Summary
An extended version of the Riverdale finale (available on The CW website/app) sheds light on Cheryl's brother's fate in Vietnam and Nana Rose's multiple reincarnations.
Sheriff Keller engages in a clandestine romance with Archie's uncle, Frank, but they meet their ultimate demise at the hands of Betty's estranged brother. Moreover, in the extended version, there is an added emphasis on Betty's remorse regarding her decision to relinquish her youthful history.
The Riverdale series finale deleted scenes shed light on the fates of various characters. Surprisingly, the long-standing CW drama concluded on a melancholic note. Guided by an angelic Jughead, a nostalgic Betty relives her high school days for one last time. However, amidst the reminiscing, Betty discovers the unfortunate destinies of her friends, including details about their deaths.
TVLine has reported that The CW has released an extended version of the Riverdale series finale, which can be accessed on The CW's website and app. This extended edition contains several previously deleted scenes. These additional scenes reveal that Cheryl's brother, Julian, tragically becomes lost and loses his life in Vietnam. There are also shocking revelations about Nana Rose, who experiences multiple reincarnations, and the surprising secret romance between Sheriff Keller and Archie's uncle, Frank. Tragically, they meet their demise at the hands of Betty's long-lost brother. The extended version further delves into Betty's remorse for letting go of her youthful past.
The Extended Riverdale Series Finale Highlights The Episode's Themes
The extended version provides additional details about minor characters, like Principal Weatherbee marrying Archie's English teacher Miss Thornton. It also delves deeper into the main idea of the previous episode, which is Betty's remorse for losing touch with Jughead, Archie, and Veronica. Before getting the chance to relive their final day in high school, Betty discovers Jughead's death in the obituaries. This serves as a clear indication of how much the once close group has grown apart.
Their drifting apart is not due to any ill intent, but rather because Archie, Veronica, Jughead, and Betty have taken different paths in life. Archie marries someone outside of the group, Veronica becomes a successful figure in Hollywood, and both Betty and Jughead have flourishing careers of their own. In the extended version of the finale, Betty is acutely aware of this. She chooses not to attend Cheryl's party, realizing that it would be their last moment together as a whole.
In the finale, Betty expresses her reluctance to bid farewell, a sentiment that is even more emphasized in the extended version. Jughead persuades her to fully embrace the present moment they are experiencing. The extended version includes a lengthened scene depicting Betty's final car ride, during which she bids farewell to various landmarks in Sweetwater Riverdale, including Pop's diner and the high school. "Goodbye, Riverdale," she utters. "It has been a tremendous privilege to have grown up in this town."