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Season 2 of 'Riverdale' is Perfect

Why everyone should calm down and check their facts.

By Allison K. JonesPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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Dealing with the winter break in the Riverdale fandom is going to hit hard, especially with the underwhelming reveal of the Black Hood. But here’s the real news, it isn’t over yet. Which means, Svenson is likely not the killer, and once again the writers are directing our attention elsewhere.

I’ve heard many negative reviews of the new season, and yet all I can think every week is they’ve outdone themselves AGAIN. It’s complicated because so much of what people are seeing as negative are things you will only truly appreciate if you understand gangs and their culture — something I’m impressed is being portrayed so well.

So, here’s the thing. I’ve had unanswered questions too, and slowly but surely, they’re being answered.

  • Where’s Nana Rose? Did Cheryl kill her in the fire?
  • When will we hear from Polly? Is she alive still?

The other thing is that picture Svenson had with the men standing around the grave. I have no doubt they’ll all be revealed. Otherwise, why would they be included?

Now personally I will admit there are some things that should have been amped up since the initial reveal of them. Toni Topaz for instance; introduced as season 2’s resident shit disturber, and then revealed to be bisexual (or lesbian, who really knows?) which isn’t explored beyond a conversation in the early morning at Pop’s. But then there’s also the comment to make on how most gangs treat women, which is to say isn’t well. So, with that in mind, is there really any wonder about why Toni wouldn’t swing by the Wyrm with a girlfriend in tow? Joaquin was brave enough to have a boyfriend in season 1.

As for Fred Andrews, the only concern I have is his acting beyond getting shot. I don’t care where you got shot. You’re not prancing up the stairs two at a time without wincing in pain as the wound pulls every step you take. Of course, he’s a little oblivious to what his son has been doing, but as someone who has had a parent in the hospital, and in pain, and drowning in debt from medical bills, believe me — asking if I’m okay every now and then feels perfect. There’s so much going on for Fred Andrews, and it’s not like he doesn’t care for Archie. He’s more concerned, if anything. He’s struggling to pay his bills, and yet doesn’t want Archie to do anything about it, wants him to carry on his life, and let Fred figure out how to handle his own problems.

Don’t get me started on FP and Jughead. FP is a perfect father in their way of life. The only way he could actually leave the Serpents is to die. You don’t walk away from a gang. What FP said about Jughead being a “failure” is purely show for the other guys. Otherwise, they wouldn’t welcome him back in with such loud praise. FP knows exactly where Penny is going to lead his son, and he won’t be burying his son, thank you very much. He’s not projecting some kind of ugly feeling onto Jughead in order to come to terms with the fact he’s a bad dad. He’s doing it in order to keep his son alive, even if that means selling himself out.

Jughead cut off the Serpent tattoo on Penny’s arm after the younger Serpents went vigilante hero on her ass, which I will admit, gross, and season 1 Jughead wouldn’t do that. But here’s the thing, you guys: he’s not season 1 Jughead anymore. He’s proud of his gang life, so props to the guy who said his fathers’ life wasn’t for him. Meaning, we have officially come 180 for Jughead’s character development.

As for Alice Cooper, suburban Northside mom by day, sexy Southside Serpent by night, I think there’s a misconception for her. She will never get away from her Southside roots. As I said already, you don’t get to leave a gang. She’s lucky she lives the way she does, with her perfect lawn and picket fence. But clearly, she’s not as far from it as she says. The bartender from 30 years ago wouldn’t know her order — he likely wouldn’t even be the same guy. Clearly, Alice is proud of both halves of her life, and kudos to her. It takes a lot to admit you have a side that isn’t socially acceptable. All I really have a question about is where is this son of hers?

My only complaint is with Cheryl, and although it can be brushed off as a kind of PTSD, I am concerned for her development. In season 1, she’s our mean girl, for no other reason than she can be. Finally, we learn how deranged and toxic her home life is — and continues to be — so it’s a little easier to feel bad for her. She's the pretty and rich girl who has everything, except we come to find that no, she really doesn’t.

All in all, we have quite a mess in Riverdale, and I for one, am really excited to see how it plays out.

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About the Creator

Allison K. Jones

I've always loved reading and writing. My literary hero is Stephen King and he's a big part of why I do what I do. Film and TV is mostly where you find me, but I also enjoy a good political smack-down every now and then.

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