Juicy Riverdale Finale Reveals Jaw-Dropping Four Way Romance: Producer Spills All!
Riverdale's series finale delivers an enticing blend of fan service and genuine emotions as it explores a compelling four-way romance among the main 'ships,' offering a captivating conclusion that keeps viewers forever invested
Summary
Riverdale's series finale ends with the four main characters together for a time, showcasing their bond instead of favoring one relationship.
Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica's decision to be in a polyamorous relationship is viewed as a mature departure from the conventional storyline. In the finale, the show emphasizes the impermanence of high school and the ephemeral connections established during this period. It also acknowledges the bittersweet feelings of nostalgia and remorse that accompany the passage of time.
Riverdale executive producer Sarah Schechter offered insight on the decision to have the four main characters end up together in the series finale, rather than focusing on one relationship. She emphasized that the dynamic between Archie, Veronica, Betty, and Jughead played a significant role in the show's success, alongside its captivating plot twists and incorporation of various genres. In the finale, which sees the characters returning to high school for the last time, the teen drama deliberately avoids favoring a single relationship. Instead, a montage reveals that the core four come together, albeit temporarily.
During a post-finale interview with Variety, Schechter discussed the Riverdale series finale and explained why the choice was made for Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica to pursue a polyamorous relationship before ultimately drifting apart. She described the decision as a mature one, shifting away from the predictable narrative of Archie having to choose between two girls. Schechter further expressed that the chosen direction was more profound and meaningful.
Anyone claiming that there was always a plan regarding this matter is being dishonest. From the very beginning, we had numerous discussions about avoiding outdated elements and the risk of oversimplification. Archie Comics has always revolved around themes of family, community, and coming of age, but at its core was always Archie's struggle between two girls. However, in the pilot episode, we deliberately moved away from that and have continued to do so throughout the series. This choice, I believe, made it more contemporary and appropriate. Each of these characters has their own expansive lives they were meant to live. Not ending up together in a way conveys a greater sense of honesty. It also serves as a reminder that each relationship holds equal importance in its own time. If any pairing were to occur, it would somehow diminish the power of the others.
What I truly appreciate about it is the maturity it brings. A person's life is not defined by the person they end up with; it goes much deeper and holds more significance than that. Roberto, being a fan of theater, subtly incorporates elements of "Our Town" into it, but with a modern twist. It's still "Riverdale"! I found it to be an astonishing choice, and in the end, they all come together in the afterlife. This allows viewers to continuously invest in the characters and their relationships.
Riverdale's Finale Straddled The Line Between Fan Service And Reality
In the finale, Betty takes on the role of the main character. Portrayed by Michelle Scarabelli from Superman & Lois as an 86-year-old, she discovers the news of Jughead's death through the obituaries. As the last surviving member of the group, she becomes nostalgic and yearns to return to her hometown, Riverdale. Interestingly, her wish is granted when a younger version of Jughead appears as a guiding angel. Betty selects the day in their senior year when they receive their yearbooks.
Transported back to her youth, Betty reconnects with her old friends. However, the day is tinged with sadness as she learns about the eventual demise of many of her companions. The bittersweet atmosphere persists as Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and Archie enjoy their time together as a tight-knit group, yet their happiness is short-lived. Archie departs for California and marries someone outside of their circle. Veronica finds success and fame in Hollywood, winning an Oscar. Jughead and Betty forge prosperous careers independently. While a number of Riverdale couples find their happy endings, including iconic pairs like Toni and Cheryl, the finale of Riverdale earnestly acknowledges the transient nature of high school and the significance of those bonds.
Betty expresses her desire to remain young alongside her friends and have a promising future, acknowledging that it is not possible. This somber truth contrasts with the typically exaggerated fantasies present in teen dramas. Riverdale offers one final gesture to satisfy fans while astutely reflects on the universal experiences of nostalgia and regret that come with aging and approaching the conclusion.
