In last week’s finale, Riverdale shocked fans with a twist that’s been the talk of the town. For those unacquainted, the narrative took an unexpected route as Betty (Lili Reinhart), Archie (KJ Apa), Veronica (Camila Mendes), and Jughead (Cole Sprouse) entered into a quad relationship during their senior year. While Archie and Jughead weren’t romantically linked, the nature of this quadrangle drew mixed reactions. Many were amused, some criticized it as a mere shock factor, and even polyamorous communities chimed in. But let’s face it – given Riverdale’s history of wild plots, this was arguably one of the saner choices.
The Evolution of Riverdale’s Romances
Over seven seasons, Riverdale’s tumultuous romances had fans on their toes. This quad relationship might seem as if the show’s creators were ticking off their final ‘surprise plot’ box, but in essence, it mirrored the show’s unconventional character development and narrative style. Remember the show’s legacy? Beyond the 22-episode-per-season format or its uncanny resemblance to the cult-classic Twin Peaks, Riverdale is famed for its audacious, if not wacky, story arcs.
The Unexpected Logic Behind the Quad Twist
With the final season, in particular, being centered around the characters’ exploration and acceptance of their sexualities after a time-warp to the 1950s, the quad scenario feels oddly fitting. The foursome’s dynamics saw the exploration of many relationships: Betty-Archie, Veronica-Archie, Veronica-Jughead, and Betty-Veronica. Archie’s own journey of sexual understanding further adds depth, making the final relationship twist a less-than-shocking event for ardent viewers.
Balancing Fanbase Expectations: The Quad Solution
Riverdale boasts a passionate fanbase, with ‘shippers’ rooting for Barchie, Varchie, Bughead, and Beronica, among others. Pleasing everyone was impossible. This twist, while surprising, offered some solace. Each shipper could see their favorite relationship canonized, if not ultimately victorious.
It’s refreshing to see a show deviate from the age-old trope of high-school sweethearts marrying and living happily ever after. The special bond shared by the core four was evident in the final diner sequence, emphasizing that romantic resolutions don’t define the entirety of one’s life journey.
A Finale Beyond Archie’s Decision
Breaking the love-triangle trope, Riverdale’s finale smartly sidestepped the predictability of Archie choosing between Betty and Veronica. In fact, it did justice to Betty and Veronica’s characters. Their individual growth, relationships, and the bond they shared were portrayed as more than just love interests for Archie and Jughead. This unique narrative stance reinforced their significance in the show, celebrating the depth of their friendship.
In Conclusion
Riverdale’s finale emphasized that a show’s essence isn’t solely about the romantic ships, but the entire journey of its characters. The playful handling of its finale relationship dynamics is a testament to the show’s distinct style. While it has received criticism over the years, Riverdale’s approach to wrapping up its romantic quagmires might indeed offer a lesson for other shows. In the end, it’s about telling a compelling story, and Riverdale managed to do just that, in its own eccentric way.
