Riverdale (2016–…): Season 5, Episode 4 - Episode #5.4 - full transcript
I'm not gonna
lie to you.
What awaits us
out there
is like nothing we've
ever faced before,
but we will
not be afraid.
Do you know why?
[Bulldogs] 'Cause
we're Bulldogs!
And Bulldogs
never give up.
Men, your mission
is to penetrate
the enemy's defenses,
retrieve your
fallen brother
and return
safely to base.
- Are we clear?
- [Bulldogs] Sir, yes, sir!
[Bulldog] Let's do this!
[Bulldogs shouting
and cheering]
- [indistinct shouting]
- [distant gunshots and explosions]
[Bulldog] Twenty-two!
[grunts]
[whistle blows]
Reggie!
- [grunts]
- [high-pitched ring]
[groans]
[cheerleaders] Let's
go, Bulldogs, let's go!
[cheerleader 1]
One more time!
[cheerleaders] Let's
go, Bulldogs, let's go!
[cheerleader 1] I say
"bull" you say "dogs."
- Bull!
- [cheerleaders] Dogs!
- Bull!
- Dogs!
[cheerleader 1] I say
"bull" you say "dogs".
[grunts]
- [cheerleader 1] Bull!
- [cheerleaders] Dogs!
[distant explosions]
[rapid gunfire]
I need
a little help.
[winces]
Come on!
Archie!
[gunshot]
[panting]
[General Taylor] Rise
and shine, Sergeant.
At ease, Andrews.
You ready to
go home, son?
Home?
No, sir. No.
- I'm ready to get back in the fight.
- Sergeant,
you've given seven
years to the army.
Seven good years.
Every man in your
unit will attest to that.
They're alive
because of you.
Not all of
them, sir.
[sighs]
I've done
some digging.
Turns out
the RROTC program
at your old high school
has been inactive.
I can't think of
anyone more qualified
to bring it
back to life.
With all due
respect, sir,
I didn't join
the army...
to be a desk jockey.
This is not a
request, Sergeant.
It's an order.
Sign your papers.
And by the by,
Corporal Jackson
just transferred in.
[Archie] "In the late
summer of that year,
we lived in a house
in a village
that looked across the river
and the plain to the mountains.
In the bed
of the river,
there were pebbles
and boulders...
dry and white
in the sun,
and the water was
clear and swiftly moving
and blue in
the channels."
[Jackson] Look who
cleans up respectable.
[laughs]
Give me a break.
How you feeling,
brother?
Actually, they got me
on so many pain meds,
I'm good.
You?
- Going somewhere?
- Yeah, home.
Riverdale.
Taylor wants me
running the RROTC,
working enlistment.
Dude, that's
messed up.
Look, Jackson.
I just want to tell
you how sorry I am.
I really wish it was me
in that bed instead of you.
I do, too.
[both laugh]
Sarge...
the only reason I'm still
breathing is 'cause of you.
Riverdale, huh?
It sounds nice.
This is my address.
When you get out
of here, look me up.
Thanks, Sarge.
Will do.
[door bell jingles]
Rock 'n' Roll music playing...
Something wrong,
soldier boy?
Uh, no, no,
everything's fine.
Well, if you're hungry,
grab a stool. Coffee's fresh.
Or if you want
something a little stronger,
you can always
head downstairs.
[upbeat rock music playing]
[indistinct chattering]
♪ In her eyes ♪
♪ The distant firelight ♪
♪ Burns bright ♪
♪ Wondering why ♪
♪ It's only after dark ♪
♪ I find myself in a room ♪
♪ Feel the fever of my doom ♪
♪ Falling, falling
Through the floor ♪
♪ I'm knocking on
The devil's door ♪
♪ Burning, burning
In the flame ♪
♪ Now you know
My secret name ♪
♪ You can tear
My temple down ♪
♪ But I'll be back
And rule again ♪
♪ After dark ♪
♪ After dark ♪
♪ After dark ♪
[audience cheering]
Damn, Toni,
it's good to see you.
Yeah, you, too.
You're all
grown up.
Well, I don't know
about that.
But you,
- you're, uh...
- Pregnant.
Yeah, I am.
Still a bad ass, though.
Who's the dad?
Can I ask?
You can,
but I'm not gonna
answer you.
It's...
It's a secret.
Just for now.
But I'm glad to see
you're back in one piece.
Yeah, yeah.
No, I'm good.
So, who owns
this place now?
Me and the Serpents.
We, uh, all put
our cash together
and bought it
from Hiram Lodge.
A girl's got
to be creative
to survive in
Riverdale these days.
Toni, the bus ride
into town...
I can't explain it.
It...
Everything felt,
- feels...
- Different?
- Weird?
- Yeah.
I mean,
to be honest,
it doesn't even feel
like Riverdale anymore.
Yeah, well, a lot has
changed in the world
since we graduated
high school, Archie.
Yeah, no kidding.
I mean, for starters,
where's Pop Tate?
Well, haven't
you heard?
I thought that's why
you came back to town.
No, I was
reassigned here.
Toni, what happened
to Pop Tate?
*RIVERDALE (US)*
Season 05 Episode 04
Episode Title:
" Chapter Eighty: Purgatorio"
[panting]
Aired on: February 10, 2021
How are the nightmares, Betty?
Are they still keeping
you up at night?
No, I haven't
had one in weeks.
Good.
I'm more than ready
to get back to work.
You are working,
I thought.
I've been assigned
to cold cases,
which means
I'm filing all day.
Betty, you suffered
severe trauma.
You were and still
are only a trainee.
I caught serial killers
in high school, Dr. Starling.
Not like The Trash
Bag Killer.
You'd be surprised.
I found something, Glen,
a connection.
There was a set
of multiple murders
in Odessa, Texas
that just stopped
without the killer
getting caught.
- No explanation.
- Mm-hmm.
Two months later, in Fargo
in North Dakota,
there's a similar
string of killings.
The victim
profiles match
as well as the methods used,
and again, the killings just
stopped for no reason.
Let me guess,
you're thinking we have
a migrating serial killer.
Yes, Glen, I have a hunch.
Betty, stop.
You're supposed to be
logging in cold cases,
not sewing the crazy
quilt out of them.
And the last time you
followed a hunch...
Yeah, The Trash
Bag Killer.
I get it.
I messed up big time.
But how am I supposed to
make up for it
if I'm locked
in a basement?
How am I supposed
to redeem myself?
Listen, it's late.
How about
we call it a day?
I can pick up some
pizza and beer.
We could meet
at my place.
I can't tonight.
I have plans.
Oh... Do you?
I'm meeting
friends for Thai.
[Narrator on TV] Watch
as the hunters take off
chasing down
their prey.
The gazelle, while badly
wounded, tries to run.
But after a long
and meticulous set-up,
the hunters
show no fear
as they chase down...
[gasps]
[sighs]
...with their sharp
teeth and claws...
[screaming]
[cat whining]
Where are you, kitty?
[wind howling]
[latch clicks]
[cat whines]
[cat licking]
[chainsaw whirring]
- [yelling]
- [screams]
[cat meows]
[sighs]
[Dr. Starling] Any
nightmares this week, Betty?
No.
Sleeping like a baby.
Unless you're willing
to open up to me
about your feelings,
about what you
went through
while you were held
captive by TBK,
I won't be able to
help you, Betty.
You know, when I
got to TBK's lair...
Teresa was
already dead.
It wouldn't
have mattered
if I'd gone in there with
an entire SWAT team.
He'd already
killed her.
That's true.
But if you had
waited for backup,
you might not
have been captured.
And the Trash Bag Killer
might not have escaped.
Yeah.
That was a mistake.
I regret that.
You haven't
said much
about your time
in captivity.
Two weeks.
Do you think
about a lot?
[clears throat]
I think about
where TBK
might be right now.
I think about the
people he might...
he might hurt...
because of me.
[ringing]
I'm sorry, I usually
have it turned off.
I have to go home
for a few days...
- to Riverdale.
- Okay. Yeah, sure.
And hey, while you're
there, you can pack up
- the FBI satellite office.
- Okay.
The one where you and your
serial killer brother worked.
Yes, I will pack
up the office.
No problem.
You have to watch
my cat Toffee.
Sure. Yeah,
I can do that.
But I will
need a key.
And since I won't be
seeing you for a few days,
do I at least get
a kiss goodbye?
[clears throat] Mm-hmm.
To one glorious
year of marriage,
to you and me
forever, babe.
Happy anniversary.
Happy anniversary,
Chadwick.
The only thing
we're missing is
a little Chad or a little
Veronica running around.
But I have a feeling
this could be the year.
Don't you think?
Hopefully.
Maybe it's time to...
think about cutting back
your hours at Lacey's.
It's 2021, Chad.
Haven't you heard?
Women can
have it all now.
I just...
I don't want you to
be unduly stressed.
I'm not stressed.
Actually, I miss being on
the trading floor with you.
I miss all
that adrenaline.
The highs of
a filthy huge sale,
talking smack
with the guys.
[chuckles]
They called me "the
she-wolf of Wall Street."
[Announcer indistinctly
chattering on TV]
Wrap this one up
for me, will you, doll?
You want us to put
a dime on it?
With that spread?
Vinny, Vinny,
Vinny.
- Hold up.
- There's no way
I'm letting you
walk out of here
with this
pathetic excuse
for an apology gift.
[alarm chimes]
You know
you're insulting
- your own store's merchandise, right?
- Not at all.
But you're looking at display
counter, off-the-rack items
when you've committed
a specialty showcase,
haute couture offense.
Trust me on
this one, Vinny.
You got to go big...
or your wife will
never forgive you.
T Dubs,
how are you?
Good, Ronnie.
That tip you gave me
took my portfolio
through the roof this year.
You've got
the magic touch.
I just call 'em like
I see 'em, T Dubs.
Oh, by the by, did
Kendra like the bracelet?
Uh... [stammers]
So, about Kendra...
Ugh, T, not again.
[cell phone ringing]
One sec.
- Hey, stud.
- [Chadwick over phone] How's work, babe?
Great.
Katie and I are just
a little slammed.
You want to meet us
for dinner later?
That's funny
because I went to
Lacey's to surprise you,
and I'm standing
next to Katie right now.
Hi, Katie.
You, however, are
nowhere to be seen.
Do you have any idea
how embarrassing it is
not even knowing
where my own wife is?
Forget that you've been
lying to me, Veronica.
What happened
to Lacey's?
I thought we decided
you'd work... -I tried Lacey's,
but I needed something
with a little more edge.
I thought we were working
towards having a baby.
- Oh, my God.
- Or did you forget that?
No. No, Chad,
you forgot.
You forgot
who I am,
who you married.
[sighs]
Remember how it
was in the beginning?
Things were
so good.
You and me working
side by side on the floor.
We were the power
couple to beat.
And the sex...
The sex was amazing.
What happened?
The accident.
Chad...
You use the accident as
an excuse to try and control...
- You almost died.
- So did you!
You didn't want me going back
to Wall Street after the accident
because it was
too stressful,
and I didn't want to keep
having the same argument
over and over again,
so I agreed.
But that
was a mistake,
that's not
who I am.
And the sooner
you accept that,
the better off
you'll be.
-[bell rings] -[director]
Ready, everyone.
And action!
[Hermione] From small town
to big city,
my killer instinct always
gets me what I want.
- [director] And cut!
- [bell rings]
Hermione,
my one-take wonder.
- You're my angel, you know that?
- Thank you.
I wish all the housewives
could be as real as you.
Well, I try.
Wow, Mom, you
make it look so easy.
Well, please, for women who've
been through what we've been through,
this is
mija.
Oh, which reminds me.
Andy wants to know
when you're gonna come
join us for
an episode or two.
Mom, no.
I can't put
my life on display.
Especially not when
it's in utter turmoil.
What's wrong
with your life?
You're married to a
successful, handsome man
who gives you
whatever you want.
I mean, you don't even have
to work if you don't want to.
I love working.
That's the problem.
Chad wants
to turn me
into a baby-making machine.
So, you don't
want to have kids?
I mean, since when?
We have plenty
of time for that.
Right now,
I don't want
to be a mom.
- No offense.
- Mm-hmm.
I want to be the
she-wolf of Wall Street.
Okay, let me
ask you something.
When you and Chad worked
together, you outperformed him,
isn't that right?
Almost every week.
Okay.
That's threatening
to an alpha like Chad.
He's vain,
like Hiram.
Every marriage has
its ups and downs.
And as for
believing that
you have plenty of
time to start a family,
honey, I think the accident
might have shown you
that's not necessarily the case.
[elevator dings]
Let's try this again.
Happy anniversary.
Happy anniversary.
I hate it when we fight.
Especially when
it's my fault.
We never used to.
What happened?
The accident.
When our helicopter
went down
on the way
to Marsha's vineyard,
I said a prayer,
[scoffs] Veronica.
If only one of us will
survive this crash, I thought...
Please let it be my wife.
Let it be the woman
I want to build a life with.
The woman I want to be
the mother of my children.
And then we both survived,
and all I could think is
now we can do those things.
I don't wanna
waste a minute.
Does that make any sense
to you, at all?
It does.
But we're partners.
If I tell you that
I wanna do something,
and that I can handle
the stress of that thing,
you have to trust me, Chad.
[softly] I will.
Hold on,
you... have got to open
your gift first.
A new one comes out
each year,
so you can start
collecting them.
Well, Yvonne, I can see that
Josh was absolutely right about you.
You are a woman
of exquisite taste.
Yes, I am.
I think I have
just the thing.
We usually don't carry items
that are so... high-end.
But I know a guy.
And best of all,
a new Glamerge egg
is released each year.
So you could
start a collection.
Oh, my God.
It's perfect.
[cell phone ringing]
Archie?
Is everything okay?
[suspenseful music playing]
[typewriter keys clacking]
[bell dings]
[yells in frustration]
What the hell, Jones?
[Jughead] Hey,
Samm Pansky, please?
- Hey, hey.
- Jess, please.
Hey, Samm, it's me.
Can we talk?
Okay. So you'd rather talk to
your agent than your girlfriend.
- That's awesome.
- Uh...
Can we actually meet for an early
lunch at that place that you like?
Yeah, great.
All right.
I'll see you soon. Bye.
[breathing heavily] Jess...
- I have writer's block.
- So do I.
But I'm not
punishing you for it.
Can we talk about this
when I get back, please?
[Jughead exhales]
[sighs]
Samm, just give it
to me straight.
Am I still in the running for
the staff writer job New Yorker?
No, kid. I'm sorry.
Just found out this morning.
But you shouldn't be tryin' to
get a job as a reporter anyway.
I mean,
you're a fiction writer.
You should be workin'
on your book.
How's that goin',
by the way?
- I have writer's block.
- Mmm-mmm.
You got a lousy work ethic.
And a toxic relationship.
- And you drink too much.
- So did Kerouac and Hemingway,
- and Fitzgerald.
- You want it straight?
Whatever heat you had coming
off of your first book is long gone.
A year ago you could've had
a story published anywhere,
but now,
you're spoiled goods.
- Passed your sell-by date.
- I just need more time.
[exhales]
Scribner's called. They're
threatening to take back their advance.
Well, did you hold 'em off?
They wanna see pages!
It all comes down to,
"Do you want a career?
Or do you want to be
a one-hit wonder?"
I can't hear you.
[piano music playing]
What?
Hey.
Hey, Jess.
Did you see this?
Did...
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
What's goin' on?
I'm gonna go stay with Hailey
until I find my own place.
Why?
This isn't working anymore.
We haven't been working
for a really long time.
Also, literal debt collectors
are pounding at the door.
Je... Wait. When?
Today.
After you blew me off
to meet with your agent.
Okay. Just...
Jess, please wait. Don't,
don't, don't do this right now.
All I need is... -I don't
know what you need, Jones.
But I'm definitely not it.
Good luck with your book.
It's the only thing
you care about anyway.
[door slams]
[blues music playing]
Excuse me.
This is you, isn't it?
[soft chuckle]
It is you.
Oh, my God. I was just sitting
over there reading your book,
and then I look up,
and there you are.
Forsythe Pendleton Jones III.
My friends just
call me Jughead.
Cora.
I'm a grad student at NYU.
English, of course.
It's wonderful,
by the way... your book.
Which is
obviously an homage...
by S.E. Hinton.
And the love story between the Viper
leader and the homecoming queen.
It's just so...
Romantic?
[clicks tongue] Sexy,
I was gonna say.
It's a very sexy book
you've written.
"Katchi" playing...
♪ Doo wop a doo wop
Shoopi doobi doo wop ♪
♪ Doo wop a doo wop
Shoopi doobi doo wop ♪
♪ She give me Katchi! ♪
♪ Doo wop a doo wop
Shoopi doobi doo wop ♪
♪ All night long ♪
♪ Doo wop a doo wop
Shoopi doobi doo wop ♪
♪ She give me Katchi! ♪
♪ Doo wop a doo wop
Shoopi doobi doo wop ♪
♪ All night long ♪
- Morning.
- Morning.
Where'd you get that?
In one of your drawers.
Is that okay?
Yeah, no.
It's not a big deal.
Uh, there's coffee brewing.
Hey, I remember this.
Right?
- They called you the...
- New Brat Pack.
Yeah.
Wunderkinds.
The season's best
and brightest young writers,
with so much potential.
Full disclosure...
I've read the article
like a hundred times.
[scoffs]
It's how I knew
that bar last night was...
is... your usual hangout.
What?
Okay, so I really am a fan
of your book. Honestly.
But I do have
an ulterior motive.
[suspenseful piano music]
Would you mind
reading my novel?
It's only 342 pages.
And if you like it...
Maybe you could
give it to your agent.
Okay, hold on...
Last night was a ploy
to get me to read your book?
[knocking at door]
[man] Forsythe Jones,
open up!
- Who are they?
- [knocking continues]
- Debt collectors.
- Are they gonna hurt you?
- Forsythe Jones, we know you're in there.
- Uh, uh...
We can see your shadow,
we can hear you...
- Let's go. Open the door.
- I'll read your book, I swear.
Could you, uh,
just do me a favor?
- [man] We're not going anywhere, Jones.
- Please.
Can I help you, gentlemen?
Where's Forsythe Jones?
Uh, he's not here.
I'm apartment-sitting for him.
He got a job writing for a TV
show in LA, just left this morning.
Can I give him
a message for you?
Tell him to call us.
It's urgent.
You got it.
Will do.
Oh... [sighs in relief]
Thank you.
No problem.
But I'll expect to hear from
you by the end of the week.
The end of
the week? [chuckles]
About my novel.
- And about you giving it to your agent.
- Mmm.
And if I don't hear from you...
I know exactly
who I'm gonna call.
[tense music playing]
[cell phone ringing]
[Archie] This is nuts.
I haven't seen you guys,
in what, six years?
[Toni] Actually,
it's been seven.
Wow. Lots of
catching up to do.
Well, I had a job lined up
after graduation
with Riverdale Social Services,
but their offices
got shut down.
Lucky for her, we needed a
guidance counselor at Riverdale High.
You're looking at
the new Mrs. Burble.
Wait. You're working at
Riverdale High, too, Kev?
Mmm.
Yep. I'm the drama teacher.
Got my BA
from Carnegie Mellon,
in Pittsburgh, where...
I've graduated from
the University of Pittsburgh.
Okay.
Whoo!
We stayed boyfriends,
believe it or not.
- And now, we live together here.
- Mm-hmm.
[Toni] With me.
In an apartment
on Cloverfield Lane.
- That's amazing.
- [chuckles]
Sweet Pea,
what about you, bro?
Mostly held down the fort here
while these guys were gone.
- And then when Toni got back...
- We decided to revive the Serpents,
under my leadership.
I was crowned
the Serpent Queen.
Well, I gotta say,
this place is sick.
Pulls in a different
crowd, though.
What's with all the truckers?
Serpents drive trucks
to make cash.
Including me and Fangs.
- Toni had the hookup.
- [Archie] Impressive.
Hey, what about Cheryl?
It's cool, guys.
As you know, after graduation,
Cheryl and I broke up.
RIP, Choni.
After I got back
from Highsmith,
I... went to go check on her
a couple times
- [Cheryl] Hello, Antoinette.
- [Toni] Cheryl, I, uh... thought we could talk.
I'm afraid now
isn't a good time.
As you can see, we're in the
midst of renovating Thornhill,
and I've got
my painting to finish.
Perhaps another day?
Yeah... Sure.
Cheryl, are you okay?
I'm perfectly fine.
Do I appear
to be otherwise?
My mistake.
And did you go back?
I did.
Not too long ago.
But this time I wasn't
Thornhill's only visitor.
Hiram Lodge was there with
his new righthand man, Reggie.
Wait, Reggie's working
for Hiram Lodge?
[Cheryl] I will never sell you
my maple groves, you vulgarian.
Nana and I plan to be buried
amongst those trees.
- We can make that happen.
- [Cheryl scoffs]
Goodbye, would-be usurper.
Business with Hiram Lodge?
No. He comes by
every other week
offering to buy
my maple groves.
But...
I'm really glad to see you.
Toni...
I wonder
if you would do me the honor
of letting me paint you.
I...
Cheryl, no one's seen you
in town in years.
[Cheryl] Don't worry about me,
Nana and I are just fine.
There's no reason for us
to leave Thornhill.
Okay.
Well, after all this time,
don't you wanna hear about me?
Let's see.
You graduated with a 3.9 GPA.
You majored in Social Work,
with a minor in Photography.
And you did extensive charity
and social work.
Am I missing
anything important?
Well, other than the fact
I'm having a baby...
I'd heard that, yes.
Congratulations, Toni.
I won't be gauche
and ask who the father is.
Oh, and I'm completely
out and open with my family.
We've talked about you.
And they recognize and
acknowledge everything you've done
to make up
for your ancestors' sins.
And Cheryl, I think that they'd
approve of us being together.
I'm so happy
to hear that, Toni...
But it...
it's not nearly enough.
The Blossom curse runs deep.
I'm doomed to a life
of unhappiness.
You think you're cursed.
Beloved TT...
Are you familiar
with the Winchester House?
I have seen the movie
with Helen Mirren.
Sarah Winchester came
from a family of rifle makers.
Winchester rifles.
One by one,
family members suffered
painful, horrific fates.
Cursed by the deaths brought on by
their family's stock and trade... rifles.
Only Sarah survived.
And so she started
to build a house.
The Winchester House.
And she believed that as long as it
remained under constant construction,
the curse couldn't consume her.
Is that why
you're rebuilding Thornhill?
Toni...
I'm glad you're doing so well.
You deserve to be happy.
She didn't say
another word.
She just painted me
for 12 hours,
and when she was done,
I left.
And a week later, a package
showed up in the mail,
and it was my portrait.
She didn't keep it as a
reminder of what you guys had?
I guess she didn't want it.
Well done,
my dear.
It's exactly like the original.
It's a perfect copy.
You've learned well.
Now, the question is...
Would you be able to replicate
the work of a master?
Like, say, um...
Rembrandt.
Toni, earlier you said
the town had changed.
I'm probably gonna regret asking
this, but can you tell me how?
I think it might be better
to show you.
Okay.
Where you staying?
I'm crashing at the El Royale,
since my mom's
renting out our house.
Right.
The renters.
Um... I'll pick you up
at the gym.
Okay. Thanks, Toni.
Hey, do you mind if I stay here
to make a few calls?
Yeah. Go for it.
[line ringing]
[clattering]
- Archie?
- [Archie] Toni.
I figured a steel gate would be
enough to keep this gym intact
but this place
is like a war zone.
Well, wait till you see
the rest of the town.
Come on.
My bike's out front.
This was the fire station,
remember?
It was already
a burned-up shell
by the time
I got back from college.
No one's trying to rebuild it?
The town's entire funding has
been completely stripped by...
- Hiram Lodge.
- Bingo.
And not only
is the fire department gone,
but the sheriff's office
is now down to one man...
Kevin's dad.
I don't understand.
What are people doing?
Fending for themselves.
The town's lawless now, Archie.
[birds squawking]
This was Pickens Park.
[squealing]
Where is everybody?
Whoever could afford
to leave is long gone.
Only the people
who are too poor,
too proud to move on,
are still here.
[dogs barking]
This was Sketch Alley.
Now we just call it
what it is...
Skid row.
[dog snarling] - And those dogs
are everywhere, packs of them.
Some are rabid.
[motorcycle engine revving]
This is the fifth bus stop
that's been trashed, melted.
[Toni] Five of dozens.
Nowadays, there's always
a fire burning in Riverdale.
Why burn a bench
for no reason?
Where are people
gonna sit for the bus?
Well, that's the thing, Archie.
Buses don't pass by
here anymore.
Sometimes my trucks do.
But only if they have to,
and rarely at night.
Bad things happen here
after dark.
They call this
"The Lonely Highway."
Why destroy an entire town
for nothing?
What does Hiram Lodge
have to gain?
I'll show you.
I don't get it.
So, where are the houses?
This isn't SoDale proper.
This is where Hiram's
building a turnpike
that leads to SoDale
about half a mile due east.
Hiram's catering
to the rich folk
who can commute into the city.
So he's strangling Riverdale
to boost SoDale.
And let me guess, their
kids will go to SoDale High.
Actually, Stonewall Prep.
That place is the same.
Except Hiram bought himself
a seat on the board.
And so the nightmare continues.
Archie, there's actually
one more place
I think you should
see on the tour.
But you're gonna have to
brace yourself.
[glass shattering, clattering]
[Archie] The Ghoulies moved
into my house?
[heavy metal music playing]
Do you wanna go in there
and knock some heads?
As a matter of fact,
yeah, I do.
But first things first, Toni.
Can we go back to Pop's? See
if any of them actually came?
Okay.
[door bell jingles]
Archie, I heard you were back.
Pop... It's good to see you.
- I missed you.
- Say, I missed all of you.
[sighs]
Archie. Toni.
- Veronica, Betty...
- Hi.
Jughead. I'll, uh,
leave you guys to it then.
No.
You're as much a part of this
as any of us.
[sighs]
Oh, guys.
Toni gave me a tour
of Riverdale today, and it's...
It's a hellscape.
I know I called you here for
Pop's retirement party, but...
We have a much
bigger agenda now.
Riverdale's dying.
And we might be
the only ones who can save it.
Are you sure I can't
convince you to stay, Squeaky?
I'll give you more shifts
if it would help.
I appreciate that, Tabitha,
but...
Riverdale is done with me.
And I am done with Riverdale.
Well, take care of yourself.
Will do.
- [door opens]
- [bell jingles]
- [door closes]
- [bell jingles]
[instrumental music playing]
Her name
is Lynette Fields.
Squeaky, to her friends.
Not that she has many,
mostly she keeps to herself.
She came to Riverdale two
years ago for a fresh start
that never happened.
Now, she was 21,
and it was time to go.
"Maybe things will be different
in San Francisco," she thought.
"Maybe I'll be happy there."
Unfortunately for Lynette,
she'll never make it
to California.
[dramatic music playing]
lie to you.
What awaits us
out there
is like nothing we've
ever faced before,
but we will
not be afraid.
Do you know why?
[Bulldogs] 'Cause
we're Bulldogs!
And Bulldogs
never give up.
Men, your mission
is to penetrate
the enemy's defenses,
retrieve your
fallen brother
and return
safely to base.
- Are we clear?
- [Bulldogs] Sir, yes, sir!
[Bulldog] Let's do this!
[Bulldogs shouting
and cheering]
- [indistinct shouting]
- [distant gunshots and explosions]
[Bulldog] Twenty-two!
[grunts]
[whistle blows]
Reggie!
- [grunts]
- [high-pitched ring]
[groans]
[cheerleaders] Let's
go, Bulldogs, let's go!
[cheerleader 1]
One more time!
[cheerleaders] Let's
go, Bulldogs, let's go!
[cheerleader 1] I say
"bull" you say "dogs."
- Bull!
- [cheerleaders] Dogs!
- Bull!
- Dogs!
[cheerleader 1] I say
"bull" you say "dogs".
[grunts]
- [cheerleader 1] Bull!
- [cheerleaders] Dogs!
[distant explosions]
[rapid gunfire]
I need
a little help.
[winces]
Come on!
Archie!
[gunshot]
[panting]
[General Taylor] Rise
and shine, Sergeant.
At ease, Andrews.
You ready to
go home, son?
Home?
No, sir. No.
- I'm ready to get back in the fight.
- Sergeant,
you've given seven
years to the army.
Seven good years.
Every man in your
unit will attest to that.
They're alive
because of you.
Not all of
them, sir.
[sighs]
I've done
some digging.
Turns out
the RROTC program
at your old high school
has been inactive.
I can't think of
anyone more qualified
to bring it
back to life.
With all due
respect, sir,
I didn't join
the army...
to be a desk jockey.
This is not a
request, Sergeant.
It's an order.
Sign your papers.
And by the by,
Corporal Jackson
just transferred in.
[Archie] "In the late
summer of that year,
we lived in a house
in a village
that looked across the river
and the plain to the mountains.
In the bed
of the river,
there were pebbles
and boulders...
dry and white
in the sun,
and the water was
clear and swiftly moving
and blue in
the channels."
[Jackson] Look who
cleans up respectable.
[laughs]
Give me a break.
How you feeling,
brother?
Actually, they got me
on so many pain meds,
I'm good.
You?
- Going somewhere?
- Yeah, home.
Riverdale.
Taylor wants me
running the RROTC,
working enlistment.
Dude, that's
messed up.
Look, Jackson.
I just want to tell
you how sorry I am.
I really wish it was me
in that bed instead of you.
I do, too.
[both laugh]
Sarge...
the only reason I'm still
breathing is 'cause of you.
Riverdale, huh?
It sounds nice.
This is my address.
When you get out
of here, look me up.
Thanks, Sarge.
Will do.
[door bell jingles]
Rock 'n' Roll music playing...
Something wrong,
soldier boy?
Uh, no, no,
everything's fine.
Well, if you're hungry,
grab a stool. Coffee's fresh.
Or if you want
something a little stronger,
you can always
head downstairs.
[upbeat rock music playing]
[indistinct chattering]
♪ In her eyes ♪
♪ The distant firelight ♪
♪ Burns bright ♪
♪ Wondering why ♪
♪ It's only after dark ♪
♪ I find myself in a room ♪
♪ Feel the fever of my doom ♪
♪ Falling, falling
Through the floor ♪
♪ I'm knocking on
The devil's door ♪
♪ Burning, burning
In the flame ♪
♪ Now you know
My secret name ♪
♪ You can tear
My temple down ♪
♪ But I'll be back
And rule again ♪
♪ After dark ♪
♪ After dark ♪
♪ After dark ♪
[audience cheering]
Damn, Toni,
it's good to see you.
Yeah, you, too.
You're all
grown up.
Well, I don't know
about that.
But you,
- you're, uh...
- Pregnant.
Yeah, I am.
Still a bad ass, though.
Who's the dad?
Can I ask?
You can,
but I'm not gonna
answer you.
It's...
It's a secret.
Just for now.
But I'm glad to see
you're back in one piece.
Yeah, yeah.
No, I'm good.
So, who owns
this place now?
Me and the Serpents.
We, uh, all put
our cash together
and bought it
from Hiram Lodge.
A girl's got
to be creative
to survive in
Riverdale these days.
Toni, the bus ride
into town...
I can't explain it.
It...
Everything felt,
- feels...
- Different?
- Weird?
- Yeah.
I mean,
to be honest,
it doesn't even feel
like Riverdale anymore.
Yeah, well, a lot has
changed in the world
since we graduated
high school, Archie.
Yeah, no kidding.
I mean, for starters,
where's Pop Tate?
Well, haven't
you heard?
I thought that's why
you came back to town.
No, I was
reassigned here.
Toni, what happened
to Pop Tate?
*RIVERDALE (US)*
Season 05 Episode 04
Episode Title:
" Chapter Eighty: Purgatorio"
[panting]
Aired on: February 10, 2021
How are the nightmares, Betty?
Are they still keeping
you up at night?
No, I haven't
had one in weeks.
Good.
I'm more than ready
to get back to work.
You are working,
I thought.
I've been assigned
to cold cases,
which means
I'm filing all day.
Betty, you suffered
severe trauma.
You were and still
are only a trainee.
I caught serial killers
in high school, Dr. Starling.
Not like The Trash
Bag Killer.
You'd be surprised.
I found something, Glen,
a connection.
There was a set
of multiple murders
in Odessa, Texas
that just stopped
without the killer
getting caught.
- No explanation.
- Mm-hmm.
Two months later, in Fargo
in North Dakota,
there's a similar
string of killings.
The victim
profiles match
as well as the methods used,
and again, the killings just
stopped for no reason.
Let me guess,
you're thinking we have
a migrating serial killer.
Yes, Glen, I have a hunch.
Betty, stop.
You're supposed to be
logging in cold cases,
not sewing the crazy
quilt out of them.
And the last time you
followed a hunch...
Yeah, The Trash
Bag Killer.
I get it.
I messed up big time.
But how am I supposed to
make up for it
if I'm locked
in a basement?
How am I supposed
to redeem myself?
Listen, it's late.
How about
we call it a day?
I can pick up some
pizza and beer.
We could meet
at my place.
I can't tonight.
I have plans.
Oh... Do you?
I'm meeting
friends for Thai.
[Narrator on TV] Watch
as the hunters take off
chasing down
their prey.
The gazelle, while badly
wounded, tries to run.
But after a long
and meticulous set-up,
the hunters
show no fear
as they chase down...
[gasps]
[sighs]
...with their sharp
teeth and claws...
[screaming]
[cat whining]
Where are you, kitty?
[wind howling]
[latch clicks]
[cat whines]
[cat licking]
[chainsaw whirring]
- [yelling]
- [screams]
[cat meows]
[sighs]
[Dr. Starling] Any
nightmares this week, Betty?
No.
Sleeping like a baby.
Unless you're willing
to open up to me
about your feelings,
about what you
went through
while you were held
captive by TBK,
I won't be able to
help you, Betty.
You know, when I
got to TBK's lair...
Teresa was
already dead.
It wouldn't
have mattered
if I'd gone in there with
an entire SWAT team.
He'd already
killed her.
That's true.
But if you had
waited for backup,
you might not
have been captured.
And the Trash Bag Killer
might not have escaped.
Yeah.
That was a mistake.
I regret that.
You haven't
said much
about your time
in captivity.
Two weeks.
Do you think
about a lot?
[clears throat]
I think about
where TBK
might be right now.
I think about the
people he might...
he might hurt...
because of me.
[ringing]
I'm sorry, I usually
have it turned off.
I have to go home
for a few days...
- to Riverdale.
- Okay. Yeah, sure.
And hey, while you're
there, you can pack up
- the FBI satellite office.
- Okay.
The one where you and your
serial killer brother worked.
Yes, I will pack
up the office.
No problem.
You have to watch
my cat Toffee.
Sure. Yeah,
I can do that.
But I will
need a key.
And since I won't be
seeing you for a few days,
do I at least get
a kiss goodbye?
[clears throat] Mm-hmm.
To one glorious
year of marriage,
to you and me
forever, babe.
Happy anniversary.
Happy anniversary,
Chadwick.
The only thing
we're missing is
a little Chad or a little
Veronica running around.
But I have a feeling
this could be the year.
Don't you think?
Hopefully.
Maybe it's time to...
think about cutting back
your hours at Lacey's.
It's 2021, Chad.
Haven't you heard?
Women can
have it all now.
I just...
I don't want you to
be unduly stressed.
I'm not stressed.
Actually, I miss being on
the trading floor with you.
I miss all
that adrenaline.
The highs of
a filthy huge sale,
talking smack
with the guys.
[chuckles]
They called me "the
she-wolf of Wall Street."
[Announcer indistinctly
chattering on TV]
Wrap this one up
for me, will you, doll?
You want us to put
a dime on it?
With that spread?
Vinny, Vinny,
Vinny.
- Hold up.
- There's no way
I'm letting you
walk out of here
with this
pathetic excuse
for an apology gift.
[alarm chimes]
You know
you're insulting
- your own store's merchandise, right?
- Not at all.
But you're looking at display
counter, off-the-rack items
when you've committed
a specialty showcase,
haute couture offense.
Trust me on
this one, Vinny.
You got to go big...
or your wife will
never forgive you.
T Dubs,
how are you?
Good, Ronnie.
That tip you gave me
took my portfolio
through the roof this year.
You've got
the magic touch.
I just call 'em like
I see 'em, T Dubs.
Oh, by the by, did
Kendra like the bracelet?
Uh... [stammers]
So, about Kendra...
Ugh, T, not again.
[cell phone ringing]
One sec.
- Hey, stud.
- [Chadwick over phone] How's work, babe?
Great.
Katie and I are just
a little slammed.
You want to meet us
for dinner later?
That's funny
because I went to
Lacey's to surprise you,
and I'm standing
next to Katie right now.
Hi, Katie.
You, however, are
nowhere to be seen.
Do you have any idea
how embarrassing it is
not even knowing
where my own wife is?
Forget that you've been
lying to me, Veronica.
What happened
to Lacey's?
I thought we decided
you'd work... -I tried Lacey's,
but I needed something
with a little more edge.
I thought we were working
towards having a baby.
- Oh, my God.
- Or did you forget that?
No. No, Chad,
you forgot.
You forgot
who I am,
who you married.
[sighs]
Remember how it
was in the beginning?
Things were
so good.
You and me working
side by side on the floor.
We were the power
couple to beat.
And the sex...
The sex was amazing.
What happened?
The accident.
Chad...
You use the accident as
an excuse to try and control...
- You almost died.
- So did you!
You didn't want me going back
to Wall Street after the accident
because it was
too stressful,
and I didn't want to keep
having the same argument
over and over again,
so I agreed.
But that
was a mistake,
that's not
who I am.
And the sooner
you accept that,
the better off
you'll be.
-[bell rings] -[director]
Ready, everyone.
And action!
[Hermione] From small town
to big city,
my killer instinct always
gets me what I want.
- [director] And cut!
- [bell rings]
Hermione,
my one-take wonder.
- You're my angel, you know that?
- Thank you.
I wish all the housewives
could be as real as you.
Well, I try.
Wow, Mom, you
make it look so easy.
Well, please, for women who've
been through what we've been through,
this is
mija.
Oh, which reminds me.
Andy wants to know
when you're gonna come
join us for
an episode or two.
Mom, no.
I can't put
my life on display.
Especially not when
it's in utter turmoil.
What's wrong
with your life?
You're married to a
successful, handsome man
who gives you
whatever you want.
I mean, you don't even have
to work if you don't want to.
I love working.
That's the problem.
Chad wants
to turn me
into a baby-making machine.
So, you don't
want to have kids?
I mean, since when?
We have plenty
of time for that.
Right now,
I don't want
to be a mom.
- No offense.
- Mm-hmm.
I want to be the
she-wolf of Wall Street.
Okay, let me
ask you something.
When you and Chad worked
together, you outperformed him,
isn't that right?
Almost every week.
Okay.
That's threatening
to an alpha like Chad.
He's vain,
like Hiram.
Every marriage has
its ups and downs.
And as for
believing that
you have plenty of
time to start a family,
honey, I think the accident
might have shown you
that's not necessarily the case.
[elevator dings]
Let's try this again.
Happy anniversary.
Happy anniversary.
I hate it when we fight.
Especially when
it's my fault.
We never used to.
What happened?
The accident.
When our helicopter
went down
on the way
to Marsha's vineyard,
I said a prayer,
[scoffs] Veronica.
If only one of us will
survive this crash, I thought...
Please let it be my wife.
Let it be the woman
I want to build a life with.
The woman I want to be
the mother of my children.
And then we both survived,
and all I could think is
now we can do those things.
I don't wanna
waste a minute.
Does that make any sense
to you, at all?
It does.
But we're partners.
If I tell you that
I wanna do something,
and that I can handle
the stress of that thing,
you have to trust me, Chad.
[softly] I will.
Hold on,
you... have got to open
your gift first.
A new one comes out
each year,
so you can start
collecting them.
Well, Yvonne, I can see that
Josh was absolutely right about you.
You are a woman
of exquisite taste.
Yes, I am.
I think I have
just the thing.
We usually don't carry items
that are so... high-end.
But I know a guy.
And best of all,
a new Glamerge egg
is released each year.
So you could
start a collection.
Oh, my God.
It's perfect.
[cell phone ringing]
Archie?
Is everything okay?
[suspenseful music playing]
[typewriter keys clacking]
[bell dings]
[yells in frustration]
What the hell, Jones?
[Jughead] Hey,
Samm Pansky, please?
- Hey, hey.
- Jess, please.
Hey, Samm, it's me.
Can we talk?
Okay. So you'd rather talk to
your agent than your girlfriend.
- That's awesome.
- Uh...
Can we actually meet for an early
lunch at that place that you like?
Yeah, great.
All right.
I'll see you soon. Bye.
[breathing heavily] Jess...
- I have writer's block.
- So do I.
But I'm not
punishing you for it.
Can we talk about this
when I get back, please?
[Jughead exhales]
[sighs]
Samm, just give it
to me straight.
Am I still in the running for
the staff writer job New Yorker?
No, kid. I'm sorry.
Just found out this morning.
But you shouldn't be tryin' to
get a job as a reporter anyway.
I mean,
you're a fiction writer.
You should be workin'
on your book.
How's that goin',
by the way?
- I have writer's block.
- Mmm-mmm.
You got a lousy work ethic.
And a toxic relationship.
- And you drink too much.
- So did Kerouac and Hemingway,
- and Fitzgerald.
- You want it straight?
Whatever heat you had coming
off of your first book is long gone.
A year ago you could've had
a story published anywhere,
but now,
you're spoiled goods.
- Passed your sell-by date.
- I just need more time.
[exhales]
Scribner's called. They're
threatening to take back their advance.
Well, did you hold 'em off?
They wanna see pages!
It all comes down to,
"Do you want a career?
Or do you want to be
a one-hit wonder?"
I can't hear you.
[piano music playing]
What?
Hey.
Hey, Jess.
Did you see this?
Did...
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
What's goin' on?
I'm gonna go stay with Hailey
until I find my own place.
Why?
This isn't working anymore.
We haven't been working
for a really long time.
Also, literal debt collectors
are pounding at the door.
Je... Wait. When?
Today.
After you blew me off
to meet with your agent.
Okay. Just...
Jess, please wait. Don't,
don't, don't do this right now.
All I need is... -I don't
know what you need, Jones.
But I'm definitely not it.
Good luck with your book.
It's the only thing
you care about anyway.
[door slams]
[blues music playing]
Excuse me.
This is you, isn't it?
[soft chuckle]
It is you.
Oh, my God. I was just sitting
over there reading your book,
and then I look up,
and there you are.
Forsythe Pendleton Jones III.
My friends just
call me Jughead.
Cora.
I'm a grad student at NYU.
English, of course.
It's wonderful,
by the way... your book.
Which is
obviously an homage...
by S.E. Hinton.
And the love story between the Viper
leader and the homecoming queen.
It's just so...
Romantic?
[clicks tongue] Sexy,
I was gonna say.
It's a very sexy book
you've written.
"Katchi" playing...
♪ Doo wop a doo wop
Shoopi doobi doo wop ♪
♪ Doo wop a doo wop
Shoopi doobi doo wop ♪
♪ She give me Katchi! ♪
♪ Doo wop a doo wop
Shoopi doobi doo wop ♪
♪ All night long ♪
♪ Doo wop a doo wop
Shoopi doobi doo wop ♪
♪ She give me Katchi! ♪
♪ Doo wop a doo wop
Shoopi doobi doo wop ♪
♪ All night long ♪
- Morning.
- Morning.
Where'd you get that?
In one of your drawers.
Is that okay?
Yeah, no.
It's not a big deal.
Uh, there's coffee brewing.
Hey, I remember this.
Right?
- They called you the...
- New Brat Pack.
Yeah.
Wunderkinds.
The season's best
and brightest young writers,
with so much potential.
Full disclosure...
I've read the article
like a hundred times.
[scoffs]
It's how I knew
that bar last night was...
is... your usual hangout.
What?
Okay, so I really am a fan
of your book. Honestly.
But I do have
an ulterior motive.
[suspenseful piano music]
Would you mind
reading my novel?
It's only 342 pages.
And if you like it...
Maybe you could
give it to your agent.
Okay, hold on...
Last night was a ploy
to get me to read your book?
[knocking at door]
[man] Forsythe Jones,
open up!
- Who are they?
- [knocking continues]
- Debt collectors.
- Are they gonna hurt you?
- Forsythe Jones, we know you're in there.
- Uh, uh...
We can see your shadow,
we can hear you...
- Let's go. Open the door.
- I'll read your book, I swear.
Could you, uh,
just do me a favor?
- [man] We're not going anywhere, Jones.
- Please.
Can I help you, gentlemen?
Where's Forsythe Jones?
Uh, he's not here.
I'm apartment-sitting for him.
He got a job writing for a TV
show in LA, just left this morning.
Can I give him
a message for you?
Tell him to call us.
It's urgent.
You got it.
Will do.
Oh... [sighs in relief]
Thank you.
No problem.
But I'll expect to hear from
you by the end of the week.
The end of
the week? [chuckles]
About my novel.
- And about you giving it to your agent.
- Mmm.
And if I don't hear from you...
I know exactly
who I'm gonna call.
[tense music playing]
[cell phone ringing]
[Archie] This is nuts.
I haven't seen you guys,
in what, six years?
[Toni] Actually,
it's been seven.
Wow. Lots of
catching up to do.
Well, I had a job lined up
after graduation
with Riverdale Social Services,
but their offices
got shut down.
Lucky for her, we needed a
guidance counselor at Riverdale High.
You're looking at
the new Mrs. Burble.
Wait. You're working at
Riverdale High, too, Kev?
Mmm.
Yep. I'm the drama teacher.
Got my BA
from Carnegie Mellon,
in Pittsburgh, where...
I've graduated from
the University of Pittsburgh.
Okay.
Whoo!
We stayed boyfriends,
believe it or not.
- And now, we live together here.
- Mm-hmm.
[Toni] With me.
In an apartment
on Cloverfield Lane.
- That's amazing.
- [chuckles]
Sweet Pea,
what about you, bro?
Mostly held down the fort here
while these guys were gone.
- And then when Toni got back...
- We decided to revive the Serpents,
under my leadership.
I was crowned
the Serpent Queen.
Well, I gotta say,
this place is sick.
Pulls in a different
crowd, though.
What's with all the truckers?
Serpents drive trucks
to make cash.
Including me and Fangs.
- Toni had the hookup.
- [Archie] Impressive.
Hey, what about Cheryl?
It's cool, guys.
As you know, after graduation,
Cheryl and I broke up.
RIP, Choni.
After I got back
from Highsmith,
I... went to go check on her
a couple times
- [Cheryl] Hello, Antoinette.
- [Toni] Cheryl, I, uh... thought we could talk.
I'm afraid now
isn't a good time.
As you can see, we're in the
midst of renovating Thornhill,
and I've got
my painting to finish.
Perhaps another day?
Yeah... Sure.
Cheryl, are you okay?
I'm perfectly fine.
Do I appear
to be otherwise?
My mistake.
And did you go back?
I did.
Not too long ago.
But this time I wasn't
Thornhill's only visitor.
Hiram Lodge was there with
his new righthand man, Reggie.
Wait, Reggie's working
for Hiram Lodge?
[Cheryl] I will never sell you
my maple groves, you vulgarian.
Nana and I plan to be buried
amongst those trees.
- We can make that happen.
- [Cheryl scoffs]
Goodbye, would-be usurper.
Business with Hiram Lodge?
No. He comes by
every other week
offering to buy
my maple groves.
But...
I'm really glad to see you.
Toni...
I wonder
if you would do me the honor
of letting me paint you.
I...
Cheryl, no one's seen you
in town in years.
[Cheryl] Don't worry about me,
Nana and I are just fine.
There's no reason for us
to leave Thornhill.
Okay.
Well, after all this time,
don't you wanna hear about me?
Let's see.
You graduated with a 3.9 GPA.
You majored in Social Work,
with a minor in Photography.
And you did extensive charity
and social work.
Am I missing
anything important?
Well, other than the fact
I'm having a baby...
I'd heard that, yes.
Congratulations, Toni.
I won't be gauche
and ask who the father is.
Oh, and I'm completely
out and open with my family.
We've talked about you.
And they recognize and
acknowledge everything you've done
to make up
for your ancestors' sins.
And Cheryl, I think that they'd
approve of us being together.
I'm so happy
to hear that, Toni...
But it...
it's not nearly enough.
The Blossom curse runs deep.
I'm doomed to a life
of unhappiness.
You think you're cursed.
Beloved TT...
Are you familiar
with the Winchester House?
I have seen the movie
with Helen Mirren.
Sarah Winchester came
from a family of rifle makers.
Winchester rifles.
One by one,
family members suffered
painful, horrific fates.
Cursed by the deaths brought on by
their family's stock and trade... rifles.
Only Sarah survived.
And so she started
to build a house.
The Winchester House.
And she believed that as long as it
remained under constant construction,
the curse couldn't consume her.
Is that why
you're rebuilding Thornhill?
Toni...
I'm glad you're doing so well.
You deserve to be happy.
She didn't say
another word.
She just painted me
for 12 hours,
and when she was done,
I left.
And a week later, a package
showed up in the mail,
and it was my portrait.
She didn't keep it as a
reminder of what you guys had?
I guess she didn't want it.
Well done,
my dear.
It's exactly like the original.
It's a perfect copy.
You've learned well.
Now, the question is...
Would you be able to replicate
the work of a master?
Like, say, um...
Rembrandt.
Toni, earlier you said
the town had changed.
I'm probably gonna regret asking
this, but can you tell me how?
I think it might be better
to show you.
Okay.
Where you staying?
I'm crashing at the El Royale,
since my mom's
renting out our house.
Right.
The renters.
Um... I'll pick you up
at the gym.
Okay. Thanks, Toni.
Hey, do you mind if I stay here
to make a few calls?
Yeah. Go for it.
[line ringing]
[clattering]
- Archie?
- [Archie] Toni.
I figured a steel gate would be
enough to keep this gym intact
but this place
is like a war zone.
Well, wait till you see
the rest of the town.
Come on.
My bike's out front.
This was the fire station,
remember?
It was already
a burned-up shell
by the time
I got back from college.
No one's trying to rebuild it?
The town's entire funding has
been completely stripped by...
- Hiram Lodge.
- Bingo.
And not only
is the fire department gone,
but the sheriff's office
is now down to one man...
Kevin's dad.
I don't understand.
What are people doing?
Fending for themselves.
The town's lawless now, Archie.
[birds squawking]
This was Pickens Park.
[squealing]
Where is everybody?
Whoever could afford
to leave is long gone.
Only the people
who are too poor,
too proud to move on,
are still here.
[dogs barking]
This was Sketch Alley.
Now we just call it
what it is...
Skid row.
[dog snarling] - And those dogs
are everywhere, packs of them.
Some are rabid.
[motorcycle engine revving]
This is the fifth bus stop
that's been trashed, melted.
[Toni] Five of dozens.
Nowadays, there's always
a fire burning in Riverdale.
Why burn a bench
for no reason?
Where are people
gonna sit for the bus?
Well, that's the thing, Archie.
Buses don't pass by
here anymore.
Sometimes my trucks do.
But only if they have to,
and rarely at night.
Bad things happen here
after dark.
They call this
"The Lonely Highway."
Why destroy an entire town
for nothing?
What does Hiram Lodge
have to gain?
I'll show you.
I don't get it.
So, where are the houses?
This isn't SoDale proper.
This is where Hiram's
building a turnpike
that leads to SoDale
about half a mile due east.
Hiram's catering
to the rich folk
who can commute into the city.
So he's strangling Riverdale
to boost SoDale.
And let me guess, their
kids will go to SoDale High.
Actually, Stonewall Prep.
That place is the same.
Except Hiram bought himself
a seat on the board.
And so the nightmare continues.
Archie, there's actually
one more place
I think you should
see on the tour.
But you're gonna have to
brace yourself.
[glass shattering, clattering]
[Archie] The Ghoulies moved
into my house?
[heavy metal music playing]
Do you wanna go in there
and knock some heads?
As a matter of fact,
yeah, I do.
But first things first, Toni.
Can we go back to Pop's? See
if any of them actually came?
Okay.
[door bell jingles]
Archie, I heard you were back.
Pop... It's good to see you.
- I missed you.
- Say, I missed all of you.
[sighs]
Archie. Toni.
- Veronica, Betty...
- Hi.
Jughead. I'll, uh,
leave you guys to it then.
No.
You're as much a part of this
as any of us.
[sighs]
Oh, guys.
Toni gave me a tour
of Riverdale today, and it's...
It's a hellscape.
I know I called you here for
Pop's retirement party, but...
We have a much
bigger agenda now.
Riverdale's dying.
And we might be
the only ones who can save it.
Are you sure I can't
convince you to stay, Squeaky?
I'll give you more shifts
if it would help.
I appreciate that, Tabitha,
but...
Riverdale is done with me.
And I am done with Riverdale.
Well, take care of yourself.
Will do.
- [door opens]
- [bell jingles]
- [door closes]
- [bell jingles]
[instrumental music playing]
Her name
is Lynette Fields.
Squeaky, to her friends.
Not that she has many,
mostly she keeps to herself.
She came to Riverdale two
years ago for a fresh start
that never happened.
Now, she was 21,
and it was time to go.
"Maybe things will be different
in San Francisco," she thought.
"Maybe I'll be happy there."
Unfortunately for Lynette,
she'll never make it
to California.
[dramatic music playing]