PaleyFest: Team RIVERDALE Teases the End of Season 2

RIVERDALE fans were in for a treat at PaleyFest, as the people in attendance got to screen the April 18 musical episode early. (No spoilers, but the episode is deliciously bonkers.)

However, Team RIVERDALE did have a few choice spoilers to tease about what’s coming as season 2 closes out.

The Black Hood story isn’t over.

The writers set the groundwork for the Black Hood at the end of season 1, as Fred (Luke Perry) was gunned down at Pop’s—at the last moment, they decided to have a black ski mask to the outfit to give them a place to go in season 2.

However, the identity of the person behind the hood was still up in the air as they were crafting the sophomore year. “When we started, we had three likely suspects,” executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa said, noting they dropped some red herrings. “[But] for the last ten episodes, we’ve had a pretty clear idea and have been writing to it.”

But one thing was clear, even with last season’s finale: Perry would be sticking around. “One of the things about doing any kinds of mysteries…is we really have to lock [spoilers] down,” Perry said. “I will say, Roberto kept saying, ‘We’re not going to kill you.’” Perry insisted he understand death happens on shows: “I saw GAME OF THRONES,” he cracked.

Love is in the air.

Aguirre-Sacasa cited the Wednesday, March 28 episode as a particularly big one for two couples: it is a “big episode for Alice (Mӓdchen Amick), the Serpents, and FP (Skeet Ulrich),” while the Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch)/Toni (Vanessa Morgan) storyline is “powerful.”

Petsch applauded Cheryl embracing her sexuality. “I don’t think it was a realization; it was something she’s known for a long time,” she said. “The response was overwhelming [and] I think it’s an important storyline…Toni is really helping her explore her love for herself.” As a bonus, Petsch noted she and Morgan have been real-life best friends for years.

There’s also a notable Betty (Lili Reinhart)/Jughead (Cole Sprouse) moment ahead. “My favorite [Bughead scene] is coming up,” Sprouse teased. “It’s a moment between Jughead, Betty, and Chick,”

Added Reinhart: “Jughead is badass.”

The election is heating up.

As Hermione (Marisol Nichols) faces off against Fred, things will get increasingly tense. “I think having Fred run against Hermione is her worst nightmare,” Nichols said. “I think Hermione has more of a political instinct” which could spell trouble for the elder Andrews.

“She’s looking to make Riverdale great again,” Perry cracked.

Complicating matters is Hiram (Mark Consuelos), who is determined to cause tension between the Andrews men…and who has an exceedingly complicated relationship with Hermione. “[His return] certainly changed my character a lot,” Nichols said. “Having Mark as Hiram there has been an added dynamic. Instead of one note, I’m usually playing three or four at the same time…it brought strength out.” However, Nichols doesn’t think Hermione is actually in love with Hiram. “I think she admires his strength…and is afraid of him.”

RIVERDALE, Wednesdays, 8/7c, The CW

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