Riverdale S02E02 Review: Nighthawks – They said this season would be darker, they weren't lying!

First, let’s get it out of the way: this week’s get-our-entire-cast-in-one-place is a benefit at Pop’s for Pop’s. Why does Pop Tate (Alvin Sanders) need a hand? Well, the “DEATH DINER” graffiti is a clue.

And really, that’s sloppy graffiti. No one died there. Wait, did Archie spray that? Because the idiocy of it would make a lot of sense. Take the wanted poster he’s been passing around. It features a drawing of the gunman–an unrecognizable male (?)* in a homemade hood–with “HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN” God watches out for children, drunks, and fools, I guess. Anyway, we’re calling the killer Black Hood now. I mean, they are, so I guess we gotta.

Also, let me not roast Archie too much. He is under a lot of stress, after all. In fact, he pretty clearly has PTSS. He will have to sleep at some point, which is going to interfere with his need to be hyperalert. So that’s how he ends up going to Reggie (now played by Charles Melton), who’s apparently our resident drug dealer. Reggie hooks him up with the ol’–and I can’t believe I’m having to type these words–“jingle jangle,” an amphetamine that also gives you boners? I don’t know. I also don’t know if it has the same effect on ladies. But Midge (Emilija Baranac) buys some for Moose (Cody Kearsley) and her.

Elsewhere in town, Veronica is still holding a grudge against her father, which she reveals to him is over that letter he sent threatening her mom with legal trouble if Veronica didn’t testify in his case. But all is made well-ish when Hermione reveals that she wrote that letter so that Veronica would help her father. She’s lying, by the way, and Hiram is still a snake.

He’s not a Serpent, though, and we’ve got plenty of them. Jughead meets with FP and his court-appointed attorney, where he finds out that the best deal his dad’s going to get is a cool 20 years. That’s obviously not great, so after being rebuffed by Mayor McCoy, Jughead goes to speak with some of the other Serpents. After dismissing his dumb plan to break out FP, they tell him that he needs to speak with someone more experienced with “snake-handling.” Hey, I went to school with people like that! They direct him, in fact, to Penny Peabody (Brit Morgan), an attorney who’s also a Serpent. She tells him that if he can get FP’s victims, the Blossoms, to speak for him in court, the court will be more likely to be lenient.

As you might can guess, Hell will freeze over like Sweetwater Lake when Cheryl fell through it before that’s going to happen. However, she gets a lot more forthcoming when Betty of all people threatens to spread the video of Cliff Blossom shooting Jason. “You’re a stone-cold bitch, Betty Cooper.” Oh, she learned from the best, though. Cheryl’s efforts are appreciated in court, but the judge is still set on punishing FP until Cheryl “reveals” that she overheard her father threatening FP by threatening Jughead. That gets the judge to suggest re-evaluating the case. So, a minor win.

Principal Weatherbee tells the kids about Ms. Grundy’s murder, which prompts Archie and Betty to ask Alice to find out more. She finds out about the cello bow being the murder weapon and Archie thinks it’s obvious Grundy’s abusive ex is the killer. Sheriff Keller says the ex has an alibi, though.

Somehow in all this, Betty manages to organize that benefit for Pop’s, which has lost business since that whole attempted murder thing. The benefit is a big success, though it needn’t be. It seems that just like with the drive-in, a mysterious anonymous buyer has purchased the Chock’lit Shoppe, with the stipulation that Pop will still run it. Veronica’s sure the buyer is Hiram, as it was before, but he swears it’s not him. It is totally him. Also, Smithers has left suddenly. Supposedly, he’s caring for his ailing mother, but I’m sure it has nothing to do with his warning Veronica to go out another door so as to avoid Hiram.

So, as the Pussycats sing a 60s pop version of Kelis’s “Milkshake,” everything seems almost manageable. But this is Riverdale. First, FP is livid that his son consulted with Penny, especially since the only payment she accepted was a favor exchange. As in, this was a favor she did for Jughead, which he will one day return. That’s never promising. Second, if Archie were on high alert already, he’s on DEFCON 3 with the news of Grundy’s murder. Or whatever level has him buying a gun from Dilton Doiley. Chekhov, you old scamp.

And speaking of guns, the last thing we see is Midge and Moose jingle jangled up on a lover’s lane. (I promise that “gun” is not going to be a euphemism here.) They’re just beginning their fun when they spot someone behind the car with a powerful flashlight. One of them says something like, “No, he’ll know we’re here,” which, y’all are sitting in a car with the headlights on. I hope jingle jangle doesn’t make you dumber. We may never know with them at least, because the flashlight carrier is Black Hood. As Donovan’s “Season of the Witch” plays, he opens fire on both of them. RIP (?), Midge and Moose.

9/10 – When they said this season would be darker, they weren’t lying. While we didn’t know Moose and Midge that well, seeing two high school kids be so brutally attacked, if not murdered, was a jarring thing to experience. I’ve had enough of lover’s lane killings this week! As for the rest of it, I’m already bored with the Lodge family drama, but it’s kept to small bits, so that’s okay. I do like how the show is continuing to deal with Archie’s distress over his father’s shooting, as it’s more realistic than his just going back to normal would be. Finally, it seems the ‘dales, River and Green, have a serial killer. Who do you think it is? On that note, let me refer back to the asterisk I placed by “male” up there and ask, hey, where’s Polly?

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

4 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

callmeishmael

3 years ago

For some reason, I haven’t really given Polly serious consideration but I mean, let’s not pretend she’s a super stable individual. I suppose making Black Hood a female would be seen as a good twist since Black Hood was male in the comics. But man, that would have to be one tall female (or some generic stand-in to keep us all guessing).

I would love to know where the writers came up with the name “jingle jangle”. Like, really? I laughed so hard when they first said it.

Salome G

Reply to callmeishmael

I mean! Jingle jangle sounds like a name some adult invented for a drug the kids are into. Which is what it is, so I guess it works out. I forgot to mention that it’s packaged like a Pixy Stick (???), my other favorite thing about it.

As for Black Hood, that’s a good point about the height. Also, she should be mighty pregnant by now, so that’d be kind of noticeable. I just remembered while I was writing this post that she hasn’t been around. And speaking of things I just remembered, another Cooper is joining us soon.

Reply to Salome G

Hahaha, yes! That’s exactly what it sounds like. I don’t know if you watched PLL, but in one part of it, a new person starts sending anonymous texts FILLED with random and constant emojis, and I was like, “That’s totally something my mother would do if she wanted to pretend she was young.” Sorta reminds me of that. But yes, the pixie stick thing made it all the more awesome. I’d totally forgotten about the pregnancy. Yeah, that would be a hard one for them to go with. She’d also probably not be up to all of that physical activity,… Read more »

I did watch PLL, although I kind of lost interest after the flash-forward. Those emoji texts made me howl. Okay, mom.

Welp, I guess my Polly theory went up in smoke this week, unless they’re running the long con. As for Chic’s appearance, it should be midway through the season, which would put it ’round about the second week of November, probably.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

Riverdale S02E02 Review: Nighthawks – They said this season would be darker, they weren’t lying!

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you