| “ | I was running out of time. And maybe, so was Riverdale. Hiram Lodge had been making moves. Big moves. But with no proof of criminal behavior, all I could do was speculate. What was Hiram's master plan for Riverdale? And why did it feel so close to fruition? | ” |
— Jughead
| ||
"Chapter Twenty-Eight: There Will Be Blood" is the fifteenth episode of the second season of Riverdale, and the twenty-eighth episode of the series overall.[2] It premiered on March 14, 2018.
Synopsis[]
FAMILY TIES — After learning that his dad is considering running for mayor of Riverdale, Archie begins to grow concerned that the Lodges may have found their newest pawn in Fred. Meanwhile, Betty becomes increasingly suspicious of Chic's strange behavior and enlists Kevin's help to figure out what Chic is hiding. Finally, Cheryl and Penelope are surprised when they learn that Clifford left a secret will, and Jughead makes a major discovery in his quest to take down Hiram.[3]
Plot[]
Jughead gazing at his wall of clues
With time running out, Jughead struggles to produce physical evidence to indicate Hiram Lodge of any criminal behavior, forcing him to theorize over Hiram's master plan for Riverdale. He gazes upon his wall of clues (photos, newspaper clippings, etc.) as his father returns to the trailer. Although Jughead explains that he is hoping to formulate an article that will help in his take down of Hiram Lodge, FP recommends that he desist with his pursuit of Hiram considering that he bought the trailer park and forgave their debts. However, Jughead explains that Hiram recently bought the Register which in return allows him to silence the reporting voices in order to prevent any unwanted exposure.
The Lodges invite the Andrews over to the Pembrooke for dinner where Hiram, Hermione and Fred tell stories from their youth when they apparently broke into Thornhill for a swim and stole the school's van. When Fred points the blame on Hermione and Mary, Hermione corrects him in that it was Alice who stole the school van for a joyride. Hiram and Hermione then invite Fred into the study to propose that he run for Mayor.
Kevin talking with Chic on a webcam
Betty and Kevin meet at the Blue and Gold offices after school hours to continue their investigation of Chic. However, Kevin is reluctant given the odd circumstances. But Betty explains that every time she tried asking Chic questions about himself, he got defensive or started to cry as a diversion. So she proposes that they catfish him since it's the only way she can think of to get him to open up. In agreement with Betty, Kevin gets on video chat with Chic while Betty instructs him on what to say. He asks if Chic liked to party and play. Chic replies that he doesn't. Given that this is their third time talking to each other, Kevin wants to know more about Chic. But Chic responds that Kevin hadn't yet taken his shirt off so they are even. Nonetheless, Chic decides to open up to Kevin.
Veronica telling Archie about her parents' plan for his dad to run for Mayor
With their parents the study, Veronica reveals to Archie that the deputy mayor who took over for Josie's mom is on the verge of stepping down and that there is going to be a special election that her parents think Archie's dad is the ideal candidate for since business and politics go hand and hand.
On their way home, Archie asks Fred if he is seriously considering running for Mayor. Which he is. It was something he had dreamed about since he was a kid. While Riverdale has been through a lot lately, he is hoping that he can be the one to change things.
Cheryl discovering her father's secret will
The next day, Cheryl enters the living room of Thistlehouse to find her mother with a strange man whom she had never met. His name is Mr. Lazenby and he is their estate attorney. As it turned out, Clifford had a secret will. Which comes as no surprise to Cheryl. His instructions were to reveal the existence of the will only after the authorities had concluded their investigation of his drug dealings. Per Clifford's instructions, he requested that Mr. Lazenby withhold all information, including the names of his numerous beneficiaries, until the public will-reading.
Hal asking for a divorce
Hal sits down with Alice to ask for a divorce. Alice asks if he is still seeing Penelope Blossom. Which he isn't. Furthermore, the divorce has little to nothing to do with Penelope. Hal explains that it is about how he worshiped Alice like a goddess for 20 years only for her to side with Chic, a stranger, over him. Betty too. He couldn't believe that the two of them betrayed him. However, Betty claims that she is on her father's side in regards to Chic. She too wants him out of the house. As for selling the Register, he tells Alice that Hiram Lodge offered a fair price, half of which he is willing to give to Alice as long as she agrees to immediately set him free.
With the odds of Fred saying yes to their proposal being at about 50-50, Hermione suggests that Veronica influence Archie into convincing Fred to run for Mayor. Veronica influences Archie while Archie influences Fred. When they reveal their plans, it will sound better coming from him as he is well respected in the community. While reluctant, Veronica agrees to her parents' request.
Jughead learning that Hiram Lodge bought Pop's
At school, Archie asks Jughead if he is still in pursuit of Hiram Lodge, which he is. Archie tells Jughead of the special election to replace Josie's mother, and how Hiram wants his dad to run. But Archie doesn't want his father any deeper with the Lodges than he already is. And while Archie can't tell him not to run as that would come with consequences, Jughead can however intervene. So Archie offers Jughead information in hopes that he will write an article about it, forcing his dad to abstain from the election. Archie reveals that Hiram Lodge secretly bought Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe from Pop Tate. Jughead pulleds out his map, looking at the territory claimed by the Lodges. He compares Hiram to Dracula and accuses him of snapping up all of Riverdale in order to expand his empire and feed.
Betty and Alice learning that Hiram bought Pop's
After figuring out Hiram's methodology, Jughead heads over to Betty's house the next day. He explains to Betty and Alice that Hiram acquired devalued land at a criminal discount. Twilight Drive-In, Sunnyside Trailer Park, Southside High and now Pop's. While most don't care about Hiram's other acquisitions due to them being located on the Southside, Pop's is the heart of Riverdale, meaning people will care about Hiram buying it.
Archie gets a call from Veronica after she had done some research. Apparently, his dad needs 1200 signatures before he can even run for Mayor. So Veronica is hoping that the two of them can collect the signatures together. However, Archie blows her off, claiming that he has homework to catch up on.
The Coopers
Betty returns home to find that Polly has returned with Juniper and Dagwood. Betty and Polly share hug, and Polly expresses her surprise when meeting Chic. Still cautious of Chic given his recent behavior, Betty grabs Dagwood from him though she make sure not to raise any suspicion. Polly then asks about Hal, and if they will be attending Clifford Blossom's will-reading together, which Alice had no knowledge of prior to Polly mentioning it.
Cheryl invites Toni over to help her prepare for the will-reading. As they are deciding on wardrobe for the occasion, Penelope barges into her room without so much as knocking and demands to know what is going on. It is then that she meets Toni, who Cheryl claims is there for emotional support. Penelope then tells Cheryl that she needs to be downstairs before the guest start to arrive so that they can present a united front.
"Riverdale 2020"
Fred shares an old urban planner presentation of his with Archie. "Riverdale 2020", he calls it. A small town with a big future. Archie is amazed with his father's past work. However, their moment is interrupted by Veronica, who comes to the house with design ideas for campaign logos. After Veronica agrees to get buttons and T-shirts printed, Archie confronts her for pushing the idea of his father being Mayor. Archie's resistance is due to his father not being cut out for what her parents wanted. Which is to Archie's knowledge, a dog on a leash who does what it's told. And if his father doesn't obey, they'd push him out like they did Mayor McCoy. Veronica corrects Archie to tell him that Mayor McCoy had an affair with Sheriff Keller and that's why she stepped down. She states that it has nothing to do with her parents. Nonetheless, Archie feels as if he is being steered and would appreciate it if Veronica eased up.
The will-reading
Once all the guests arrive, the will-reading begins. Clifford's first declaration is that ownership of Thistlehouse remain with his mother, Rose Blossom. With Penelope, Clifford leaves ownership of Thornhill, which Cheryl had burned to the ground. "The charred husk of an empty house. That sounds about right, Mother." Cheryl remarks. Regarding the other guests who had been contacted per Clifford's request, they are to received half of his remaining assets of his fortune. The first half will be distributed equally to anyone in town who can prove with medical authentication that they are of Blossom blood. The will-reading is then interrupted by Alice, who comes to confront Hal over him asking for a divorce for the sole purpose of cutting her out of the will. Once Alice turns her attention towards the family and begins insulting them as a whole, referring to them all as inbreds, Penelope requests that she and Sierra McCoy, her newfound attorney, leave the premises.
Jughead asking Pop Tate about Pop's
At Pop's, Jughead asks Pop Tate about Hiram's secret purchasing of the diner. Pop Tate tells him about how the Tate family has owned the diner for over 80 years. When his mother gave him the keys, she made him promise that no matter what, he'd always keep the shop in the family. While Pop Tate did what he needed to do in selling the diner, his mother would be devastated to learn that he had went against her wishes. So Pop Tate asks that Jughead keep this information to himself. At least while his mother is still alive. Jughead agrees.
The second half of Clifford's fortune will go to Cheryl alone as Jason is no longer with them. And so Cheryl approaches the podium with a speech prepared. As the one, true Blossom heir, she feels it is her duty to say a few words. However, Cheryl's speech is interrupted by Clifford. Or so they believe. Overwhelmed by his supposed return, Cheryl faints.
Claudius explaining his existence to Cheryl
By the time Cheryl wakes up, it is dark outside and the will-reading has long since come to an end. Who she had believed to be her father returning from the grave is actually her father's twin brother and her uncle, Claudius Blossom. He tells them that when he and Clifford were boys, they were inseparable. But it became apparent that Claudius was being primed to inherit the Blossom empire. Until their 14th birthday when he and Clifford were down by Sweetwater River and he pointed a rifle at Claudius and told him about the Blossom curse. How one of the twins always met a violent end and often at the hands of the other. Fortunately, he spared Claudius. But that very night, Claudius ran away from home without a trace and later joined the Merchant Marines where sailed the seas desperate to outrun the Blossom curse.
Chic refusing to get his blood tested
After the will-reading, Polly, Betty and Chic discuss the blood test and how much money they will inherit through Clifford's will. Oddly enough, Chic refuses to get his blood tested despite the fact that Polly tells him that the Blossoms are their cousins. He claims that he doesn't want their blood money and needles triggere him. Respecting Chic's decision, Alice tells Betty and Polly to back off of him.
The following day, Veronica told her mother that while she was willing to do the family's bidding at school, Archie was off the table as she was afraid of losing him. He had become a pawn on their chessboard and it was hurting their relationship. However, the women always walked the razor's edge. The men were the gangsters, but the molls, they used their wiles and cunning, such as a hand on an elbow or a whisper in an ear to manage things from behind the scenes. While this was the case for most, Veronica refused to take part.
Betty and Kevin in the Blue and Gold
Kevin and Betty regroup in the Blue and Gold for a follow up webcam session with Chic as Betty has only grown more suspicious of him, especially with Chic turning down the money he would rightfully inherit if he would just agree to the Blossoms' DNA test. Betty wants to know what he is hiding. So she has a plan that is admittedly insane. Just as before, Kevin is instructed by Betty on what to say to Chic over video chat. Betty tells Kevin to tell Chic that he had gotten tested for the first time and the test came back negative. Kevin then asks if Chic gets tested. Which he did. He used to go every week. He had a terrifying scare once, one that he doesn't feel like sharing. But he does tell Kevin that he was living with a rougher crew back then. Kevin then slams the laptop shut as Chic realizes that someone else is in the room with Kevin. Feeling guilty about catfishing Chic Kevin decides that he will do it no longer.
Sierra telling Fred the about the less glamorous side of being the mayor
Archie meets up with Jughead at Sunnyside Trailer Park to see if Pop Tate had confirmed that Hiram Lodge secretly purchased the diner. Pop Tate admitted this is true. Unfortunately, Jughead can't publish the article out of respect for Pop Tate. Jughead had talked to every possible suspect connected to the Lodges, Mayor McCoy included. But they all refused to talk. Archie suspects that Jughead had spoke to the wrong McCoy. Instead of Sierra, Archie goes to speak with Josie. At Pop's, Archie tells Josie about his dad running for Mayor and how he doesn't want him to go through the same ordeal that Josie's mom went through. So he is hoping that maybe Josie can convince her mom to talk with his dad to convince him out of running for Mayor. Josie reluctantly agrees. At the Andrews house, Archie and Josie sit quietly as her mom reveals to his dad the less glamorous side of being a mayor, like the townsfolk turning on him and filling potholes. Not to mention the uglier aspects of the job such as crime, poverty and threats.
Hiram, Hermione and Veronica questioning who the mole is
Hiram gets a surprise visit from Pop Tate who tells him that Jughead was asking questions about the ownership of the diner, meaning that there is someone in their inner circle feeding him information. Hiram approaches Hermione and Veronica with this news as the only people that know about the secret purchasing of Pop's are the three of them and Archie, leaving them to believe that Archie is the mole. Realizing that it was in fact Archie, Veronica falsely confesses to telling Jughead about the diner in order to get him off their trail. She explains that Jughead was grilling her about SoDale, Southside High and Sunnyside Trailer Park while they were at Shadow Lake. Hoping to throw him off, Veronica distracted Jughead with the smallest truth she could, or so she claims. While Hiram is outraged, Hermione claims it was quick thinking. She agrees with Veronica's decision to feed Jughead a little bit of information in order to keep him from learning a lot more. Her gambit bought them the time that they need for some preemptive damage control.
Jughead finding out that thew Serpents were hired by Hiram to trash the Drive-in
Jughead and FP sit in the trailer, contemplating their next move as Hiram is going to beat the clock. It feels to Jughead that Hiram is ahead of every decision he makes. Though Jughead credits this to Hiram "rigging the game". Not to mention that everyone is too afraid to come out and speak against him. However, FP points out that Jughead hasn't yet asked him to go on the record. FP reveals to him that not too long ago, Hiram hired the Southside Serpents to trash the drive-in so that he could buy it at a cheaper price. FP is even willing to own up to his wrongdoing on record if it means that Jughead can stop Hiram. However, it appears that this will not be necessary as Jughead gets a call from a mysterious caller who claims to have information on Hiram's plans.
Veronica and Archie fighting over him snitching
While working out in his garage, Archie is confronted by Veronica over his betrayal in telling Jughead about the Lodges secretly buying Pop's. Veronica reveals that she covered for Archie though he didn't wish for her to do so. But if her dad ever found out that he snitched, Archie would be in deep trouble. Regardless, Archie refuses to apologize for protecting his father. However, Veronica assures Archie that his father is an untouchable, meaning he would never be hurt or corrupted. Veronica then questions what happened to Archie's loyalty as he had sworn his allegiance. Archie reminds Veronica that it was her that wanted his eyes wide open before he committed to her family, and if his dad is going to run for mayor with her parents, he deserved the entire truth, Archie adds. He wants to know Hiram's master plan for the Southside which Veronica was going to tell him at her confirmation until he stopped her. Now, he is ready to know the truth. However, Veronica can no longer tell him. Instead, she instructs him to speak with her father. Though, he has even less time than initially though as his father enters the garage to announce that he is officially throwing his hat in the race for Mayor.
Betty looking through Chic's trash
Betty sneaks into Chic's bathroom that night in hopes of finding his DNA so that she can send it to the Blossoms' blood testing lab. She is still under the suspicion that Chic is hiding something. So she looks through his cabinet, examining his toothbrush and combs only to come up empty handed. However, upon searching his trash can, she finds a bloody strand of floss, which she then puts in a napkin before hiding it in her pocket. Unfortunately, she runs into Chic on her way out of his room. He tells her that he liked it better when Polly wasn't around. Love is finite, according to Chic, and people run out of it eventually. He apparently fears that Alice will stop loving him. And so Betty asks if he is alright. Rather than to respond to her question, he tells Betty to never use his bathroom again.
Jughead meets the mysterious caller at the Riverdale Bus Station. The caller was Smithers. The Lodges' former doorman. Smithers explains that he was privy to Hiram Lodge's personal affairs such as coordinating transportation to Shankshaw prison. Hiram also received mail from the warden of the prison. Before parting ways, Smithers asks how Veronica is fairing in the midst of it all.
Blossom family dinner
At Thistlehouse, Penelope has dinner with Nana Rose, Claudius, Cheryl, and much to her dismay, Toni. When Toni asks what brought Claudius back to Riverdale after all that time, Penelope suggests that he ignore Toni as the diner was supposed to be family only. But Claudius doesn't mind. He even tells them about his journeys as a sailor. During one particular journey, he came upon an Island named "Lesbos", which is really just a reference to Cheryl and Toni's relationship. He claims it was the most beautiful and natural place on earth. Claudius then announces that he will be staying in Riverdale to assure that Rose and the house is well cared for. And so Penelope reluctantly invites him to stay in the room over the garage which was freezing in the winter and boiling in the summer.
Afterwards, Jughead goes down to Pop's to inform FP that Hiram's plans somehow involve the prison in which his father was imprisoned. Jughead tried calling the warden a dozen times, but he never got a response. Fortunately, FP has a contact on the inside who knows everything.
Chic and Polly looking at the twins
Polly goes on a mini shopping spree with the money she inherited from the will. During which time, she tells Betty that Chic is creepy and she didn't think that he liked her or the twins. She caught him staring at them a couple times. Betty agrees that Chic is indeed creepy. It is part of the reason why she submitted a sample of his blood to the Blossoms' lab. Betty is starting to think that their father was right about Chic being dangerous, possibly not even their brother. And if he's not, Betty will be relieved despite their mother's heartbreak from learning this if it is the case. Polly and Betty return home to find that Chic has taken Juniper and Dagwood for a walk along Sweetwater River. Just as Polly and Betty begin to panic, Chic walks through the front door with the twins unharmed despite their suspicions.
Jughead and FP at Shankshaw
At Shankshaw state prison, Jughead and FP ask War Baby if he had heard anything major behind the scenes about Hiram Lodge. War Baby has, so, from War Baby, Jughead and FP learn the entirety of Hiram's plan.
Just as Veronica suggested, Archie speaks with Hiram that night. He echoes Jughead's sentiment of Hiram being like Dracula, who bought property all over London so he could move his vampire kingdom over from Transylvania. The only difference is that Hiram is bringing organized crime to Riverdale. Even worse, he wants Archie's dad to be Mayor so that he can be their patsy. What if Hiram and his father don't see eye to eye, Archie wonders. In Archie's hand is his journal. When Hermione sent Arthur Adams, the fake FBI agent to test him, he started taking detailed notes of everything he saw while he was apprenticing with Hiram. Archie explains that he is merely looking out for his family though Hiram assures him that he has no reason to worry as Lodge Industries will be 100% legitimate and Riverdale will be crime free in 18 months. Hiram promises that they will all benefit. Archie decides to hold him to that.
Alice and Polly saying goodbye
The next morning, Polly comes downstairs to announce that she is leaving again. However, she is not returning to the farm, rather heading to San Francisco, which comes as no surprise to Chic, who had already told their mother that Polly wouldn't be staying for long. Chic commends Polly for her decision, telling her that it is a nice city to raise kids and that she should send a note from her new address once she gets there. Chic then goes into his room and cuts Polly out of the picture that he had previously cut Hal from.
At the Blue and Gold, Betty reads over Jughead's article, exposing Hiram Lodge for the diabolically insane mastermind that he is. Betty states that the article is the best thing that Jughead had ever written and that they needed Mr. Weatherbee to print it immediately in order to expose Hiram's plans for the Southside. Unfortunately, Mr. Weatherbee refuses to publish Jughead's article as he doesn't condone the malicious take down of a fellow students' parents.
Hiram explaining his plans for SoDale
The Lodges get a call from warden Jeffries at Shankshaw prison who tells them Jughead and FP paid a visit to an inmate, one of FP's well informed cronies. They suspect that Jughead and FP have learned everything regarding Hiram's plans for the Southside, meaning that it is only a matter of time before it makes the papers. With their hands being forced, Hiram tells Hermione to call Fred and Archie over to inform them of everything before Jughead can break the story. They reveal that their plans for Riverdale entail turning Southside High into a private, for profit prison. As for SoDale, it is intended to be housing for the employees of the prison. Unfortunately, Fred isn't in support of their plan. But surprisingly, Archie is, or at the very least, he is willing to hear Hiram out as he decides to stay while his father leaves.
Fred receives a package at the front door upon returning home. It is the buttons that Veronica had promised to print out for him. Elsewhere, Penelope and Claudius discuss their plan to take care of Nana Rose and Cheryl, unbeknownst to the two of them that Cheryl is in the hallway eavesdropping. Meanwhile, at the Cooper house, Betty confronts Chic with the DNA test results from the Blossoms' lab. Chic isn't who he says he is, and so Betty demands to know who he really is.
Hiram and Archie performing a traditional test of loylty
In the study, Archie would forever sealed his fate with the Lodges. Hiram always knew that a prison would be a difficult sell. So he was going to ease them into the idea, and it was his mistake in not telling them sooner. Archie explains that before Jason Blossom's death, the Black Hood and his father getting shot, he probably wouldn't have understood Hiram's point of view. But he's changed, and he believes that Riverdale is in need of change too. Hiram grabs a blade from his case as he tells Archie that the tradition they were about to perform is a sign of loyalty and that there is no going back. Hiram and Archie both cut the palms of their hands and bleed onto Archie's journal, before throwing it into the fire.
Hermione giving her campaign speech
Just outside the Mayor's office, everyone in town watches as the Lodges hold a press conference to announce that Hermione will be running for Mayor. Hermione goes on to give a brief campaign speech as the crowd applauded. "Thank you, Veronica, and thank you all very much. Like many of you, I grew up in this town dreaming of a better tomorrow. For myself, for my family and for my friends. And now, for the future that you all so deserve. Riverdale is one of the most dynamic, resilient communities. {...} Riverdale cannot succeed unless all of us succeed and that will require certain sacrifices. {...} We will also need your support. We will need your trust. We will need your loyalty. {...} This town has endured so much these past few years. After so much adversity, aren't we all ready for a taste of prosperity?" And there it is. The Lodges have won. Leaving Jughead to wonder what will follow for Riverdale.
Cast[]
Starring[]
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Guest Starring[]
Co-Starring[] |
Soundtrack[]
- Little Alice - Why oh Why
- Scene: Jughead goes to the bus station to meet Deep-throat.
Trivia[]
- The episode title comes from Paul Thomas Anderson's 2007 American drama film of the same name.
- Smithers used the code-name "Deep Throat" when he leaked information about Hiram Lodge to Jughead.
- Deep Throat is the pseudonym given to the secret informant who provided information in 1972 about the involvement of U.S. President Richard Nixon's administration in what came to be known as the Watergate scandal.
- Deep Throat is also the code-name of a character leaking information to FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder in the 90s cult TV series The X-Files.
- Archie and Jughead references Dracula and Transylvania.
- Veronica references the 1989 American television sitcom Saved by the Bell.
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