The Jaw-Dropping Riverdale Series Finale Twist: Unveiling the Fate of Archie & His Friends

Summary

Riverdale

The series finale delves into the occasional absurdity of its source material, delivering an entertaining and self-aware ending.

Betty, Veronica, Archie, and Jughead, the main quartet of characters, ultimately find themselves in a polyamorous relationship, while other beloved pairings also remain intact.

The

Riverdale

Over time, the gang gradually drifts apart, bringing a heartbreaking twist that encompasses the nostalgic approach of the show and the reality of growing up. In the much-anticipated finale of Riverdale, after six years and seven seasons filled with the exhilarating highs and devastating lows of high school football, viewers finally discover the fates of Archie and his friends in the town known for its pep. The finale cleverly incorporates meta references to its origins in the Archie Comics, fearlessly exploring the occasional absurdity of its source material. This aspect not only contributes to the show's entertainment value but also speaks to the longevity of the Archie Comics, which have endured for nearly 85 years. In a brilliant and befitting twist that aligns with the rest of the season set in 1955, the Riverdale series finale ponders how to bid farewell to stories that never truly conclude.

Betty, Veronica, Archie & Jughead All End Up Together (Sort Of)

:

In the penultimate episode of the series, Archie (KJ Apa) and his gang make a decision to restore their happy memories. Jughead (Cole Sprouse), the self-proclaimed "chronicler" of the town, and Betty (Lili Reinhart) opt to retain both the good and bad recollections from the darker Riverdale of the first six seasons. As a result, Riverdale's finale fast forwards, focusing on an 86-year-old Betty's longing to revisit her hometown and relive her last day of high school. Assisted by a seemingly all-knowing Jughead, Betty's wish comes true, and viewers are finally shown what has become of Archie and his friends in an emotionally charged conclusion to the seven-season run of Riverdale.

The Archie Comics storyline often revolves around the decision that Archie Andrews, the quintessential all-American teen, must make: Betty or Veronica (played by Camila Mendes). Even from the pilot episode, Riverdale sets up a romantic tension that continues throughout its six-season run, as the characters form various relationships. Similar to comic book readers, viewers are divided into different camps, adding even more importance to Riverdale's ultimate pairings. However, it is impossible to please everyone. Nevertheless, Riverdale manages to deliver a clever twist for the core group of four friends, while still keeping other beloved pairings intact.

The Riverdale Gang Falls Out Of Touch

The beloved characters of Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch) and Toni Topaz (Vanessa Morgan) find everlasting love as they grow old together in the scenic Oakland Hills, bringing immense joy to their dedicated fans of Choni. Similarly, Kevin Keller (Casey Cott) and Clay Walker (Karl Walcott) embark on a lifelong journey as a committed couple. In a fascinating twist, Riverdale resolves the age-old predicament from the iconic Archie Comics by unveiling that Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead form a polyamorous "quad." As their memories are restored, they come to the realization that deep feelings exist among them all. This delightful and unexpected revelation should have occurred much earlier, adding an exciting and enjoyable dimension to the story. However, it is intriguing to note that none of the core four characters ultimately find themselves in the conventional endgame pairings.

Previously, Betty actually missed her last day of high school. However, thanks to Jughead's time-and-space-hopping abilities, she is able to find the closure she desperately needs. With her dying wish being to see "how it was, how we were," Betty steps through a magical door and finds herself in her childhood bedroom. In this moment, a younger version of Betty is filled with excitement as she marvels at her mother's newfound independence and her sister's return. However, as Betty walks down memory lane, she realizes that her present-day age has caused her to forget what happened to her friends. She confesses that she and the rest of the characters from Riverdale season 7 have drifted apart and lost touch.

Despite their promise to always remain a part of each other's lives, the Riverdale teens gradually drift apart. This realization is particularly heartbreaking and serves as a poignant moment in the final episode of Riverdale. Given the show's sincere and nostalgia-fueled approach, it feels like a genuine twist of fate. "Today is all about remembering and giving ourselves one more chance," says Jughead, the all-knowing narrator, comforting a regretful Betty. "We should have no regrets." While Betty seizes the opportunity to bid farewell, she refrains from trying to alter the past, even when Archie confesses that he had envisioned a future together for them. "That's a beautiful sentiment, Archie," Betty responds, "but it's not what unfolds in the future."

Riverdale Acknowledges The Timelessness Of Archie Comics

Veronica, who is on her way to Hollywood, is the first among the main group of four to finalize her plans after high school. However, she is not the only one leaving town. In a nod to the events of Riverdale season 1, Archie intends to work in construction and contribute to the construction of highways across the nation, extending all the way to the Pacific. Before parting ways, Betty encourages them to let loose and enjoy their last night together, which helps alleviate the tension. Jughead, reflecting on their shared high school experiences, confesses, "If I had to go through high school twice — which we did — I wouldn't have wanted it any other way with you three goofballs."

The sentiment perfectly captures the widespread longing for the good old days of high school, while also acknowledging the deeper significance of Archie Comics in a metatextual manner. Although the characters and narratives have evolved and expanded throughout the decades, they still remain relevant. The timeless essence found within the stories of Archie Comics allows them to persevere, and Riverdale is no exception to this. In conclusion, even though The CW's Riverdale may soon come to an end, Archie will continue to thrive.

Pop’s Is Betty’s (And Maybe Everyone’s) Sweet Hereafter

Betty confides in Jughead, sharing her realization that revisiting the final day of high school was a misstep. While appreciative of the chance to relive those cherished moments, she finds it difficult to accept the inevitable outcome of drifting apart from her dear friends, no longer basking in eternal youth and unadulterated happiness. Betty's epiphany encompasses more than just bidding farewell to her youth and past companions; it's also about learning to bid adieu to the entire show itself. As she concludes her final night spent with her beloved friends and lovers, Betty awakens in the present where her granddaughter, Alice, accompanies her on their ultimate journey to Riverdale.

Riverdale in the present is now a town lost to the passage of time, rather than a town stuck in the past. As Alice drives into the deserted parking lot of Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe, Betty quietly passes away, marking the final death among the Riverdale gang. The following scene unveils a remarkable twist reminiscent of Riverdale's captivating season 6 finale: a seventeen-year-old Betty approaches a brightly lit Pop's. Jason Blossom (played by Trevor Stines) opens the door, revealing Pop Tate (portrayed by Alvin Sanders) and all of Betty's friends eagerly welcoming her. After sharing joyful embraces with her companions, Betty takes a seat in a booth next to Archie, Jughead, and Veronica, who have been patiently awaiting her arrival, with a strawberry milkshake ready to enjoy.

Outside of Pop's, the omniscient incarnation of Jughead stands in the shadowy parking lot and begins a monologue akin to Alfred Hitchcock, addressing the audience. "I believe we'll leave them here," Jughead remarks. "Where they will forever remain as juniors. Forever seventeen." He continues, "This is where they have always existed. In this diner. In this town. In the Sweet Hereafter." An homage to the timeless essence of the Archie Comics, where the characters perpetually retain their youth, the ending also signifies that the characters' portrayal of the afterlife involves them gathering at Pop's, reveling in laughter and camaraderie. It is a heartwarming conclusion that acknowledges the enduring impact of the Archie gang.

The Typewriter Sound Effect Implies A Final Twist

Riverdale is filled with various universes and timelines, and its finale is no different. While Betty's version of the afterlife, known as the Sweet Hereafter, is portrayed in the final sequence at Pop's, there may be another unexpected twist hidden in the closing moments of the Riverdale finale. The Sweet Hereafter, which represents the franchise's concept of the afterlife, has been featured in both Riverdale season 6 and its spinoff, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Additionally, the Riverdale season 1 finale shares the same name, and it concludes with the core four enjoying milkshakes at Pop's while Jughead's voiceover emphasizes that this booth provides them with a sense of safety despite the world's dangers.

Jughead has narrated the story since the opening moments of the Riverdale pilot. In the finale, it is revealed that he has started a magazine that has remained popular for almost 70 years. Jughead admits to Betty that the majority of its readership consists of young people, but he expresses satisfaction with the legacy he has created. Although this line serves as more of a meta reference, it supports the prediction that Jughead has been the story's author all along. Following Jughead's Hitchcock-inspired farewell to the camera, the Riverdale title card appears with the sound of a typewriter clicking and the chime of someone returning it.

In season 7 of Riverdale, the opening title card is accompanied by the sound of the Pop's door opening. In the season 6 finale, Tabitha Tate supposedly saves the gang from a comet by taking them back to the 1950s, where they wake up in Pop's. However, it is possible that season 7 is actually set in The Sweet Hereafter. When Betty finally arrives, everyone is there. The title card appears, but there are no bells ringing. The sounds of a typewriter suggest a final meta twist, especially considering that the explanation for this version of omniscient Jughead is never fully given. This makes the Riverdale series finale a memorable one.