“The Last Picture Show” is the fourth episode of the first season of Riverdale and I strongly believe that is the best episode so far.
In this week’s episode the focus is on the the goodbye of Miss Grundy. Her secrets are out. In fact, Betty not only discovers that she is faking her identity, but she finds out that Archie is having a sexual relationship with their teacher and she is furious. Her mother discovers the truth and decides to talk with Fred. The situation is out of control and Grundy’s only choice is to leave. When we witness her goodbye, it’s pretty ambiguous: there is an hint that she is abusive and this is not her first affaire with an underage boy. This is edgy.
The episode is also focused on the closure of the drive-in. Jughead is trying to save it but in the end he doensn’t succeed, but it is an occasion for getting the gang together. I really loved this storyline: they are finally giving more space to Jughead and Kevin! He doesn’t manage to save the drive-in from closing but he arranges one last screening, Rebel Without a Cause. He packs up his stuff and we finds out that the Serpent played by Skeet Ulrich is his dad. It’s a really nice twist, and I really loved how the ending played out. It was a sweet and nostalgic moment.
Another storyline I really enjoyed is the new Riverdale's lovestory: Kevin and Jaoquin. During the projection, Kevin stares at him and at first we are led to believe that they are going to end up fighting and that Kevin will be bullied, but in the end they surprise us. They lock lips and they engage in a Romeo and Juliet-kind of love-affaire: he is part of the southside gang, Kevin is the sheriff’s son. I can’t wait to find out how the writers will handle this new ship, but for now I am totally hooked and I am happy they are giving a new dimension to Kevin. Cheryl and Veronica don't have so much space, but they have their moments.
All in all, The Last Picture Show is an entertaining and addictive hour of television. Riverdale is gaining more strenght and it is totally a show you don’t want to miss. What do you think of the episode?
