Hiram Lodge

Hiram Lodge is a main character and one of the two main antagonists of the second season of Riverdale. He is also the unseen, hidden secondary antagonist of the first season. He is portrayed by Mark Consuelos.

Hiram is the husband of Hermione, and the father of Veronica Lodge. He is a powerful businessman and the CEO/President of Lodge Industries. Prior to the start of the series, he was incarcerated at Yonkers Penitentiary and is currently awaiting trial for multiple counts of embezzlement and fraud. Despite his imprisonment, Hiram still runs his business and criminal empire from behind bars. He has been released from prison, and has now taken up residence at the Pembrooke in Riverdale with his wife and daughter.

He was also business partners with Manfred Muggs until he no longer needed him, resulting in Manfred and his family almost losing everything including their house. As a result of their partnership Manfred was hospitalized.

Character description
''A ruthless, handsome, charismatic businessman who is coming back to Riverdale after weathering a financial scandal that almost destroyed him. He is there to reconnect with his wife Hermione and, especially, his daughter Veronica, who is the apple of his eye.''

Early Life
It is currently unknown if Hiram grew up in Riverdale, but he did at least spend some time there, long enough for him to form a rivalry with Cliff Blossom. He eventually went on to steal his current wife, Hermione Lodge away from Fred Andrews. The two of them moved to New York, and some time later got married and had a daughter, Veronica, and they all lived together in New York living a luxurious lifestyle. However, their fancy life and luxurious living didn't last forever as Hiram was arrested for fraud and embezzlement.

Before getting arrested, Hiram had an on-going arrangement with the Southside Serpents, a local gang in Riverdale. He hired the gang to decrease the value of the Twilight Drive-In, so that Lodge Industries could purchase the land for a low price.

Before his arrest, Hiram had an incredibly strong bond with his daughter, Veronica; She was daddy's girl. Whenever Hiram did something wrong, he'd bring her gifts home as a way to make up for it, such as Givenchy bags.

Throughout the Series

 * -|Season 1=

Season 1
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Compensating the Serpents
Roughly three months after his arrest for fraud and embezzlement, from prison, Hiram sent Hermione a duffel bag filled with money, leaving her to wonder what it was exactly that he had gotten himself into.

Hermione would later discover that the money was meant to complete payments to the Southside Serpents for a job well done in de-valuing the Twilight Drive-In so that he could purchase it at the cheaper price using an offshore LLC. Initially, no one knew of this dealing other than Hiram, that is until he told Hermione, who went on to tell Fred, and so on.

Anonymous Buyer
Unbeknownst to Hiram at the time, Hermione was seeking to award the construction contract for the SoDale project to Fred Andrews. However, two out of three signatures were required, and with Hiram looking to give the contract to a less than legit company, Hermione needed Veronica's signature, in order to grant Andrews Construction the contract seeing as Hiram made Veronica a legal officer of Lodge Industries, after he was arrested. Unfortunately for Hermione, Veronica refused to sign. Although, with no other option, Hermione forged her daughters signature to move forward the contract.

According to Veronica, when Hiram got arrested, the police, lawyers, judge, and the courts took everything from him and his family, including their houses, cars, club memberships, yacht, and even the clothes off their backs. As Hiram would later come to discover, Hermione was having an affair with Fred Andrews, and she claimed that this was a result of Hiram making certain decisions that distanced him from the family. So, from that point on, Hermione would be making decisions that would benefit her. Soon thereafter, Hermione called Hiram from prison and confessed about forging Veronica's signature in order to award Andrews Construction the land contract

Warfare; Lodges vs Blossoms
It was revealed through Hermione that the Blossom family was making a play for the drive-in land, and that if they found out that Hiram was the anonymous buyer, it would be open war. They were looking to stop construction on the SoDale project, leaving many to believe that the Blossoms were responsible for the attack on Andrews Construction. However, FP Jones and Hermione would later come to find out that Hiram hired several guys from Montreal to come down and trash the work site after discovering that Hermione was having an affair with Fred.

With his trial quickly approaching, Hiram's lawyer would be visiting Hermione and Veronica to take their statements. This left Veronica questioning what she should say, and if her father even deserved to be released. To further complicate the situation, Veronica learned that one of her friends, Ethel Muggs, was having problems at home. Her family lost all their funds due to their investments with Hiram, thus intensifying Veronica's anger towards her father. The Muggs would be testifying against Hiram during his trail, which Veronica agreed they should as he was a bad person that was ruining lives. To make matters even worse, Manfred Muggs attempted to take his own life. At that point, Veronica decided that she was done lying for her father.

After weeks of keeping this secret, Hermione finally decided to tell Fred that she and Hiram were the anonymous buyers of the drive-in land, and that he was working for Lodge Industries. She was hoping to turn the business legitimate, which meant partnering with businesses like Andrews Construction. She then revealed that it was Hiram that sent the thugs to attack the work site after learning of their affair. It was later discovered by Archie that Hiram was set up and sent to jail by Clifford Blossom, leaving many to suspect Hiram of killing Clifford's son, Jason Blossom.

Upcoming Trial
As expected, the ladies received a visit from Hiram's attorney to take their statements for the hearing. Even though Mr. Sowerberry only asked that Veronica speaks to Hiram's character in order to humanize her father, she refused. After learning from her friends that Cliff Blossom was responsible for Hiram's imprisonment, Veronica took it upon herself to do some investigating. She found a spreadsheet of monthly payments dating back 75 years from Blossom Maple Farms to Lodge Industries until about five months ago, just after Hiram was arrested. Veronica believed that Clifford implicated Hiram to get out of paying the monthly fee. She suggested that they inform his lawyer of this, however, Hermione decided against it as it may lead people to believe that Hiram was involved in Jason's murder as retaliation.

Aware that she was feeling conflicted over testify during his trial, Hiram sent Veronica a letter, in which he essentially threatened Veronica and Hermione. Although, it was never explained how she knew, and whether or not the rest of her family knew, Cheryl Blossom exposed Hiram as being the anonymous buyer for the drive-in land to an entire party worth of students. It seemed as if Veronica decided to heed her father's warning as she testified on his behalf. Afterward, he sent her a pearl necklace to show his gratitude.

Thanks to Veronica's statement, Hiram would be returning home soon. The Judge ruled on time served, he'd be free within a few months at the most. Upon learning that her father was begin released, Veronica felt conflicted. She still suspected that maybe he was involved in Jason's murder, and she was dead set on proving it. However, just as she was ready to give up, and accept that he had no involvement in Jason's death, FP Jones was arrested for killing Jason, leaving Veronica to believe that her father might have hired him to commit the murder.

Orchestrating Jason's Murder?
Almost immediately after learning of FP's arrest, Hermione began to panic as they were known associates of the man that killed Jason Blossom. While she was still unsure if Hiram was involved or not, Hermione wanted to be prepared to run should the time come. Inside the motel room of a deceased Southside Serpent named Mustang, the police found a duffel bag filled with money, with the initials "H.L.". Initially believed that it belongs to Hermione, Veronica told Sheriff Keller that it, in fact, belong to her father, and that he had business with the Serpents. Following the discovery that FP's confession was false, and that Clifford killed Jason, Veronica apologized to her mother for ever considering the possibility of her father killing Jason. However, had Hiram been involved, both Veronica and Hermione were willing to cut all ties with him. Hermione then revealed that Hiram was coming home.

With Hiram returning home soon, Hermione fired the Serpents working for Andrews Construction as she couldn't have the project associated with criminals. After talking it over with Hiram, the two of them decided that it would be best to buy Fred out of his contract, which Fred considered but ultimately declined despite the way that he and Hiram felt towards each other. }}
 * -|Season 2=

Release from Prison
Hiram returned to Riverdale following his release from prison. He sat at the table with Hermione at his side, awaiting Veronica's return home. Veronica entered the door soon thereafter. He came home early to surprise her, but imagine his surprise when she wasn't there to greet him. Hermione chimed in, telling Hiram about how Veronica drank his Cristal. So disrespectful, Hiram remarked. Not like Veronica at all, to which she admitted to changing since the last time they saw one another. The only question left was whether or not Hiram has changed, which he may have, but not so much that he still doesn't want a kiss from his daughter. Veronica approached to kiss him on the cheek before informing him that Fred Andrews was recovering from his gun shot wound.

On his way in from an early run, Hiram wanted to address the fact that Veronica was actively avoiding him; leaving before breakfast and coming home after dinner. He couldn't even recall the last meal they ate as a family. However, Veronica reminded him that their last meal was the day he got arrested at the Dakota. Hiram then suggested that they talk about his arrest over dinner, but Veronica claimed to have plans that evening.

Later that day, Hiram surprised Veronica at school with a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses, asking if he could speak to her privately. Just outside the school, Hiram explained that every day he was in prison, he thought about getting back to Veronica and Hermione. And while he knew it wouldn't be easy, and knew it would take time, he was hoping that Veronica would at least meet him halfway. It's not that she didn't want to, but as Veronica put it, the blindfold's off, and she couldn't just put it back on. Hiram's arrest and the events that followed resulted in Veronica seeing him in a whole new light. As Veronica prepared to reconvene with her friends, Hiram offered to help with her crusade to save Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe from closing in any way he could.

That night, as he and Hiram enjoyed a meal together at the dinner table, they were interrupted by Veronica, who accused Hiram of buying Pop's shoppe in an effort to buy her. Hiram denied the accusation before insisting that Veronica sit down so that they could speak civilly. All he wanted was a fair hearing to explain himself. Veronica suggested that they talk about Fred and the shooting at the diner, since Fred was shot one day after he rejected the offer to sale his portion of the SoDale project, which left Veronica wondering if it was Hiram that called for Fred to be shot. Hiram insisted that the attack at the diner was not his doing. Unconvinced with Hiram's statement, Veronica explained that she was his fiercest protector, which Hermione could vouch for. Whenever someone called him the devil incarnate, she always came to his defense, telling herself that Hiram wasn't that bad and that he can be forgiven. However, all that changed when she received a letter from him, threatening Hermione. After reading the letter, Hermione informed Veronica that Hiram didn't write the letter, she did. She wrote the letter threatening herself in order to get Veronica to testify on Hiram's behalf, so that they could come together as a family once more.

The following night, Hiram and Hermione showed up for Retro Night in support of Veronica and her cause to keep the diner from closing. Much to their surprise, Veronica was willing to start over after taking into consideration how the evening was also a new beginning for Pop's. However, she asked for total transparency in return. The thought of being a family again excited Hiram, so much so that he gave Veronica a hug. In the spirit of that, Hiram proposed that Lodge Industries make a "charitable contribution" to the diner.

After a show of appreciation from Pop Tate, during which time he personally thanked the Lodges for their generous donation, Hermione remarked that she wasn't aware that they were in the charity business. We're not, Hiram replied. As of five minutes ago, they owned the diner. He had secretly bought the diner from Pop Tate, and in exchange for his silence, Hiram told Pop that he can stay on as manager. It was nice to have him back, Hermione stated. He then thanked her for lying to Veronica about writing the letter that he actually wrote. Veronica never would've forgiven him had she learned that he threatened her. Once again, Hermione has proven that her loyalty knows no bounds.

Manipulating Archie
Hearing Hermione and Veronica just outside his study, Hiram joined them in the main room, where Veronica asked if her inner-circle of friends could come over to watch the season premiere of The Matchlerette. He was even extended an invitation to join them as they were supposedly dying to meet him.

That night, Hiram and Hermione stopped by to meet Veronica's friends before leaving for dinner at the club. Veronica introduced him to each of her friends, starting with Betty Cooper, then onto Jughead Jones, the son of FP Jones, who Hiram claimed was a good man that valued family. He hoped that FP's return came sooner rather than later. Finally, he was introduced to Archie Andrews, the boy whose captured his daughter's heart. He and Archie shared a firm handshake as he instructed Archie to call him Hiram rather than Mr. Lodge. He couldn't help but hear their previous discussion in regards to the frustration they were demonstrating towards Sheriff Keller and his inability to catch the killer. As someone whose had his fair share of run-ins with the law, Hiram could say with confidence that the police weren't always the solution. Drastic times called for drastic measures, meaning they would have to take justice into their own hands. Before leaving, he invited Archie over for dinner later in the week. He looked forward to seeing what Archie came up with for saving Riverdale.

A couple nights later, as Hiram and Hermione prepared for another night out, Hiram assisted Hermione in zipping up the back of her dress, during which time he told her that sound carries in the apartment. Even in his study with the door closed, he could hear Hermione's conversation with Veronica earlier in the day, as if they were all together. If Hermione wished to burn down her relationship with their daughter, that was her business, but Hiram warned her against every trying to poison Veronica against him.

The following night, Archie came over for dinner as planned. Hiram asked him about Ethel Muggs, who he had rescued the prior night. Unfortunately, the individual stalking her got away. Admittedly, they needed to increase their response time, which Hiram understood as he too liked to be ahead of the threat. He then asked Archie if he's ever had rum. There was a signature Lodge family label that he had in his study, asking if Archie would like to try some. Of course he would, Veronica replied. However, she mistook this as an offer to join them, which it wasn't as Hiram asked that she stay behind, providing him and Archie with the opportunity to talk man-to-man.

As he and Archie looked up to the portrait of Veronica hanging in the study, Hiram told Archie that having Veronica over his shoulders kept him honest. On a more serious note, Hiram asked about the Red Circle, and Fred's position on the community watch group. Archie explained that his father was still trying to wrap his head around it. Moving forward, Hiram was hoping that they could grow to respect each other. This meant no more of Archie sneaking into Veronica's bedroom. Looking to revisit the topic of the Red Circle, Hiram did offer a thought. While it was a noble idea, evil had no regards for nobility or good intentions. Sometimes, defending one's self just isn't enough. Striking back is often in order. The killer, now calling himself the Black Hood, was waging a war based on terror and fear. Those are his weapons. They should be yours too, Hiram said to Archie.

While reading the morning paper at the breakfast table, Veronica proposed that she be granted an active role in Lodge Industries considering that she was a shareholder, though that was merely an honorary title, Hiram explained, leading Veronica to suggest that they make it a legitimate title. She wanted to get her hands dirty and be in the room where it all happened, to get a peek behind the curtains. Hiram agreed that as a Lodge, it was her right to be more involved in the family business. Following his discussion with Veronica, he watched from his laptop as Archie and his fellow Red Circle members, all of whom were wearing red masks, sent a message to the Black Hood, threatening to hunt him down.

With the Red Circle's public message to the Black Hood becoming a town-wide sensation, Hiram and Hermione questioned Veronica, who didn't seem to think it was as serious as they were making it out to be. Hermione explained that it was a video threatening violence, which in turn made Archie dangerous in the eyes of Hiram and Hermione, though the latter took it a step further by forbidding Veronica from seeing Archie any further. However, Veronica had no intent on breaking off their relationship without first getting Archie's side of the story. As Veronica left for school, a grin formed on Hiram's face, between the Black hood, the Red Circle, and the Town Hall meeting, there was so much chaos and confusion, providing the perfect opportunity for a business man like himself to capitalize off of.

While working in his study, Hiram was interrupted by Veronica, who returned home from school to ask about what he and Archie talked about during the night they invited him over for dinner. Hiram claimed to have no recollection of the specifics of his and Archie's conversation. Veronica was asking because one of the things she loved about Archie is how earnest he is, in more of an innocent sort of way, making him both trusting and kind. However, that simplicity also made him impressionable, as well as vulnerable to certain forms of attack, such as manipulation. If someone were to pour poison into one of his ears, a dark notion in the shape of the Red Circle may take form for instance. Hiram began to wonder if Veronica was suggesting that he had something to do with Archie's sudden reckless behavior. But Veronica explained that she wasn't suggesting anything, merely asking what he and Archie talked about. Unfortunately, just as Hiram said before, he didn't remember what he and Archie discussed. He then asked if Veronica could excuse him because the Swiss banks were about to close, and he had a call with the Lodge Charitable Trust to make.

Two days later, Hiram and Hermione attended the Town Hall meeting, where Mayor McCoy welcomed all to the event in hopes that she could address their concerns and if possible, ease their minds, as she too shared their desire to protect their town and their children. While the meeting started out peaceful, it quickly escalated, turning into a shouting match between two sides, with one side be spearheaded by Alice, who believed the south side was the cause of all their problems, and the other side being spearheaded by Fred, who believed that they were living in a time where they needed to unite rather than fraction off. Hermione had told Hiram that Fred was going to be a problem, though Hiram thought otherwise. The town loved and trusted him. It could work in their favor. It was then that Betty and Jughead entered through the back doors to alert everyone that the Black Hood would be striking at Town Hall next. Hiram and Hermione presumably evacuated the building with everyone else.

Personality
Prior to this appearance on screen, the series has managed to paint a fairly detailed picture of his overall personality. Hiram is a dishonest and underhanded businessman. He is quite ruthless, willing to step on and double cross anyone and everyone in order to achieve his own selfish goals. He has even gone as far as to threaten his own wife and daughter.

During the Season 2 premiere, Hiram made his on-screen debut after being released from prison. He appeared to be a bit intimidating, as he sat at the dinner table asking Veronica for a kiss on the cheek.

Relationships

 * Hiram and Hermione
 * Hiram and Veronica

Gallery

 * -|Promotional=

Promotional Images

 * -|Season 2 Screencaps=