SPOILER ALERT: Major Twists in the Series Finale of “Riverdale”

The End of “Riverdale”

After seven seasons of milkshake-drinking, love triangles, crime-solving, and one incredible bear attack, the CW’s teen drama-turned-supernatural phenom, “Riverdale,” finally wrapped up on Wednesday night. Titled “Goodbye, Riverdale,” the finale took a major leap forward in time, showing Betty in her 80s as the last surviving member of the Riverdale crew. However, before her death, she gets a visit from the ghost of Jughead, who takes her back to a day when she missed school, allowing her to reconnect with her friends and find out what happened to them after high school.

The Love Triangle Turned Square

Throughout the series, the love triangle between Archie, Betty, and Veronica has been a central focus. However, in the finale, it is revealed that the four main characters were actually in a quad relationship. Many fans were surprised that none of them ended up together after high school. According to Sarah Schechter, the chairperson of Berlanti Productions and one of the executive producers of “Riverdale,” there was no specific plan for the characters’ relationships. The intention was to step away from the traditional love triangle trope and create a more modern and fitting ending for the characters. Schechter believes that not ending up together is a more honest and mature choice, emphasizing that a person’s life is deeper and more meaningful than who they end up with.

LGBTQ Representation and Surprise Cameos

“Riverdale” has been praised for its excellent representation of LGBTQ couples. However, in the finale, when the quad relationship is revealed, all pairings, including Betty and Veronica, are shown hooking up, except for Archie and Jughead. When asked about this, Schechter jokingly replied that it was “too hot for TV.” She also mentioned that the surprise cameo of former Warner Bros. Television CEO, Peter Roth, was all Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s idea. Roth’s involvement in the show and his appearance in the finale felt perfect, as he played a significant role in keeping “Riverdale” on the air.

The Evolution of “Riverdale”

“Riverdale” went through a noticeable shift in tone over the seasons, transitioning from a teen drama to a full-blown supernatural series with elements of murder mystery. According to Schechter, this evolution was a testament to showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s passions. Aguirre-Sacasa’s diverse interests in horror, comedy, and action influenced the show’s modernity and allowed for experimentation and fun in storytelling. Schechter believes that the number of episodes they were able to make and the strong, experienced writers’ room contributed to the show’s growth and evolution.

Wildest Storylines

“Riverdale” has had its fair share of wild storylines that have surprised and entertained audiences. One notable storyline was the secret brother/Chic/Charles twist, which Schechter described as a traditional soap move. She also mentioned the Gargoyle King storyline, which she followed easily, and the bear attack, which caught actor KJ Apa by surprise. When asked about the cast’s reaction to the show’s increasingly bizarre storylines, Schechter expressed her joy and privilege in watching the cast grow and adapt to the changes. She noted that some cast members questioned the storylines in the early seasons but eventually embraced the show’s unique style.

Favorite Storylines

While there have been many outlandish storylines in “Riverdale,” Schechter shared her favorite storyline that some people may laugh at but she found enjoyable: the idea of a nightclub under Pops. This unexpected twist added an element of fun and excitement to the show.

In conclusion, the series finale of “Riverdale” brought the story to a satisfying close, with surprising twists and a reflection on the characters’ lives after high school. The evolution of the show, from a teen drama to a supernatural series, showcased the creativity and versatility of the writers and producers. “Riverdale” will be remembered for its representation of LGBTQ couples and its willingness to take risks with its storytelling.