Riverdale: Season 2 Wrap Up and What’s Next

Riverdale’s final episode of season 2 felt almost calm compared to the over the top drama and wild events of the season. A lot of season 2 was resolved, for good or for bad, at the end of season 2, but there was plenty left to carry over into season 3.

Veronica (Camila Mendes) and Archie (K.J. Apa). Photo by the CW.

This started as the season of the Black Hood. Season 2 ended with Hal Cooper locked up for his crimes as the Hood, but we’re left knowing that he isn’t responsible for all of the Hood’s crimes. Betty seems to be in a better place about the darkness within her, and Bughead seems to be in a good place. I’m not sure we can say that about Alice who looks poised to join Polly’s cult. Chic dominated the story for a while, but I was glad to see him go, even if it was a pretty unsatisfying resolution to his story. We definitely haven’t seen the last of Hal Cooper, I suspect, and I think Betty might be mistaken about thinking she won’t be returning to visit him.

Hiram Lodge’s organized crime and his plans for Riverdale were a driving force in the action of season 2. From buying up Riverdale and shutting down Southside High to his plotting Hermione’s mayoral bid, Hiram was making moves. Archie fell under the sway of Hiram in the hopes of winning over his

Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch). Photo by Shane Harvey/The CW.

girlfriend’s father, but it definitely took a darker turn as the season progressed. I’m glad to see Archie returning to the side of the good guys, even if it means that he’s in a pretty bad place heading into season 3. Veronica is disillusioned with her father and making moves of her own as well. It appeared as if Hermione was also pulling away from Hiram a little at the end of the season, but I’m can’t believe anything she does is sincere. I suspect she and Hiram are just giving her room for denial.

Cheryl may be one of the best parts of Riverdale. She embodies the shows over the top drama. The black cheerleading uniforms for mourning at Midge’s funeral were like a black cherry on Cheryl’s melodrama sundae. Our favorite redhead was all over the place this season. Stalking Josie, tormenting Penelope Blossom, and saving the day more than once. The second half of season 2 was all about redemption for Cheryl. She even got the girl at the end, which is pretty great. With Vanessa Morgan as a series regular for season 3, I think we’ll be seeing a lot of Toni and Cheryl.

What We Expect in Season 3

When Riverdale returns, Fred Andrews won’t be mayor of Riverdale, but he’ll definitely be going head to head with Hiram Lodge over Archie’s arrest. We’ll probably see the return of Mrs. Andrews too. Varchie looks to be going strong, and I don’t doubt that Veronica is going to stand by her man against her father. Kevin and Moose might have something brewing, but we’ve been there before, so who knows. With Vanessa Morgan and Charles Melton as series regulars in season 3, we’ll be seeing a lot more of Toni and

Bughead forever. Photo by the CW.

Reggie. Toni will continue as Cheryl’s love interest, and with Cheryl and Betty joining the Serpents, those three gals may be drawn together even more. Reggie’s a little bit of a wild card. He’s backed both Archie and Hiram, so who knows where he’ll end up.

It will be very interesting to see Archie and Hal Cooper in jail together. Taking down Hiram will likely reveal the copycat Black Hood. I find it hard to imagine that the Hiram/Godfather storyline will continue far into season 3, but Hiram is clearly still poised to be the bad guy, with the Blossoms and Ghoulies at his side. He’ll be facing the Andrews and the Serpents. The fate of the Serpents is also up in the air for season 3. Jughead’s taking charge officially, and it looks like the Serpents are still going to be fighting for their place in Riverdale.

Season 2 of Riverdale will be available to stream on Netflix on May 24.