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We are living a prophecy and you are all sacrifices waiting to be made and the gargoyle king lives. He will decide and he will chose. Only the worthy will ascend.
— Kurtz to Jughead Jones[src]


Kurtz was a recurring character on The CW's Riverdale. He was portrayed by Jonathan Whitesell.

Kurtz was a student at Riverdale High School and was part of the Southside Serpents and the Gargoyle Gang.

Throughout Riverdale[]

Season 3[]

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Kurtz doesn't want Jughead's help

Jughead is led to what appears to be an abandoned house of sorts. He finds Kurtz. He's come to talk. One leader to another. Jughead introduces himself as the Serpent King. He's come to make an offer. They're all wanted for the making and dealing of Fizzle Rocks, but if the Gargoyles join the Serpents, Jughead can promise them immunity from the law. Kurtz does not fear the law and doesn't need immunity. He's looked into the eyes of the King and his is the only law. The law of Gargoyles carved in stone. Persistent in getting the Ghoulies to join, Jughead requests to be Kurtz's Game Master. However, Kurtz believes that G&G is more than just a game. According to him, they're living a prophecy and everyone else are just sacrifices waiting to be made. Kurtz says that the Gargoyle King will decide and choose, and only the worthy will ascend.

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Kurtz and the Gargoyles joins Gladys

As Jughead and Jellybean watch a horror film, several Gargoyles barge into the trailer. Jughead pulls out his knife and Jellybean her slingshot. Surprisingly, the Gargoyles did not come alone. It seems they are now under Gladys' command. She did what Jughead couldn't. She tamed the Gargoyles. She then tells them to take off their masks. Kurtz is one of the Gargoyles at Gladys' disposal. Jughead explains that this can only end badly, which may be true, but they're desperate by Gladys' standards.[1]

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Pretty Poisons vs the newly recruited Serpents

Evelyn, Kevin, and the rest of the young Farmies enter their reserved classroom for the Farm meeting only to find Kurtz and the other Gargoyles turned Serpents occupying the classroom while playing Gryphons and Gargoyles. Just as Evelyn informs them that they have rights to the class every Wednesday, Cheryl, Peaches 'N Cream and the rest of the Pretty Poisons interject to lay their claim to the room. Cheryl explains that the third Wednesday of every month is reserved for monthly student council/LGBTQIA meetings. Evelyn questions the validity of Cheryl’s claims, to which Cheryl replies that she would have Evelyn beheaded in another century. It’s only when Kurtz refers to the ladies as "bitches" that the altercation turns violent, forcing Jughead and Toni to intervene.

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Kurtz faces of with Fangs

Jughead calls a Serpent meeting to ask about the break-in of the Chemistry lab. Kurtz admits that he did it though as a quest, stating that looting the alchemist lair was one of their more rewarding quests. But it is because of this that they’re now on Weatherbee‘s radar. Kurtz reminds Jughead that he promised them immunity, though this doesn’t apply when they fragrantly break the law. Jughead demands that he return the equipment, but Kurtz refuses. Fangs interjects, calling him a Fizzle Rocks junkie. This nearly leads to a brawl between him and Kurtz, who hasn’t forgotten about Fangs infiltrating the Gargoyle gang to spy on them. Kurtz makes a remark that he should’ve beaten Fangs over the head with the branding iron when he had the chance, angering Fangs, who grabs Kurtz by his jacket, though Jughead breaks the dispute up before it can go any further. Whatever bad blood existed between the Serpents and the Gargoyles is over as they’re all Serpents now. And it’s high time their newer members learned the Serpent laws. Jughead, Sweet Pea, and Fangs begin reciting the sixth Serpent law; "In unity, there is strength." However, the new recruits don’t fall in line. Kurtz tells Jughead that he plays by a different set of rules, to which Jughead tells him that he’s out of the gang. Though, it seems he has no plans on leaving. Kurtz reminds Jughead that both he and his mother came to him for help, leaving Kurtz to conclude that the Serpents need them more than they need the Serpents. So, if they’re rescinding what they promised, then Kurtz tells Jughead that he better come up with something better to offer before he decides to throw the original Serpents out of his gang, as the Gargoyle recruits have the numbers.

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Archie accuses Kurtz of coming after Ricky

Jughead calls a Serpent meeting at the bunker. Sweet Pea, Fangs, and Kurtz are among those in attendance. Jughead and Archie share a sketch of Ricky, asking if anyone recognizes him, though no one does. Jughead orders a manhunt. They’re going to break the town into sections, though Kurtz isn’t up to the task, causing Archie to suspect that maybe it was him and his crew who scared Ricky off at Pop’s, though Kurtz claims to have had no involvement as they’re more interested in making drugs. However, he does reveal that there are others out there. Outliers who broke away when they joined the Serpents. Assuming that what Kurtz is saying is the truth, that’s only one more reason that they need to find Ricky, though Kurtz has no intentions on joining the search.

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Kurtz dangles Fangs over the balcony

During another meeting, Jughead informs the others that while they found the kid, he still in danger. So is Archie for that matter. Sweet Pea asks about their next course of action. Their next play is a classic gambit. The hunters become the hunted. Kurtz had said that there are some rogue Gargoyles, so Jughead wants the name of those outliers. And he wants sentries posted at the Gargoyle lair. Their meeting is interrupted by Toni, who tells Jughead that Kurtz is about to kill Fangs. Jughead and Sweet Pea enter the hallway to find Kurtz dangling Fangs over the staircase balcony. They’re getting back at him for infiltrating the Gargoyles. Kurtz calls Fangs a dirty Serpent spy before dropping him so that he too can ascend. However, Sweet Pea and Jughead manage to get to Fangs just in time to break his fall.

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Kurtz leaves the Serpents

Jughead calls for another meeting of the Serpents. This time around he invited his father. Both Kurtz and Sweet Pea questions why. Jughead recalls that Kurtz boasted that the Serpents need him more than he needs them, but Jughead disagrees. One thing is true though, and that's the Serpents are rudderless. They lack identity and focus. And they’re better and stronger when task-focused. That’s why with the help of his father, Serpent Emeritus, they’ve come up with a plan to deputize the Serpents. To become partners with the Riverdale Sheriff’s Department. They’ll work for FP. Help him with investigations. Be his eyes and ears in the community. In return, they’ll get paid and receive school credit to apply for colleges. This is about being in order and ensuring their survival. This is going to be a brand new chapter for the Serpents and they can’t be divided about it. So Jughead decides to put it to a vote. If it’s not unanimous, anyone can leave. Jughead, FP, Sweet Pea, Fangs, and the rest of the Serpents raise their hands in favor, with the exception of Kurtz, who leaves.[2]

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Jughead captures Kurtz

Kurtz and the Gargoyles' drug den is infiltrated by Jughead, Archie, and the Serpents. Archie and Jughead make their way inside one of the rooms, where they find a ton of guns and all the makings of a drug lab. As Archie heads further into the room, Kurtz, who’s hiding behind a door, draws his gun. Just seconds away from shooting Archie, Jughead intervenes, disarming Kurtz and restraining his hands with zip ties. Archie and Jughead make their way back into the hallway to find Mad Dog still fighting with the Gargoyles, and so Archie decides to help him out, leaving Jughead to get Kurtz out on his own. As Jughead guides Kurtz down the stairway, Kurtz uses his feet to push off the door, sending both him and Jughead flying out a window, to the ground. Kurtz just barely makes it to his feet and manages to limp away with Archie not far behind, while Jughead recovers from the fall.[3]

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Kurtz is apprehended

Unbeknownst to Kurtz, he is spotted entering an alleyway by Jughead and FP just outside the Gilded Gloves tournament, and is apprehended in middle of a drug transaction. FP draws his firm arm and demands that Kurtz put his hands up. As FP cuffs him, Jughead tells Kurtz that both he and his drugs are done for good.

FP and Jughead interrogate Kurtz at the sheriff station. FP wonders if Kurtz plan was to sale the bad batch of G, get out of town, and dodge a murder charge. Jughead then asks why Baby Teeth was killed. Kurtz explains that Baby Teeth was only the warm-up to the ultimate quest for the Jones. The Gargoyle King demanded that they save the little princess. Jughead and FP instantly realize that he’s talking about Jellybean and demands to know what Kurtz did. He simply replies that she’s been summoned by the King.[4]

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Kurtz is tortured

FP, Gladys, and Jughead tie Kurtz to a chair and beat him mercilessly in hopes of gaining the truth behind Jellybean’s whereabouts. Kurtz simply replies that she’s being very well taken care of by an associate of his and that they should accept the invite to play. FP, Gladys, and Jughead regroup in the kitchen. Jughead explains that he's played the game enough to know that players like Kurtz are completely devoted to the Gargoyle King and its rules. Their only chance is to play and win, to hopefully get Jellybean back. And so, the Joneses agree to play the game. They start with their avatars. FP is Deadeye, like in high school, Jughead remains the Hellcaster, and Gladys is the Alchemist. FP rolls first.

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Kurtz chooses the first challenge: Cards on the Table

The Joneses have reached their first challenge. It’s called "Cards on the Table". Inside two OF three pouches are white marbles. Inside one pouch is a black marble. If they choose the black one, they must reveal their secret. FP remarks that they’ve been playing "Secret and Sins" since high school. Gladys is up first. Her pouch contains the black marble, meaning she must reveal her secret. Kurtz insists that Gladys tells the truth. She initially claims to have no secrets, but after Jughead reminds her that Jellybean’s life is on the line and threatens to reveal the secret himself, Gladys comes forward. She reveals for the first time to FP that she’s the new Fizzle Rocks dealer in Riverdale and that Kurtz used to work for her. FP is frustrated, even more so that Jughead knew and didn’t share this with him. However, Gladys told Jughead not to say anything because she wanted to protect them and keep them out of it. FP explodes with rage as she brought this chaos into their lives. While finishing the game and bringing Jellybean home is top priority, FP assures Gladys that there will be a reckoning.

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Kurtz tells the Joneses to rob Pop's

Gladys, Jughead, and FP have reached their next quest. Kurtz orders them to rob Pop’s. He tells them to consider it as Jellybean’s ransom. The money they obtain will get him out of town. However, FP isn’t so willing to oblige, stating that this ends with Kurtz buried six feet under. Although, should that happened, Kurtz has arranged Jellybean’s demise.

Jughead and Gladys return home, where Jughead knocks Kurtz unconscious with a single punch. Considering that the cops are probably on their way, Jughead and Gladys will have to relocate Kurtz and the game.

Jughead dumps a bucket of water on Kurtz to wake him up after relocating to the bunker. Jughead asks for the next challenge, which is a Trial with the Cyclops. While this character class is unfamiliar to Jughead, Gladys suspects that she knows what Kurtz is referring to.

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Jughead and Kurtz watch the battle

Kurtz takes Jughead and Gladys to meet up with the Cyclops for a battle. As it turns out, Penny Peabody is the aforementioned Cyclops. She has an eye-patch covering her left eye. Jughead thought she was dead, but instead of killing Penny, Gladys simply cut out her eye. Penny and Gladys must fight. Their weapons, as chosen by the Gargoyle King, sais. The two begin to battle as Jughead and Kurtz watch from the couch. During the battle, Penny breaks Gladys’ arm. Jughead rises to help, but Kurtz sits him back down and informs him that the fight is between Gladys and Penny. Should Jughead try to intervene, Jellybean will pay the price. Even with an injured arm, Gladys manages to best Penny, though Jughead stops his mother from killing her. While Gladys leaves Penny alive, she does however stab her in the leg.

After dropping his mother off at Riverdale General Hospital for a broken arm and ruptured kidney, Jughead demands to be taken to Jellybean. Kurtz agrees, but he’ll drive and Jughead has to wear a blindfold.

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Kurtz holds Jughead at gunpoint

Kurtz has taken Jughead to the junkyard. Before Jughead sits two refrigerators. Behind one of the doors is Jellybean. Behind the other is Jughead’s doom. The finale challenge is simple. Jughead has to choose one. He opens the refrigerator marked with a Gryphon first, but it’s empty, as is the second refrigerator marked with a Gargoyle. Jughead then realizes it was a trap, as Kurtz holds him at gunpoint and tells him to get inside the refrigerator. Jughead agrees to get in, but only if Kurtz assures him Jellybean’s safety. So, Kurtz calls Ricky and tells him to put Jellybean on. She answers the phone and tells Jughead that she just got home and that she’s been playing G&G even though Jughead told her not to. He tells her it’s okay and that he’ll see her soon. Once Jughead gets into the refrigerator, Kurtz tells Ricky to kill Jellybean and he then locks Jughead in. After slamming his body against the door repeatedly, Jughead manages to break the lock and free himself. When he exits, he finds Kurtz dead on the ground and the Gargoyle King standing right behind him. [5]

Physical Appearances[]

Kurtz had dark hair and usually wore dark clothing with a black choker.

Personality[]

Kurtz had an unstable personality and a violent disposition partially due to his use of drugs. He became a fanatic of G&G to the point of wanting to "ascend", and although he did show certain points of being grounded, he appeared to genuinely believe the Gargoyle King, as a mythical overlord, was real.

Appearances[]

Season 3[]

Trivia[]

Gallery[]

See also: Category:Images of Kurtz

References[]

  1. Grassi, Michael (writer) & McKiernan, Tawnia (director) (February 27, 2019). "Chapter Forty-Eight: Requiem for a Welterweight". Riverdale. Season 3. Episode 13. The CW.
  2. Allen, Aaron (writer) & Adler, Marisol (director) (March 6, 2019). "Chapter Forty-Nine: Fire Walk With Me". Riverdale. Season 3. Episode 14. The CW.
  3. Murray, Greg & Hasan, Ace (writers) & Romanowsky, Pam (director) (March 27, 2019). "Chapter Fifty-Two: The Raid". Riverdale. Season 3. Episode 17. The CW.
  4. Paterson, Brian E. & Anderson, Arabella (writers) & Correa, Gabriel (director) (April 17, 2019). "Chapter Fifty-Three: Jawbreaker". Riverdale. Season 3. Episode 18. The CW.
  5. Schoenberg, Janine Salinas & Ewing, Will (writers) & La Roche, Alexandra (director) (April 24, 2019). "Chapter Fifty-Four: Fear The Reaper". Riverdale. Season 3. Episode 19. The CW.
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