Editorials

Riverdale Review: Thanksgiving Includes Cannibalism & Framing Mr. Chipping (4×07)

Riverdale -- "Chapter Sixty-Four: The Ice Storm" -- Image Number: RVD407b_0275.jpg -- Pictured (L-R): KJ Aapa as Archie and Camila Mendes as Veronica -- Photo: Dean Buscher/The CW-- © 2019 The CW Network, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Published

3 years ago

November 21, 2019

Lizzy Buczak

Thanksgiving was an eventful holiday in Riverdale as Jughead and Betty linked up to solve the mystery of Mr. Chipping’s death, an ice storm hit Riverdale, and Archie got a gun pulled on him at his dinner at the rec center.

Oh, what fun.

Betty and Jughead’s sleuthing is always in tip-top shape, and Betty had an extra level of sass that I was lovin’. She looks sweet, but she’s not, okay Donna.

Unfortunately, no matter Jughead and Betty’s best intentions, Bret and Donna were one-step ahead of them.

Also, can someone please explain to me their idea of fun because wearing bunny masks and walking around with axes isn’t a joke. Bret’s lucky Betty didn’t kill him to protect Jughead.

Jughead hasn’t learned his lesson of not talking openly about his plans to unearth the school’s mysteries in public, and Bret overheard everything.

Therefore, Jughead and Betty may have thought they had the upper hand, but they were really helping Donna and Bret frame Mr. Chipping.

Women tend to not come forward about sexual assault out of fear that no one will believe them. Sadly, Riverdale is perpetuating that by offering up Donna’s affair storyline with Mr. Chipping, which seems to be fabricated in order to destroy his integrity and squash any doubt that his death was anything but a suicide from being a terrible person. At first, Mr. DuPont tried to convince Jughead that Chipping’s alcoholism played a role in his death, and when that didn’t work, they attempted to make him a predator.

Mr. Chipping was a favorite of the school until he wasn’t. And it’s those last words he said before he jumped that underline the notion that this was not a willing suicide. He was coerced or blackmailed by Mr. DuPont.

Everyone at Stonewall Prep is in on it, and they’re determined to shut Jughead’s investigation down because he’ll likely figure out the school’s deepest and darkest secrets if he doesn’t.

Then, there’s the fact that Bret and Donna set up a camera that is videotaping everything in Jughead’s dorm room including his more intimate moments with Betty.

Are they going to try to use that against him? Do they think they’ll have the same power of Jughead as they did over Mr. Chipping.

The good news is that neither Betty nor Jughead truly believed what was being presented, and Betty has it all mapped out on an investigation board so she’ll likely get to the bottom of this and any secret society that’s involved.

Archie’s good intentions of hosting Thanksgiving dinner at the rec center turned sour when Dodger’s family turned up for a side dish of revenge.

And look, it’s understandable that Dodger’s mother wants answers, but her actions and threats were stupid.

She wanted so badly to blame Archie when he wasn’t involved (at least not directly) with Dodger’s beating.

Also, your son is an asshole and a bully, Mrs. Dickinson, so I can’t say anyone feels too terrible about what happened.

The deep-fried turkey explosion caused enough of a distraction for Mary to grab the gun and threaten to kill ’em all if they didn’t get out of dodge. Badass Mary, you can stay.

Though, having Mary make comments about how much she misses having her husband around and their whole moment of grace was irritating. I hate when a show suddenly changes the narrative to fit the story they’re trying to tell. For most of Riverdale, it was just Archie and his dad while Mary was in Chicago. You don’t get to bring up all these old memories when you weren’t even here for the last few years.

But all of this was included for a greater purpose — Archie dedicated the rec center to his late father who would’ve been proud.

Hiram Lodge is Mayor already because, of course, he is. Why would anyone try to stop the most dangerous man in Riverdale from wielding an uncontrollable amount of power? He ran unopposed and won, and figured that meant he could shut down Archie’s festivities because “they were dangerous.”

Little did he know, Veronica was serious about not being part of the family and playing nice. The Thanksgiving dinner on the dining room floor is proof of just that.

Hiram seriously brings out the worst in people. Case-and-point, FP, who almost slashed his throat with a broken bottle and then decided there was no law against him being the Sheriff of Riverdale and the leader of the Serpents. Only in Riverdale, friends. Only in Riverdale.

And then we have the absurd storyline happening at Thistlehouse. The writers just won’t give this one up even though it’s bordering on disgusting at this point.

The storyline isn’t doing Cheryl any favors, and it’s a mystery as to why T.T is sticking around and accepting of all of this.

After they killed Uncle Bedford, Cheryl devised a wicked plan to scare away Aunt Crickett so that they could dump the body in Sweetwater River.

It sounds messed up even without revealing their unsavory plan.

Having a corpse of your dead brother around is one thing, but to pretend to serve up human flesh at Thanksgiving dinner and threaten to go public with the act of cannibalism to protect your maple syrup industry. Honestly, Cheryl’s gone off the deep end.

The only redeeming factor here is that she never actually served up Uncle Bedford for dinner, she just made them believe she did.

But still, it’s in everyone’s best interest, including Cheryl and Toni’s, if Riverdale drops this deranged storyline.

What did you think of Thanksgiving in Riverdale?

Is Donna lying about Mr. Chipping?

Click to comment

Follow CRAVEYOUTV on socials

Editorials

Is Moose the TBK on ‘Riverdale’?

Published

1 week ago

May 19, 2022

CraveYouTV

We’ve had the Black Hood, the Gargoyle King, Edward Evernever, the Stonies, the Auteur, and season 6 ushered in the Trash Bag Killer (referred to in short as TBK).

Yeah, it’s a funny name, but there’s nothing funny about his obsession with stalking and tormenting Betty Cooper.

His identity was somewhat revealed as Archie’s construction worker Dennis in one of the episodes, but that was clearly a fake out. Why would a man like Dennis care about Betty and Archie? Neither of them really questioned TBK’s identity or motives either, so it stands to reason that they know the real TBK is still out there somewhere keeping his identity tucked away in his pocket.

The test? Betty was tasked with helping him dismember a dead body. She seems only mildly torn up about it — chalk it up to being the daughter of a serial killer, I guess — while Archie shrugs it off at her attempt at survival. When there’s a murderous psycho standing behind you, there isn’t anything you won’t do, which is fair.

Except there’s also a clue hidden in this story. Betty reveals that TBK let her go because her actions proved that they were kindred spirits. Alike. The same. Bonded forever. He also thinks that the world would be better with her in it.

One of the things that immediately stood out in these flashbacks was how buff TBK is. The dude is ripped! (Last I remember, Dennis was not that ripped!) When does someone that deranged have time to go to the gym? Or is it from lugging all the bodies around? I hate that this show forces me to have these disturbing thoughts, and yet here we are.

The point is, TBK is much younger than we expected, and he’s into physical fitness.

It’s likely not a coincidence that Moose shows up in town at the same exact time looking equally as buff. If you don’t believe me, this Twitter account did a little side-by-side, and it’s hard to argue with bulging biceps.

Moose’s presence seemed innocent enough as he simply wanted to reconnect with Kevin, but there were a lot of sus moments that audiences likely overlooked.

For starters, how did he get to the school when everyone was sheltering in place because the fog was so thick you couldn’t see a thing outside? We know TBK was in town because Betty saw a figure lurking in front of her house, though, Archie never ventured out to confirm the lurkers identity so it could’ve been anyone.

Secondly, why did Kevin suddenly start having nightmares? Did Moose spike his drink?

And it’s all too convenient that Moose now has a job as a PE teacher, which means he cares about physically fitness and has time to workout.

Moose then goes on to inform Kevin that he was fired from his trucking job when the Lonely Highway shut down and now he’s living with his dad, who recently got out of jail. We know that only sketch people are involved with the Lonely Highway.

And Moose isn’t impervious to the darkness as — reminder — his father was the Gargoyle King who interrupted Moose’s first time with Kevin in the woods. Something like that has the potential to leave a scar, especially as Marcus Mason was clearly not supportive of his son’s lifestyle. Not to mention all that he went through while at Stonewall Prep (blackmail and manipulation) and the Army, where he enlisted at the behest of Mr. Chipping.

It’s not fair to Moose who has consistently been getting terrible character arcs and deserves some happiness, but it’s hard to argue with the fact that the timing of his return to Riverdale is all too convenient and suspicious.

Then again, Moose could be a red herring considering his motives remain questionable. Why Betty? Are serial killers simply attracted to her because of the serial killer gene? Or is she an easy target?

Hopefully, we’ll get more insight into the TBK as the season progresses because, as of now, he’s been the least compelling villain on Riverdale.

At this point, the only way to make TBK a worthy serial killer is to unmask him as someone we know. Someone we’ve all trusted. And someone who has a reason to cling to Betty. Wouldn’t it be crazy if Kevin ended up being TBK. He’s been so focused on criticizing Toni and Fangs for their gang lifestyle and trying to keep baby Anthony safe, but what if the fact that he’s constantly seeking out danger means he’s actually subconsciously Riverdale’s new threat?

And then there’s always Percival Pickens, though, that would be kind of lame, wouldn’t it?

Who do you think is behind the trash bag mask? And why! Sound off in the comments!

Featured

Best Shay Mitchell Movies and TV Shows to Watch

Published

2 months ago

April 6, 2022

Lizzy Buczak

Best Shay Mitchell Movies and TV Shows to Watch

All the Reese Witherspoon TV Shows You Have to Watch

Shay Mitchell has amassed quite a following on social media with her hilarious and relatable TikTok videos, but on-screen is where she delivers the real gold and pours herself into the most challenging roles.

Here are the best movies and TV shows starring Shay Mitchell to add to your must-watch list:

Pretty Little Liars – Freeform

Shay became a household name after bringing Emily Fields to life in the ABC Family/Freeform mystery drama. Emily and her best friends attempted to solve the mystery surrounding their best friend’s disappearance while fielding text messages from a digital stalker at every turn. Shay’s portrayal was also pivotal as it brought to life one of the best LGBTQ characters for the network!

Dollface – Hulu

After being dumped, Jules (Kat Dennings) rekindles her female friendship with Madison (Brenda Song) and the eccentric Stella (Shay) and re-enters the world where your girlfriends trump romantic relationships. Each character brings a certain personality to the series, but Stella is definitely the most vibrant and worldly.

You – Netflix

In its first season of the psychological thriller, Shay tackled the role of Peach Salinger, the best friend of Joe’s (Penn Badgley) first obsession Beck (Elizabeth Lail). And you know that any friend of Beck’s is an enemy of Joe’s.

The Possession of Hannah Grace – Sony Pictures

Shay flexed her horror muscle as cop-turned-morgue worker Megan Reed, who accepts a delivery of a disfigured cadaver during the graveyard shift and is plagued with horrifying visions as she’s possessed by a demonic spirit.

Mother’s Day

The film revolves around several different mother’s day events, including one with Sandy (Jennifer Aniston), a single mom that finds out her ex-husband is marrying a younger woman, Tina, played by Shay.

Featured

7 Hottest Moments Between Thony and Arman on ‘The Cleaning Lady’

Published

2 months ago

March 15, 2022

Lizzy Buczak

Arman and Thony have an intense and electric bond on The Cleaning Lady.

While they let the passion get to them on a few occasions, they’ve mostly kept things PG. So, how can there be so many “hot moments” between them, you ask. Well, good question!

When it comes to these two, it’s not only about the physical connection but the emotional as well. It’s about every longing gaze, stolen glance, and forbidden touch. It’s about all the times Arman helps Thony at his own discretion, and in turn, it’s the loyalty and support she extends to him.

Here are the hottest and steamiest moments between Arman (Adan Canto) and Thony (Elodie Yung) on The Cleaning Lady Season 1!

Season 1 Episode 1

Not only does Arman spare Thony’s life, but he “hires her” as the cleaning lady in order to justify keeping her alive. He sees something in her that not only piques his interest but also reminds him of himself. When Thony stands up to him at the airport hangar for the first time, she’s setting the scene for their season-long tug-and-pull dynamic. Arman acknowledges that she’s a woman that “commands respect” while noting that he’s “offering that to her.” He also reminds her that as immigrants, they need each other, and she needs him as he can play a huge role in keeping her son alive. It’s a key scene in order to establish the ground rules between these two power players — even if they are told at every turn that they have no power.

Season 1 Episode 1

When Arman risks his own life to save Thony’s after he realizes he’s basically walked her into a trap, it’s one of the first moments where he admits, subconsciously, that he cares for her. After the explosion, she pays him back for saving her life by saving his, which is when she reveals that there’s much more to her than meets the eye. Arman is impressed with how well she works under pressure, but Thony once again reminds him that it’s a give and take relationship. “You want me to work for you, protect me. Give me the respect I deserve. And if anything happens to me, swear my son will be protected.” He gave her his word… and he never lied.

THE CLEANING LADY: L-R: Élodie Yung, Adan Canto and guest star Alonzo Ortega in the “TNT” premiere episode of THE CLEANING LADY airing Monday, Jan. 3 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2021 Fox Media LLC. CR: Ursula Coyote/FOX

Season 1 Episode 2

With Luca dying in her arms, Thony realizes she’s out of options and seeks out Arman and the club, who rushes to her aid and brings her to a private doctor that’s paid off by Hayak. Arman doesn’t just drop Thony off — he carries Luca inside, takes her burden, and sticks around to make sure that she’s okay. While he’s offering a shoulder to cry on, he realizes that he trusts her enough to open up about his past, which reveals that he understands Thony’s predicament all too well as he’s done the unthinkable to protect his family, too. The moment humanizes him in Thony’s eyes and the eyes of the audience. And when he sees that she looks at him with judgment for the career that he chose, it almost seems like he wants to become a better man for her.

Season 1 Episode 6

When Arman notices that Thony is upset about Luca’s procedure, he comforts her. He allows her to have a full-on breakdown (one of Thony’s only moments of weakness in the series) and cradles her in his arms. And all those heightened emotions lead to a very unexpected yet passionate kiss. I mean… really passionate. You cannot fake that kind of chemistry! Thony stops things before they escalate to the point of no return, but it’s enough to satiate all the fans that have been long shipping the couple.

Season 1 Episode 7

When Thony informs Arman that she can’t afford the surgery and the liver donor, Arman offers to pay for the surgery, assuring her that he couldn’t have secured a huge deal with Thony’s intel from the FBI. “I’m in too deep now,” he says with an adorable smile, which definitely implies that he’s not just doing this for Luca. However, when Thony mentions that she’ll have to “talk to her husband” who has arrived in the U.S., Arman’s whole demeanor changes. The guy has absolutely no poker face, but it’s because he simply can’t hide himself or his emotions in front of the woman he loves. And while the moment isn’t exactly “hot,” it does reveal just how bad Arman has it for Thony. Plus, he’s still willing to pay for the surgery even with Thony’s husband in the picture, which is admirable.

Season 1 Episode 8

The kiss right before Luca’s surgery was perfection. Unlike their first make-out session, this kiss was rooted in trust, honesty, and longing. Arman risked everything to get Thony and Luca across the border in a private jet because he cares about her so much and knows he might not have her around for much longer. The kiss is prefaced by a sweet talk where Thony reveals so much happened in Vegas that she’d like to forget, which prompts Arman to suggest, “hopefully, not everything.” “Not everything,” Thony admits.

Season 1 Episode 10

Arman and Thony are like the modern-day Bonnie and Clyde. In one fell swoop, they worked together to take down Hayak and stole the $6 million from the gun sale after agreeing to help the FBI make the arrests. The action-packed episode didn’t allow for any real romantic moments, but the very fact that they trust each other enough to get into bed with the FBI while pulling one over on FBI at the same speak volumes.

Also, the longing gaze and hang caressing while Thony visits Arman in jail is enough to make fans go crazy waiting for more #Armony (should we make that a ship name?).