RIVERDALE: “Chapter Thirty-Eight: As Above, So Below” (S3E3): No Shortage Of Monsters Here

Once again, Riverdale weaves its magic, interlacing strands of its enticing mystery through each subplot, character and entity within the series. “As Above, So Below” brought the focus even more on its two main storylines – Archie’s time in the big house and the Gargoyle King claiming the lives of those who have finished their fiendish game – while adding a third, giving Veronica (Camila Mendes) her due time in the spotlight.

As we discovered last week, Archie (K.J. Apa) has become the new Mad Dog (Eli Goree), an explanation that is finally given in this episode, while Betty (Lili Reinhart) and Jughead (Cole Sprouse) dive headfirst into their investigation into the Gargoyle King, a mission strongly opposed by their parents – whose childhood connection brings an unknown haunting from the past. With many answers came more questions this week, yet with a feeling that this could be the best season yet.

Riverdale Fight Club

Oh Archie Andrews – he never seems to catch a break. On a mission of redemption, he plead guilty to the charges for murder, placing him in juvenile detention. If that wasn’t enough, his ill-fated attempts to unite the inmates, refusing to conform to an animalistic profile, finds himself “tapped” as the new Mad Dog, enlisted in tasks unknown.

This week, we find Archie in solitary confinement, the All American All-Star fighting to maintain his humanity and dignity, refusing all of Warden Norton’s (William MacDonald) requests to be “tapped”. Finding no reprieve in Archie’s stance, the Warden shows him what his prospective future is destined for – an underground Fight Club (inside an abandoned pool which looks very similar to Orange is the New Black). Knowing that Archie will never join willingly, the Warden has put Joaquin (Rob Raco) in Archie’s place in a fight to the knockout. To save him (remember no Serpent left behind – and it’s Archie), Andrews takes his place. As Archie finds, though, it is not the fight the Warden wants – it’s the show.

I am still not sure how I feel about this story-line. The Fight Club aspect is intriguing, yet the entire jail part of the story-line is beginning to grow old. I am hoping something will come out of Archie’s plan to escape from the jail as this would put immense strain on the relationships of his family – as well as Hiram Lodge (Mark Consuelos). It would be intriguing to see him as a fugitive, hiding out in Veronica’s speakeasy under Pop’s Diner. Needless to say, we will have to ride the jail time rock tune until the writers feel we have played every note.

Speakeasies Are Far From Easy

Speaking of Veronica’s speakeasy, we have finally come to the moment of fruition – a moment Veronica has been pushing aside until Archie’s release. I had mentioned in my last recap that I had been missing Veronica, her love struck sad puppy eyes for Archie masking the strong and independent woman within. She is more than just Archie’s girl, she is a Lodge. And this episode she had a chance to stretch those muscles.

Pushing beyond the wait for Archie, Veronica announces her opening night, with not only guests flocking to its attendance but trouble as well. A anonymous delivery of Jingle Jangle (the local drug), followed by the immediate arrival of a surprise inspection by Sheriff Minetta (Henderson Wade), are only the beginning of troubles to come for Veronica – most likely at the hands of her father who is not one to let go of a grudge.

Oh and did we mention Penny (Brit Morgan) is back, yet again. She is a character that is seriously running her course, maybe a bit overdue for a permanent exit. Demanding money be paid to her for Ghoulie protection, Penny, and Hiram, force Veronica to make a stand against her father. This is a confrontation that could be most intriguing this season. As Veronica fights back at her father as legitimately as possible, it will be interesting to see who ends up with the upper hand when it is all said and done. Veronica possess a serious threat to Hiram’s operation – not only his but the individuals dependent on his plan working – i.e. Penelope Blossom (Nathalie Boltt), Claudius Blossom (Barclay Hope), and Penny. The face-off with her father may be more than just a bite.

A Manual for Evil

Gryphons and Gargoyles was a central part of this episode, and a storyline that I think will be around for some time. Moving at a meaningful pace, this episode laid out more ground work for who the Gargoyle King is, the nature of the game itself and those who have made a pact to never speak of it again.

With Ethel’s (Shannon Purser) return to school, Betty and Jughead dive back into their investigation to find out all they can about the game, what caused Ben (Moses Thiessen) and Dilton (Major Curda) to kill themselves and what might be the connection between Evelyn (Zoe De Grand Maison), Ethel and The Farm (could Edgar, the leader of the Farm, be the Gargoyle King?). As Jughead is deemed worthy enough to play the game, Ethel invites him to partake in the first level with her – alone. Choosing the Hellcaster, Jug is quickly thrust into the game, leaving him inevitably starring at two choices in a Russian Roulette-esque form of worth. Knowing this is the only way to obtain the rule book, or the Scripture as it is called, for G&G, Jug makes his choice.

Betty, unworthy enough to play the game, decides to join Evelyn’s support group, a youth branch of The Farm, in hopes of meeting Edgar. Betty gets more than she bargained for as she finds that her mother trusts the Farm with her deepest and darkest secrets – including the secrets behind her involvement with the Gargoyle King. As Betty tries to coax the truth out of her mother, she finds that not only is she not worthy enough for the game, she is not trustworthy enough for her mother.

Jug, having obtained the “Scripture” outlining the game, finds his victory is brief as his father and Betty’s mother find and burn his winnings, ensuring that no one ever plays the game again – or so they think. Ethel, having promised to spread the Gargoyle King’s gospel, made copies of the rule book, placing one in every locker of the school.

The question now is – Who will succumb to the Gargoyle King?

On to the Next Chapter

One of the best elements of Riverdale is its cinematography, and tonight with the opening of the Speakeasy and the plethora of sparkling attire, it was no disappointment. There is a surreal and classic Hollywood feel as Josie sings to the audience, wooing them with her sultry “new sound” as the lighting heightens and encapsulates her in a colorful and mesmerizing set. More often than not, these moments are brought to their grandest by the cinematography, and the considerable attention to detail and tone was clearly on the mind of the episode’s director.

While three dominating storylines have enough meat to them, some I feel will be more successful than others. As anticipation for the next episode builds, I find myself more drawn to the Gargoyle King than any of the other stories, and it will be interesting to see how they all connect and intertwine with one another.

Until then , drink your Fresh Aid and Salut!