Editor’s Note: This recap contains spoilers for Riverdale’s third episode, “Body Double.” Only read on if you’ve watched (or want to be spoiled on) Riverdale’s latest episode!
The third episode of Riverdale opened with Betty and Jughead reviving the long dormant Riverdale High School newspaper. Jughead fancies himself Riverdale’s Truman Capote—going so far as to say he’s writing the town’s version of In Cold Blood—and only would only agree to take the gig if he could have complete editorial freedom. Jughead’s so, so hardcore about journalism, you guys.
If this sounds like it’s a little serious for high school kids, that’s because it is. Once again, Riverdale firmly planted its feet in dark, noir territory. That’s not all this episode had to offer though and we’re quickly learning that those shadows Jughead always goes on about are long and dark. They cover everyone and thing in Riverdale.
Veronica found this out the hard way on a date with super hunk Chuck Clayton. The date ended in some hot and heavy action, …which Chuck then quickly posted on the internet. For some reason, this act of slut-shaming has been dubbed a “sticky maple” in Riverdale and Veronica is obviously furious. She delivered one of the series best lines to date when she growled at Betty, “you want to help me get revenge, fine, but you better be ready to go full dark, no stars” and we are here.for.it.
Betty, thankfully, went full-on Lois Lane, using the powers of journalism to uncover the horrific truth that the Riverdale Bulldogs have a major sexual assault problem. It turns out the “sticky maple” has happened to many, many girls across the campus.
While Betty and Veronica plotted their revenge against Chuck and the rest of the kinda-rape-y Riverdale football team, Archie dealt with the repercussions of all the lies he’s been telling his dad (the ever awesome Luke Perry). He’s quickly, and thoroughly, grounded—bummer, bro!—which put a hamper on his songwriting sessions with his statutorily rape-y music teacher (so gross).
This, of course, didn’t stop Archie from sneaking out of the house to meet up with Josie & The Pussycats to learn a little about music and white male privilege. It’s a great scene that showcased how strong the writing on Riverdale is: It handles big, often scary, subjects but does so with skill, grace, and just the right amount of bitterness.
Now, Archie’s music career was an interesting plot point and all, but for us, the night was all about Betty and Veronica’s revenge against Chuck. After luring Chuck with promise of a three way and handcuffing him in a hot tub, the girls proceeded to torture him (really). They forced him to admit his misdeeds on camera while raising the temperature of the water and forcing his head underwater. Sinister stuff and extremely satisfying. Don’t eff with Betty and Veronica—they’re the new dynamic duo and they will bury you.
The ladies’ fighting back also managed to bring the demented Cheryl Blossom into the fold. Discovering her late brother was a member of this sick little game of slut-shaming, and it makes her rethink her undying devotion to his memory. In the episode’s final moments,  Betty and her burn the book the boys used to keep “score” of their conquests.
It’s symbolic in more ways than one.
The weakest point of the show had to be Jughead, though, who’s just so serious and uninviting. He spent most of the episode harassing a bunch of boy scouts trying to figure out what they saw and heard on the morning Jason disappeared. Jughead’s sole purpose on the show seems to be that of a narrator: it’s like everything he does is an afterthought. Hopefully that changes in episodes to come.
As Jughead monologued through the end of the episode, we got a quick flash of Archie getting dirty with his music teacher. Again. This gross affair can’t stay hidden for long, right? It’s upsetting to watch and it seems to be spiraling out of control very quickly—Archie is a sophomore! He’s a kid and she is a grown woman. It’s wrong Riverdale. Very, very wrong.
In the end, we didn’t learn anything new about the murder of Jason Blossom in this episode, but we got to see the power that is Betty and Veronica unleashed. Lili Reinhart and Camila Mendes are so damn good—serious superstars in the making. Their chemistry is pitch perfect.
It’s probably also worth noting that all the episodes of Riverdale are named after classic movies, most of them noir and/or murder mysteries. “The River’s Edge,” “Touch of Evil,” and “Body Double” have been used, so far. It’s a cool little touch that reveals a lot about the show’s inspiration.
What did you think of Riverdale so far? Do you think Betty and Veronica would straight up murder somebody who crossed them? Let us know in the comments below!
Images: The CW
