Tag: Cheryl Blossom

Ranking the top 5 Empowered TV Female Characters of 2018 who Save the Day: “Touch me again and you’re gonna need another wooden hand”

Summertime is typically known for reruns, but I am happy that some of my favorite shows premiered late enough in the year so that I can get in some quality time binge-watching.  As I look back on some of my favorite shows that released new episodes in 2018, I started to really think about how incredible it is to see so many empowered female TV characters emerging on a daily basis.  These women are strong, fearless, passionate, and loyal.

They stand out because they aren’t perfect.  They make mistakes just like everyone else, but they are able to turn things around and make the right call to save the people they care about the most.  For today’s list, I am looking at female characters that can kick some serious ass and save the day without compromising who they are in the process.  Please note that supernatural abilities need not apply, as I want to focus on female characters that do not have any special powers or gifts.  Please also note that some spoilers may be ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch any of the series mentioned below.  My top 5 Empowered TV Female Characters of 2018 are:

5

Claire Novak from Supernatural.

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“I saved Sam and Dean…WE saved Sam and Dean.”

If you haven’t caught up on Supernatural, Claire Novak is the daughter of Jimmy, who is Castiel’s vessel, and she is played by Kathryn Love Newton.  Claire has appeared several times on Supernatural and Jody Mills looks after her.  In 2018, fans got a look at the “Wayward Sisters” backdoor pilot and Claire has grown up to be quite the bad-ass.  She is comically referred to as “Biker Barbie,” which I have to admit is spot on, as she sports some serious leather and a tough attitude, but still has an element of sweetness to her.  In the backdoor pilot to “Wayward Sisters,” Sam and Dean are trapped in “The Bad Place,” and Claire works with Jody and the others to help save them.  She has fully embraced her identity as a hunter and proves to be quite resourceful.  It is absolutely fantastic to watch her take down her enemies and she is not afraid to improvise and even uses a flame thrower to really make an entrance.  While Claire initially tends to swing her fists first and ask questions later, she soon learns from Jody and from her own mistakes that this is not always the best plan.  When Sam and Dean are rescued, Claire finally realizes the importance of family and teamwork, proving that she has grown even further as a character that one can truly count on.

4

Al from Fear the Walking Dead.

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“Cause I’m a chick with layers.”

If you haven’t caught up yet on Fear the Walking Dead, now is the time.  This season has introduced us to some really compelling characters like John Dorie, Morgan Jones, and Naomi/Laura/June.  Al, played by Maggie Grace, has truly captured my attention, however.  Al is focused completely on gathering the stories of others and she records them on camera so that she is able to keep the story going as long as she can.  Even though Al drives a tank, she initially stays on the sidelines and tries not to get herself too involved.  However, after John Dorie is shot, Morgan gets through to her and she realizes that she may need to put the camera down from time to time and help save the day.  Al is fully capable of taking care of herself and is extremely resourceful and knowledgeable.  When she makes the decision to help John and the others, she proves to be an asset.  Al can also kick some serious ass, as we see an epic fight between her and Alicia that will have you on the edge of your seat.  I’m looking forward to seeing further development of her character, but I am definitely seeing some real potential for a new heroine to emerge on the series.

3

Octavia Blake from The 100.

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“You are Wonkru or you’re the enemy of Wonkru.”

The 100 is one of my absolute favorite shows on television right now and the female characters on the show really prove to be strong, intelligent, and valuable.  Characters like Clarke, Lexa, Raven, and Abby really elevate the show, but I have to admire Octavia Blake’s breakout in 2018.  Octavia, played by Marie Avgeropoulos, was known as “the girl under the floor,” always hiding behind her brother, Bellamy.  When Octavia meets her true love, Lincoln, she was able to tap into her potential and learn how to fight and stand up for herself.  After “Praimfaya,” struck the world, Octavia made the brave decision to allow all crews inside the bunker to save them, but this was no easy task to maintain.  In 2018, we see Octavia’s struggle to hold on to her power as “The Red Queen” or “Blodreina,” as each crew became agitated with the others and the reality set in that not everyone in the bunker would be able to survive.  Octavia was hesitant at first about being a leader, but fully embraced it after Jaha died, taking his words of wisdom to heart.  Octavia recognized that not everyone would agree with her decisions; but that they would all need to stand together in order to have a chance at survival.  In a heroic moment, Octavia begins fighting anyone who rebels and repeats, “You are Wonkru or you’re the enemy of Wonkru,” over and over again, until she finally makes her point.  Even though her decisions as a leader are somewhat questionable and perhaps no longer appropriate in their current situation, you can’t help but root for Octavia in this pivotal moment.  The girl under the floor is no more and a true queen has emerged.

2

Cheryl Blossom from Riverdale.

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“Untie her, you serpent hag!”

While there are many empowered female characters on Riverdale, Cheryl, played by Madelaine Petsch, showed the most promise for me in 2018.  We have seen Cheryl grow as a character and take on quite a lot.  While she may initially seem like an ice queen, Cheryl eventually learns to let her walls down and to open up to those around her.  Cheryl has a lot to deal with and her mother doesn’t make her life any easier.  When Cheryl begins confiding in Toni about how her mother stifled her feelings toward other girls, it starts to make a lot of sense why Cheryl kept everyone at a distance.  After Cheryl’s mother has her locked away in a mental institution, Toni and Veronica come to her rescue, but Cheryl refuses to be broken in this moment.  Cheryl rises from the ashes and stands up to her mother and I have to say it’s about time.  Cheryl’s growing feelings for Toni also help her realize the importance of love and loyalty.  When Penny kidnaps Toni, Cheryl heroically shows up with a red hood and her bow and arrow to save her “Cherie.”  One can’t help but cheer for her in this moment, as she is no longer a scared little girl.  Rather, she has blossomed into a fearless and sensational woman.  Cheryl continuously shows her courage, as she stands up to the adults around her and even takes on “The Black Hood.”  Look out world, here comes “Cheryl Bombshell.”

1

Kelly Maxwell from Ash vs Evil Dead.

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“It’s Gladiator time, bitch.”

So my number one pick for the most empowered TV female character of 2018 has to go to the beautiful and hilarious Kelly Maxwell, played by Dana DeLorenzo.   Kelly proves that you don’t need to be “The Chosen One” or “El Brujo Especial” in order to save the day.  Kelly is tough and loyal, proving to be a “ghost beater” for life.  After teaming up with Dalton from the “Knights of Sumeria,” Kelly makes the courageous decision to take on the villain, Ruby, all by herself with the Kandarian Dagger.  Ruby is pretty much the queen of hell and is almost indestructible, but Kelly actually puts up quite a fight against her.  You can’t help rooting for her in this moment and when Ruby stabs her with the Kandarian Dagger, she even tells her that she was her favorite.  I remember being shocked and heartbroken in this moment, but Kelly was able to survive in the world through the rift and is ultimately rescued by Pablo toward the end of the series.  In the series finale, Kelly reminds us why we love her so much.  She kicks some serious ass and begins screaming while shooting as many deadites as she can, proving that she is fully capable of saving the day.  When Ash ultimately goes to fight the big bad, he tells Kelly that she is the leader now and I have to agree with his choice.  Kelly is strong and fearless and refuses to compromise herself for anyone.  She’s not afraid to express her opinion and use as much colorful and foul language as possible to get her point across, but that’s why we adore her so much.  Kelly is someone you could genuinely see yourself being friends with.  She tells you the harsh truth whether you want to hear it or not, but she is there for you no matter what, which is something that makes her truly stand out as a good friend and an even better heroine.

I hope you enjoyed the list and please feel free to post your thoughts on some of your own favorite empowered TV Female Characters of 2018 in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments featuring Cheryl & Toni from “Riverdale” season 2: “You’re Sensational.”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  Even though we will have to wait quite some time for season 3 of Riverdale to premiere on the CW, there is still plenty to discuss.  While we got a lot of swoon-worthy moments for Bughead and Varchie, it seems like there was an opportunity for other ships to really flourish, such as Cheryl and Toni, FP and Alice, and Kevin and Moose.   For today, I am going to be recapping and ranking the top 5 moments featuring my absolute favorite ship from Riverdale season 2, Cheryl and Toni.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the full season yet.  Cheryl and Toni, also known together as “Choni,” possess something beyond passion and fire.  Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of fire there, especially with Cheryl threatening to burn her house down every other day.  However, what makes Cheryl and Toni stand out as a true pairing, is their sense of loyalty along with their willingness to fight for the other.  Fans cannot help falling in love with these two, as their friendship and bond grows, leading up to an epic kiss that will have you cheering.  Cheryl has been clearly broken for some time and her mother’s cruel actions never really help with this, especially when her mother tries to stifle her feelings for other women.  Toni is the one person that Cheryl can truly confide in and while we know her as “Cheryl Bombshell,” she finally lets her guard down for Toni and reminds us that there is a scared little girl behind that tough attitude.  Toni reminds her that it’s alright to cry sometimes and that embracing who you are can sometimes be a challenge in itself.  From Toni’s perspective, Cheryl is “sensational,” reminding us that sometimes all we really need is someone to see the good in us, even when we don’t see it ourselves.  My top 5 moments featuring Cheryl and Toni from Riverdale season 2 are:

 

5

The Sleepover party.  (Moment from Season 2, episode 16)

 Cheryl has been having nightmares and hallucinations ever since she overheard her mother’s plan to get rid of her and Nana Rose.  She decides to hold a sleepover party with her “inner circle and cousin Betty” to distract herself, but it’s really to confide in them about what’s going on.  Everyone is not really sure what to make of Cheryl’s fears, but Betty steps up and tells her that she feels like strangers are lurking behind every corner at her house too and empathizes with her.  Cheryl is beyond terrified and gets even closer to Toni on this night.  Cheryl even tells her that she may have had the sleepover party just to be able to invite her over, which is an absolutely adorable revelation.  Choni is about to share their first kiss, only they are interrupted suddenly as fate would have it.  Nana Rose has fallen badly and is rushed to the hospital, but Cheryl knows deep down that this cannot be an accident.  She is convinced that Uncle Claudius and her mother pushed Nana down the stairs but doesn’t have any proof.  Her mother intervenes when she tries to talk to the doctor and takes her into the car ominously saying that they will “make her all better.”  Noticing Cheryl’s disappearance, Toni shows up at the Blossom house to find her, but her mother mechanically tells her that she is out of the country at boarding school.  Toni knows this cannot be true, but the door slams in her face before she can get in another word.  The end of the episode reveals Cheryl locked away at the “Sisters of Quiet Mercy” mental institution, her hair done up in pigtails, as if to bring her back to a childhood state away from the rest of the world.  While it seems like Cheryl may be locked away for good, Toni refuses to rest until she finds her, proving to be an amazing friend and someone Cheryl can finally count on.

 4

“Everything looks good on me.” (Moment from Season 2, episode 22)

After the Southsiders receive a memo from the principal that they are going to have to go to “Seaside High” due to sudden overcrowding, no one is ready to just accept this.  All of our favorite characters are wearing Serpent jackets and are ready to walk out, showing their support for the Southside.  Toni tells Cheryl, “that jacket looks good on you” and of course Cheryl replies with, “Everything looks good on me.”  When Toni suggests that they “make it official,” Choni fans everywhere are swooning.  While we know she means becoming a Serpent, perhaps they can finally make their relationship legit.  These two beautiful ladies have definitely earned it and have proven their love for one another over and over.  It’s about time they get some time in the spotlight.  Meanwhile, leadership changes within the Serpents as well, as FP officially retires and passes the torch to Jughead.  Jughead accepts and his first order of business is to give Cheryl her red Serpent jacket, which matches perfectly with the killer red boots she wore to the ceremony.  Is there a Serpent dance in Cheryl’s future?  We’ll have to see, but it’s great to see her become a part of this group, especially since she has been searching to belong for so long.  With Toni by her side, there is no stopping “Cheryl Bombshell.”

 3

 “Untie her you Serpent Hag!”  (Moment from Season 2, episode 21)

 Penny and the Ghoulies are back in this episode and demand that the Serpents give up and leave so that they can take over this town.  Penny takes things a step further when she holds Toni captive, demanding that Jughead pay her a visit.  Luckily, Jughead brings some back-up, which is none other than our favorite archer in town, Cheryl Blossom.  “Untie her you Serpent Hag!” I found myself cheering as Cheryl rescues her “Cherie,” Toni, proving once again that Choni is beyond romantic. These two ladies prove that they don’t need a man to step in and save the day.  Although, having a bow and arrow handy certainly doesn’t hurt.

2

 “You’re sensational.” (Moment from Season 2, episode 14)

 Cheryl is clearly disappointed and feeling left out when she is not invited along to the weekend getaway at Shadow Lake and is desperately trying to avoid her own home that her mother has “turned into a sex playground.”  While Cheryl makes some rash decisions as a result of this, it’s hard not to feel sympathetic towards her.  Cheryl calls Jughead and reveals the truth about Betty’s kiss with Archie that she thought was “like with tongue serious,” desperately trying to spoil their weekend since she is hurt.  Toni walks in on this and calls her out on it, but Cheryl puts her guard up immediately and reminds her exactly who she is:  “Hi I’m Cheryl Blossom, aka Cheryl Bombshell which means I need no reasons.  Feel free to tremble.”  Toni is not scared off by this, however; and continues to reach out to her, recognizing that she is in pain and in need of a friend.  After seeing Cheryl alone at the movies, Toni offers to sit with her.  Cheryl later admits to Toni that she “never cries at movies because real life is tragic enough.”  In this moment, Cheryl finally lets her guard down, revealing her vulnerability and past secrets to Toni.  Toni sympathetically listens to her and a budding friendship or relationship is forming at this point for sure.  In a beautiful moment, Toni simply tells Cheryl:  “you’re not loveless.  You’re not deviant.  You’re sensational.”  Toni’s uncomplicated honesty is getting through to Cheryl and this is the moment where everything changes.  Cheryl’s wall has come down completely and she takes the first step toward becoming her true self.  Toni sees the good in Cheryl and supports her, allowing her own feelings to come to the surface as well.

1

Cheryl and Toni’s first kiss.  (Moment from Season 2, episode 17)

 Fans were more than disappointed after the interrupted first kiss between Choni at the sleepover party, but fear not, love is still blooming in the air.  Toni enlists the help of Veronica and Josie to help find Cheryl, as she knows that there is no way that she is being held in a boarding school, especially since her social media account has been dead silent.  The girls go and confront Mrs. Blossom who is armed and ready.  She tells them that Cheryl is mentally ill and even shows Josie the picture that Cheryl sketched not too long ago of the two of them, revealing that Cheryl was the one who was threatening and stalking her.  Josie is out, but Veronica and Toni are not about to completely abandon their friend.  Nana Rose makes the right call and tries to help Toni find Cheryl, but is rudely interrupted by Uncle Claudius.  They then learn from Kevin that the “Sisters of Quiet Mercy” practice gay conversion therapy and that there is a secret tunnel that can lead them to Cheryl.  Toni and Veronica put on their fantastic spy-like outfits which have just the right amount of flair and break in.  Cheryl is stunned when she sees Toni and the two share an epic kiss in front of the film screen.  The cheers for Choni should be deafening as this kiss was well worth the wait.  I’m looking forward to see what season 3 brings for Cheryl and Toni.  After all, now that Cheryl is a Serpent too, there are plenty more adventures for them to experience together.  Let’s just hope their relationship gets the chance it deserves.

 I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post some of your own favorite moments featuring Choni from Riverdale below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” season 2 episode 22 season finale: “Welcome to New Southside”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 22 season finale last night, we are left with some major cliffhangers that will need to be addressed once season 3 begins.  I’m not sure I can wait that long, but I have to say that the season 2 finale provided us with a lot of content and answers, while sprinkling in some unexpected twists and turns as well.  Do you think you have it all figured out?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Thirty-Five:  Brave New World,” the fate of Jughead and Fangs is revealed.  Meanwhile, Kevin finds romance, Cheryl reminds us why everything looks good on her, Fred throws his support to Southsiders in need, and Betty tries to come to terms with what her father has done.  My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 22 season finale are:

5

Jughead and Fangs are alive.

In the beginning of the episode, we cut to the scene fans have been talking about from the preview in the cemetery.  Luckily, it was just a dream and our protagonist, Jughead is alive in the hospital.  We also learn that Fangs is going to be alright too so fans everywhere can take a deep sigh of relief.  While these answers immediately comforted me, the drama is nowhere near over.  Jughead remembers that Mr. Lodge is behind everything, but his father, FP tries to tell him that the Serpents don’t exist anymore.  Betty and the others are beyond thrilled to find out that Jughead is alright, but Archie cuts to the chase when he explains that “there’s another mystery to solve.”  Who is the second black hood?  Theories are running wild, as they know that Mr. Lodge could be behind it since the motives seem to be purely political.  But how are they going to prove it?  While we get an answer to this question later on, it seems a little bit too easy and I’m not sure I’m buying it.

4

“Conspiring against my parents is proving to be a full time job.”

Veronica is still supporting Fred in the mayoral campaign, as she has taken a stand against her family.  She is done letting her father call the shots and it looks like Hermione has finally come around as well.  But can her motives be truly trusted?  We know that Mr. Lodge is a master manipulator and I would like to think that Hermione is trying to do right by her daughter, especially since her husband’s actions nearly got them both killed.  You can never be too careful with a Lodge, however; as we know that every action has intent behind it.  Hermione explains to Veronica that Mr. Lodge needs the Southside bar, “Whyte Wyrm” to further his plan.  Veronica seeks out the help of our favorite lawyer in town, Mrs. McCoy in order to get her money back.  This may be the only chance she has to stop her father, but is she ready to take him on and face the consequences?  Veronica soon realizes that “there’s a better smarter play here.”  She buys the “Whyte Wyrm” and makes a deal with her father.  She offers to trade it for Pop’s Diner.  Veronica realizes that Pop’s Diner is the only safe haven left in town where the people of Riverdale can truly belong and is not about to let it remain in her father’s clutches.  But is this really the right move?  Mr. Lodge tells Veronica that if they make this deal, that’s it.  Her credit cards, her trust fund, and her legacy will all be gone and there will be no turning back.  While we see the hesitation written over Veronica’s face, she accepts the consequences and the deal is done.  After all, “it’s all blood money anyway.”  But is Veronica really ready to take on a simple life where nothing comes easy?  At least she has her new business venture to distract her for now.

3

“Everything looks good on me.”

Cheryl works with Mrs. McCoy as well and Nana Rose is now officially her legal guardian.  Cheers Cheryl!  You deserve some happiness for sure.  Cheryl is beyond excited to deliver the papers to her mother, but is surprised to discover a secret meeting between her, Claudius, and Mr. Lodge.  Cheryl tells Veronica about what she saw, knowing full well that they were not trading maple syrup recipes.  Later on, Cheryl is getting ready to visit her “Cherie,” which I have to say is an adorable term of endearment for Toni.  Cheryl’s mother warns her not to go to the “Whyte Wyrm” because it is about to be raided by the police.  It seems like Mrs. Blossom has actually shown some concern for her daughter, but why now?  Either way, Cheryl warns everyone and Archie and Jughead get the Serpents out safely.  After the Southsiders receive a memo from the principal that they are going to have to go to “Seaside High” due to sudden overcrowding, no one is ready to just accept this.  All of our favorite characters are wearing Serpent jackets and are ready to walk out, showing their support for the Southside.  Toni tells Cheryl, “that jacket looks good on you” and of course Cheryl replies with, “Everything looks good on me.”  When Toni suggests that they “make it official,” Choni fans everywhere are swooning.  While we know she means becoming a Serpent, perhaps they can finally make their relationship legit.  These two beautiful ladies have definitely earned it and have proven their love for one another over and over.  It’s about time they get some time in the spotlight.  Don’t you agree? 

2

“I’m not like you.”

While all of the drama with Mr. Lodge is taking center stage, Betty and her mother are trying to put the pieces together again after Hal is taken off to jail.  The paparazzi are surrounding the house and Alice practically has a breakdown when she screams at them and quotes Dante, suggesting that their house is the entrance to hell.  Well darkness certainly resided there for quite some time, but the goodness of Alice and Betty certainly outweighs it.  Betty blames herself for what happened, however; and feels like she should have been a better detective and seen what was right in front of her.  While everyone around her reminds her that this is not her fault, Betty is still having doubts.  She wonders if evil can be passed on and Jughead tells her that she is a good person.  Now it’s up to Betty to believe this.  But can she deny the darkness whirling around within her?  After initially deciding not to visit her father, Betty decides to go see him anyway.  Her strength is admirable and one can’t help but cheer for her in this moment.  After telling her father that she is not like him, he asks her why she is really there.  Betty’s response gave me chills, as she tells him, “To say goodbye Dad.  No more darkness.  No more evil.  It’s over.  You have no power over me.”  In this moment, I was literally standing up and cheering for our girl, Betty Cooper.  While her father seems convinced that she will return, this moment allows her to truly move on and embrace the goodness within her.  I couldn’t be more proud.  Go Betty!  Now Alice on the other hand seems like she may be in need of some serious guidance.  Polly lets her know that she wants her to meet the person who “healed” her, but there is definitely something fishy about this.  The set up is certainly there for next season, but will Betty be able to save her mother from a possible cult?  We’ll have to stay tuned to find out.

1

“Welcome to new Southside.”

The end of the season finale brings a lot of change, as new leaders step up and heroes are torn down.  Archie is officially announced as the president of the school, which is certainly the right choice.  We also learn that the Southsiders are still welcome at Riverdale High.  Hooray!  Fred, on the other hand, loses the election to Hermione, but not without truly making an impact with the Southsiders.  After all, Fred opened his home to them and reminded us the importance of being a good neighbor to those in need. Hermione shows up at his doorstep and congratulates him, which actually seems sincere, so perhaps Riverdale does still have some good leadership after all.  Leadership changes within the Serpents as well, as FP officially retires and passes the torch to Jughead.  Jughead accepts and his first order of business is to give Cheryl her red Serpent jacket, which matches perfectly with the killer red boots she wore to the ceremony.  Is there a Serpent dance in Cheryl’s future?  We’ll have to see, but it’s great to see her become a part of this group, especially since she has been searching to belong for so long.  Well deserved Jughead and Cheryl!  While all of these new leaders step up, a dangerous group has come to power, however.  Mr. Lodge sits with his inner circle and discusses the plans for the future.  Everyone clearly has their own role to play.  For example, Claudius will handle the drugs and Mrs. Blossom wants a brothel.  Seriously?  Well I guess that’s to be expected.  There is someone who still stands in the way, however; and Mr. Lodge is ready to eliminate the threat once and for all.  Archie sneaks into the Lodge house and threatens Hiram.  He tells him that he knows he is behind everything, which includes Tall Boy supposedly being the second Black Hood and reminds him about the boy, Cassidy who was killed when they went up to the lake.  Archie tells him, “wherever you go, whatever you do, I’m gonna be there watching.”  Archie seems to be channeling his best impression of Liam Neeson here when he slams down the knife on the table to show he means business, but Mr. Lodge is ready to accept the challenge.  Right before Archie is sworn in as the president of the school in the auditorium; Mr. Lodge shows up and nods at him, as if to say he won the battle.  Archie is arrested for the murder of Cassidy up at Shadow Lake.   While Mr. Lodge may have won the battle, he has certainly not won the war just yet.  It looks like Bughead will need to take a break from being King and Queen Serpent to put their detective skills to the test to save their friend.  If anyone can help Archie, it’s his friends and family.  Look out Mr. Lodge because you are absolutely outmatched.  Stay tuned!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” season 2 episode 21: “Judgment Night”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 21 last night, secrets are revealed, unlikely heroes are born, and a sacrifice has left us on the edge of our seats.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Thirty-Four:  Judgment Night,” Fangs is rushed to the hospital and his real attacker is revealed.  Hermione Lodge announces a bounty award for the Black Hood and Veronica finds a file that causes her to lose faith in her father.  Meanwhile, Cheryl fends off the Black Hood, Betty attempts to protect her mother, and Jughead is faced with his old enemy, Penny Peabody.  My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 21 are:

5

“I only miss when I mean to.”

In the beginning of the episode, Cheryl opens her door and finds the Black Hood waiting for her.  She doesn’t waste any time and rushes up to her bedroom.  Cheryl is able to get out the window to her bow and arrow set and shows off her impressive archery skills.  Cheryl’s got a crimson hood of her own and takes on the Black Hood without revealing the slightest bit of fear.  Cheryl is not a scared little girl anymore, embracing the hero within her and defending herself.  She calls Betty to warn her that the Black Hood is wounded and heading through the woods.  Betty’s initial reaction is to run to her father, but soon learns that she may not be able to reason with him anymore, as the darkness and madness within him have fully consumed his actions at this point.

4

“What the hell do you boys think you’re doing to my school?”

After Fangs is shot, the Serpents are looking for vengeance and decide to destroy school property to make their point.  Archie attempts to get them to stop and reveals the new information that Midge’s mother is responsible for shooting Fangs, unable to process her grief and looking for someone to blame.  While one can be sympathetic toward Midge’s mother, the Serpents do not back down, as they explain that this is further proof why they need to destroy everything on the Northside.  Archie is ready to defend, but there is no need to do so when Principal Weatherbee proves to be someone you do not want to mess with, especially when he has a baseball bat.  Let’s hear it for the adults of Riverdale!  Later on, the Ghoulies show up at Pop’s Diner and surround the place, leaving poor Archie alone again to try and stop them.  Luckily, it’s “Riverdale Dads to the rescue,” as Kevin so eloquently put it, when Sheriff Keller, Fred, and FP show up to defend their town.  I mean seriously Archie cannot take on every single threat, but it’s great to see some teamwork here even when Riverdale is being threatened left and right.

3

“Chaos is good for us.”

As things get worse in Riverdale, Mr. Lodge sees this as an opportunity, proving to once again be the most dangerous player in town.  Hermione has her suspicions and asks if he is keeping anything from her, but he assures her that everything he is doing is for her and Veronica.  Hermione announces a one million dollar bounty for whoever can deliver the Black Hood and Betty hilariously asks if that is even legal.  Veronica takes it a step further when she asks, “Are you and Daddy trying to turn Riverdale into Gotham City?”  Her suspicions cause her to take action and she discovers the hidden file her father is keeping on Fred, which includes a story he is about to leak, revealing the affair between Hermione and Fred.  Veronica is appalled that her father could do this to his own wife’s reputation, but Mr. Lodge will stop at nothing to damage Fred’s campaign.  As if this wasn’t enough drama for the Lodge family to deal with, Poppa Poutine’s son shows up looking for someone to blame for his father’s death and knocks on the Lodge door.  He takes out Andre and attacks Veronica and Hermione, looking to take away the people that Mr. Lodge cares about the most to even the score.  Another unlikely hero emerges when Hermione tells her daughter to run and she gets to her gun in time to stop this man, protecting her family.  When Mr. Lodge shows up, he tries to tell them both how sorry he is, but Veronica doesn’t want to hear it.  She backs away from her father as if he is a stranger and tells him, “It’s your mess daddy.  You clean it up.”

2

“I always knew you were a mama’s boy.”

While fans everywhere have accepted that Hal Cooper is the real Black Hood, we have been waiting for some solid evidence.  Well it’s finally arrived as Hal is no longer hiding his identity.  After Cheryl wounds him, he leaves the hospital, but not before killing a doctor in his way.  Betty realizes that the monster within Hal is no longer thinking rationally and worries for her mother’s safety when he threatens her.  Betty rushes home and Hal tells his daughter and wife that he wants to show them a home movie.  Alice is immediately confused, as Betty’s suspicions have now become a reality.  A killer is born during the film, as we see Hal as a young boy speaking to his mother about why he has to lie about his father killing the Conway family.  His mother tells him that “sinners have to die” and that Hal “must do better.”  Hal wants the conversation recorded so he can tell his story.  He admits that he is the Black Hood and takes credit for all the attacks and murders he is responsible for.  When asked about Fred, he mentions his adultery, focusing purely on cleaning up the sin in this town.  Hal does not take credit for the shooting at the debate, however; which makes Mr. Lodge our prime suspect once again behind this crime and perhaps in the second attack against Archie and his father.  When Alice and Betty realize the immediate danger they are in, Alice becomes a hero we can root for.  She tries to provoke Hal to distract him and it works like a charm.  After Hal tries to choke Alice, Betty knocks him out, proving once again that team Betty and Alice is a force to be reckoned with.  They call the police and Hal is arrested, ending the threat that has been tearing Betty’s life apart for now.  But something tells me that this is not the last we will see or hear of Hal Cooper, the Black Hood.

1

Jughead makes the ultimate sacrifice.

Penny and the Ghoulies are back and demand that the Serpents give up and leave so that they can take over this town.  Penny takes things a step further when she holds Toni captive, demanding that Jughead pay her a visit.  Luckily, Jughead brings some back-up, which is none other than our favorite archer in town, Cheryl Blossom.  “Untie her you Serpent Hag!”  I found myself cheering as Cheryl rescues her love, Toni, proving once again that Choni is absolutely swoon-worthy.  Jughead realizes that the Serpents are no match for the Ghoulies and calls up the devil himself, Mr. Lodge.  Jughead has put together all the pieces and knows that Mr. Lodge is pulling the strings here.  He makes a counter offer and shows up alone to see Penny, but not before he calls Betty to tell her how much he loves her.  Betty immediately knows something is wrong and calls FP who rushes off to help Jughead.  The end of the episode leaves fans with a cliff-hanger that perhaps no one saw coming.  FP emerges with Jughead’s lifeless body in his arms, covered in blood with his tattoo burned off.  Is our main protagonist really dead?  What happens now?  The questions are unending, as we need to wait a very long week to get to our season finale and finally learn the fate of our beloved Jughead Jones.  Let’s try to stay positive Bughead fans, but it looks like we need a miracle in Riverdale.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale in the comments section below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” season 2 episode 20: “You’re Playing a very Dangerous Game Betty Cooper”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 20 last night, I learned that everyone is looking for someone to blame, but they have trouble looking in the mirror, fearing that their own guilt might come rushing to the surface, shattering the image they desperately cling to.  But what happens when we stop to take that hard look in the mirror?  Will we own up to our mistakes or continue to take it out on those around us?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Thirty-Three:  Shadow of a Doubt,” Fred and Hermione prepare for a mayoral debate that ends with a bang, Fangs Fogarty has a troubling secret that puts the Serpents at risk, and Mr. Lodge continues to be the master manipulator.  Meanwhile, Betty confides in Cheryl about her fears about her father being the Black Hood and puts her Nancy Drew skills to the test once again to find some concrete evidence.  My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 20 are:

5

Veronica practices “courting.”

After Veronica was able to convince Nick St. Clair’s father to hand over a significant amount of money for his safe return, she is beyond thrilled when the families with connections take notice of her.  Veronica is to interview these young men who are all trying to make an impression so that their families can form a type of partnership with the Lodge family.  Her interviews remind me of a round of speed dating, as she looks for anyone with promise and integrity.  Her reading glasses are absolutely adorable, as she really tries to play the part of a powerful business woman.  After finding a suitable candidate, Veronica pitches the idea to her father of partnering with the family on a casino.  Mr. Lodge turns her down very abruptly and also tells his daughter that he put her money in a trust until she is ready to make mature decisions.  Veronica is beyond frustrated with the lack of confidence her father has in her.  While Veronica has made numerous attempts to impress her father, she finally realizes that she may never win his respect or approval.  Veronica announces to Fred and Archie that she will be supporting Fred in the mayoral race now, which will clearly ruffle some feathers once her father finds out.

4

Betty is feeling guilty about Chic.

After Betty turned Chic over to the Black Hood, it initially seemed like the darkness within her shielded her sense of right and wrong.  However, Betty is starting to feel the guilt take over, as she starts to truly accept that she is an accomplice to murder if anything were to happen to Chic.  Betty hasn’t heard from him at all and when she gets a call from the morgue, she rushes down there, fearing what she may find in the body bag.  While the body is not Chic’s, this doesn’t help Betty’s guilty conscience in the slightest.  Betty says, “all I had to do was look in the mirror…we’re the same.”  Just the thought of her father being the real killer is enough to make her sick, but Betty is not about to give up just yet.

3

“You’re next sinner.”

As Fred is preparing for the mayoral debate, he receives a disturbing note at his home from the Black Hood that reads, “You’re next sinner.”  The Lodge family and the new sheriff come over to talk about what to do next, but Fred does not want to call off the debate.  He talks about the importance of making everyone in Riverdale feel safe and that having the debate as planned will give them that sense of comfort.  During the debate, Hermione doesn’t hold back at all and plays dirty when she talks about The Dark Circle group and reveals that Archie is the leader of it to make Fred look bad.  While this is a sneaky move for sure, everything is interrupted when the Black Hood shows up and begins shooting.  Betty is shocked when she sees her father, Hal right next to her, making her doubt her discovery for a moment.  While we know that Hal must be the Black Hood, it begs the question, who is the man in the mask at the debate?  It seems like Mr. Lodge will do anything to win and perhaps he is the one who sent the note to Fred to scare him and it wouldn’t be that far-fetched if he hired someone to fire the gun at the debate as well to put everyone on edge.

2

The Dark Circle vs The Serpents.

Fangs Fogarty, a member of the Serpents, confides in Jughead that he was hooking up with Midge but never revealed this information to the police.  Jughead understands that this puts Fangs in great danger, as it makes him look incredibly guilty.  Fangs is arrested, but Jughead hires Mrs. McCoy as his lawyer to ensure he has a fair shot.  Meanwhile, the Dark Circle vandalizes the Southside, enraging both parties.  Archie finds out that Mr. Lodge has been paying Reggie and that this was his idea, which makes him walk away from this group, focusing more on protecting his father from the Black Hood.  Tempers escalate even further when Fangs is set to be released.  While we know that Fangs is innocent, it’s very easy to point fingers when everyone jumps on the same bandwagon.  Mr. Lodge puts his master manipulator skills to use once again when he talks to Reggie about what it means to take your own form of justice.  It’s really diabolical how far Mr. Lodge will go to set his plan in motion.  He clearly possesses no guilt over manipulating teenagers, continuing to pull the strings from behind the curtain.  When Fangs is released from jail, a riot breaks out and Archie spots Reggie with a gun.  He tries to tackle him to the ground, but the gun goes off anyway and Fangs is shot.  While we don’t know yet if Fangs will be OK, this act of violence has taken a rivalry to an entirely new level, which changes everything.  While Reggie is clearly to blame here, will anyone be able to reveal the true culprit behind the curtain…Mr. Lodge.

1

“Do you think it’s a serial killer lair and please tell me we’re breaking in?”

After Betty connects the dots and realizes that her father, Hal could very well be the Black Hood, she is determined to get to the truth.  Betty decides to confide in Cheryl because she knows what it is like to discover that her father is a murderer.  While Betty shares her theory, Cheryl is initially skeptical, explaining that Hal “has all the stealth of a marshmallow man.”  Betty tells Cheryl that she has to be sure and that she needs to be the one to confront and stop him.  Cheryl listens and gives some advice, explaining that she will need to get concrete proof.  “You’re playing a very dangerous game Betty Cooper.  Tread carefully cousin.”  Betty agrees with Cheryl’s advice and puts her Nancy Drew skills to the test once again, as the ever so helpful bobby pin comes into play.  She breaks into her father’s desk and cross references all of the Black Hood attacks with his appointments and is shocked to learn that they all match up.  It’s starting to look pretty bad for Hal, but Betty realizes that the planner is not enough proof.  Betty decides to test her father’s reaction and tells her family that she received phone calls from the Black Hood and that she delivered Chic to him.  Hal says, “I experience it too.  The darkness.  It’s why we need each other.”  Betty clings to these words, truly understanding their significance, as the Black Hood has constantly tried to remind her how alike they are.  She takes things even further when she discovers that he is still paying for his motel, even though he has moved back home.  Betty and Cheryl go there to investigate and Betty finds the Nancy Drew secret code book that the Black Hood used to send her a message.  Betty knows that her father is aware of how much she loved this book and it seems like there is no other explanation.  When she confronts Hal, he tries to tell her that the book was a surprise present for her, but Betty is not buying it.  She tells Hal she broke in and mentions Cheryl’s name as well, not realizing that she has just put her cousin into grave danger.  At the end of the episode, Betty asks her father to meet her where this all started, but we are shocked when Cheryl opens the door and finds the Black Hood waiting for her.  Will Cheryl be OK?  What does the Black Hood have in store for her?  Will Betty be able to stop him in time?  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale in the comments section below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” season 2 episode 18: “A Dark Phoenix Reborn in the Spotlight”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 18 last night, I find myself wondering how much are we really like the characters we play?  Perhaps more than we realize which seems to be the case for our favorite characters from Riverdale.  While it’s important to have a connection with the character we play, I think some people may have taken this embodiment a little too far, but the show must go on all the same.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Thirty-One:  A Night to Remember,” it seems like everyone is focused on the school musical, “Carrie.”  Even the parents are heavily involved, as Alice stars in the show and Fred Andrews helps build the set.  Meanwhile, an old threat has returned, which seems like a prank at first but quickly escalates into something deadly, leaving everyone in shock and terror. My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 18 are:

5

Betty vs Veronica.

Betty is clearly still holding on to her feelings of anger and betrayal when she practices for the show and this seeps out into the open when she tells Veronica that she is a lot more like her character than she realizes.  Tension has quickly filled the room, but Betty continues to let it all out and tell Veronica how she feels.  Archie later approaches her and tries to get Betty to see it from Veronica’s point of view and she ultimately has a change of heart.  Betty and Veronica share a touching duet and sing, “I see you shine and the dark disappears.”  Perhaps bursting into the song is just what these two needed to make up.  Either way, it’s great to see Betty and Veronica on speaking…or singing terms again.

4

Archie stands up to Mr. Lodge.

Mr. Lodge continues his plot and tries to make Fred feel insignificant as Archie’s father when he tells him about the car he bought his son.  Fred is clearly hurt and disappointed and this finally resonates enough with Archie for him to stand up to Mr. Lodge.  He returns the car and warns Mr. Lodge not to get between him and his father again.  I have to say it’s about time.  While Archie has clearly been conflicted over this for a while, it’s great to see him finally make the right decision.  However, we know that Mr. Lodge doesn’t have the tendency to go away quietly, so what will be his next move?

3

Alice makes a choice…but is it the right one?

In the beginning of the episode, Alice waltzes into Pop’s Diner and asks, “What’s up handsome?” to FP.  However, FP appears to be blowing her off and keeps her at a distance.  Alice is more than disappointed and is starting to feel the loneliness around her creeping in despite her best attempts to keep it away.  Alice calls Chic over and over but doesn’t hear back from him and then has a breaking point when she is practicing her solo, singing to Betty, begging her not to leave her.  Betty sees how much her mother is hurting and calls her father, Hal who comes back with flowers and an apology.  Alice forgives him and seems content, but FP shows up at the show and is clearly hurt to see her back together with her husband.  Will FP give up or will he let Alice know how he truly feels?

2

“I will not succumb to thespian terrorism.  The world needs to see me up on that stage.”

Cheryl has fully embodied her role as Carrie and is not about to step down from the lead just because a threat was made, demanding that her role be recast.  This threat is not the only obstacle in Cheryl’s way, however.  It seems like Mrs. Blossom is going for the worst mother of the year award, when she walks in and tells Cheryl that she has not given her parental consent for her to be in the play.  Cheryl feels defeated and Toni goes to console her.  Toni tells her that she needs to show her mother who is in charge and Cheryl takes her advice.  Even though Cheryl may not be playing the lead in the school play, she goes full Carrie White on her mother.  Cheryl appears before her mother covered in blood and tells her that it’s Jason’s blood.  Cheryl threatens her mother and demands to be emancipated so that she and Nana Rose can live in peace.  Cheryl tells her mother, “I’ll end you,” and it’s clear that she means business.  After all, she’s burned one house to the ground and she’s not afraid to rise from the ashes again.

1

The Black Hood is back.

Kevin begins getting threatening letters demanding that the role of Carrie be recast.  At first it seems like a prank, but when a sandbag almost crushes Cheryl on stage, Kevin begins to take the threats very seriously and gets Jughead and Betty involved.  At first it seems like it could be Ethel since she is jealous about not being cast in the lead role, but this is quickly ruled out as too obvious.  Chic’s name comes to mind again, especially since he decides to show up at the play after refusing to return Alice’s calls.  The threats become all too real when the curtains open to reveal the understudy, Mitch Clem brutally stabbed.  The crowd and cast are in shock and panic begins to spread, as everyone realizes that the real Black Hood has re-surfaced.  Will our favorite characters be able to unmask the real Black Hood before it’s too late?  What does he or she have in store for everyone next?  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” season 2 episode 16: “Primary Colors”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 16 last night, it seems like everyone is running in different directions, whether it be a path toward the truth or one to chase away nightmares.  Either way, Jughead got it absolutely right when he talked about two trains on the same track going in opposite directions, destined to collide.  The question now becomes, who is going to derail first?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Twenty-Nine:  Primary Colors,” Veronica makes the bold decision to run for class president and asks Betty to be her running mate.  Meanwhile, Jughead goes on a hunger strike to make a point to Mr. Lodge, Archie’s mother returns to town, Andy Cohen shows his support for Hermione Lodge, and Cheryl hosts a sleepover party that ends in disaster.  My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 16 are:

5

“Take deep breaths, keep smiling, and turn the other cheek.”

Now that Hermione Lodge has announced she is running for mayor, the Lodge family was forced to show their poker hand early and reveal that they are planning on opening up a for profit prison.  The town of Riverdale is not so pleased with this announcement and many of the kids at school are taking it out on Veronica as a result.  Her parents discuss the importance of maintaining a low profile, but it’s hard to oblige when Ethel Muggs is pouring a strawberry milkshake over your head in front of the entire cafeteria.  Surprisingly, Veronica handles this embarrassment with grace and shrugs it off.  She is not able to keep her composure, however; when Reggie confronts her in the hallway.  While Veronica is able to successfully take a deep breath and smile, she refuses to turn the other cheek in this situation and punches Reggie in the face.  A satisfying moment for sure, but it gives Veronica the wrong type of press and her family is outraged by her behavior.  They remind her that they need her to be a “good obedient little girl,” but will Veronica comply?

4

A cupcake and a kiss.

Veronica fails to listen to her family and decides to run for class president rather than lay low.  “As the Thelma to her Louise,” Veronica naturally asks Betty to be her running mate and it seems like they have a great campaign going.  Veronica even provides everyone with a cupcake and a kiss to associate them with something sweet.  Unfortunately, everything goes more than sour after Veronica mistakenly trusts Josie with a celebrity endorsement.  While Josie appears to be on board with this, she secretly goes to Ethel and provides her with intel on Veronica, revealing that she knew about her family’s plans to turn South Side High School into a prison.  A harmless concert goes horribly wrong when Ethel hands out flyers with all of this information; causing everyone to turn against Veronica…including Betty, who tells her that she can no longer be her running mate as a result.  Will Veronica be able to earn everyone’s trust again?  Unfortunately it looks like she will need to make a very difficult decision between her family and her friends to do so.

3

Cheryl’s fears become a reality.

Cheryl has been having nightmares and hallucinations ever since she overheard her mother’s plan to get rid of her and Nana Rose.  She decides to hold a sleep over party with her “inner circle and cousin Betty” to distract herself, but it’s really to confide in them about what’s going on.  Everyone is not really sure what to make of Cheryl’s fears, but Betty steps up and tells her that she feels like strangers are lurking behind every corner at her house too and empathizes with her.  Cheryl is beyond terrified and gets even closer to Toni.  Choni is about to share their first kiss, only they are interrupted suddenly.  Nana Rose has fallen badly and is rushed to the hospital, but Cheryl knows deep down that this cannot be an accident.  She is convinced that Uncle Claudius and her mother pushed Nana down the stairs but doesn’t have any proof.  Her mother intervenes when she tries to talk to the doctor and takes her into the car ominously saying that they will “make her all better.”  Noticing Cheryl’s disappearance, Toni shows up at the Blossom house to find her, but her mother mechanically tells her that she is out of the country at boarding school.  Toni knows this cannot be true, but the door slams in her face before she can get in another word.  The end of the episode reveals Cheryl locked away in some type of mental institution, her hair done up in pigtails, as if to bring her back to some sort of childhood state away from the rest of the world.  Will Toni be able to rescue her?  Why is Uncle Claudius wearing his dead brother’s pajamas?  It looks like the Blossom family is not done with secrets and deception just yet, but we will have to stay tuned to find out more.

2

“You know nothing about my darkness…but you will.”

After Betty confronts Chic about the DNA results, Alice explains that Chic doesn’t have any trace of Blossom blood because Hal is not his father.  While it seems like a reasonable explanation, Betty is still not buying Chic’s act and is determined to get to the bottom of this and protect her family.  Betty is outraged when she finds Kevin over at her house who told Chic about her “catfishing scheme,” and sold her out in the process.  Betty warns Chic to stay away from her friends and threatens him with a lighter right over his face, reminding him that she “catches bad men” and for him to “consider himself warned.”  Chic does not listen to her threat, however; and goes behind Betty’s back and tells Alice what she did.  He then shows Alice Betty’s role play wig, revealing that her and Jughead have taken their relationship to the next level.  Alice is shocked by this information but has a heart-to-heart talk with Betty later on and confides to her about her past relationship with FP.  While she rules FP out as Chic’s father, it begs the question, who is his real father?  Betty tells Chic that she wants a truce for their mother’s sake, but it’s clear that she is not giving up anytime soon.  Go Betty!

1

Archie vs Jughead.

Jughead makes the brave decision to go on a hunger strike to continue his stand against Mr. Lodge and the destruction of South Side High School.  While Betty supports him on this, Archie is having conflicted feelings yet again.  Jughead tells Archie that they are like “two trains running on the same track in opposite directions, destined to collide” and he is absolutely right.  Jughead clearly gets Mr. Lodge’s attention and asks the serpents, “Who is ready to go to war?”  They make the decision to chain themselves to South Side High School creating a lot of publicity in the process.  Archie’s mother returns to Riverdale and is appalled by Archie’s behavior.  She tells him that he needs to respect his father who has always done everything the right way to support him and cannot get over his allegiance to the Lodge Family.  Mr. Lodge steps things up when he tells Archie to take force against Jughead.  Archie clearly does not want to hurt his best friend, but Mr. Lodge ominously reminds him about the consequences of breaking an oath.  Archie takes this opportunity to ask for a favor in return and Mr. Lodge agrees to let his father out of his contract.  This leads to Fred announcing that he will run for mayor against the Lodge Family, which will clearly cause even more drama.  While Archie is trying to protect his family with his decision, he cuts Jughead’s chains, creating a rift that could shake the entire town.  Jughead refuses to fight him and reminds Archie that there are cameras all around, capturing exactly what he is doing.  In Jughead’s mind he is winning the good fight, but it looks like he is losing his best friend in the process.  He makes the brave decision to run for class president and wants Betty to be his co-president.  The collision is becoming all too real now, as Archie and Jughead become that much more divided.  Who will wind up victorious?  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” season 2 episode 11: “The Dark Education of Betty Cooper.”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 11 last night, I’ve realized that there is a very thin line between heroism and villainy.  Whether it stems from the need to dive deeper into what lurks beneath the surface or to protect someone we love, our decisions can get us caught up in a web of deception that may not be so easily unraveled.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Twenty-Four:  The Wrestler,” Betty and Archie fall further and further away from grace, clinging to the hope that they can discover the truth no matter what the cost is.  Veronica and Jughead become immersed and blinded by their new worlds, sugarcoating the consequences, and Cheryl learns the wretched truth about her ancestors.   Meanwhile, Pickens Day inherits a new tradition, Josie takes a stand against Veronica, and Hal Cooper’s anger gets the best of him. My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 11 are:

5

Hal Cooper is pushed to the limit.

Even though Hal helped an injured Chic, he is having second thoughts about letting Betty’s brother stay with them, especially since he is sleeping in Polly’s old room, bringing up some unhealed wounds for Hal.  His concerns are dismissed by Alice and Betty who tell Chic that he can stay there as long as he likes.  Alice’s need to connect with Chic is the most important thing to her right now and she refuses to let her husband ruin it for her.  Hal snoops around the house and discovers that Chic is into “webcamming” and has a unique set of clients, infuriating him beyond reason.  He confronts his family at Pickens Day, which Cheryl’s mother takes note of.  Does Cheryl’s mother view this as a possible new business opportunity?  All signs point to “yes” as she strategically offers to take Hal out for a better dessert, hinting at her intentions.  Will Hal throw away his marriage over Chic’s arrival?  It’s no secret that Alice and Hal have had their problems in the past, but this may be what ultimately pushes him over the edge to no return.

4

Cheryl learns the truth about her ancestors.

In the beginning of the episode, Cheryl gives a history presentation about Pickens Day and talks about the important part the Blossom family played, even suggesting that they rename the day in history to include the name, Blossom.  When the truth comes out that General Pickens was responsible for the massacre of innocent people and stole land, Cheryl is unable to maintain the cool front that her mother does.  She sheds a tear, horrified by this revelation.  Is this enough to turn her to action, however?  At the end of the episode, we learn that someone beheaded the statue of General Pickens and everyone is ready to point fingers at the Serpents, but could this actually be the handy work of Cheryl?

3

Jughead uncovers the real story about General Pickens.

When Jughead is researching his own history presentation, he learns a lot from Toni’s grandfather who is the oldest Serpent still living in Riverdale.  Jughead is horrified that the town is honoring General Pickens rather than trying to make amends.  While it is clear that Jughead is angry by this, does he cross a line?  Toni is clearly upset about his article and explains to Jughead that “it’s not his story to tell.”  It certainly gave Jughead the ammunition he was looking for against the town, but he recognizes that Toni is right and the Serpents take on a different approach on Pickens Day to truly make a point.  The Serpents show up with protest signs and some have tape over their mouths, representing the dead and silent from that massacre.  Toni courageously gets up on stage to talk about the importance of them being honored and remembered, but Mr. Lodge deflects the issue and takes over the microphone with his empty promises.  While this may temporarily prevent the town from erupting into chaos, it’s clear that this is not the only secret being covered up.

2

Betty tries to make it right with Chic.

Betty is thrilled that her brother is staying with her family, but he does not warm up to her instantly as she had hoped.  Chic is unsure of her motives and Betty tries to win his trust.  After Chic is upset that his laptop and web-cam equipment were taken by his landlord/pimp, Betty gives him her old laptop as a peace offering.  Chic lets his guard down and begins providing some answers as the two start a real connection.  Betty admits that she has a darkness brewing inside her and she desperately wants to get to the root cause.  She is hoping that they can both connect to this on some level and she is right.  Chic admits that he did spy on her that first night and that “webcamming” provides him with an escape.  It’s a way to get away from the darkness, sparking Betty’s immediate interest.  Chic is clearly winning Betty’s trust but is she ready for what’s to come next?  Sure Betty can put on a wig and pretend to be someone else, but is she really going to be able to compromise her image of goodness and perfection in the process?   Is Chic actually manipulating Betty into getting exactly what he wants?  Could she become the accomplice to the real Black Hood?  Time will tell.

1

Archie vs. Mr. Lodge.

Archie realizes that he needs to get closer to Mr. Lodge if he is going to truly help Agent Adams with his investigation.  Veronica explains that her father loves wrestling and was even on the team when he attended Riverdale high.  Archie tries out for the team, expecting for it to be a cake-walk since he is somewhat of a jock, but is in for a rude awakening.  During the first try-out, Kevin schools him and Archie realizes that this is going to be harder than he thought.  Mr. Lodge makes some unnecessary comments about how it is OK to just be a musician, clearly testing Archie’s limits and mocking his manliness.  Archie reacts by kissing Veronica in front of her father, which is not the best approach.  In the next try out, Mr. Lodge decides to try out his famous wrestling headlock move on a volunteer, however; he ignores all of the volunteers and picks Archie to prove a point that he will always win.  He later reveals to Archie that wrestling is about “knowing your opponent.”  He tells Archie that he will tolerate him and that “boyfriends come and go while Fathers are forever.”  Archie is up to the challenge and does extremely well in his next try-out, but pushes the limits when he asks Mr. Lodge to be his mentor in terms of getting into business.  After ignoring a call from Agent Adams, is Archie in over his head or is he initiating a plan to truly outsmart his opponent?

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

“Riverdale” Season 2 Episode 6 Ranking the top 5 moments: Betty vs the Black Hood

Greetings TV fans!  For today, I am going to be counting down my top five moments from CW’s Riverdale season 2, episode 6.  The introduction of a new target on the Black Hood’s radar called the “Sugar Man” had everyone on edge.  Jughead and Archie took a page out of Dominic Toretto’s book from The Fast and the Furious, and Cheryl Blossom…well blossomed into a likable character.  Please note that spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  My top 5 moments from Riverdale, season 2 episode 6 are:

5) Archie makes the right call.  Archie and Jughead are about to participate in a drag race, winner takes all.  Jughead is out to win at any cost and Archie makes the right call by notifying the authorities ahead of time.  Since drag racing is illegal, the Ghoulies involved are arrested and off the streets for now.  While this may temporarily solve the Jingle Jangle problem, Riverdale’s new favorite drug, Jughead points out that the Ghoulies are going to be after Archie when they get out of jail and that the plan will back-fire.  Jughead has not been seeing so clearly since Betty broke up with him and he needed Archie to knock some sense into him before he spirals out of control.

4) Cheryl’s “moment” at the drag race.  Cheryl had me laughing out loud telling Toni to step aside and that she was born for this.  She was dressed perfectly for the occasion and dropped her red ribbon in perfect fashion, as the cars sped off in a fury.  I think you might have found your new calling Cheryl.  Keep the laughs coming.

3) Betty & Veronica team up to draw out the “Sugar Man.”  I have to admit when Veronica showed up on the corner to score some Jingle Jangle in her platform purple pumps; she took undercover to a new level.  The duo worked together in a failed attempt but it was nice to see them back on good terms again.

2) Cheryl’s mother proves she does have a heart.  I found it impossibly cold of Cheryl’s mother to make a deal with the Sinclair family, implying that Cheryl had something to do with her almost attack.  Cheryl has been looking for some sense of family since Jason has died.  At the end of the episode, Cheryl’s mother reveals to her the identity of the “Sugar Man” and throws the check into the fire that the Sinclair’s gave her.  This gesture provides Cheryl with a glimmer of hope that her mother does believe in her even if she doesn’t show it very often.

1) Betty turns the tables on the Black Hood.  Betty has been following orders and jeopardizing her relationships and friendships in the process.  After providing the Black Hood with the identity of the “Sugar Man,” who ends up being Jughead’s English teacher, she tells him that she is going to find out who he or she is next.  She’s coming for the Black Hood and I have to say it’s about time.  He or she is no match for Betty.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your thoughts and theories on Riverdale below.  Happy Viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl