Tag: drama

Ranking the top 5 moments from “The 100” season 5 episode 6: “There is only Wonkru and There is No Place in it for You”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s The 100 season 5 episode 6 last night, I’ve learned that the “girl under the floor” is hiding no longer and is proving to be dangerous and ruthless now that she is out in the open.  While Octavia may refuse to compromise her role as “Blodreina,” she does recognize the many threats around her and decides to keep the greatest threat of all by her side.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Exit Wounds,” Diyoza attempts to recruit members of Wonkru with Kane’s help, Clarke tries to convince Madi to leave before she is exposed as the true Nightblood, and Bellamy is having trouble recognizing his sister.  Meanwhile, Murphy and Emori finally get the chance to rehash their breakup, while Echo gets a second chance to do the right thing.  My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 6 are:

5

“That is not my sister.”

In the beginning of the episode, Octavia is beyond furious that Bellamy has brought the traitor, Echo back with him.  Octavia doesn’t care in the slightest bit that she is with Bellamy and coldly reminds her that “there is only Wonkru and there is no place in it for you.”  Bellamy finally begins to realize that “Blodreina” is not his sister anymore and that she has changed more than anyone could have thought possible in six years.  Bellamy continues to challenge her, however; and suggests that “maybe you should fight someone who’s not afraid of you.”  Bellamy shows off some of his own newly acquired fighting skills, proving that a real fight between the Blake siblings may be evenly matched after all.  While Bellamy has clearly not given up on his sister just yet, he refuses to give in to all of her commands and tries to get her to see reason, but it doesn’t look like he is getting through to her just yet.  It makes me wonder what would happen if Bellamy is called out as a traitor and placed into the ring to fight for his life.  Would Octavia really let her brother die in the name of Wonkru?  While we haven’t escalated to a situation like that just yet, Octavia is clearly making her own decisions without Bellamy’s input.

4

“This doesn’t mean we’re back together.”

Muprhy and Emori get some much needed screen time in this episode, as they are hiding in the caves of Shadow Valley from McCreary.  Murphy still has the electric collar around his neck and Emori tries to come up with a way to get it off of him, while shocking him unintentionally along the way.  These two finally get the chance to talk about their feelings and what happened in their relationship.  Emori explains that Raven helped her feel important and needed and that Murphy refused to be happy for her, almost expecting her to stay on the sidelines with him.  She explained that his actions broke her heart and this seems to really resonate with him.  After setting a clever trap for McCreary and his men, Murphy and Emori share a brief moment of passion before McCreary comes stumbling out of the caves.  Emori is excited that they have a hostage, but I’m not sure this is the safest plan.  McCreary is definitely playing the role of the dangerous psychopath perfectly, but I’m not sure how much Diyoza truly values him, especially when he continues to openly defy her.  We’ll have to wait and see how this plays out.

3

“We’re the only thing that can defeat us.”

Diyoza proves once again in this episode that she is a very capable and intelligent leader.  She uses Kane’s Intel to her advantage and has food shipped to Wonkru with an invitation for any of them to join her in Shadow Valley if they abandon Wonkru.  She promises that they will not be harmed if they decide to leave and come to Shadow Valley.  McCreary thinks that Diyoza should have just used two missiles to make her point, but Diyoza explains that there are farmers and engineers in Wonkru who can be extremely useful.  Diyoza is always looking at the big picture and understands that survival can be limited if she doesn’t plan accordingly.  While her people may not be as loyal as Wonkru, she has demonstrated that she is able to look at every situation from all angles and perspectives, which is something that Octavia still needs to learn herself.  Diyoza understands that even if she doesn’t get many followers from Wonkru joining her, this plan will weaken Octavia’s leadership, as the “defectors” show their true intentions, making survival their number one goal.

2

“Whatever happens, I know we’ll find each other again.”

This is the first episode in season 5 where we really get to see Echo shine.  While there is a steady romance between her and Bellamy, Echo proves that she is fully capable of earning a second chance and making the right decision.  Octavia asks Echo to spy for her and to turn in the “defectors,” but Echo has a change of heart.  After speaking to some of the “defectors,” she learns more about what they have gone through here and she doesn’t want anything to happen to them.  Bellamy strategically suggests that they all defect and explains to Octavia that Echo can plant the flash drive that Monty needs on the ship, which will further their plan.  Echo explains that it will be easy to convince Diyoza of this cover story, especially since Octavia announced she was casting Echo out.  When Echo is running with the other defectors to the ship, Octavia gives the order for the other traitors to be shot.  Bellamy cannot believe that she would do something like this, but Octavia refuses to apologize for her actions.  Echo buries the flash drive in a bullet wound, but is in for a surprise when she and the other defectors are greeted by Diyoza and some electric collars of their own.  This may make it extremely difficult for Echo to carry out the plan, but what’s important is that Echo has grown as a character here.  She understands the importance of survival just like everyone else, but is loyal to Bellamy and is ready to do what is necessary to help.  Perhaps Becho is not such a horrible romance after all, but I have to say I am still rooting for Bellarke all the way.

1

“I know what it’s like to be the girl under the floor.”

Clarke is completely distracted during this episode, as she recognizes the danger that Madi is in here.  When Octavia and others ask how Madi survived, Clarke comes up with a cover story that she injected some of her own bone marrow into her to make synthetic Nightblood.  While this story may hold up for a little while, Gaia recognizes Madi as the true Nightblood and tells Clarke that it is still her destiny to protect her.  Nyla also finds out the truth and Gaia tries to explain to Clarke that Nyla is not her friend and will put Wonkru above her every time.  Clarke’s motherly instincts take over, as her only priority is to get Madi out of there safely.  She briefly tells Bellamy that they need to find her before it’s too late, but it’s clear that there is a lot that Bellamy and her need to discuss.  After all, six years is a long time.  Madi’s naivete convinces her that she can trust Octavia, especially after hearing all of Clarke’s stories about her.  She goes directly to Octavia and tells her everything.  When Clarke interrupts, Octavia is initiating Madi into Wonkru.  Octavia tells Clarke that Madi will be under her protection and that she will keep her secret safe.  But can we trust Octavia?  Even though Madi has no interest in being named the true Commander, Octavia is smart enough to understand that her people will turn on her if they find this out, so keeping Madi as close as possible is a good plan.  However, this makes Clarke’s job that much more difficult now.  While Madi sees everything through the eyes of an innocent child, Clarke has experienced enough to know a dangerous threat when she sees one.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The 100 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 “Fear the Walking Dead” season 4 episode 7: “Cause I’m a Chick with Layers”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead season 4 episode 7, I learned that it’s pretty much impossible to stay on the sidelines for too long, especially when walkers are involved.  While we may have too much pride or feel an obligation to our family and loved ones, sometimes we need to learn when to let go and choose a side.  It might not always be the right decision, but it could be the determining factor of our survival.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Wrong Side of Where You Are Now,” Naomi and Morgan desperately try to save John Dorie’s life, Charlie tries to say she’s sorry, and Al realizes that she cannot hide behind her camera forever.  Meanwhile, we learn more about the moments leading up to the fate of the stadium, as Madison is conflicted over what to do next.  But will her pride ultimately lead to the death of the people she tried so desperately to protect?  My top 5 moments from Fear the Walking Dead season 4 episode 7 are:

5

“Why did you save me?”

In the beginning of the episode, Morgan and Naomi try to keep John stable, recognizing that they need to get some medical supplies to give him a chance.  Everyone begins opening fire on each other and Morgan notices Charlie out in the open, who is trying to get to Mel.  Morgan tries to tell her that he is gone and instructs her to come with him.  Morgan is always trying to do what is right and recognizes that he needs to protect her.  Charlie asks Morgan why he saves her, especially since he knows what she did to Nick and Morgan simply replies with, “Because this has to stop some place.”  Again, Morgan is the voice of reason, but he is being drowned out by the deafening chaos surrounding them.  You would think that everyone would want to put their differences aside and focus on surviving, but people end up becoming even more dangerous threats to each other than the dead walking among them.  Charlie clearly feels remorse over what she has done and tries to explain that what happened was her fault.  While Charlie is far from innocent, her confusion is understandable.  Her parents died which was traumatizing enough and she has been living in a very different world, clinging to the only person who has been there for her, Mel.  I’m not sure if we can ever really trust Charlie again, as that familiar saying, “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me,” comes to mind.  However, she is a child and has been burdened with way too much at such a young age.  Either way, she understands regret and feels responsibility for what happened, which proves that she is not a lost cause just yet.

4

“You know what, it doesn’t matter.”

After Alicia attempts to take out Mel in his truck, he climbs out of it severely injured, barely able to move or talk.  Alicia slowly walks up to him, clutching her gun and asks Mel, “How long was she with you?”  While we don’t know exactly who “she” is, we can only assume she means Naomi, but is it possible that she may be referring to her mother, Madison?  Either way, Alicia doesn’t give much time for Mel to come up with an answer, as she tells him it doesn’t matter and swiftly stabs Mel in the head, ending his life.  There is no remorse in Alicia’s eyes here, who has allowed her quest for vengeance to take over.  This can be extremely dangerous, as Alicia seems to turn off her sense of right and wrong.  Alicia has tried to do the right thing in the past and even went out with Nick to help save Mel’s life, but now realizes that she unleashed a monster in the process.  While I’m not sure that Alicia should be judge, jury, and executioner, her grief has clearly escalated to an entirely new level, as she turns off her emotions to take out anyone who gets in her way.

3

“Stay with me.”

After John is shot, Naomi tries to do everything possible to save him.  Morgan lets her know that he is his friend and helps as much as he can.  After Mel drives away in the truck, the medical supplies go with him, and her only option is to get to the infirmary at the stadium.  Morgan tells Naomi that John never gave up on her and was looking for her since the moment she left.  In a heartwarming moment, Naomi finds the scrabble pieces that John kept with him, bringing tears to her eyes and mine as well.  It’s absolutely apparent how much Naomi still loves John and she does not want to lose him.  While we are unsure if John will be able to survive, Naomi is ready to do whatever is necessary to try and save him.  I am desperately hoping that she will be able to do so, as I am not ready to close the book on their love story just yet.  After all, doesn’t someone deserve a happy ending here?

2

“You’re holding on to something that’s gone.”

When we flash back to the past, we see that Madison and the others find Mel and agree to help save him after Charlie asks them to.  While Charlie has burned them in the past, Madison still wants to do what is right and allows Naomi to take care of him.  Mel tries to make a deal with Naomi, recognizing that she is new to the group and gives her something to really consider.  He even tries to tell Madison about Ennis’s plan, but Madison doesn’t want to give in.  Madison is holding on to her pride and her promise to her children.  It’s clear that she has worked extremely hard on making this stadium into a home for them, but it doesn’t seem like this home will last for long.  Madison doesn’t want to admit defeat and suggests that they begin building up the walls surrounding the stadium.  Victor and the others agree to help, not wanting to go against their leader, but it’s clear that not everyone is convinced that this is necessarily the best plan.  Naomi tries to get Madison to see reason as well, but to no avail.  She ultimately sides with Madison and says that she will get the infirmary ready.  Ennis unleashes an overwhelming amount of walkers upon the stadium covered in oil.  Madison prepares to try to get to Nick and Alicia, who are in the truck outside the gates and sees the flames, glowing with intensity.  Later, when Al drives up to the stadium, we see that the Ice Cream Truck has been sitting there for some time, abandoned and burned up, but we still do not know the fate of Madison.  I’m still hopeful that she was able to make it out alive, but we will need to wait and see.  We are also still unsure on what convinced Naomi to join the Vultures, especially since she was still helping Madison in the end.

1

“I think I know who you are.  I think I’ve seen it.”

In the beginning of the episode, Al is still recording everything on her camera.  Morgan tries to snap her out of this, but she says that this story isn’t hers.  He reminds her that John’s story is about to end and that a good man will die if she continues to hide and she ultimately makes the right decision and gets involved.  Al pulls up in the tank and Alicia temporarily stands down.  Al agrees to take them to the stadium and Morgan tells her that he thinks he knows who she is.  Al says that she is “a chick with layers,” and drives straight into the stadium, proving just how strong and fearless she is.  However, the stadium is completely infested with walkers who immediately surround the tank.  It doesn’t look like it will be easy to get to the infirmary, if it’s even still standing at this point.  Al and the others are faced with a new obstacle, but will they be able to make it out alive?  Stay tuned!

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

Stay up to date on upcoming premieres of horror TV series @ 12nightsofhorror.com/horror-series-coming-soon

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 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 19: “Prisoners”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 19 last night, I once again have Betty’s “Lollipop” ringtone playing over and over again in my head, but there is nothing sweet about Betty’s decisions, as she proves to be quite a dangerous force that you do not want to mess with.  Jughead got it absolutely right when he spoke about different kinds of “prisoners” and how difficult it can be to free oneself from a dark past, ambition, or a quest for revenge.  While our characters feel trapped behind bars figuratively speaking, Betty is quickly becoming an accomplice that could very well see the inside of a jail cell if she’s not careful.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Thirty-Two:  Prisoners,” the town comes together to mourn the loss of Midge, Mrs. Lodge recruits Cheryl to smear Sheriff Keller, and Mr. Lodge feeds on Archie’s ambition.  Meanwhile, the Black Hood begins calling Betty again, Alice comes clean to FP, and Chic confesses.   My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 19 are:

5

Bughead is on the case.

Everyone has their own theories about the resurfacing of the Black Hood.  While some believe it could be a copy cat killer, others believe that Mr. Svenson had been set up, leaving the real killer unmasked and still out there.  Jughead throws out Chic’s name and Betty initially dismisses this since he had no motive to hurt Midge, but then finds a connection that is worth exploring.  We learn that Mr. Svenson and Chic were at the “Sisters of Quiet Mercy” around the same time and Mr. Svenson could have recruited Chic.  Bughead decides to check this out further and they talk to one of the sisters and get their hands on Chic’s file.  Only what they find is far from what they could have ever anticipated.  The picture in the file is not Chic.  Betty demands an answer, but the Sister explains that this is the Charles Smith who stayed there.  While fans have guessed that Chic is not who he says he is for quite some time, it’s all out in the open now and Betty confronts him in front of Alice to find out what he really wants.  Chic attacks them with a knife once he realizes his cover is blown, but Betty proves to be a force to be reckoned with when she knocks him out.  Alice is distraught and rushes out.  She feels guilty for turning away the real Charles Smith from her doorstep after Chic tells her he later overdosed as a result of her rejection.  Alice cannot bear the thought of being responsible for the death of her son.  While Betty is clearly angry at his betrayal, she refuses to let Chic go until she finds out the truth.

4

“No more secrets.  No more lies.”

Alice rushes over to FP and is in tears, not knowing what to do next.  She can’t take the lies anymore, which have been wreaking havoc on her conscience.  She tells FP that she had his child and he is beyond shocked.  As he tries to comprehend this news, he stays strong for Alice who is clearly at her breaking point.  FP asks if Chic is his son and Alice explains that Chic is someone else and that their real son is dead because of her.  While we know that Alice is not directly responsible for his death, her pain and suffering is heart-breaking, as the past comes racing to the present, refusing to let go of her until she finally deals with the secrets she has kept buried for so many years.  While this revelation may bring Alice closer to FP than she imagined, that will need to be put on hold until the madness subsides.

3

Archie tells Mr. Lodge he wants to bring down the Black Hood.

During the episode, Archie feels like he keeps seeing the Black Hood, convinced that they did not get the real killer.  He shares his concerns with anyone who will listen to him, including Sheriff Keller.  Archie is worried that the killer will circle back and go after his father again and refuses to let that happen.  Before Archie can do anything else, Nick St. Clair and some of his friends jump him and hold him captive for ransom.  Nick is the least of Archie’s worries, as he eventually breaks free to rush toward Veronica’s side.  Later in the episode, he talks to Mr. Lodge about what happened and reveals to him his intent to bring the Black Hood down.  Mr. Lodge finally has the leverage he needs over Archie to control him the way he wants and agrees to help him anyway he can.

2

“How much is it worth to get him back in one piece?”

After Archie is kidnapped, Nick calls Veronica and blackmails her, demanding one million dollars.  Veronica is beyond disappointed in her parents when they refuse to pay the ransom and takes some of the money herself.  She doesn’t have nearly enough, however; and Nick proposes that they have a night together to serve as the rest of her payment.  Veronica is initially appalled by this, but will do anything to protect Archie.  Nick puts on a live feed for Archie to watch, desperately hoping that he will hurt him as much as he has hurt him.  Veronica meticulously puts on her lipstick and dresses for the occasion, but can she really go through with something like this?  Like Betty, Veronica is not one to be messed with, as she uses her charm and femininity to her advantage.  She gives Nick a taste of his own medicine and roofies him, causing him to pass out.  You would think this would be punishment enough, but Veronica is not done yet.  She calls up Nick’s father and blackmails him for one million dollars and gets exactly what she demands.  Later, she puts the money on the table and tells her parents what she did; reminding them that she is a Lodge too and always gets what she wants.

1

“That’s your very own angel of death.”

After finding out that Chic is not really her brother, Betty has a sea of emotions taking over.  With almost perfect timing, the “Lollipop” ringtone begins playing, luring her back to the darkness.  She answers and the Black Hood greets her by saying, “Hello Betty.  You miss me?”  The Black Hood asks for Betty to deliver Chic to him so that he can get what he deserves, explaining that he has murdered before.  At this point, we are not sure if Betty will follow the Black Hood’s orders.  He isn’t threatening her right now, but merely requesting this, so she has every opportunity to keep her moral compass intact.  Betty pulls a gun on Chic and takes him to the cemetery, demanding that he confess.  Chic tells her that he did kill Charles after they got in a fight but that he didn’t mean to kill him.  His tears suggest that he is finally telling the truth, but it’s too late.  Betty tells him she will begin counting and give him a head start when the Black Hood shows up at the edge of the cemetery.  Chic begins frantically questioning her, asking her what is going on, but Betty remains unwavering.  Chic finally takes her advice and rushes off, as she nods to the Black Hood.  While we are unsure if Chic was able to make it out alive or not, it doesn’t seem like we will be seeing him again anytime soon.  And as for our sweet and lovable Betty Cooper…well she is playing a dangerous game that makes her role play days seem like a distant dream.  Has Betty fully committed to the darkness?  Will she become the Black Hood’s accomplice?  Her lies to Jughead and her family suggest that this is not over for her yet either, but is the Black Hood closer to her than she thinks?  After asking where her father is, did we just unmask Hal Cooper as the real Black Hood?  All signs point to yes, but 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 “The 100” season 5 episode 1: “Who am I now?”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  “May we meet again.”  I am beyond excited for the return of one of my absolute favorite shows on television right now: The 100. While the CW typically has The 100 premiere mid-season, it seemed like we had to wait extra long this year for the season premiere, but the wait is finally over.  If you have not yet watched this brilliant and addicting show, I highly recommend that you binge-watch it on Netflix as soon as possible.  It’s reminds me of a mix between Lost and Lord of the Flies with some teen angst and drama sprinkled in.  At the end of season 4, “Praimfaya” was about to arrive, which is otherwise known as the “Death Wave.”  While many of our favorite characters made it to an underground bunker for shelter, Clarke and her friends were running out of time and hatched a plan to launch themselves back into space.  Only Clarke was not able to get on the rocket in time and it launched without her.  While it seemed like Clarke had sacrificed herself to save her friends and was about to die from radiation exposure, the night blood injected into her veins kicked into high gear, healing her from the damage.

So now that you’re all caught up, let’s begin with season 5.   Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s season premiere episode, “Eden,” we learn about Clarke’s journey on her own beginning 42 days after “Praimfaya” has struck.  Clarke is alone and desperately trying to survive, but it seems like the odds are against her.  After failing to reach her mother in the bunker, Clarke decides to try and find some sort of life still existing, but her faith is tested over and over again.  Meanwhile, Bellamy and the others have been living on “The Ark” up in space, but have been trying to get back to earth and realize that they are not alone up there after spotting another ship.  My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 1 are:

5

“I’ve been by myself now for two months but this is the first time I feel alone.”

42 days after “Praimfaya” struck, we finally get to see Clarke who has miraculously survived.  Her first thought is to try and reach the bunker so she can be reunited with her mother, but she finds that it is buried so far beneath the surface, that she would never be able to get to it.  Clarke decides to journey out across the earth, desperately hoping to find some sign of life still present.  Clarke is barely able to rest, as every moment is focused on surviving.  Clarke proves to be very resourceful as her survival skills are put to the test, but the loneliness and emptiness inside her begins to creep in.  Clarke tries talking to Bellamy and her friends on “The Ark” on a radio, knowing full well that they will never hear her, but it’s the only thing she has left to cling to.

4

“Who am I now?”

Clarke begins to lose hope after she collapses in a barren field, waking up to a bird picking at her body.  She begs the bird to show her where it lives, but it flies away from her, leaving her alone once again.  Clarke hits her breaking point and screams out, “You think you can kill me?  Have at it…I’ve lost everything.  I’ve got nothing left.”  Up until this point, Clarke has buried her fear and loneliness as much as possible, but it has all come screaming to the surface now, refusing to let go.  Clarke’s emotions overwhelm her, as the harsh reality that she may die alone sets in.  Clarke picks up her gun and begins to make the conscious decision to end her life and this misery, when the bird suddenly circles around her again.  Clarke’s faith is healed, even if just for a moment, but it’s enough to get her up and running after it.  Clarke discovers a beautiful valley filled with lush trees and vegetation.  It’s like the “Death Wave” had missed it entirely.  Clarke thanks the bird and then mechanically kills it, as the survivor in her is back and ready to stay strong.

3

Life on “The Ark.”

About 6 years after “Praimfaya,” we finally get to see Bellamy and the others up on “The Ark.”  While it seems like everyone is alive and well, drama is never too far behind.  After all, these few characters have been trapped with one another for quite some time.  We learn that Murphy and Emori are no longer together and Bellamy is now with Echo, which has Bellarke fans everywhere screaming with disapproval.  That absolutely includes me.  While many things have changed, these characters have worked together as a team as much as possible and spot the green on the earth, which inspires the hope that it is survivable once again.  After they spot another ship and a transport ship, they realize that they have the opportunity to get back down to earth.  While we know that it’s only a matter of time before they reach earth again and reunite with Clarke, they have been living in a bubble for quite some time now, sheltered from society.  Will they be able to adapt to life on earth again?  How will Bellamy react once he sees that Clarke is alive?

2

The last two people on earth.

After discovering the valley, Clarke finds another survivor.  She is just a child, but has clearly only survived because of her own night blood.   The girl doesn’t trust Clarke and she traps her and wounds her, fleeing from her in fear.  Clarke doesn’t give up on her, however; and even keeps her sense of humor intact when she says, “Last two people on earth and one of them happens to be the child from hell.”  Clarke sketches a picture of the little girl and leaves it for her, which is the first step toward gaining her trust.  When we flash to 6 years later, Clarke is living with the little girl, Madi and the two are inseparable.  They have a mother-daughter like bond and Clarke has even taught her how to speak in English.  While they wonder if anyone will ever come back, Clarke shares all of her past stories with Madi and tells her about her family, friends, and love.  The two appear to have a precious and beautiful bond that cannot be broken.  Their simple and quiet life is interrupted, however; when a “prisoner ship” lands by the valley.

1

New arrivals to earth.

After the prisoner ship lands, new characters emerge who also spotted the green from space and took a chance that it was their own version of “Eden.”  One of the new characters is played by the beautiful and brilliant Ivana Milicevic from Banshee.  While the other prisoners seem to be just going with the flow, she appears to be smart and aware of her surroundings, which could make her an ally or a dangerous new threat.  Friend or foe?  While we are not sure just yet, Clarke is not about to take any chances.  After Madi shoots one of the prisoners to protect Clarke, Madi begs Clarke to spare the other one’s life since he tried to help her.  Clarke tells her that “there are no good guys” and ends his life without a moment’s hesitation.  Meanwhile, we get a quick glimpse at Octavia in the bunker, ruling some kind of underground fight club, which reminds us that these new prisoners are not the only people on the ground that Clarke needs to worry about.  While we will need to wait for everyone to be reunited, it’s clear that this season will be jam-packed with drama, adventure, and edge of your seat moments.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The 100 in the comments section below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

 

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 17: The Wait is Over!

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 17 last night, we learned that new alliances have been formed, which bring together former enemies and divide other families even further than Shakespeare could have thought even possible.  While the line between blood and loyalty has blurred almost into non-existence for some, others have put aside their selfish needs to do what is right for everyone.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Thirty:  The Noose Tightens,” the car in Swedlow Swamp resurfaces, causing new enemies to come to town and pushing Alice to the breaking point.  Meanwhile, Betty wants a serpent tattoo, Archie continues to act first and think later, and Veronica and Toni team up to rescue Cheryl from the “Sisters of Quiet Mercy.”  My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 17 are:

5

“No need to become the Montagues and Capulets just yet.”

It’s all out in the open now that Fred Andrews is running for mayor against Hermione Lodge and it’s about time someone took a stand to protect the town of Riverdale.  When the Andrews family comes face to face with the Lodge family, you can cut the tension with way more than a knife.  Veronica and Archie immediately detect that this is only going to get worse and Veronica tries to make light of it with some Shakespeare humor.  However, we all know that Romeo and Juliet was a tragedy and that the young lovers are the ones who get caught up in the cross fire.  Can the same be said for team Varchie?

4

Nothing stays hidden for long.

Alice is shocked to learn that the car belonging to the man Chic killed, Dwayne, has re-surfaced in Swedlow Swamp.  Alice sits down with FP, Jughead, and Betty to come up with a plan and FP reminds them of the importance of laying low and acting normal in the meantime.  However, Betty even admits that “normal is investigating when the world says they shouldn’t.”  Our favorite detective team, Bughead enlists the help of Kevin to get more information and is shocked to learn that the stolen car has been claimed by the owner.  Chic involves himself further than he should and contacts Darla who is the ex-girlfriend of Dwayne.  As if right on cue, Darla shows up at the Cooper house and tries to blackmail them for $10,000.  Alice is more than happy to give her the money and wipe her hands clean of this whole mess, but the drama isn’t over just yet.

3

“Who are you Archie?”

An excellent question from his mother and Archie should really take some time and look in the mirror to figure it out.  Archie continues to make the wrong decisions and is losing his temper more and more.  Archie even threatens some of Mr. Lodge’s criminal business associates without blinking an eye, which even has Mr. Lodge reminding him that he shouldn’t pick a fight he can’t finish.  After the Lodge family discovers that “Agent Adams” has double crossed them, they are not sure what the long term plan is.  The Lodge family is currently in danger, but Archie will stop at nothing to protect him.  Rather than show up to support his father announcing his intent to run for Mayor, Archie sets the “Dark Circle” loose on their enemies, which leads to him getting a thank you car from Mr. Lodge.  Archie is creating an even bigger divide between him and his family without realizing it, which has us wondering, is all of this really worth losing your soul over?  A Faustian deal comes to mind, especially when we can easily imagine Mr. Lodge as the devil, signing contracts in blood.  Will Archie be able to come back from this?  Will his family be able to forgive him?

2

Alice makes the right decision.

When Betty goes to retrieve the $10,000 from the bank, the man who was Chic’s “manager” shows up as well and it’s clear that the Cooper family is in a lot of trouble again because of Chic.  Luckily, the Serpent gang shows up as back-up to help them.  Darla and the manager leave for now with the cash, but it’s still very dangerous that they know more than they should.  After all, secrets never stay buried for long in Riverdale.  Alice is beyond grateful and makes an announcement to the Serpents that she is done attacking the South Side.  She makes the difficult decision to ask her son, Chic to leave since he has put her family in danger twice now and then shows up later on FP’s doorstep.  Are Alice and FP back together?  Will Chic really stay away?

1

Toni rescues Cheryl.

Fans were more than disappointed after the interrupted first kiss between Choni, 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 a swoon-worthy kiss in front of the film screen.  The cheers for Choni should be deafening as this kiss was well worth the wait.  Veronica and Toni successfully rescue Cheryl who is surprisingly not broken from this ordeal.  Rather, she says that “revenge is a dish best served cold,” and informs Kevin that she is ready to take on the lead of the school play, which is none other than Carrie White from Stephen King’s classic.  While I’m sure that Cheryl can pull off anything, including being covered in pig’s blood, her family better watch out for sure since Cheryl is no stranger to making things in her way burn to the ground.  Stay tuned!  New episodes return on April 18th!

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 12: “Bitter Sweet Symphony”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 12 last night, I’ve realized how dangerous it can be to live in the moment.  Decisions have consequences but it can be tempting to push them aside and worry about them later.  That is until they show up again, threatening everything that matters most to you.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Twenty-Five:  The Wicked and the Divine,” Veronica announces her Catholic confirmation, which seems to be more of a substitute for the spotlight to be on her in front of an adoring crowd.  Penny is back and is looking to seek revenge on Jughead for how he treated her and Archie gets an exclusive invite to Mr. Lodge’s poker game.   Meanwhile, Betty tries out “webcamming,” Jughead comes clean to her about the past, and Alice begins cleaning…literally, to cover up something beyond appalling.  My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 12 are:

5

Jughead comes clean to Betty about his past with Toni.

Jughead and Betty have pretty much avoided having a serious conversation since their breakup until now.  Whether it was too hard to talk about or they were concerned with hurting each other in the process, their breakup has been somewhat of a smooth ride.  However, when Jughead and Betty are face to face in the beginning of the episode, Jughead feels the need to tell her the truth about what happened with Toni.  He reveals that they did have a fleeting moment but that’s all it was.  Betty is offered the chance to reveal any secrets she may be keeping, but decides not to tell Jughead about her kiss with Archie or her new scandalous life of “webcamming.”  Jughead offers to “shield her from darkness,” but Betty has already gotten a taste for it and is spinning a complicated web of deception without realizing the consequences just yet.

4

Veronica’s Confirmation.

Veronica really knows how to do absolutely everything in style.  She turns her Catholic Confirmation into more of a Debutante ball.  Veronica wants to sing The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” at the event with Josie because it was from the film, “Cruel Intentions.”  I was excited for the reference but also a little saddened that this is the only way Veronica knows this epic song.  Either way, her performance with Josie is beautiful as Veronica walks down the aisle of the church in style, rejecting Satan and making her family proud.

3

Penny is back and seeks revenge on Jughead.

After Jughead turned Penny away from the Serpent’s gang and had her tattoo carved off her arm in a brutal way, it was no surprise that Penny would be back at some point.  She wants “blood for blood” and demands that Jughead be kicked out of the gang and that she be able to remove his own tattoo.  Jughead continues to make excuses but his father ominously reveals to him that he “will be the death of us.”  Jughead is always reacting and needs to take the time and patience he puts into his writing and apply it to everyday life.  Without realizing it, Jughead is taking a turn down a very dark path and it may be too late for him to find his way back unscathed.

2

Archie is invited to Mr. Lodge’s poker game.

Archie is thrilled when Mr. Lodge begins to take notice of him and actually commends him on what he did to Nick Sinclair.  He invites him to his poker game which Archie ambitiously accepts, knowing that some major players will be in town and it will be a great time to provide Agent Adams with the inside scoop.  However, when Archie learns that one of the players was found dead, he has second thoughts about coming clean about what he found out.  He lies to Agent Adams, which begs the question, is Archie in over his head?  Have his feelings for Veronica complicated his mission to bring down Mr. Lodge?

1

Betty and Alice Cooper embrace the darkness.

In the beginning of the episode, Betty is sporting her femme fatale black wig, turning away from the computer with newfound passion and excitement.  While her deception may initially seem harmless, Betty is not ready to abandon it just yet.  She begins keeping secrets from those she loves without even the slightest hesitation to suggest that she has no guilt or second thoughts about her actions.  While Chic opened the door to the darkness, inviting Betty in, she is making her own decisions.  Later in the episode, Betty and Jughead reunite and share a passionate kiss as Jughead tells her that “he wants all of her,” but what will he do when he finds out that he needs to share Betty with the rest of the cyber world?  Whether intentional or not, Chic has also brought out the darkness in his biological mother, Alice as well.  At the end of the episode, a man appears at the door looking for Chic and Betty walks into her mother cleaning up a mess of blood with the lifeless body spread across the floor.  Alice quickly tells her daughter to close the door, implying that she is not about to let her actions reach the surface either.  Who is responsible for the death of this stranger?  Is Alice covering up for Chic or did she do the unthinkable?

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