The final episode of Riverdale delivered a bittersweet ending, effectively erasing the outlandish adventures of recent seasons and resetting the characters to their more grounded, high school selves in a timeless afterlife. They lived out their idealized versions of prom and graduation, ultimately revealing that Jughead is narrating their post-mortem existences, allowing each of them to experience a happy ending, albeit in a perpetual state of teenage bliss.
Riverdale’s Rewritten Ending: A Retrospective
The series finale, titled “Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Seven: Goodbye, Riverdale,” departed dramatically from the time-hopping, fantastical elements that defined the show’s later seasons. Instead, it offered a poignant and nostalgic look back at the core relationships and desires of Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead, stripping away the serial killer plots and supernatural occurrences. This reset provided a chance for the characters to achieve closure and happiness within a reimagined, eternal version of their high school years. The episode focused heavily on character development and resolution, giving each member of the core four a satisfying, if unconventional, ending. This included the controversial polyamorous relationship that blossomed between them, a key element defining their eternal happiness. The finale strategically leveraged nostalgia, employing familiar settings, callbacks to earlier seasons, and heartfelt dialogue to evoke a sense of closure for long-time viewers.
The Eternity of Riverdale High: A Look at the Afterlife
The core of the episode revolves around the revelation that Jughead, in the afterlife, is tasked with chronicling the lives of his friends in a perpetual Riverdale High existence. This device allows for a narrative reset, where the characters are essentially “stuck” in their late teens, free from the burdens and traumas of adulthood. This eternal prom and graduation offer them the chance to explore their relationships, passions, and dreams without the limitations of real-world consequences. The “afterlife” concept cleverly side-steps the darker, more convoluted storylines of recent seasons, allowing the show to return to its roots of teen drama and romance. This narrative choice also provides a meta-commentary on the cyclical nature of teen dramas and the enduring appeal of youthful nostalgia.
The Polyamorous “Happily Ever After”: A Controversial Resolution
A significant aspect of the finale’s resolution is the formalization of the polyamorous relationship between Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead. While foreshadowed in previous episodes, the finale explicitly confirms that all four characters are romantically involved with each other within their eternal Riverdale High existence. This development, while controversial among some viewers, represents the show’s attempt to push boundaries and explore unconventional relationship dynamics. It also serves as a final statement on the show’s theme of unconditional love and acceptance. The inclusion of this polyamorous dynamic allows each character to fully realize their romantic desires and find happiness in a non-traditional configuration. It also subtly challenges societal norms around relationships and celebrates the fluidity of love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Riverdale Finale
H3: What exactly happened to Jughead in the real world before he became the narrator?
Jughead’s ultimate fate in the “real” world is implied to be a quiet death from old age, having lived a full life as a writer. The episode doesn’t explicitly show his passing but rather hints at it through his final narration. He essentially becomes the guardian of their eternal Riverdale existence, watching over his friends and ensuring they experience happiness. This allows him to remain connected to them even after death.
H3: Did Archie, Betty, and Veronica die at the same time?
No, the finale implies that Archie, Betty, and Veronica all lived long lives and died at different times. The afterlife is a shared space they enter individually, eventually reuniting in their eternal Riverdale High. This highlights the enduring power of their friendship that transcends time and mortality.
H3: Why was Riverdale High chosen as their eternal setting?
Riverdale High represents a time of innocence, possibility, and intense connection for the characters. It symbolizes their formative years and the bonds that shaped their lives. Choosing this setting allows them to relive their most cherished memories and continue to explore their identities without the pressures of adulthood.
H3: Was Cheryl Blossom included in the afterlife scenario?
Yes, Cheryl is included in the afterlife. She is shown reunited with Toni and other friends in Riverdale High, pursuing her artistic passions. Her inclusion underscores the importance of community and friendship in their eternal happiness.
H3: How does the finale explain away the time-traveling and supernatural elements of previous seasons?
The finale essentially ignores the time-traveling and supernatural elements. The afterlife setting operates outside of the constraints of the “real world,” allowing the writers to bypass the need to explain these inconsistencies. This allows the finale to focus on the emotional core of the show and provide closure for the characters’ relationships.
H3: What happened to the rest of the Riverdale supporting characters?
Many supporting characters, such as Kevin, Fangs, and Reggie, are also shown in the afterlife, reuniting with the core four and participating in the eternal Riverdale High experience. This creates a sense of completeness and closure for the ensemble cast.
H3: Why was Jughead chosen as the narrator of their afterlife?
Jughead’s lifelong passion for writing and storytelling makes him the ideal candidate to chronicle their eternal Riverdale High experience. He serves as the archivist of their memories and ensures their stories are preserved.
H3: Was there any explanation for why they don’t remember their adult lives in the afterlife?
The characters’ lack of memory regarding their adult lives is never explicitly explained. It’s implied that the afterlife focuses on their youthful selves and the relationships they forged during their high school years. This allows them to experience a pure and unburdened form of happiness.
H3: How did viewers react to the polyamorous relationship revelation?
The polyamorous relationship revelation was met with mixed reactions. Some viewers embraced the progressive and unconventional nature of the storyline, while others criticized it as being unrealistic or gratuitous. Regardless of individual opinions, it sparked a significant discussion about relationship dynamics and representation in television.
H3: What does the finale say about the nature of nostalgia?
The finale highlights the power of nostalgia to shape our perceptions of the past. By returning to their idealized high school years, the characters are essentially rewriting their history and creating a more perfect version of their lives. This suggests that nostalgia can be both a source of comfort and a powerful force for self-discovery.
H3: Was there any mention of Josie and the Pussycats?
While not a central focus, Josie McCoy and the Pussycats are mentioned briefly, implying they continued their musical careers in the real world. Their presence, even in passing, acknowledges their significant contribution to the early seasons of the show.
H3: What is the overall message of the Riverdale series finale?
The overall message of the Riverdale series finale is that love, friendship, and community are the most important things in life. Even in the face of death, these bonds endure and provide a sense of comfort and purpose. The finale ultimately celebrates the power of connection and the enduring legacy of the characters’ relationships. The seemingly eternal high school experience, while fantastical, also serves as a reminder to cherish the moments and memories that shape our lives.