Geraldine Grundy

“	How would we explain why we were together at Sweetwater River at 6:00 A.M. on the Fourth of July? And you're right. We didn't say anything. We're both going to have to live with that choice. Do you understand? I think you should pursue your music, but not with me.	”
	— Geraldine to Archie^[src]

Geraldine Grundy (real name Jennifer Gibson) is a recurring character on The CW's Riverdale. She is portrayed by Sarah Habel.

Geraldine was a music teacher at Riverdale High School who had an affair with Archie during his sophomore year. After she was caught for committing statutory rape by Alice Cooper and Fred Andrews, Geraldine quit her job and was forced to leave Riverdale.

Geraldine moved to Greendale, located on the opposite side of Sweetwater River, where she continued to teach music. After a private music lesson with Ben Button, one of her students, who she was having another inappropriate relationship with, the Black Hood broke into her house without her knowing and strangled her to death from behind with the cello bow Archie gave her as a goodbye-present.

In 1955, Geraldine Grundy is the substitute teacher of Edith Thornton. She takes over her class and extracurricular mentoring of Archie Andrews's poetry writing.

Early Life[]

Jennifer learned to play the cello when she was younger, becoming quite skilled in her own right. Before moving to Riverdale, Jennifer was in an abusive marriage with an aggressive husband who would come home drunk every night. One night, he came home so drunk and angry that she ended up in the ER with broken ribs and a shattered collarbone. The next day, he had no memory of the incident, and he promised it wouldn't happen again, but it did, so she left him, got a divorce, changed her name, then moved to Riverdale. The real Geraldine Grundy was an elderly woman who passed away in 2010. It wasn't until six years later that her name was assumed by Jennifer Gibson, who was fleeing from her abusive ex-husband.

Upon her move, she became a music teacher at Riverdale High School and, on two occasions, she gave independent studies to two students, namely Tomoko Yoshido and Jason Blossom, the latter she called an inspiration. During the summer of 2017, she had a romantic relationship with two of her students, Archie Andrews and Ben Button, and both embarked on a secret relationship. On July 3rd, Archie informed her through text that he had found the tent for their July 4 getaway. Geraldine replied, showing her excitement. Later that day, Ben texted her to make plans for the summer, but she rejected him to hide her duplicity.^[1] On July 4th, Geraldine and Archie both heard gunfire go off at Sweetwater River at the time of Jason Blossom's disappearance.

Throughout Riverdale[]

Season 1[]

Sweetwater Secrecy[]

During the assembly being held by Cheryl, Geraldine looks back at Archie as he sits in the crowd, remembering their time spent together during the summer, in which they had a lengthy romantic relationship. Archie later approaches Geraldine, asking for her help in making his music. She is hesitant but eventually agrees to assist him.

Season 1 Episode 1 The River's Edge Ms — Archie and Geraldine's meeting

Archie attempts to persuade Ms. Grundy into tutoring him in music. She notes his songs as being real and personal. though she can't envision a scenario where the two of them being alone together would be a good thing. She is reluctant and tries to put distance between them, but with Ms. Grundy's experienced background in music, she is the only person in Riverdale in which he truly stands to gain help from. However, Ms. Grundy can't help but wonder if this is Archie's attempt at rekindling a romance that never should have existed to begin with. He assures her that his only reason for being there is his passion for music and the fact that he needed to talk to someone about what they heard; on the 4th of July, during one of their early morning rendezvous at Sweetwater River, Archie and Geraldine's romance was interrupted by the sound of a gunshot firing. She claims that the sound they heard was in fact fireworks, but Archie knows better. Although, if they did report the gunshot, how would they explain why they were together at Sweetwater River at 6:00 AM? Keeping quiet is the only thing that ensures their safety. They are both going to have to live with that choice. Geraldine thinks that he should pursue his music but not with her.^[2]

Season 1 Episode 2 A Touch of Evil Geraldine Grundy awakened in the night — Geraldine getting a late night visit from Archie

Geraldine is paid a surprise, late-night visit from Archie, whose conscience is eating away at him. They both heard the gunshot on July 4th, at Sweetwater River. He suspects it was the gunshot that killed Jason. Geraldine argues that all they know for certain is that a gun was fired and that Jason was shot. But as Archie points out, the police don't know when the gun was shot. He suggests making an anonymous call, but Geraldine advises him against it. She remains adamant that they should stay silent about what they heard in order to prevent the exposure of their relationship.

Season 1 Episode 2 A Touch of Evil Geraldine Grundy's feelings are real — Geraldine tells Archie what they have is real

Matters only get worse when Archie is questioned by Mr. Weatherbee. He doesn't say anything about being with Miss Grundy, but if what they have isn't real, then he doesn't know what he's protecting. Geraldine sensually grabs his hand, claiming that what they have is indeed real, even if it isn't right, which is why he can't go to Weatherbee or else they could never see each other again.

At the Pep Rally later that week, Archie approaches Geraldine to inform her that he's going to tell Sheriff Keller and Weatherbee about the gunshot he heard on July 4th. Geraldine urges him to slow down and think it through, but he has already made up his mind that he's going to do it the next day. If she wants to join him, then they could figure it, if not, he respects that, and he'll do everything in his power to keep her out of it. He apologizes for breaking his promise to stay quiet, but its something he has to do.^[3]

Season 1 Episode 3 Body Double Geraldine Grundy and Fred Andrews talking — Gerladine meets Fred

Geraldine and Archie arrange another one of their meetings the next day at school, where they discuss why he would tell the authorities about the gunshot. They were going to crucify Cheryl if Archie didn't step in and corroborate her story about the single shot fired that day. However, by helping Cheryl, he put himself and Geraldine at risk. The situation is far more serious than he's able to comprehend. Geraldine explains that Sheriff Keller could go digging even further, which will lead to the exposure of their relationship. Hoping to avoid this at all cost, Geraldine decides it's best to suspend their lessons for the time being. Later, she attends the Taste of Riverdale, where she runa into Fred Andrews, Archie father. Fred tells her how often Archie speaks highly of her. He then explains that he wants to be supportive, but he first needs to know if Archie has the talent to match his passion. Geraldine assures him that the talent is there, unquestionably.

Archie goes to thank Ms. Grundy for talking his dad into respecting his choice for pursuing music. He then asks if they can restart their music lessons. After exchanging longing looks, they begin to kiss.^[4]

Geraldine's Departure[]

Season 1 Episode 4 The Last Picture Show Ms — Geraldine at Cello performance

Archie and Fred sit in on Geraldine's graceful cello performance. Afterwards, they congratulate her on the beautiful performance, even gifting her with flowers. She thanks them both for coming. In a show of gratitude for all she's done for Archie, Fred offers to take her out to dinner, and the three of them end up at the diner.

The next day at school, Ms. Grundy agrees to be interviewed by Betty under the false pretense that The Blue and Gold is doing a series of articles spotlighting teachers. Betty asks her a string of questions, everything from former schools she taught at to her independent studies, which surprisingly included Jason Blossom. He was an inspiration, Ms. Grundy says. The interview comes to an abrupt end after Betty attempts to bait Ms. Grundy into revealing any inappropriate feelings she may have had about her students.

Season 1 Episode 4 The Last Picture Show Archie Grundy 1 — Geraldine and Archie watching a movie

Afterwards, Geraldine and Archie spent the night watching old movies and talking. Archie wants to know more about her and ask her about her life and passions, for instance, if she always wanted to be a teacher. She tells Archie that she graduated Juilliard and auditioned at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, all the other big symphonies, but she never made the cut. Not even close. Geraldine had a dream to do more than teaching but sometimes that's all they are. Just dreams. Archie then asks if what they have is a dream, to which Geraldine asks if it would be so bad if it was. She thinks of it as a nice dream, but Archie can't help but wonder where it would all end. They proceed to kiss.

Season 1 Episode 4 The Last Picture Show Archie Grundy 2 — Archie consoles Geradline

Archie returns to her home the next day with one question in mind, if her real name was Jennifer Gibson. Geraldine tells him that she had a drunk and abusive husband who would come home from work with a temper. One night he beat her to the point where she was in the ER with broken ribs and a shattered collarbone. The next morning, he barely remembered the fight, and he promised it wouldn't happen again. But when it did, she divorced him, changed her name, and moved to Riverdale, where she eventually met Archie. Seeing the pain in her eyes, Archie approaches Geraldine and holds her close.

Season 1 Episode 4 The Last Picture Show Archie Grundy 3 — Archie and Grundy hug for the last time

Archie meets with Ms. Grundy in the music room with a thank you gift in hand. He wants to express his appreciation for everything Grundy has done for him. So, he got her a bow for her cello. She is surprised, concerned that he couldn't have afforded it. He then replies that he pawned one of his guitars to buy it for her. Grundy says that he doesn't need to thank her, that he shouldn't thank her. Hesitant, Archie tells her that he doesn't want to end their lessons but that is what he thinks they should do. She then asks if it's a goodbye gift, to which he responds that it is a "see-you-around-the-halls" / "A don't-forget-me gift." They share a quick embrace before Alice, Fred, and Betty burst in, breaking their contact. Alice has revealed to Fred everything she had learned from Betty's diary, i.e., Archie and Grundy's relationship.

Season 1 Episode 4 The Last Picture Show Geraldine Grundy looking at boys — Geraldine leaving town

They confronted Geraldine over her secret relationship. When Alice claims that Grundy is a child predator who should go to jail, Archie comes to her defense. Alice then suggests that the next step they take is to report the incident to Sheriff Keller. Alice has a clear vendetta against Archie and wants him and Betty to stop being friends. Archie admits that he is selfish and stupid, but he pleads with Alice to leave Grundy out of it. However, Alice is determined to do the 'right thing' by reporting the incident and of course informing the neighbors. Should Alice follow through with this, Betty threatens to tell everyone that she broke into Grundy's car to rob her and made up the affair. It would be as if she had finally snapped, and it would only further prove what everyone already thinks of the Coopers, that crazy runs in the family. Hoping to resolve the entire situation, Geraldine says that she'll quit and leave town, to which Fred agrees. Grundy makes her way to the door, announcing that she'll be gone by morning, though she and Archie shares one last longing look before she exits. The following day, with her belongings packed, Geraldine walks towards her car, prepared to leave, but first stops to stare at two teen boys, hawking at them over her shades. ^[5]

Season 2[]

Kissed by the Angel of Death[]

RD-Caps-2x01-A-Kiss-Before-Dying-166-Geraldine-Grundy-Black-Hood — Grundy's Death

Upon Grundy's departure from Riverdale, she relocated to Greendale, the neighboring town of Riverdale across Sweetwater River. Geraldine stands next to Ben, as he plays the piano. She is giving him a music lesson. As he is leaving her house, the two shar a kiss. When she heads back to the living room, she kneels down to pick up some music sheets that had fallen on the floor. As she stands back up, she notices that her window is open and is then attacked by the "Angel of Death," who strangles her with the cello bow that Archie gave to her. The attacker is so strong that he is able to lift Geraldine up off the floor and cause the cello wire to cut into her throat, causing blood to run down her body to her feet. ^[6]

Following her untimely death, Geraldine's body is taken to the coroner for an autopsy to be performed. Dr. Curdle discovers that she had lacerations on the neck and that her trachea had been crushed. Broken veins in her eyes and the skin tears suggested brutality. He determines Geraldine's murder to be a crime of passion. The killer wanted to feel her struggle as she died.^[7]

Season 6[]

The ghost of Grundy[]

Geraldine's ghost appears to Archie at Riverdale High School. She sits in the music room, playing the cello as he walks past. He calls out to her, and she snarls in return, a result of Percival Pickens attempting to weaken Archie.^[8]

Season 7[]

RD-Caps-7x13-The-Crucible-112-Geraldine — Geraldine meets Archie

Mrs. Grundy takes over Edith Thornton, her former mentor at Mount Holyoke, after she gets fired under suspicions of being a Communist. She approaches Archie Andrews at his locker, and introduces herself. She offers to mentor Archie in his poetry writing with the boy asking if they can keep it a secret since lots of people, including his Uncle Frank, who is also his basketball coach, do not like his interest. Geraldine agrees to the terms, and asks Archie if he ever met a real poet. He did not. She, then, offers to lend Archie a collection of her husband's poems to read. ^[9]

RD-Caps-7x16-Stag-87-Geraldine — Geraldine teaches a workshop

Mrs. Grundy teaches a literary workshop attended by her students Archie, Betty and Clay. Mrs. Grundy reads an excerpt from Howl by Allen Ginsberg. While Clay and Betty know all about the Beat poets, Archie does not have a clue until he is told they are countercultural artists who break every social norm. At another meeting, Clay engages in a complicated reflection, mimicking the poet's style in expressing himself. Archie, for his part, couldn't sleep after reading it. Mrs. Grundy quotes her husband as saying that you can't be a real poet without really living. Archie is demoralized by his lack of experience. Clay tells him that maybe it is more important to keep an open mind about things and to try new things with other people. Mrs. Grundy asks Archie if he has ever seen the sunrise, which he did for early basketball practice. But Mrs. Grundy refers to staying up all night with his friends getting into deep philosophical conversations. Betty, on the other hand, does not know what to think of the poem to which Mrs. Grundy suggests asking uncomfortable questions. ^[10]

RD-Caps-7x17-A-Different-Kind-of-Cat-64-Geraldine — Geraldine is embarrassed

Geraldine is impressed by Archie's latest poem. When she asks him what this maturity is due to, he replies he followed her advice to see the sunrise, among other things. Archie invites Geraldine to the Dark Room, a local beatnik bar, where he will read a poem, and the teacher accepts both the invitation and the apple given to him by Archie, whom he calls her favorite student. At the Dark Room, however, Geraldine is embarrassed by the poem, which is clearly about her and Archie's crush. She leaves the venue before Archie can talk to her. The next morning in class, before classes begin, Geraldine explains she went home for a late dinner with her husband. The teacher suggests that Archie drop the love poems and write about pain — physical and psychological. She assigns him to write about his most painful experience. Teenager heartbreaks off the table.^[11]

Mrs. Grundy teaches driving ed. lessons to an all-girls class. Next day, she tells her class, they will have their first lesson driving a working automobile. Ethel Muggs passes her first parallel parking test in front of the school entrance. With all the girls passing their tests, too, Mrs. Grundy will take them to a car dealership but before they can have their legal permits, they must bring their birth certificates to prove they are not Russian spies.^[12]

Physical Appearance[]

Geraldine was a young woman with a slim figure, pale skin, highlighted brown hair and vibrant green eyes. She wore glasses and her attire consist of skirts and blouses, the typical clothing choice you'd see with most teachers.

Personality[]

There was a shyness to Grundy, hesitation in her body movements and a softness in her voice. She often avoided direct eye contact as well. When she was conversing with someone, she tended to look down to the ground. Geraldine also had a very mysterious aura around her. Despite her seemingly harmless personality and appearance, Geraldine was sexually exploiting Archie Andrews.

Relationships[]

Archie Andrews[]

Main article: Archie and Geraldine

Archie and Geraldine's relationship began the summer leading up to Archie's sophomore year. As Archie was working at Andrews Construction, he encountered Geraldine cruising by in her car. They engaged in an illicit affair. However, after Jason's death, they ended their relationship. As school began, Archie, consumed by guilt, began questioning if their relationship was real enough that he would lie to the Principal Weatherbee about Grundy and Archie being in the Sweetwater River that fateful morning. Grundy insisted that it was as real as ever, and that if he told the principal that they were there that morning, their illegal relationship would be revealed and that would lead to even bigger problems. Archie decided to tell principal he heard the gunshot that morning, leaving the detail of Grundy's presence with him that morning. However, matters got worse when Betty and Veronica found out that Geraldine Grundy wasn't who she said she was. Her real name was actually Jennifer Gibson. Archie confronted Grundy, to which she claimed that she was in an abusive relationship. She left him, got a divorce, changed her name, then moved to Riverdale. Archie decided that they should break up since it would be better for the both of them. He surprised her with a good-bye gift, however, their encounter didn't last long, since Alice and Fred came storming in, Betty trailing behind, after finding out about their affair and confronted them about their secret relationship. They then forced Grundy to quit her job and leave Riverdale for good, thus ending their relationship.

Benjamin Button[]

Shortly before Miss Grundy is murdered, it's revealed she's having an affair with Ben Button. He hugs and kisses her goodbye after his piano lesson, and she asks if she'll see him tomorrow for another lesson.

Husband[]

After Riverdale is sent back to 1955, Miss Grundy reveals she has a husband who is also a poet. She and her husband stay up all night once a month to watch the sunrise.

Appearances[]

Season 7[]

Trivia[]

Miss Grundy was a cellist, demonstrating her prowess on several occasions.
The birth date on her driver's license is Sarah Habel's actual birth date.
She died after being kissed. This is why the title of the episode she dies in, "Chapter Fourteen: A Kiss Before Dying".
The elderly Geraldine Grundy that Jennifer stole her identity from is a more accurate depiction of the actual Miss Grundy character from the comics, where she's a very old and no-nonsense teacher who was despised by her students.
In the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina comics, Geraldine Grundy is the High Priestess of a coven that Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge belong to.