This episode is mostly about Alice and Betty after officially losing Polly in the previous episode. Alice is deep in her grief and Betty is struggling to drag her mother out of it and keep her focused on reality instead of the fantasy world in her head. In the first musical number there is a particular moment where you see just how deep Alice is into her own head, a theme that continues throughout the entire episode. That being said, while this episode will absolutely break your heart in a multitude of ways, the journey through the ups and downs of grieving and how non-linear it is, is depicted in a beautiful and realistic way. (And no worries. Though there is no shipping fodder in regards to Betty’s ships-because this episode isn’t about that for Betty-, her friends do all come to support her in two different scenes.)

Also, enough cannot be said about how well Mädchen Amick and Lili Reinhart work together not just visually with their acting performances but also in their musical numbers. This comes as an absolute shock to no one, but it needed to be stated anyway.

We also get to meet Tabitha Tate’s parents this week! Though it isn’t stated out-right, it’s pretty clear why the famous Pop’s went from Pop himself to his granddaughter. And let’s not forget the “fake dating” teased in the trailer. Just how far do you think that proposition will go/ how long will it last? After all, it’s not a secret that Jughead and Tabitha share multiple duets this episode which are absolutely perfect for them.

All I can really say about Veronica and Archie this week is that he’s there, she’s there, they’re there, and things are said/done/sang about stuff.

Cheryl fans will love her this episode (and is it just me or is she really just serving look after look this season? All hits, no misses). She has her own musical number with her mother and we get a glimpse at just how the ministry is doing. As for Kevin? He’s a shoulder to cry on for Betty and maybe recent events have him reevaluating things in his life.

Toni also is working overtime stretching her guidance counselor legs to help a student who just can’t seem to catch a damn break. In fact, there is a very direct call-back to one Jughead Jones back in his early season one days.

Crumb Count:

This is hard this episode. Because some are crumbs and some are full on Michelin meal status. Instead of analyzing crumbs based on content from other ships that I think other shippers would enjoy (does that sentence make sense?) this will be based purely on content for each ship within the episode.

Choni: 1.5

Bughead: .5

Kangs: .5

Jabitha: 3

Varchie: 1

Barchie: 1 (.5 + .5)

Veggie: 1.5

Watch Riverdale on The CW Wednesdays at 8/7c

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This spoiler light preview was incredibly difficult to write. Not because of too many DNR’s to adhere to or because there isn’t a lot to say but because it’s such a great episode that knowing even any of it going in feels like doing a disservice to the viewing experience. My main piece of advice for viewing the episode if you have any type of sensitivity is to have some tissue nearby. There are highs and there are lows (and absolutely no high school football, the audacity) and you’re going to be a well of feelings.

In an episode that can only be described as emotional, Return of The Pussycats delivers on the writer’s promise from summer of 2020 to do better by it’s POC, specifically black, cast members and characters. Josie acts as a vessel for the writers to address their own short-comings in a way that has been a long time coming and needed to be addressed. Though this isn’t the only messaging of the episode it is an important one.

Meanwhile, Tabitha continues to be included into different story lines (showing that she truly can and will fit in everywhere) on the canvas. She teams up with Veronica to set out on a business venture in the hopes of making her dreams come true. Also, she can really put on a performance, so there’s that.

As for Melody and Valerie? They’re besties who are navigating adult life with a wealth of healthy relationships and so many good things happening in their lives. The episode opener alone is such a beautiful callback to the pilot while also turning it on its ear.

While the main cast of Riverdale are also in the episode, Return of The Pussycat’s is not about them though it is clear that toward the end of the episode the writers are setting up story lines for 5×16-5×19 while still remaining respectful to the fact that this isn’t really about that. This is all about black characters and their futures from Josie/Mel/Val to Tabitha to Toni.

It’s also about musical numbers that you’re absolutely going to die for.

In conclusion, this isn’t an episode that you should miss. You should 100% absolutely watch and if you don’t? Well…

Riverdale airs on The CW Wednesday’s at 8/7c

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We pick back up with Veronica coming back to town as a woman on a mission. Thanks to some surprise guests that mission doesn’t go entirely as planned but who is she if not a quick thinker who uses a little help from her friends? Furthermore, I wouldn’t be surprised if she logged on to whatever the Riverdale equivalent of Facebook is and updated her relationship status to ‘it’s complicated.’

Archie is doing what he does best and is helping Sheriff Keller round up the remaining escaped convicts around town. Hiram and the Governor offer up a reward to anyone who helps with the aid and capture and Archie jumps at the chance to get some money for the town. Plus, Archie and co get a chance to show off their fighting skills in a scene that I can only describe as a mind-fuck. It truly is. You’ll know why when you see it.

Jughead is missing and Tabitha calls in reinforcements in the form of a reluctant Betty. The two ladies try to decipher the meaning of his manuscript to see if it leads to any clues but unfortunately none of them reveal themselves. Luckily (or unluckily) Jughead’s ex Jessica decides to lend her eyes to the case out of the goodness of her heart, obviously. The three share a bonding scenes at Pops while Tabitha and Betty get even closer as the episode goes on. When I say I love that for them, I mean I love that for them. Voicemail(s), whispered discussions, dancing, oh my!

Speaking of Jughead and his missingness, he’s off on his own journey but we get to see that he is, in fact, alive and well, if a little worse for wear. His journey is a bit strange that at times makes you wonder if what you’re watching is actually happening to him or if it’s all in his head. It does seem to be legit, though, and by episodes end he has decided on a path to healing and has tentative ideas on what he wants in life once he is so.

Cheryl and her mom are at odds over Penelope’s new religious affiliation. Penelope wants to know where Cheryl’s faith is and as it turns out, Cheryl is just plum out. Or is she?

Stray thought: this is the first time since the pilot that (redacted) is (redacted) at the (redacted). I’ll fill in the blanks after the episode airs!

That’s all for this week! What are your theories on what’s to come? What are you most looking forward to? Sound off below or hit us up on twitter @TVSource

Riverdale returns Wednesday August 11th at 8/7c on The CW

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First things first, Archie has been very successful in the Army and we love that for him. Alas, after seven years of duty and dedication he does get reassigned to go back home and man up the RROTC program at Riverdale High. Upon his return, he notices quite immediately that not all is good in the town of pep . Hiram has ruined the town and for what? Well, you’ll see.

Toni is the new Serpent queen and she’s a preggo eggo! Archie, in all of his Archiness (or would it be gauche, according to Cheryl?) does ask the question that’s on all of our minds: Who’s the father? Well…we’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we? It’s clear that Toni will be taking on a bigger role this season and what drives that point home more than anything is a scene towards the end of the episode. You’ll know it when you see it.

Jughead is in deeper trouble than is first apparent but he also has no problem keeping his bed warm if you know what I mean. More than that though, one of his ~friends~ might actually just be my favorite person in this episode because she definitely knows what she wants and does what she has to in order to get it. I’m waiting on pins and needles to see if she’ll wind up making another appearance later on in the season. The door isn’t exactly closed or open there.

Veronica has been married for a year already and her husband is….well. He is. While there are some obvious and blatant parallels to Hiram I’m hesitant to write him off completely as a villain quite yet. The potential is there but there’s also something deeper. Maybe the fact that his intentions do in fact seem to be good if misguided and flawed. But you know what they say: the path to hell is paved with good intentions. Regardless, more than just being married Veronica’s job isn’t what you’d expect. Or maybe it’s exactly what you’d expect? You’ll all have to tell me after the fact.

And Betty. Ohhhhhhhhhh, Betty. Betty has clearly been through the wringer while training for the FBI. She seems to think that because she used to catch serial killers in high school that she knows best though we learn that that isn’t necessarily the case. She has forked up big time and has to redeem herself in the eyes of her colleagues. She shares a special relationship with one colleague in particular and I (and maybe she) would be hard-pressed to define it clearly.

We get a glance into the lives of Cheryl, Kevin, Fangs, and others, never fear! But I would say that the majority of the episode was used to re-introduce us to these characters in a new and different way as well as jump-start and propel us into the new era of, Riverdale. I, for one, am happy to be here.

Riverdale airs on The CW Wednesday’s at 8/7c

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Before the ending though, we get to join the core four and their ragtag group of friends as their high school journey comes to an end and they prep for the next step in their lives. They reflect on who they were and who they now are. They look for closure in maybe not the healthiest of ways but that actually might be the most normal thing Riverdale has ever done.

The remaining of the most ill-kept secrets fully come out but if you’re expecting explosions and angst, look elsewhere. But maybe that’s the point. Chapters in our lives don’t always close with a bang but sometimes with a mere whisper.

The graduation ceremony itself proves to be the most emotional scene by far (in this reviewers opinion, at least) with a wonderfully timed musical overlay that really hits home. There’s also no shortage of flashabacks sprinkled throughout the entirety of this episode that really makes the feeling of “closure” go deeper. It’s also clear that while Fred may be gone his presence on the show is still felt by those who loved him. When it comes to Archie, the memory of his dad influences everything he does and every decision he makes. Fred even has a little keepsake in the time-capsule, as he should. And speaking of time-capsules, maybe the pasts of others can influence others more than we realize.

Life can be full of regrets and we should do our best to avoid having any when we have the opportunity to control it, a concept that Veronica latches on to with both hands with Betty’s help. Parting, after all, is such sweet sorrow. And it’s a trickle effect. When one goes, others are sure to follow, if not in direction, than in intent.

If anything, Graduation does a good job in setting up a big time-jump and opening the door for new stories to be told. I, for one, am hopeful that with new stories comes big and new drama. It’s what I lust for. Will I get what I want? Time will tell.

I only have one stray thought this time which is that it’s amusing to see how the show goes about covering up Vanessa Morgan’s pregnancy. What they’re doing is obvious but I always smile regardless.

If you think this spoiler light preview tells you nothing, well. The DNR’s are REAL this time and it kinda ties your hands. As I’ve said before, thank your reviewers, folks.

Riverdale airs on The CW Wednesdays at 8/7c

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That being said I will be splitting my Riverdale work with fellow TVSource alum, Spencer Barrett . We will be teaming up to cover all things happening in the town with pep. My role? As long as screeners go out, I will do these previews. I will aim to have them up the Sunday prior to episode air date (depending on when they go out), I will never break DNRs (that’s “Do Not Reveals” for those not in the know) and I most likely won’t answer any questions you ask, not because I don’t care (I do!) but because you have to be really careful with these things. So, as long as screeners go out (which aren’t guaranteed! Sometimes it’s all of them, sometimes it’s one of them, sometimes they just stop) you can look forward to a little tease about what’s to come. You will find my approach super casual and laid back and if you’re looking for 100% professionalism 100% of the time, well….look elsewhere. I may be press but I still have thoughts and opinions.

But enough about me, I know what you’re all here for so let’s get started.

Riverdale returns with a bang (and no, I shockingly don’t mean between the sheets) picking up right where we left off in season four: a creepy mystery and personal drama. Everyone on the canvas is affected by both of these things whether they’re aware of it or not, just yet. Personally, for an episode called “Climax” I would have expected more explosions. While the episode might be light on those, it’s not necessarily light on implosions.

There’s something to be said about callbacks to previous seasons and you don’t have to be an avid watcher to pick up on the handful that are obvious from the pilot (any fan edit would have the scenes in question). What’s more interesting is a returning thread from season two making its way into the current story. If you think I’m talking about ships, I’m not, but the thread that’s being looped through is dark indeed and hooded in mystery. One may even say it’s so dark it’s black. Where that thread leads isn’t clear but it is intriguing.

Fans may have been toting this premiere as “the prom episode” but alas, very little prom is actually shown. Unfortunate, yes? That’s not to say that there aren’t interesting things happening at prom, it just would have been nice for that portion to have a little more room to breathe. While we do get to see the crowning of the prom royalty (as well as their court) the moments aren’t allowed the significance that they should have had.

For all the shippers out there, there is a little something for everyone. In some instances, I do mean little, but it’s there. Fans can look forward to one character singing a very familiar tune and doing so beautifully, if awkwardly. And man, is it awkward. But as a drama-whore, sign me up. I love to see it.

Some stray thoughts for your consideration:

• As much as it doesn’t seem so in the time, high school comes with an expiration date and what we think is forever, isn’t. 
• For those who wanted Toni to have more of a prominent role in season five, if the premiere episode is any indication, she definitely will.
• The word endgame continues to be cringe especially when the people on the other end of it don’t seem to be as secure in their beliefs as the ones saying it. 
• Inserting characters that normally are in the B or C storylines into the A storyline is something that should actually happen on this show more often, especially when it makes sense to do so for plot reasons. 
• Episode rating is a solid seven. To me, the episode doesn’t work as a standalone and there needs to be a better balance between mystery vs personal/interpersonal drama and milestone moments need more room to breathe. That being said, there were some truly beautiful and poignant (both in your face and more subtle) moments and the episode works in an overarching plot kinda way. 

Thoughts? Guesses? Feedback, comments, concerns? Sound off below or yell at us on twitter @TVSource.

Riverdale returns Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 on The CW

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Beth has bought herself some time in keeping Rio at bay while she fakes being pregnant with Gang Friend Jr. To ensure that his “baby mama” doesn’t do anything rash, he has her put on constant surveillance. Expect that to take a toll on Beth rather quickly and for her to figure out a way out of the mess that she’s created. There’s only one thing Rio desires more than righting the wrong of Beth’s transgressions against him and she and the girls bust their asses to make it happen.  

While all of this is happening with his wife, Dean decides to do a little shopping. I will warn the Brio fans that there is a moment this episode that will have you covering your eyes, so don’t say I didn’t warn you. But also, to stand on a preachy soap box for two seconds, please remember when you’re reacting passionately online that there are very real people behind these characters. Let’s keep the harassment of them at a minimum (and yes, this includes the official Good Girl’s twitter account as well). Engagement is great! Reacting is great! If you’re wishing harm on them, take a breath and a step back because you’ve gone too far. This concludes the soap box message.

Ruby and Stan are at odds over the correct way to parent and discipline Sara. Sara herself has been accused of having picked up the family business, theft. Like mother like daughter. Did she do it? Did she not do it? Where’s the proof, if it even exists? Well, you can count on Ruby to get to the bottom of it, one way or the other. Also, there is one scene this episode that proves beyond all reasonable doubt that Ruby is the REAL MVP.

And Annie? Oh, Annie. She’s continuing on her path of Annieness and finds herself wanting to bond with her therapist on a more intimate level. She also hears some hard truths about herself that while not easy to hear definitely strikes a cord with both her and the audience. There is a good question to be raised about how beneficial can therapy be if you can’t be truly honest?

Quotables:  (To make up for a lack of preview last week have seven instead of the usual five)

• “Oh my God, it’s 100% me.”
• “If I never hear that word again.”
• “What are you doing, Elizabeth?”
• “At what point are we taking this too far?”
• “What if I’m dealing with a really aggressive moose?”
• “There is still a line here and we shouldn’t cross it.”
• “I’ve got time.”

Make sure to catch Good Girls Sunday at 10/9c on NBC

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So, we all now know that Rio is in fact alive! RIP Turner, at least I’ll miss your messy ass. Regardless, at least one of our Good Girl’s pours one out for the homie and if it’s who you’re thinking, you’re probably right.

Beth has a surprising and unwelcome house guest that she just can’t seem to shake. More than that she tries her best to channel her inner Gang Friend to get the results that her mentor before her did. New friend Rhea also seems to be just too busy to answer the phone. Whilst Beth is juggling her houseguest, her job, and her side hustle, Dean is learning the ins and outs of his new job as well as just what might be expected of him if he wants to succeed.

This is an excellent episode for Ruby, Stan, and the audience as we get to see just how little injustices and micro-aggressions can add up. Unsurprisingly, Ruby and Stan don’t quite see eye to eye but it’s a conversation the audience might just need to hear regardless. Sometimes a suit isn’t just a suit no matter how much we might want it to be.

This might be a major spoiler (or maybe not, I never know what fandom already does or doesn’t know), but it’s true, it’s the return of my favorite relationship on the show. Yes, Nancy and Annie are back! Sure, it’s not exactly pleasant between them but I don’t even care. I maintain that outside of the core relationship of the three mains, theirs is my favorite. Regardless, Nancy wants something from Annie and Greg (reluctantly) agrees.  Something to also look forward to is getting to learn Sadie’s new chosen name! We also see Annie take a much needed step in her life even if she does it in her unique Annie way.

Don’t let this sanitized (hey, they’re called light previews for a reason!) make you think this episode isn’t good because it is. It also leaves off on an even bigger cliff-hanger than last week that will have you talking all week and anxious for next Sunday to roll around.

Quotables:

• “You’ll like him. He went to a real college.”
• “It must be nice being just so perfect.”
• “Yeah, I connected those dots.”
• “He wouldn’t do that.”
• Hey, mama.”
• “Guess we’re back in business.”

As always feel free to shout at us here or on twitter @TVSource and make sure to tune in to Good Girl’s, Sunday 2/23 at 10/9c on NBC.

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