Riverdale’s finest learned what everyone who has graduated college already knew: prom night isn’t all its cracked up to be. 

The senior event tends to be overhyped, which was also the case with this episode. Sadly, prom night didn’t live up to the expectations set forth by the series and almost seemed like an afterthought in the episode that could only be summarized as chaotic, even by Riverdale standards. It was plagued by bad decisions, breakups, and a possibly-real snuff film that played on the big screen as the mystery of the VHS tapes continues to haunt the small town’s residents. 

Half the time I find myself wondering “what is going on” as it feels like everyone lives in their own bubble and is disconnected from what’s happening with their peers and family members. Are we all watching the same show? Are we all living in the same reality?

As I mentioned prior, prom seemed like an afterthought to everything else happening in the episode and the seniors barely got to enjoy the dance before being boggled down with real-life issues (well, at least what’s considered real-life in the bizarre world of Riverdale). 

Who Is Behind Riverdale’s Disturbing and Mysterious VHS Tapes?

Betty and Jughead continued to channel their inner-Nancy Drew to figure out who is behind the VHS tapes instead of just letting the police/ FBI handle it like normal people. Don’t you think dragging them down the rabbit hole is what the auteur wants? Clearly, whoever this is is thoroughly enjoying messing with them. 

They had a few failed attempts to pinpoint the auteur who has been sending them disturbing video tapes reenacting some of the most brutal (and private) moments in town. I’ve had several theories about the identity of the auteur, but I think it boils down to Charles, who is constantly in the know but has the ability to play in the background. It was especially telling when the latest snuff film “killed” the video store owner, David, who Charles knew Betty and Jughead were investigating. 

But again, what’s the purpose of the tapes to begin with? Is it just a mind game? Is it revenge? And if it is Charles and Chic’s way of getting back at the Cooper/Jones’, why is it extending past Betty and Jughead? We know there was a video of Jason’s killing and now, Archie received one of the Black Hood shooting his father, which reminded him of his moment of cowardice. 

Who has it out for the whole town?

Also, what was the point of having Betty and Jughead film a fake snuff film with Reggie killing Cheryl when they knew David wouldn’t fall for it and planned to use the origin of the Black Hood video instead? Sometimes, it seems like Riverdale just wants to see how far it can push its boundaries and it’s not necessary. 

And how is no one else but Betty and Jughead concerned about the video that played at prom and put half the school in a trance?

How do the parents just go back home and drink a glass of wine in a relaxing manner? I mean, wine is a way of coping, but where’s the concern? Are they just used to this nowadays? Is this just another day in Riverdale?

Archie’s came to blows with Katy Keene’s K.O. Kelly as he attempted to figure out his future, while Veronica was all about making their relationship her number one priority, which is enough to stress out any man. 

Riverdale — “Chapter Seventy-Seven: Climax” — Image Number: RVD501fg_0019r — Pictured (L-R): Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge and KJ Apa as Archie Andrews — Photo: The CW — © 2021 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The tension between the couple was building throughout the hour, though Ronnie was quite oblivious to it. It was actually quite heartbreaking to see Ronnie put her plans on hold and decide to defer at Barnard so that they could work side-by-side with Hiram, who offered Archie the gig of deputy Mayor. 

Look, all Im saying is I hope that Archie doesn’t take the job. By now, he should’ve learned not to make deals with the devil. 

Throughout the episode, Archie questioned his relationship with Veronica and kept insisting that he’s holding her back. Usually, I’m not a fan of a man thinking he has that much power over a woman, but in this case, it seemed to ring true as Veronica was making all her decisions with Archie in mind all while he was second-guessing his feelings for her and their future together. 

And you know what they say, “if you love two people at the same time, choose the second one. Because if you really loved the first one, you wouldn’t have fallen for the second one.” 

Archie decided, like an idiot, that the best time to tell Veronica that the song – which she awkwardly sang as a dedication to him at La Bonne Nuit even after he threw it in the garbage – was written for Betty was at prom. Can you say poor timing? Archie, you really couldn’t wait until after prom? What makes you think that leaving the girl heartbroken on the dance floor is a good idea?

Though, I guess we should just be happy that Archie was finally honest about his feelings even if it meant losing the best thing that’s ever happened to him. 

Veronica was taken aback, understandably, but I’m really impressed with the fact that she didn’t slut-shame Betty or blame her for what happened. It’s so common to see women turning on other women instead of holding men/both parties accountable for their actions. 

It was big of Ronnie to suggest keeping this on the hush in order to protect Bughead. Yes, Jughead deserves to know the truth, but it’s not her place to spill the beans; Betty needs to be the one to come clean about it. 

Riverdale — “Chapter Seventy-Seven: Climax” — Image Number: RVD501fg_0022r — Pictured (L-R): Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones and Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper — Photo: The CW — © 2021 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

I’m not really sure what the plan is for everyone moving into the seven-year jump. We know Veronica is going to be married to a “controlling and jealous alpha male” named Chad, which means that her breakup with Archie is long-term. 

Will Jughead call it quits with Betty upon finding out the truth about her brief tryst with Archie? Will Betty and Archie explore their feelings for each other and become a couple? While I definitely felt the sparks between them when Archie played her that song and when they kissed, Bughead has been pretty solid lately. 

No one was having luck in the romance department at prom. While Cheryl and Toni were crowned the first “queens” of Riverdale High, their happiness was also short-lived due to a Romeo and Juliet situation involving their families. I guess this is Roberto Aguirre Sacasa’s way of diving deeper into Toni’s storyline, but it’s unfortunate that he decided the only way to give her more to do was to destroy the perfect relationship that is #Choni.

‘Riverdale’ Season 5: What Every Character Is Up to After the Seven-Year Time Jump

Toni was keeping her relationship with Cheryl from her family because she was afraid they wouldn’t accept it — not because she’s a lesbian but because she’s with a Blossom. I guess that’s sort of a relief!

Sadly, this proves that no matter what Cheryl does, she’ll never be able to escape her family’s reputation. Will Toni’s nana come between them for good? Or is this temporary. Again, we know that at some point, Vanessa Morgan’s real-life pregnancy will be written into the show, but the question is — who is her partner?

Other Musings

• Seriously, what is the deal with Hiram Lodge beating up criminals in the dead of the night? It was verrrry briefly mentioned, but he’s leaning into this vigilante of the neighborhood vibe in a similar way Archie did previously.
• Mr. Honey is alive, so, it turns out, these “snuff films” are faux snuff films. I guess that’s a silver lining. 
• The identity of the auteur needs to be someone that actually matters… not a random video store owner! Stop messing with us!
• Mr. Weatherbee is back after the whole “Farm” situation, but I don’t think he’s doing all that great.
• Did anyone else feel like Cheryl should’ve also invited Kevin and Fangs to join her and the other couples during the victory dance? She was celebrating a big moment for the LGBTQ community, and she was the reason why Fangs and Kevin couldn’t run for “kings.” They deserved some recognition! It seemed like such a miss by the writers!
• Why is Jelly Bean at a rave that doubles as some kinky, weird underground immersive screening? She’s like 14. Go home!

What did you think of the Riverdale Season 5 premiere episode? Are you looking forward to the flash-forward? I think the series needs a good shake-up because at this point, the VHS mystery has been dragged out for almost a year (COVID interruption contributed to that!).