Riverdale: Exciting, Binge-Worthy Series on Netflix.

Riverdale, Redemption. Rebirth. Renewel.

Don’t miss out on this edge of seat drama, on Netflix that is Riverdale. This Cluedo-Esque show brings a whole new idea to a who-dun-it mystery. If you were like us and think you could put on a deerstalker and figure this mystery out in the first episode, you are in for a definite shock. However, don’t you believe this show follows suit of shows like Sherlock or an Agatha Christie novel…it’s campy, fun and full of twists that you won’t see coming!  

Season 1 opened with the murder of Jason Blossom. Jason, the son of the richest family in town, is found dead. Tragically shot in the head, he washed up on the banks of Sweetwater River. It is with this tragic event that we met the four main characters Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes), Archie Andrews (K.J. Apa), Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart), and Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse) which this mystery revolves around. We were given so many twists, turns and suspense as we were led on a journey to find out who killed Jason. 

Read – You: Season 3

Based on the classic characters from Archie Comics and set within the same world as The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Riverdale takes a darker twist on these classic characters’ stories. Apart from the fact that this show contains a whole lot of murder, there are some lighter points of this show like the will-they won’t-they relationships and the friendship dynamics between the main characters which were really entertaining and adorable all at once. 

Just like the show, the Riverdale set is full of secrets, and that’s part of the fun! However, if you are like many of us we cannot deal with not knowing what will happen next and Riverdale’s solution is an interesting one. Have you ever noticed the episode titles of this hit show? No? You are missing out on some major clues of what could happen in that particular episode.

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The names are either completely taken, or are variations, of old films. Episode 5 or chapter 5 is called Heart of Darkness which is actually a film from the early 90s.  According to an interview with Teen Vogue creator of the show Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, “We usually work on the episode, and then, as we’re going to the end of the breaking of the story, we’re like, ‘What’s the title of this episode? And then we have a list of provocative titles. Often the stories guide us.”

During the first season, Riverdale has given us so many things, from discussing serious social issues to unforgettable characters. The themes this show has tackled are certainly important even in today’s society from slut-shaming to racism and equality, this show is not one to shy away from topics that seem hard to talk about. Even in hard parental relationships like FP and Jughead, the father-son relationship is strained due to FP’s alcoholism.

Read – The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

The theme of this was ultimately intriguing as it plays around with the difficulty of loving a parent who suffers from the illness of addiction. Overall, we loved the progression and the character arc of FP as he quit drinking for his son, it was an endearing part of the season. 

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Riverdale’s characters are great, and if K.J. Apa’s Archie isn’t enough to make you swoon then you will find other characters that will intrigue you. Our favourite of the season would have to be Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch), from her statement red lipstick and hair, she is totally unforgettable. Honestly, we have to admit we were hooked by her savage one-liners from “I think she’s crazier than a serial killer on bath salts” to “Sorry to interrupt the sad breakfast club”.

She just knew exactly what to say and when it would get the right effect, this girl could slay. Cheryl was the most complicated character we have ever had the pleasure of meeting, she seems so cold-faced like the next grade A Regina George of Riverdale.

Read – 10 Questions with Clara Wisley

Yet, over time you are exposed to the many layers behind her defence mechanisms, and her many walls that had been put up after years of emotional struggle from not being shown affection from her parents and then the loss of her brother Jason, she is actually a really vulnerable person.

If you can’t take our word that this show is a must-see, then knowing this show has just started its 6 seasons on Netflix is a gold sticker in our books. A show that should have been called drama-dale, has us bingeing the seasons as we write this article. All 6 seasons are now available on Netflix and it is addictive, don’t say we didn’t warn you!  

Author: Megan Fitzgerald