Riverdale Finale Shocks Fans with 67-Year Time Jump: Unveiling Polyamory and Surprising Revelations

Riverdale Ends with 67-year Time Jump, Revealing Polyamory and Murder in Characters’ Futures

Isobel Lewis

August 24, 2023

Riverdale, the popular teen drama that first aired in 2017, has come to an end after seven seasons and 137 episodes. The series, based on the Archie comic book series and starring Cole Sprouse, KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, and Camila Mendes, concluded with a shocking finale that included a 67-year time jump. Titled “Goodbye, Riverdale,” the episode revealed some unexpected developments in the characters’ futures, including polyamory and murder.

A Bizarre Glimpse into the Future

In the final episode, Betty, now in her eighties, learns that Jughead has passed away, making her the last surviving member of their friendship group. She asks her granddaughter to take her back to Riverdale, where she dreams of reuniting with Jughead. However, tragedy strikes as Betty dies in the back of her granddaughter’s car on their way back to Riverdale.

In her dream, Jughead fills Betty in on what has happened to their friends since high school. The most surprising revelation is that Betty, Jughead, Archie, and Veronica were involved in a polyamorous relationship for a year. They would date each other and switch partners every evening, forming a quad relationship. 

Polyamory and Relationships

This depiction of polyamory in Riverdale‘s final episode raises intriguing questions about relationships and societal norms. Polyamory, defined as the practice of engaging in multiple romantic or sexual relationships at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all parties involved, has become a subject of growing interest and discussion in recent years. 

While some may view polyamory as a non-traditional approach to relationships, others argue that it can provide individuals with a greater sense of emotional fulfillment, personal growth, and freedom. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as jealousy, communication, and the need for open and honest dialogue among all parties involved. 

Riverdale‘s portrayal of polyamory highlights the potential for non-traditional relationship dynamics and challenges the traditional notion of monogamy. It encourages viewers to consider different relationship structures and the importance of consent and communication in romantic partnerships. 

Murder and Mystery

Aside from the surprising polyamorous relationship reveal, the Riverdale finale also unraveled a murder mystery that occurred in the characters’ futures. Two characters, Tom and Frank, were murdered by Chic, who had previously pretended to be Betty’s long-lost brother. 

This shocking twist adds an element of suspense and drama to the episode, reminding viewers of the show’s roots as a mystery-driven teen drama. It also serves as a reminder that even in a seemingly idyllic small town like Riverdale, darkness and danger can still lurk beneath the surface. 

An Exploration of Identity and Dreams

The Riverdale finale not only reveals surprising plot twists but also provides a glimpse into the characters’ future identities and aspirations. Betty becomes an author and advice columnist, launching her own women’s magazine, while Jughead founds his own satirical magazine and remains unmarried.

Archie works as a construction worker, and Veronica becomes successful in the film industry, winning two Academy Awards for her work. Another couple, Toni and Cheryl, continue to pursue their artistic and activist pursuits, with Cheryl finding success as a painter. Kevin and Clay also stay together, with Clay becoming a professor and Kevin founding an off-Broadway theatre company.

A Reflection on Dreams and Fulfillment

The characters’ various career paths and personal pursuits offer a reflection on the importance of following one’s dreams and finding fulfillment in both professional and personal spheres. It encourages viewers to consider their own aspirations and reminds them that age should not hinder their ability to pursue their passions. 

The series finale of Riverdale not only brings closure to the show’s long-running narrative but also sparks philosophical discussions on relationships, identity, and the pursuit of dreams. It challenges societal norms, explores non-traditional relationship dynamics, and reminds viewers of the complexities of life even in seemingly perfect small towns.

Editorial: The Legacy of Riverdale

Riverdale has undoubtedly made its mark on the television landscape, captivating audiences with its intriguing blend of mystery, drama, and romance. Over the course of seven seasons, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base and sparked conversations about important social issues.

Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Norms

One of the key aspects of Riverdale‘s legacy is its willingness to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. By introducing polyamory in its final episode, the show boldly explores alternative relationship structures and paves the way for more open and inclusive conversations about love and partnerships.

The depiction of a murder mystery also adds depth and complexity to the storyline, showing that even in a seemingly picture-perfect town, darkness can exist. By delving into the dark side of Riverdale‘s residents, the show reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and that confronting our own demons is essential for personal growth. 

A Vision of Dreams and Aspirations

Riverdale‘s final episode also serves as a celebration of dreams and aspirations. Through the characters’ future identities and careers, the show encourages viewers to pursue their own passions and find fulfillment in their chosen paths. It sends a powerful message that one’s dreams and desires are not limited by age or circumstances.

The Importance of Representation

Another significant aspect of Riverdale‘s legacy lies in its commitment to representation. The show has featured diverse characters and storylines, addressing important issues such as race, sexuality, and mental health. This commitment to inclusivity has resonated with viewers and highlighted the importance of authentic representation in popular culture.

Advice: Embracing Non-Traditional Relationships and Chasing Dreams

The finale of Riverdale offers viewers a unique opportunity to reflect on their own relationships and aspirations. It challenges the traditional notion of monogamy and encourages open-mindedness towards alternative relationship structures such as polyamory. 

It also serves as a reminder that dreams and aspirations can be pursued at any age, and that societal expectations should not dictate one’s path. The characters’ journeys in the episode inspire viewers to think about their own dreams, passions, and the steps they can take to make them a reality.

Furthermore, Riverdale‘s commitment to representation reminds us of the importance of diverse storytelling and the power of inclusivity. It encourages viewers to celebrate and embrace the diversity of human experiences and challenges them to seek out authentic representation in the media they consume.

Conclusion

The final episode of Riverdale provides an unexpected and thought-provoking conclusion to the long-running teen drama. Through its revelations of polyamory, murder, and the characters’ future identities, the show sparks philosophical discussions on relationships, dreams, and societal norms.

As Riverdale takes its place in television history, it leaves behind a legacy of pushing boundaries, embracing representation, and reminding viewers of the complexities of life. It encourages us to question societal norms, chase our dreams, and embrace the diverse experiences that make us who we are.