Riverdale Round Table: Betty Is A Bomb Expert Now?!
Justin Carreiro
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Edgar tried to escape in a rocket ship, Moose's past got exposed at Stonewall Prep, and Mary decided to stay in Riverdale permanently on Riverdale Season 4 Episode 3.
Below, TV Fanatics Paul Dailly, Meaghan Frey, Jasmine Peterson, and Becca Newton debate the end of The Farm's storyline, Betty defusing a bomb, and Veronica's decision to change her last name.
Edgar Evernever and The Farm have been stopped once and for all. Share your thoughts about Edgar's defeat.
Paul: The conclusion to that storyline was downright bizarre. It felt like some sort of parody, but I'm glad it's finally over.
Meaghan: I'm so confused. Like Paul, I found the whole thing bizarre. If The Farm storyline was going to end so soon anyway, why not just get rid of it between seasons? I wasn't a fan of The Farm storyline, but I was even less of a fan of this sloppy wrap-up.
Betty: I’m just happy this nightmare is finally over.
[Doorbell rings and a mysterious VHS is found outside]
Jughead: Famous last words.
Jasmine: I'm still laughing about it. Like, what?! It was so surreal. That's the end of Chad Michael Murray, eh? Pity!
I agree with the others. They could have gotten away with dropping the storyline between seasons. It wasn't a good one in that first place.
Becca: Entertaining as it was to see Chad Michael Murray wearing an Even Knievel costume, it was obvious the writers no longer cared and just wanted to wrap-up The Farm as soon as possible.
Archie fought Dodger and a bunch of criminals dressed up in a hoodie and mask. Were you surprised by Archie's decision to fight the criminals alone?
Paul: Surprised? No. Archie is the worst. Every single time I think he's turned a corner, he pulls some silly move to make me hate him again. He has no redeeming qualities at this stage in my book.
Meaghan: Archie loves to make impulsive decisions. It feels way too reminiscent of the Red Circle days and I'm not feeling it. I'm highly convinced that the writers have no clue how to write Archie as a character anymore.
Jasmine: Oh, my redheaded problem child. I was not surprised. It was a typical Archie move.
As a result, I just rolled with it. I doubt this is the last time we'll see vigilante Archie. It does feel like they have no idea what to do with him ever.
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Becca: Absolutely, not! I agree the writers don't know what to do with Archie. They've made his capabilities so limited; he's only useful for fanservice and to be the muscle. He works better as a supporting character than as a lead.
Brett made it his mission to try to take down Jughead. Why do you think he was so obsessed over the new kid?
Paul: Jughead is talented, and Brett likely sees Jughead as a threat. That's why Brett is using Jughead's background to try to push his buttons. He's the worst.
Donna: But, a word of advice, Newbie. I’d watch your back around Brett.
Jughead: Why? What is his deal?
Donna: He’s a diplo-brat. “Son a diplomat.” Thinks it gives him immunity to do whatever he wants.
Jughead: Like beat me up?
Donna: That’s not how Brett fights. Okay, it’s psychological with him, and he’s not afraid to play dirty.
Jughead: Okay, I’ll take your advice.
Meaghan: As Paul said, Brett views Jughead as a threat. Brett has probably never had to work hard at anything in his life. Having to actually put in the work now that he isn't the default superstar is leaving him livid.
Jasmine: I'm going to guess there's history of bad blood between his family and the Jones', and Jughead doesn't know it yet. Maybe Brett's grandfather is part of the reason Grandpa Jones never graduated from the academy.
Becca: Yes to what Paul and Meaghan said. To add to that, Brett's admiration for Mr. Chipping seems real. It must have been a huge blow to his ego to see the lengths Mr. Chipping went to become Jughead's teacher.
Betty defused a bomb tied to Polly. React!
Paul: That was absurd, but given that Polly pops up for one scene every six months, I wouldn't have been shocked if they killed her off. However, I laughed at the teenager defusing the bomb while the adults did nothing.
Meaghan: Betty Cooper, jack of all trades. I definitely found myself rolling my eyes at this moment. Just when I felt like Riverdale was more grounded this season, there Betty goes defusing a bomb and saving a cult from their tyrant leader.
Jasmine: Teenage Betty Cooper defused a bomb with a bobby pin she conveniently had in her hair, even though her hair was in a ponytail. And yeah, not just adults, actual law enforcement did nothing.
I screeched laughing so hard. My reaction? I sounded like a pterodactyl reacting to that absurd scene.
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Becca: Seriously, a bunch of adults who are allegedly FBI agents are that useless in a crisis.
Toni found Cheryl trying to sew up her dead brother's body. Will she force Cheryl to get help or will she keep Cheryl's secret?
Paul: Toni will be sworn to secrecy. There's no doubt about that. Cheryl will not listen to anyone in this scenario.
Darius: I went into the basement…
Cheryl: Halt! You went down to the basement, specially I ordered you not to. You didn’t go into the chapel, did you?!
Darius: No! Miss Cheryl…
Cheryl: Thistle House has never had rats!
Toni: But Babe, we did hear something last night. Remember?
Cheryl: You’re right, Ti Ti. And suddenly, I am feeling the presence of a rat. A 6” tall rat with muscles and bedroom eyes. Darius, I knew you were a mistake from the beginning, so … you’re fired. Tootles!
Meaghan: Is there an appropriate way to respond to your significant other hanging out with their dead twin's corpse, as if they're Norman Bates? Toni will probably keep the secret at first and try to help Cheryl herself, but it won't be long before Toni realizes she can't do it alone.
Jasmine: These questions have sent me into a giggle fit. Is this show even real?
Toni is going to keep the secret for as long as she can until she finds a way to help her or finds a new living arrangement that involves actual lightbulbs instead of candelabras and no dead bodies in the basement.
Becca: Both. I don't see Toni wanting to get tons of people involved, and I doubt she'll let this slide without comment.
Veronica is changing her last name to "Luna." Was this the perfect revenge against Hiram?
Paul: YES! Veronica loves to piss her father off, and that was the best move to do so. However, I did chuckle when Hiram dropped that bombshell on her.
Meaghan: Absolutely. The best way to attack Hiram is by attacking his pride and this was a direct assault against it.
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Jasmine: I loved this! It was the best power move: everything Hiram worked against, which now his daughter embraced it.
I think it was a great way to attack his pride and also flex her own. "Luna" doesn't bring shame to her, and she's not in a time where she's shying away from her heritage either.
Becca: This story would've had more impact if it had happened back when Veronica initially turned her back on Hiram.
Archie: What’s the haul, Ronnie?
Veronica: A little over four.
Archie: Grand? That’s great.
Veronica: Hundred, Archie. I think I overestimated the financial pull of your pectorals.
[The boys sigh]
Veronica: Hey! We’re just getting started. Maybe we could do a “Magic Mike” night at La Bonne Nuit? Or, dare I say, you boys go “The Full Monty”?
[The boys groan]
Veronica: We’ll figure something out. We always do.
Missed the latest episode of Riverdale? You can watch Riverdale online via TV Fanatic. Come back here and join the discussion.
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Justin Carreiro was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.
