Cheryl is under a cloud of suspicion when new information about Jason’s death is revealed; Archie makes a decision that strains his relationship with Miss Grundy; Betty decides to revive the school newspaper.

Riverdale goes from a guilty pleasure of a show to one with one hell of a message. The third episode of this shockingly good series gives us girl power as the girls of Riverdale band together to take on the football team who are demeaning the girls with rumors about sex. The episode takes on harassment, much earlier than I thought it would and does it in a way that doesn’t come off as an Afterschool Special.

There’s more girl power packed into this episode than some entertainment has their entire season as Veronica really steps forward defending and going on the attack to correct wrongs. But, at the same time, through this plotline the show also explores Betty’s trauma involving her sister. We get strength, vulnerability, and depth, all in the same plot. To achieve so much is impressive and a hell a hat trick.

The big picture story of the death of Jason is still a major plotline. Archie reveals his hearing a gunshot with consequences from that revelation. Who fired a gun is revealed. There’s a lot packed in the episode in an entertaining hour that’s full of mystery, intrigue, and kick-ass women.

Riverdale is absolutely my new guilty pleasure of the tv season but with episodes like these it’s becoming must watch tv.

Overall Rating: 9.65