| “ | Well, it's not every day you learn that you're at ground zero of an extinction-level event. In less than 18 hours, Bailey's Comet was going to obliterate Riverdale, one last twist of the knife, courtesy of Percival Pickens. And there was nothing we could do to stop it or apparently escape. | ” |
— Jughead
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"Chapter One Hundred and Seventeen: Night of the Comet" is the twenty-second episode of the sixth season of Riverdale and the one hundredth and seventeenth episode of the series overall.[2] It premiered on July 31, 2022.
Synopsis[]
CROSSROADS — Archie and the gang band together to save Riverdale from the greatest threat the town has ever faced.
Plot[]
The Serpents at the barrier
In less than 18 hours, Bailey's Comet will collide with Riverdale, courtesy of Percival's spell, his final act of vengeance against the town and those who inhabit it. Chances of stopping the comet seem unlikely, as does chances of escaping it; Toni and Fangs had the Serpents out on every road and highway, where all along the town's limits, there appeared to be an invisible barrier surrounding Riverdale, preventing anyone from leaving, though for those entering the town, the barrier is essentially nonexistent. Veronica wonders if Jughead can open a portal elsewhere, but like them, he is confined within the town limits, and every timeline Tabitha has traveled to, past and future, there's always a comet hurtling towards Riverdale. Kevin questions if Percival was truly powerful enough to change the trajectory of the comet, which Heather confirms, along with him creating the binding spell that not only keeps them trapped, but has been designed so that as far as the rest of the world is concerned, the comet is still passing over Riverdale. Save for Archie and Anthony, it seems like everyone else will perish when the comet hits. Percival's spells are incredibly elaborate and rooted in arcane magic that exceed Cheryl's knowledge. Fortunately, she knows someone whose knowledge of the dark arts just might rival Percival's. In the meantime, Archie and Frank intend to go digging through the mines. If they dig deep enough, perhaps they'll be able to tunnel under the barrier.
Alice apologizes
Whatever happens, Alice is grateful that she, Betty, and Polly are at least together to face this latest threat as a family. She's apologetic for not being a better mother, but Betty assures her that they know she'd do anything for them, along with reminding her mother just how much she's loved.
Reggie stops by the Babylonium with a gift for Veronica, specifically Hiram's portrait, which he saved from burning along with the Curiosity Shop.
Xandra makes Tabitha an offer
As they wait for the impending comet, Jughead and Tabitha receive an unexpected visit at Pop's from Alexandra Cabot, who reveals that she recently closed a deal to buy all the facilities of "Tommy's Comet," a diner chain that just went belly up, which means that they can take them over and open up Pop's diners across the country, instant franchising. All Xandra needs from Tabitha is an immediate response. However, Tabitha is reluctant to accept her offer, given Bailey's Comet, which Xandra remains unaware of. Clueless of the threat that faces the town, she gives Tabitha 10 hours to decide and promises her that it's an opportunity of a lifetime.
Fangs gives Anthony a Serpent tattoo, explaining to him that this doesn't merely make him a Serpent, it also makes him the Serpent King, given that both he and Toni will likely die when the comet hits. Toni informs Anthony that being king is his birthright and that it's up to him to ensure that the Serpents don't die out and that their legacy continues.
Cheryl and Heather summon Abigail
Cheryl and Heather summon Abigail, whose spirit appears in the reflection of the grandfather clock that houses the doll in which Abigail's spirit is contained. Cheryl asks for her help with stopping the comet. In exchange, she'll free Abigail's spirit from the doll. A long time ago, when she was still alive, Abigail spent a sublime evening with her beloved Thomasina, who was an astronomer, scientist, and a witch. Abigail recalls Thomasina showing her Bailey's Comet for the first time through a microscope from Thornhill, where she explained that this comet, like all others, is made of ice, which she then shares with Cheryl, who Abigail instructs to project her Phoenix fire as soon as the comet reaches earth. But if it is to work, it will require all of Cheryl's Phoenix power. As for Percival's binding spell, that will require greater effort. Therefore, in exchange, Abigail would like more than just her freedom.
Cheryl heads down into the mines, hoping that Archie and the gang may have come across a safe passage way out of town. Unfortunately, they haven't had such luck; every time they follow a tunnel that leads them to what should be the edge of town, they hit a barrier. Luckily, Cheryl believes she has the answers to their problems.
Cheryl may have a way to stop the comet
Archie and the gang have gathered at Thornhill, where Cheryl shares that she might be able to melt the comet with her Phoenix powers, in addition to breaking Percival's binding spell so that they can evacuate the town. For the latter, Cheryl informs Toni that the two of them will have to speak privately at a later time. In the meantime, a catch remains regarding the comet; it will require all of Cheryl's Phoenix energies, meaning if she succeeds, one or more of the dead she's resurrected will perish, as it is her powers that are keeping the dead alive, which includes Archie, Jughead, Polly, Nana Rose, Dagwood, Alice, Frank, Tom, Fangs, and Toni. If Riverdale is to live, one or many of them must die.
Cheryl asks for Toni's help
Cheryl reveals to Toni that Abigail is going to help her break Percival's spell and escape the town's borders, but first, she wants to spend one final evening with her beloved in carnal form, and they need two vessels; Cheryl would be Abigail's and Toni would be Thomasina's, her ancestor who is also a witch. Toni is reluctant to agree to these unusual terms, asking of Fangs and Heather. Cheryl explains that Heather too is a witch, and she's fine with the act. As for Fangs, Cheryl explains that Toni would not technically be cheating, as Heather will keep their spirits in a jar until the love making ends.
Mary is back
Archie returns home and discovers that his mother is back in town. He tells her that she shouldn't have come, but doesn't explain his reasoning when she questions why. Mary reveals that one of the reasons she came back was to tell him that she and Brooke are getting a divorce. While they get along just fine, they both realized that they didn't want to spend the rest of their lives together. Mary reminds Archie that life is precious and to never waste a minute of it.
Veronica kisses Hiram's portrait
Veronica has another drink as she prepares for the comet, looking at her father's portrait and praying that they don't cross paths in the afterlife. She then kisses the portrait, her poison corrupting the painting almost instantly.
Archie stops by the Pembrooke and reveals to Veronica that he's going to ask Betty to marry him. He was going to use the ring his dad gave him, but he lost it in the explosion and was wondering if Veronica has any rings left from the jewelry store she used to run. Fortunately, she does, one that Veronica insists Betty will flip for.
Jughead has never seen Titanic
Jughead and Tabitha further discuss Xandra's offer, with the former reminding Tabitha that it has always been her dream to franchise Pop's and that working with Xandra will ensure its longevity. However, so long as there's a comet hurtling towards Riverdale, Tabitha doesn't intend to commit to anything, though she does appreciate Jughead being the Jack to her Rose, referring to the Titanic film that Jughead never saw, despite it being one of Tabitha's favorite movies. And so, she insists that they watch the movie in their final hours.
Cheryl and Toni grab hands as Heather recites the soul transference spell, allowing Abigail to possess Cheryl's body and Thomasina to possess Toni's body. The spell is a success and reunited loves head into the bedroom, where they have sex.
Archie proposes to Betty
Archie reveals to Betty that his mom is in town, though he decided against telling her about the comet, a decision that Betty advises Archie against. However, Archie is more concerned at the moment with Betty and spending what little time they have left, together. He gets down on one knee and proposes to Betty, though she's hesitant to say yes. While she loves Archie, Betty doesn't believe this is the answer. He puts so much pressure on himself to be a hero, but Betty reminds Archie that he can't save everyone and that sometimes, all they can be is scared, which is perfectly reasonable. Betty recalls when they were kids and Archie asked her to marry him. She told him to ask again when they were 18, and she'd say yes. Now, she's telling him to ask again after Cheryl melts the comet or they escape Riverdale. They share a kiss and Archie jumps to his feet, intent on breaking through the barrier and marrying Betty.
Cheryl and Toni wake up in bed together
Later that evening, Cheryl and Toni wake up in bed together, neither remembering anything from their time together. As Toni leaves, Cheryl thanks her. With Toni gone, Cheryl convenes with Abigail and inquires about her tryst with Thomasina, for which Abigail is very thankful. Now, regarding Percival's binding spell, Abigail directs Cheryl's attention to the knotted rope sitting on the table. The knots represent the various mystical barriers surrounding the town. Once the rope is untied completely, they should be free to leave.
Agent Drake has an offer for Betty
Betty receives a video call from Agent Drake, who reveals that Director Wilcox would like for the two of them to head up the FBI's serial killer division. However, Betty explains that she's in a transitional period in her life where she's weighing her options. Drake retorts that Betty is the hunter of hunters, but Betty is beyond that point in her life. Drake asks if this is about Archie or TBK messing with her head, but Betty insists she is clear minded and declines the job offer.
Veronica gives Reggie full ownership
Reggie asks Veronica what's the first thing she's going to do if they survive. A shopping spree in Paris, with Katy, Veronica replies. Reggie on the other hand intends to get a dog, one that he intends to name Vader. Veronica then tells Reggie that she wants him to have the Babylonium, sole ownership, should they survive the night. The casino was Reggie's idea, after all. The only thing that's truly hers is her absinthe. Perhaps she'll focus on that. Should the sun rise tomorrow and they find themselves no longer business partners, Reggie asks if there's a chance they get back together. As tempting as that may be, Veronica insists that they're both better off as friends. Besides, she believes that it's time for a hard reboot within her life. Instead of focusing on a relationship, she'll be single, fabulous, date more often, and work on her friendship skills, starting with Reggie. And should he be up to it, Veronica welcomes him to come back up when the comet nears so they can watch it together.
Jughead and Tabitha's one last epic date
Jughead and Tabitha spend their final hours together watching Titanic. Jughead is moved by the film, asking why both Jack and Rose couldn't have held on to the driftwood, leading Tabitha to explain that they both would have sunk. So, Jack let go, allowing Rose to live. No matter what happens, Jughead wants Tabitha to promise him that she'll take Xandra up on her offer and franchise Pop's. Tabitha agrees, but in exchange, she wants Jughead to go on one last epic date with her, where she uses her chronokinetic abilities to live out their entire lives together in a single moment, in a booth at Pop's, where they grow old together and raise their kids, a boy and a girl. By the end, Jughead and Tabitha sit alone in a booth, sharing one last kiss.
Mary advises Archie
Archie is determined to break through the barrier, swinging at the barrier repeatedly with Percival's magical mace that was forged in the fiery pits of Asgard. He is then joined at the town's border by his mother, who has been calling him and has learned the truth about everything from Betty. Mary reveals that Betty also told her about the comet and how they're all trapped. Saddened, Archie drops the mace and embraces his mother. Archie is sorry that she got caught up in all their insanity and doesn't believe he could live with himself if someone got hurt because of him. Mary advises Archie to stop shouldering so much guilt, as Riverdale is not his responsibility alone. Archie remarks that no one loved Riverdale more than his dad, who built so much of it with his own two hands. If he were alive, Mary imagines he'd be doing exactly what Archie is — fighting until the end. But she also tells Archie that Fred knew when to put down his tools and come home to the people he loved. Furthermore, they should all be together for what comes next.
While reminiscing on this past year, Veronica recalls Tabitha saying that there's a reason she stayed in Riverdale, leading to a revelation that Veronica believes may help her save the town.
Tabitha signs the contract
Tabitha calls Xandra back down to Pop's and signs the contract, officially partnering with Xandra and putting the franchising of Pop's into motion. They'll begin first thing tomorrow by taking out the food truck and posting on socials, but Xandra can't help but notice that Jughead and Tabitha are less than celebratory, still unaware of the nearing comet. Jughead and Tabitha then get a message from Veronica, telling them to meet her at the Pembrooke.
Heather says goodbye to Cheryl
As they struggle to untangle the knots in Abigail's rope, Heather tells Cheryl that should she succeed in melting the comet, she's going to head back to Greendale and resume her life. When Cheryl asks why, Heather replies that while she adores Cheryl, she saw the way that Cheryl looked at Toni during the ritual and realized that they're soulmates. Cheryl credits Heather for opening her heart again. She also points out that Toni is with Fangs, though Heather believes that Cheryl and Toni's fate is written in the stars and transcends time. Cheryl then gets a message from Veronica.
Betty proposes to Archie
Archie has returned to Betty's, where he thanks her for sending his mom after him. Now realizing that he has a hero complex, as pointed out by his mother, Archie suspects that it stems from him not being able to live up to his dad, though Betty assures him that his father would be proud of all he's done and accomplished. He's also been Betty's never faltering support system. No matter what, he's always comforted and loved her unconditionally. Archie apologizes for proposing to Betty in the middle of all their insanity, and doesn't mean to pressure her into accepting his proposal. However, Betty has taken stock of her life and what she wants for her future. And while she may have told Archie she wanted to wait, Betty has reconsidered and asks Archie to marry her. He accepts and they kiss just before getting a message from Veronica.
Veronica has a plan
Archie and the gang meet at the Pembrooke, where Veronica claims that she may have an idea on how to bolster Cheryl's power to improve their chances of stopping the comet and augment her Phoenix energy so that when she uses them up, no one has to die. Veronica is essentially a human dialysis machine. She pulled the sepsis from Charles' blood and leached the chemical from out of wormwood to distill her poison free absinthe. Veronica believes that she can use her gift to absorb all of their abilities and give them to Cheryl, to augment her Phoenix powers, lessening the chance of Cheryl using up her Phoenix powers and any of them dying. Veronica suspects that maybe the multiverse gave them their powers so that they could combine them in this moment to save everyone.
Cheryl absorb their powers
In order to absorb their powers, excluding Cheryl, they all need to cut the palm of their hands and form a circle, allowing Veronica to take in their collective life force. As for Cheryl, Veronica will then transfer all the powers to her via a kiss. Cheryl argues that such a kiss is queer bating. Furthermore, she fears Veronica's kiss will kill her, but Veronica argues Cheryl's Phoenix power will trump her poison power. Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and Tabitha each cut their palms and form a circle while holding hands. After Veronica absorbs their powers, she passes them on to Cheryl via a kiss. To ensure that it worked, Veronica points a gun at Cheryl, who can now see her threatening aura whilst Betty cannot. Veronica then pulls the trigger, shooting Cheryl, though the bullet is unable to penetrate her skin. Additionally, she then proceeds to hear everyone's thoughts before exiting through a portal.
Toni sings to Anthony
Cheryl stands outside of Pop's, looking up at the comet above as it nears. Meanwhile, Toni and Fangs hide out in the bunker with Anthony, who is admittedly scared. Toni and Fangs then begin to sing The End of the World. Elsewhere, Jughead and Tabitha have invited Pop Tate over to the apartment for one last meal together. Betty and Archie, on the other hand, spend their final moments in bed.
As planned, Veronica and Reggie spend their final moments together as well, but at the Pembrooke, where Veronica briefly watches as the comet comes crashing down. Elswhere, Kevin and Moose hold hands as they wait for the inevitable.
Cheryl stops the comet
Back at Pop's, Cheryl prepares for the comet as it nears whilst Heather, Nana Rose, and Britta spend this time unknotting the final knots in Abigail's rope to break the binding spell. Realizing that her time has come, Cheryl begins to recite the spell, conjuring up all her friends' combined power along with her own Phoenix power. Fueled by great energy, Cheryl levitates above the ground as the comet approaches and directs her power towards it.
Riverdale 1955
Cheryl has managed to destroy the comet, but there were unexpected consequences in doing so. The milkshake-like combination of all of their gifts sent the town of Riverdale back in time. Archie awakens for school and gets dressed, putting on his bulldogs jacket before looking out his window and noticing Betty crying in her room next door. He then heads downstairs, where Mary reveals that James Dean died yesterday, confirming that they have been sent to the year 1955. Not just that, Archie and the gang are all teenagers again, and Jughead is the only one who remembers what their life was like BC. Before the comet.
Cast[]
Starring[]
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Guest Starring[]
Co-Starring[] |
Soundtrack[]
- Emmit Fenn - Edge of the Dark
- Alewya - Play
- Scene: Archie and the Gang transfer their powers to Veronica, who transfers them to Cheryl.
- Riverdale Cast - The End of the World
- Scene: The residents of Riverdale spend their last moments with their loved ones as Bailey's Comet nears.
- The Platters - Only You
- Scene: Archie awakens in 1955.
Trivia[]
- The episode title comes from Thom Eberhardt's 1984 American science fiction comedy horror of the same name.
- Cheryl levitates above the ground and defends Riverdale from Bailey's Comet in a long, leather red coat, resembling Marvel's Scarlet Witch.
- Prior to learning that Season 7 would be the last, the original ending consisted of Cheryl destroying Bailey's Comet, as well as Frank and Dagwood's deaths, while the series remained in present time.[3]
- Reggie says that if he survives he will get a dog he will name Vader and that he has always wanted to have one. This is a reference to the Reggie and Me comic series, in which Reggie owns a dachshund named Vader. However Vader appears in Riverdale Season 3 #4.
Gallery[]
Promotional Images[]
Screencaps[]
Videos[]
