more diverse cast.

Much like the Saved by the Bell and Charmed reboots, we are presented with a more diverse cast for the reboot of Gossip Girl. I think this is a step in the right direction to be more inclusive this time around.

Sibling rivalry and a new Gossip Girl.

The main plot reminded me a little bit of One Tree Hill. We have half siblings who end up in the same school and drama is high as a result. I think this is the best part of the show so far and I’m interested to find out more about the true intentions of both siblings and how far they will go to keep up appearances.

We also get a twist on the new “Gossip Girl” and learn the identity right away. This takes us away from the outrageous reveal at the end of the original series and also gives us a chance to connect with a different set of characters that may see things a little bit differently. I’m intrigued by this so far.

Images courtesy of HBO Max

A familiar voice to put us at ease.

It wouldn’t feel right with anyone else narrating the show as the infamous “Gossip Girl” and hearing Kristen Bell’s voice made me feel right at home. Sure, the dialogue is a little outrageous, but there was a much needed nostalgia present as a result, especially since the rest of the cast is absent…even though we get plenty of reminders and name drops along the way to keep us tuned in.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

Don’t lose sight of what made the show work in the first place…

My biggest con with this reboot is that it takes itself way too seriously. The dialogue is beyond atrocious. I understand we are focusing on a new generation, but no one talks like this. While Riverdale presents us with some over-the-top dialogue as well, it still manages to keep us entertained because it knows when to lighten the mood even during some of the angst-filled melodrama.

In similar fashion, the original Gossip Girl worked because it was so outrageous and it embraced this. The cast really elevated the characters and made you care about them…even though they were horrible human beings!

Blair Waldorf is the iconic Queen Bee of television and even though Chuck Bass was beyond ridiculous, he was so entertaining to watch! The back-stabbing and twists just somehow worked because the show understood that it was meant to be a guilty pleasure teen drama.

The reboot is having an identity crisis and is taking itself too seriously, which makes the execution flat and uninspiring. I don’t care about any of the characters yet and it was honestly really difficult to watch a lot of the pilot episode, which is beyond disappointing.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of HBO Max

I’m 50/50 on this one…

I want to give this show a chance to get better because I am a fan of the original series. However, the majority of the pilot episode was painful to watch. I am going to give the show at least three episodes to change my mind, but it needs to really make some major changes if it wants to connect with a new generation and fans of the original series.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on the Gossip Girl reboot in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” Season 5 Episode 10: “The Pincushion Man”

Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching The CW’s Riverdale season 5 episode 10, I learned that when people are dying, you sometimes need to make time for a term paper.

Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. 

In episode, “Chapter Eighty-Six: The Pincushion Man,” Betty and Alice’s party is crashed by some familiar faces. Meanwhile, Jughead and Tabitha grow closer, but it looks like Betty may be the only one truly on his mind, and Veronica’s ex is determined to make her life a living hell.

My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 5 episode 10 are:

5

“You follow the order.”

Archie is surprised to hear that his commanding officer wants to present with him with the Silver Eagle award because he doesn’t feel right about what happened on the mission. We later discover that perhaps this was a dirty mission after all and Archie doesn’t feel right about just following orders.

We know that Archie is always going to stand up for what he feels is right, but is he in over his head here?

4

“You don’t owe him anything.”

Chadwick rears his annoying head and Veronica decides to go out to New York for closure. She talks more about the helicopter crash and tells Archie that she initially wished for Chad to die and feels horrible about what happened. Archie reminds Veronica that she doesn’t owe Chad anything, but she feels like she needs to do this.

Images courtesy of The CW

Meanwhile, Chadwick has a romantic dinner at home planned for her and tries to bring some nostalgia to their final date, which leads to some extremely poor decisions by Veronica. They kiss and more is implied, but what about Archie?

Also, you are the “She-Wolf” of Wall Street, but you couldn’t tell that Chadwick was playing you?

Chadwick reveals later that he made some bad investment decisions that involve Veronica’s company and that if she divorces him, he will sue her. I can’t say that I am surprised by these actions, but now Veronica is stuck staying in New York to handle things.

Chadwick is a mini Hiram, but Veronica needs to step up her game so she can truly move on with her life.

Your move, V.

3

“There is no curse.”

We get to witness a lovely date between Cheryl and Minerva as she takes her out to the maple groves, but we discover that they are dry and Nana Rose tells her it’s because of the curse.

Cheryl is determined to point out that there is no curse as she is finally taking ownership back of her life. Later on, Reggie and Hiram make amends and Nana Rose sells the groves to them, but apparently this deal is void because Cheryl had her declared senile years ago.

Reggie decides to light the groves on fire, but maybe the curse is real after all…

The Blossom ladies pray for wind and not all of the groves are damaged.

But, why does Hiram want to control them and what is the deal with Reggie?

As much as I like to see Cheryl happy, I also am still rooting for Choni in the end. Let’s just hope it’s not too late for them.

2

“Let’s just be friends.”

In the beginning of the episode we see Jughead and Tabitha dancing at Pop’s and they actually share a kiss. However, Jughead tells her that his life is complicated and wants to just be friends, which Tabitha actually seems OK with.

Images courtesy of The CW

Meanwhile, Jughead needs to produce some pages and tells her that he needs to do some “Maple Mushrooms” so he can write something brilliant. I’m not making this stuff up…

Tabitha handcuffs Jughead to his desk so he can get some work done and checks in on him periodically, but Jughead’s trippy hallucinations reveal that he is not over Betty just yet as we actually get a steamy and passionate Bughead scene.

Images courtesy of The CW

The hallucinations turn bloody; however, as Jughead then starts seeing the Mothman and Tabitha later finds his bloody handcuffs left on the desk and Jughead has disappeared.

So, what did Jughead see?

Was he truly taken by something or did he wander off on his drug trip?

We’ll have to wait to find out, but this mystery surrounding Jughead is getting weirder and weirder.

At least we had that Bughead scene though and I actually really feel bad for Tabitha. She has a lot of patience!

1

“Let’s just get through whatever this is.”

Easier said than done, Alice. We find out more about Glen as we discover that he is actually writing his dissertation on serial killers in the Cooper family. Betty is extremely upset and rightfully so and Glen gets a slap in the face.

Images courtesy of The CW

However, that’s not all. After Hiram decides to shake things up with an intentional prison break, we start to remember just how many family members are locked up behind bars. Uncle Frank helps out Archie and Penelope is back in the fold, but Charles and Chic have some serious plans.

They break up the birthday party for the twins and want to be married by Alice and she actually begins the ceremony. You gotta love Alice.

Glen walks in with bad timing and Charles decides that he wants to play “The Pincushion man” and wants one of the twins to stab Glen.

Betty tries to get him to see reason and says that she will do it to spare the innocence of her niece and nephew. Betty actually stabs Glen, but purposely gives him a flesh wound and turns the tables on Chic and Charles.

We know that Glen and Charles both went to the hospital and Betty is still motivated to find out what happened to Polly even though the case has been re-assigned.

Is Polly still alive?

I’m thinking so and I can’t wait to follow Betty on this journey, but we’re going to have to wait a while for a new episode.

This was a jam-packed mid-season finale, but I still have so many questions that will remain unanswered for quite a while.

New episodes return August 11th!

Stay tuned, Riverdale fans!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” Season 5 Episode 9: “Destroyer”

Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching The CW’s Riverdale season 5 episode 9, I learned that “either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.”

Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. 

In episode, “Chapter Eighty-Five: Destroyer,” Betty gets some disturbing news that causes her darkness to re-emerge. Meanwhile, Archie and Veronica try to promote some school spirit while Kev has a breaking point.

My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 5 episode 9 are:

5

“So why don’t you all show some school spirit?”

The Bulldogs are not great, but Archie sees the potential in each and every one of them. Veronica tries to spark some incentive and get the town motivated by flashing some cash and her connections, but Archie truly cares about his players and wants to make a difference.

It looks like he has done enough to make Hiram mad, which even prompts Reggie to switch sides, but can Reggie really be trusted?

Images courtesy of The CW

Hiram somehow knows how to do everything and brings his team to victory, but Archie’s team shows a spark of life, proving that the town of Riverdale is not dead just yet.

4

“I think I’m ashamed of myself.”

Meanwhile, Kevin has a breakthrough after getting beat up in a steam room. He confides in his dad, who is always there to support him, and starts to break down why he goes cruising in the woods.

I think Kev has finally realized the root cause of his issues, but hopefully he will realize that he deserves to be loved. I’d love to see him and Fangs live happily ever after!

3

“I’ll even come out of retirement.”

And we’re so glad you did, Cheryl. Cheryl puts on a show-stopping number with the Vixens to really show some school spirit and it’s about time. Our Queen Bee is back and it looks like she is ready to bring her team straight to victory. Go Cheryl Bombshell!

Images courtesy of The CW

We don’t get any further mention of Minerva, but I’m sure we’ll see that in the later episodes. Although, I really want Choni to mend things.

2

“Sometimes a story is just a story.”

Sure, but sometimes a story can be the key to some other phenomenon and Jughead is clearly obsessed with discovering the truth behind these alien Moth Man claims. Jughead reads a story from one of his students named Lerman which seems to point directly to a possible encounter with the Moth Man.

Images courtesy of The CW

Jughead goes a little too far to get the truth and Lerman’s parents are very upset along with the principal. Later on, we get a Bughead team-up (loved this) to uncover the truth and learn that there may be a connection between Lerman and the missing girls since he lives by the Lonely Highway, but Lerman takes off and leaves town with his parents before they can really get any concrete answers.

1

“I’ll be damned if I let it happen to anyone else.”

Poor, Betty. She gets a phone call from her FBI friend/boyfriend Glen who tells her that the blood found was a match for Polly’s. It’s not 100 percent certain, but it’s fairly likely that Polly is gone.

Betty goes to Cheryl for advice because she wonders if knowing the truth is actually better in this situation and goes against her better judgment and lies to her mother.

Betty’s rage/darkness re-emerges later on as she begins striking her own form of justice into the creepy truckers on the highway. Betty kicks them all out of their trucks and tells them to leave.

Things go too far when she drags the man they spoke to before into the woods and almost shoots him, but Jughead calls her in the nick of time.

As much as I love seeing Betty kick some ass, when did she become Buffy the Vampire Slayer overnight? You would think that one of these guys might be able to overpower her, but they somehow just take it?

Anyway, Betty returns home later and finds her mother in tears. Glen is there and says he is taking over the investigation. Alice is very upset that Betty kept this news from her, but this really made me start to wonder about Glen’s involvement.

I don’t think he can be trusted at all and while he may not be our killer, there’s something certainly off about him.

Meanwhile, I really enjoyed seeing the sleuth team-up again between Bughead and while I don’t think they should jump back into a romantic relationship like over-eager Varchie, their friendship is a strong one and I think they can both help each other through this.

I also am still convinced that Polly is actually alive and maybe she wasn’t taken by the trucker killer, but by whoever this “Moth Man” mystery man or woman is. I’m still piecing together a few theories, but I don’t want to commit to her being dead just yet.

Stay tuned, Riverdale fans!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” Season 5 Episode 8: “Lock & Key”

Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching The CW’s Riverdale season 5 episode 8, I learned that the “more things change, the more they stay EXACTLY the same.”

Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. 

In episode, “Chapter Eighty-Four: Lock & Key,” Cheryl decides to throw a key party to throw a little chaos at the drama brewing between the group. Meanwhile, Kev and Fangs contemplate the future of their relationship, Veronica wants a change, and Betty and Alice get a disturbing phone call.

My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 5 episode 8 are:

5

“I lost a lot of time.”

The extreme weirdness continues with Jughead’s plot as he begins to hallucinate. He thinks he is seeing the alien specimen lurking around, but is it all in his head?

Jughead even joins a support group to talk about it, but he decides to walk away from it when things get to be too much.

Just like I predicted, Tabitha clearly likes Jughead and even suggests that they go out on a normal date, but Jughead is too much in his head to even really hear her and decides to get drunk instead.

Tabitha actually may be the right choice for Jughead, but he has to get his addiction under control before he screws up this opportunity for good.

Or I guess some alien will take him away and probe him…

4

“What in the actual….”

Yep. You took the words right out of my mouth, Cheryl. Another theory of mine came true when we learned that Toni is actually the surrogate for Kev and Fangs. Cheryl is floored by the news, but Toni tries to tell her that she still cares about her deeply.

Cheryl’s stubbornness shines through; however, as she decides to throw a key party instead to shake things up. Everyone has to pick someone’s key in a bowl and have at it with their wildest dreams and fantasies.

Riverdale season 5 episode 8 Cheryl

Images courtesy of The CW

Parties don’t go so well at Cheryl’s house so I already could see the chaos swirling around everyone. Cheryl and Toni do end up picking one another, but Toni is upset by Cheryl’s behavior. Cheryl tries to surprise her with a nursery at Thornhill, but Toni reminds her that she doesn’t want her and her baby to stay locked away from everything and apologizes for leading her on.

Even though the Choni fan in me is rooting for these two to get together, things take time and it looks like Cheryl will be busy with Minerva. If Minerva looks familiar, it’s because she played Agatha on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina so I’m always happy to see a familiar face pop up in the Archie universe.

3

“A window of light in the dark.”

Even though the beginning of the episode presented us with some hot and steamy scenes between Barchie, these two are having mixed feelings once again. Archie tells Betty that he does still have lingering feelings for Veronica (really?) and Betty tells him that she needs to focus on Polly’s disappearance and she doesn’t want to bring Archie into her darkness.

It’s clear that these two will still remain friends, but I can’t say that I’m not disappointed. I don’t think we were given enough time to actually explore this relationship after seven years and now it seems like we’re right back where we started again…

2

“I will be fighting fire with fire.”

Veronica wants a change and she starts by having her entire apartment redone to really spark this change. But the real change Veronica is looking for is within her marriage. After Chadwick forces them to leave the party early, Veronica asks for a divorce because she is also not over Archie and these two are back together again?

Riverdale season 5 episode 8 Archie

Images courtesy of The CW

I’m sure the Varchie fan is excited for this, but I honestly thought this felt extremely rushed and out of place. Whether Archie has feelings for Veronica or not, he was just with Betty and I appreciate that he told Veronica about that, which shows that he has matured in some ways.

But on the other hand, Veronica is still married. She didn’t get divorced overnight and I have a feeling that Chadwick is going to team up with Hiram somehow to bring forth more drama and destruction.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you Varchie…

1

“She’s alive.”

Betty continues to deal with nightmares surrounding TBK, but we still have some time before we explore that plot fully. Meanwhile, Alice tells Betty that she received a call from Polly, but Betty is not so sure.

Riverdale season 5 episode 8 Betty

Images courtesy of The CW

Later in the episode, Betty actually picks up the call and Polly asks for their help, claiming she is on the side of the Lost Highway. Betty and Alice rush out to help her (with no back-up). This is when FP would really come in handy…

Only they don’t find Polly, but the phone booth she was in is broken and filled with blood.

We know that Polly was alive, but is this really it for her or is there still a chance that Betty can catch this roadside killer before it’s too late?

I’m ready to find out and next week’s episode looks fantastic already. We need a Betty-centric episode now!

Stay tuned, Riverdale fans!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

Main promo smaller

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” Season 5 Episode 7: “Fire in the Sky”

Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching The CW’s Riverdale season 5 episode 7, I learned that you actually fight fire with a fire department….

Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. 

In episode, “Chapter Eighty-Three: Fire in the Sky,” Archie attempts to recruit the new volunteer fire department for the town. Meanwhile, Cheryl and Toni continue to clash over the Vixens, and Betty discovers a pattern involving Polly’s disappearance.

My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 5 episode 7 are:

5

“Who’s with me?”

After Archie’s family home is set on fire, Archie feels motivated to get the Riverdale fire department running again, but he strikes out when he asks some of his own friends. However, he is not out of luck because some of his new students seem up for the challenge.

Later on, Archie risks his life to try and save someone and has clearly not shed his hero complex over the years. While I love Archie’s heroic side, he needs to remember that he is not alone.

Images courtesy of The CW

Plus, Veronica just bought that shiny new fire truck. However, I’m not sure how practical it is…

4

“This is personal.”

The feud continues between Veronica and Hiram. Veronica is not going to let her father ruin Riverdale and decides to work on a project with her economics class that involves her circulating “monopoly money with her face on it” in town.

Seriously, the funniest thing Jughead has ever said.

The concept seems to be working and it is certainly boosting morale, but things go south when someone inflates the cash and Veronica suspects her father. Only we discover that it was some of the students in her class and they actually feel pretty bad about it.

Well, at least they have been recruited to pick up the trash left out in Riverdale…

3

“The bitch is back in town.”

We have missed you Cheryl Bombshell! Cheryl makes a grand entrance and we watch an epic dance-off between her and one of Toni’s Vixens. Cheryl agrees to co-captain the team with Toni, but it’s clear that they have very different approaches to leadership.

Images courtesy of The CW

Later on, Toni hits Cheryl with some hard truth and it looks like she has a new problem to face when she is exposed for trying to sell a counterfeit painting of her brother. I’m not really sure what this buyer wants from Cheryl and Nana Rose, but she’s not going to go away quietly.

Either way, I was really happy to see Cheryl break out of her shell again. The quiet/crazy version was not doing her any favors.

2

“What do you think it was?”

I didn’t realize that Riverdale had crossed into the sci-fi genre, but this Mothman mystery seems alien in nature. Jughead finds out more and learns that Pop and Nana Rose saw an unexplainable light many years ago outside of Pop’s.

Nana Rose actually kept the body in maple syrup that she discovered and Jughead and Tabitha are beyond confused, but things get even more strange when Jughead witnesses the same phenomenon and then the body mysteriously disappears.

Images courtesy of The CW

So, is it government testing, aliens, or something else?

I’m not sure, but I have to say that I’m digging Jughead’s new look with the glasses. Although he needs to cut out his drinking…that’s going to become a bigger problem soon.

1

“Three’s a pattern.”

Meanwhile, Betty continues to investigate Polly’s disappearance and Hiram is less than helpful when he refuses to let them search his land on Swedlow Swamp. An unidentified body is discovered and Betty also learns about a girl named Margaret Harper who went missing three years ago.

Betty recognizes that three missing girls is definitely a pattern. Later on, Reggie actually helps her out and tells her he found another body. The body is revealed to be Margaret Harper and Reggie tells Hiram that if they let them search the land, he will look like the good guy.

But, what’s his real end game here?

Meanwhile, Betty learns that the Trash Bag Killer or “TBK” is back and we get a few more scattered flashbacks of when Betty was abducted. Honestly, I really hope they do an entire episode dedicated to this because I want to know what happened to Betty.

Are these two serial killers connected?

Is Polly still alive?

We’ll have to wait and see, but Betty is on the case!

Stay tuned, Riverdale fans!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!