Riverdale Round Table: The Mystery Begins
Justin Carreiro
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Welcome to the town of Riverdale!
Archie and his music teacher Ms. Grundy sparked an affair over the summer, Betty was betrayed by her friends, and the dead body of Jason Blossom washed up on shore on Riverdale Season 1 Episode 1.
Below, TV Fanatics Mandy Treccia, Paul Dailly, and Justin Carreiro debate the new look of Archie Comics on the TV screen, and discuss their favorite – or in some cases, least favorite – characters from the show.
What are your first impressions of Riverdale after watching the premiere?
Mandy: I am 100 percent in love with the show. It's exactly what's been missing from CW's lineup in recent years. A high school drama filled with small town intrigue and messy, soapy goodness. Well-acted, great writing, and the kind of intrigue that leaves me dying for the next episodes.
Paul: It was great. Having never read any of the Archie comics, I was skeptical. The show seems like it's going to be the next big teen drama and I can't wait to see what becomes of the characters. The teacher-student relationship should have been left out, however.
Justin: This show has hooked me right from the start! As I mentioned in the series premiere review, I love the dark colors, the tone, and the complex characters adapted from the comics. I need more episodes!
Archie and Ms. Grundy's summer affair. React!
Mandy: Not a huge fan of this trope. Crimes are not sexy, kids. That being said, I'm suspicious of Ms. Grundy and her motives. She seemed to be the instigator. Given the mystery vibe of the show, I wonder if there's more to it. Like she targeted him for a deeper reason than his abs.
Paul: This did nothing to sell the show to me. It was almost like the powers that be wanted us to be shocked by it, or something. Teen dramas have a knack for teacher-student flings and they're pretty tedious.
Justin: I'm over it! It's been done before and unless their affair plays a bigger part in the mystery, this is pointless. I'm not rooting for this relationship. (I can't!)
Is Cheryl pure evil or simply loves being the "Queen Bee" character?
Mandy: She definitely loves being the Queen Bee, but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. She did just lose her twin. Grief might be making her extra mean. Although, she could end up being the one-dimensional mean girl. Then the show can dive into what made her so evil.
Paul: She's not evil. She likes to live up to her title, but she will eventually emerge as one of the more intriguing characters.
Justin: She loves the popularity and position. I think she does enjoy being evil from time-to-time, but there's a good side to her. Maybe Jason's murder will change her outlook?
Betty had the worst night ever: Archie turning her down and Veronica betraying her. Should she forgive her friends?
Mandy: Team Betty all the way! My heart broke for her. That last scene with Betty and Archie was my favorite part of the episode. So much fire and emotion.
I think she should forgive because you can't control how other people feel. But it's a "fool me once" situation with Veronica. If she betrays her again, that's not friendship.
Paul: Of course. They were thrown into the situation by Cheryl and they give in to passion. It happens.
Justin: Definitely! I love the friendship between Betty and Veronica; they're amazing together. Though, Betty should be cautious with her friends. You never know if it will happen again.
We got to see/meet most of the characters this premiere. Was there anyone you want to see more of this season? (Or less of?)
Mandy: Kevin! Don't just let him be the sassy gay best friend cliche. I want to see all the layers and backstory for him. Josie too. Let's find out more about her and her band. Cheryl seems like the character who might be better in small doses. Unless they do tone down her meanness.
Paul: Veronica was great. I'm looking at her as a young Blair Waldorf, who had to flee New York.
Justin: Kevin and Cheryl are my favorites, and I need more quips from them. However, I want to see more of Josie and Jughead. They both were barely in the premiere and didn't say much; I need more scenes with them.
Who do you think killed Jason Blossom? Share your theories!
Mandy: Genuinely stumped on this one. I don't trust Ms. Grundy. Actually, all the parents seem a little suspicious, but in a good way, where I want to know more about them.
Maybe Cheryl killed her twin so she wouldn't have to share the spotlight. Or maybe Betty's sister played a role? Too many possibilities and not enough clues right now.
Paul: I have no idea. There are too many characters to make much of a guess at this stage.
Justin: I don't know if we've met the killer yet; it could be someone later on. However, my gut keeps telling me Polly (Betty's sister), Betty's mother or father are somehow involved. This romance must play a role somehow.
Missed the series premiere of Riverdale? You can watch Riverdale online via TV Fanatic. Come back here and join the discussion.
Justin Carreiro was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.
