Riverdale finale, masterminded by creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, has left fans both satisfied and bewildered after its seven seasons and 136 episodes ended .
Throughout its run, the idiosyncratic CW teen soap has offered a cocktail of gang wars, bear attacks, ghostly encounters, and more. The series over years has left fans accustomed to its unique brand of storytelling. The final two episodes delved into a surreal blend of emotions, serving as an ode to the teen soap genre itself.
The plot reached its pinnacle when the unexpected quad relationship among the central characters—Betty, Jughead, Archie, and Veronica for an entire year was revealed. It drew a mix of shock and amusement from fans.
The show experienced a resurgence of simplicity and lightheartedness as the characters found themselves transported back in time to the 1950s It gave the characters a fresh perspective and a chance to relive important moments in a retro setting. Riverdale's typical dramatic absurdity became a nostalgic backdrop for the characters to explore their relationships in new ways.
The episode aptly titled "The Golden Age of Television" saw the characters watching the very first episode of Riverdale, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
The penultimate episode set up the finale with a literal cultural reset. Characters were transported to an alternative 1950s, where inclusivity thrived, and social injustices of the past were undone. The optimistic alt-history fantasy openly celebrated gay characters, interracial relationships, and sex positivity. Riverdale's core ensemble embraced their newfound freedom and used it for various B-movie-style escapades.
The finale, titled "Goodbye, Riverdale," offered a touching farewell as characters navigated their final moments. The future paths of the characters were unveiled which were complete with unexpected twists and poignant endings. The quad relationship continued to play a prominent role, showcasing both its comedic and dramatic potential.
At the end Jughead monologued about the enduring presence of characters with a mix of sappiness and self-awareness . This meta-commentary on the nature of teen dramas and their timeless appeal struck a chord with fans who have invested years in the show.
