[Jughead] From the start, this story has been about a town.
And the people who lived in that town.
And the darkness that lived in some of those people.
Clifford Blossom.
The Black Hood.
The Gargoyle King.
The Stonies.
Add to their ranks my sister, Jellybean,
who had been the voyeur-slash-auteur
making the videotapes that had been disturbing our town for months.
This isn't your fault, Jug.
[Jughead sighs]
Just feels like it.
I was the one that convinced her to move out here,
away from everything she ever knew. Then I ignored her.
You were in the fight of your life at Stonewall Prep.
[dramatic music playing]
JB's tough.
She'll get through this.
Hey. How is she?
I don't know. I really don't know.
Don't know if you're gonna like this. I've been looking into child therapists.
I found one that has excellent references.
Well, I hope they're in Ohio because that's where I'm taking Jellybean.
-Back to Toledo. -Maybe you're right.
-She might need her mother. -And her father.
What does that mean?
Alice...
she's my little girl.
If this isn't a cry for help, I don't know what is.
Can we at least have a conversation about this?
Yeah. Yeah, we will.
But first things first.
Jellybean finally told me where her accomplices are hiding out most nights.
[knocking on door]
Jug? Mr. Jones? What's going on?
-We need you to open up your gym. -Right now?
After we make a couple stops.
[knock on door]
Gentlemen. To what do I owe this late-night call?
You need to reinstate Tom Keller as sheriff. Right now.
[dramatic music playing]
[Jughead] Asleep, they almost looked innocent.
It's just messed up.
We survived the death of Jason, the Black Hood and the Gargoyle King,
but I didn't even consider how the fallout of all that
would affect the generation coming up behind us,
[thunder rumbling]
including Jellybean.
Unless a meteorite strikes this town in two days,
we'll have survived graduation.
But will they?
Are we just doomed to be haunted by this town for the rest of our lives?
[thunder crashes]
[Archie] Dad. Dad.
What gives? Take the picture.
-The ceremony starts in ten minutes. -What's taking so long?
I-- I just can't believe we're here.
Archie, you're graduating.
Didn't think I'd live to see this day.
-[thunder crashes] -[dramatic music playing]
-It's not even graduation yet. -No, but it is your last day.
-Well, we don't know that yet. -I do. I have a really good feeling.
You've been applying yourself so much lately.
-Yeah, we'll see. Love you, Mom. -Love you.
As honorary chairperson and de-facto queen of tonight's semi-formal,
this one's for you, Jay-Jay.
[tender music playing]
[Veronica] Presents? For moi?
It's been a while since you've worn any pearls from me,
so maybe you'll wear them for the last day of school.
Is it true what they say about your dad?
That he's the devil incarnate? I stand by my father.
-[Alice crying] -[Betty] Please stop crying.
I was already picturing Thanksgiving break.
You were gonna come home on the train from Yale
and everyone would be here.
[tender music playing]
FP, Jughead, Jellybean.
You, Charles, Polly and the twins.
Yeah, that would have been nice.
-[sighs] Now it's just gonna be me, alone. -Hey.
Even if it's just you and me having turkey meatloaf at Pop's,
I will be here for Thanksgiving, okay?
And Christmas. And whenever you need me.
I love you so much, Elizabeth.
I love you too, Mom.
[school bell rings]
Seventy-five years ago, the first senior class of Riverdale High
buried a time capsule just before they graduated.
Now, as our seniors prepare for their own graduation, it's time to open it.
-Ladies. -[students applaud]
A copy of The Riverdale Register from June 12th, 1945.
A copy of The Blue and Gold, also from that same year.
This one's for Jughead. A Pop's menu
from when hamburgers only cost 15 cents.
A baseball card of Ambrose "The Rocket" Pipps,
Riverdale's hometown hero.
Ew. A Red Circle comic book.
And lastly, a photo of four seniors,
and it's written here that this was taken days before the boys headed off to war.
These will be on display for closer inspection during graduation week.
And, fellow seniors, enjoy your last day of high school!
[pop music playing]
Guys, doesn't this feel so weird?
Like, this is the last time we'll all be hanging out together.
-Except for reunions. -Yeah, and homecoming, Kev.
-It won't be the same. -What exactly are we waiting for again?
Hot off the presses, chums.
-[Sweet Pea] Whoa, yearbooks. -Oh.
-But Honey banned those, didn't he? -Yes, but Honey is gone.
[Cheryl] Brava.
Well done, ladies. This is amazing.
There's even an entire page dedicated to the Serpents.
-And a shout-out to the Pretty Poisons. -And the musicals.
Despite the fact that--
[Bell over PA] Archie Andrews and Jughead Jones to the principal's office.
Archie Andrews and Jughead Jones to the principal's office.
Dead teens walking.
[suspenseful music playing]
-Guess who's graduating. -Holy crap. You're a legend.
-Whew. -What about summer school?
No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers' dirty looks.
-I'm happy for you, Jug. -[Bell] Archie.
He's ready for you.
It's gonna be all right.
-All right? -Yeah.
[Weatherbee sighs]
I get no pleasure in telling you this, Mr. Andrews,
but despite your efforts, you will not be graduating with your classmates.
So, it's summer school for me.
Unfortunately, that's not going to be enough.
You'll have to repeat your senior year.
I understand this is a shock.
But no one is going to hold this year against you.
Yeah, I appreciate you saying that, sir.
Uh...
-Can I still--? -Walk with your classmates?
Of course you can.
In fact, though it's last-minute...
I was hoping you might record the graduation song for us.
Yeah, I'd be happy to, sir.
What's the verdict? Summer school? Yea, nay?
Summer school, as expected.
But Weatherbee's letting me walk with you guys.
-I'll have my diploma by the end of June. -That's a relief.
-You can enjoy the last day of school. -Yeah. Definitely.
[clock ticking]
[dramatic music playing]
-[school bell rings] -[all cheering]
[indistinct chatter]
-Working on your speech? -[Betty] Mm-hm.
Well, don't keep me in suspense. What's it about?
Considering I haven't written any of it, I guess you'll just have to wait and see.
Well, I'm sure you'll crack it. You always do.
[knocking on door]
Ronnie. What's, uh--? What's going on?
I was cleaning out my room, and I came across some choice items
that you've left over the past three years.
And I wanted to give it back to you.
Oh.
Also, despite everything that's happened between us...
I wanted to be with you tonight.
If only for one last time.
-Is that crazy? -No.
Not at all.
In fact, I can't think of anything I want more in this moment.
[dramatic music playing]
[tender music playing]
At school yesterday...
I spied you looking at that picture from the time capsule.
What gives?
I was just wondering what--
What must have been going through their minds.
Most of their classmates were heading to college or in their family businesses.
These guys were going out to fight a war.
You're not getting any crazy ideas, are you?
Not unless you consider summer school crazy.
Hey, I was thinking, uh, after graduation, I--
-I'd go to Toledo with you and Jellybean. -No. Uh-uh.
Well, you said it yourself, family is what's most important right now.
You're the first Jones man to get into college. You're going.
And you're old enough to be on your own. You understand?
Right, boy?
[scoffs]
And this, Nana, has been my locker since the end of sophomore year.
Hmm. It's a lot nicer than the one you had at Southside High.
But all your things are still in it.
I know. I'll clean it out over the weekend.
A lot of special memories with a lot of special people.
Including my girlfriend.
[dramatic music playing]
We're so incredibly proud of you, Toni. The whole family is.
You've honored the Topaz name.
[inaudible dialogue]
-You okay? -Yeah, I'm okay, Mom.
I'm just missing Dad.
I wish he was here.
He's here, honey. He's here.
Ladies and gentlemen, it imbues me with such pride and joy
to invite to the stage the senior class's valedictorian,
Miss Elizabeth Cooper.
[audience cheering and applauding]
Hi.
I admit, I've been struggling with what I wanted to say today.
High school is supposed to be this amazing, safe time.
[dramatic music playing]
But our years were co-opted with heartache and drama.
And even death.
It's not fair that so many of our classmates aren't here
to walk with us today.
It's not right that some of our parents aren't here
to watch those of us who are.
Those younger than us have known no Riverdale
other than the one steeped in violence.
Our class is lucky enough to remember a time before the era of tragedy.
When this was just a small...
sleepy, slightly boring town.
That's the Riverdale I wish upon the generation coming up behind us.
And the one I want us, our class, to remember as we head into the future.
So, please...
stay young...
for as long as you can.
Stay innocent for as long as possible.
Even if it's only for one more moment.
Thank you.
[crowd cheering]
["Good Riddance" playing]
♪ Another turning point A fork stuck in the road ♪
♪ Time grabs you by the wrist Directs you where to go ♪
♪ So make the best of this test And don't ask why ♪
♪ It's not a question But a lesson learned in time ♪
♪ It's something unpredictable But in the end it's right ♪
♪ I hope you had the time of your life ♪
♪ So take the photographs And still frames in your mind ♪
♪ Hang it on a shelf In good health and good time ♪
♪ Tattoos of memories And dead skin on trial ♪
♪ For what it's worth It was worth all the while ♪
♪ It's something unpredictable But in the end it's right ♪
♪ I hope you had the time of your life ♪
[inaudible]
♪ It's something unpredictable But in the end it's right ♪
♪ I hope you had the time of your life ♪
[camera shutter clicking]
♪ It's something unpredictable But in the end it's right ♪
♪ I hope you had the time of your life ♪
[feedback squeals over speakers]
[audience applauding]
[indistinct chatter]
[motorcycle revving]
-[Penelope] Cheryl. Cheryl. -Mother?
What's going on?
Well, I wasn't about to miss my only child's graduation,
so I snuck in the back at the last minute.
Also, I wanted to tell you about a decision that I've made.
With you being a grown woman now, I'm gonna turn myself over to the authorities.
To pay for-- Well, some of the crimes I've committed.
What?
-But, Mumzie, you're a hothouse flower. -I've spoken to Hiram Lodge.
He's promised to take proper care of me in his private jail.
And with good behavior,
I may even be out in time to see you graduate from Highsmith College.
Oh, Mumzie. If that's even happening.
Nightmare child, what do you mean?
[FP] Gotta hit the road if we wanna make it by sundown.
Dad.
[tender music playing]
Boy, I know you would've given up Iowa for Jellybean,
and I promise you, she's gonna know it too, but...
But you going to college, being a success...
that's good for us Joneses.
I love you.
I love you too, Jug.
[exhales sharply]
[Alice] So is this it?
The end of our story?
God, I hope not.
But you know, for now, I--
I know.
I know what you have to do. And I love you for it.
[dramatic music playing]
[engine starts]
-It's not too late, is it? -No, it's not too late.
We're happy to discuss options with you,
but this isn't a decision to be taken lightly.
I understand. I'd love to hear what you have to say.
[dramatic music playing]
-[door bells jingle] -[pop music playing over speakers]
Hey, Pop.
Can I grab a clean menu? It's for something Betty has planned.
I've been doing this a long time.
It's never easy watching you kids head off to college.
Which reminds me, Pop,
the paperwork's coming your way, but the gist of it is...
I'm signing over full ownership of Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe diner to you.
[tender music playing]
Veronica.
I don't know what to say,
except... thank you.
You know, it's funny.
When I first came to Riverdale...
I never imagined I would call it home.
Ever.
And then I came here,
to Pop's.
And that's exactly what it felt like.
Home.
Did everyone bring an item?
I am putting in today's copy of The Riverdale Register
and The Blue and Gold.
My last edition as editor-in-chief.
And a bobby pin, in case anyone needs it.
I'm putting in a football signed by all of the Bulldogs.
Long may they roar.
I am putting in a Pop's menu and a La Bonne Nuit matchbook.
I am putting in the programs from my musicals,
as well as a pair of Josie's cat ears.
I wish she was here with us.
Oh, HBIC shirt, I found no one deserving of you.
Therefore, toodles!
The Pretty Poisons were fun, but, uh, I'm gonna keep my Serpent jacket.
'Cause I'll always be one at heart.
Well, it's getting pretty full in there, but...
Finally.
I'm putting in a guitar pick and a hammer from my dad's toolbox.
[Archie] You guys are the best friends anyone could ask for.
Uh-oh. Sounds like another vow is coming on.
So let's make a vow. Really.
The four of us right now.
That in one year,
no matter what's going on in our lives, we'll meet back at Pop's.
One year from today.
And every year after that. Deal?
[all] Deal.
Good.
-Okay. -[Veronica chuckles]
There's-- There's something else.
You're very dramatique this evening, Archie.
I'm joining the Army.
[dramatic music playing]
I know it's sudden.
But I enlisted and I leave for basic training in the morning.
It's kind of the same plan I had going to the Naval Academy.
Hardly. In fact, it's nothing like the Naval Academy.
I can get my degree without repeating senior year, which I was gonna have to do.
I'd be set up for college.
Look, guys.
For the first time in a long time...
I don't feel scared or uncertain about my future.
Well, if that's what you feel is the right thing for you, Arch, then--
Sorry, but no. I won't sit here and support this.
Wait. Ronnie, wait, wait. Ronnie.
-You know there's a war going on, right? -Of course.
You don't have a plan. And I get that. That's scary. But this?
This is just straight-up lunacy, Archie. And I won't indulge it.
Ronnie.
[Cheryl] Toni.
I have something to tell you, and it's not going to be easy.
I'm not going to Highsmith College.
I'm confused. Because it doesn't have cheerleading?
That and...
-it just doesn't feel right anymore. -If you don't go, I'm not going.
No. You must.
You will thrive there.
But I have to fix things here.
What are you talking about? What things?
The Blossom family name conjures a horror show in this town,
and rightfully so.
But now that I have control of the maple factory and groves,
I have a chance to lift up this town and rehabilitate our family legacy.
But I need to be here...
where the damage was done.
If this is about my nana, you need to get that out of your mind.
She's starting to come around.
She asked me if we were gonna be living in the same dorm room
so she could send us care packages.
That's progress, right?
Toni.
[tender music playing]
You know I love you with every ounce of my soul.
But I don't want you to have to choose between your family and me.
Perhaps if I'm successful, you won't have to.
And we can be together with their full blessing.
But...
in the meantime--
Don't say it.
I don't wanna hear you say it.
Then you never shall.
[Jughead] How's Veronica doing?
Confused,
angry, worried.
Yeah. That makes sense.
Don't you think it's crazy that she had no idea what Archie was planning to do?
Maybe it's me, but it seems like the two of them have been squirrely since prom.
Did you notice that? I just don't know what the problem could be.
What could have got them derailed?
[dramatic music playing]
I think I may know what happened, Jug.
-I have to tell you something. -Oh, no.
During Hedwig...
Archie and I kissed.
Once. Only once, I swear.
I'm guessing Archie told Veronica, that's why they've been acting so weird.
[voice breaking] I didn't tell you, Jug, and I'm so sorry.
I should have told you when it happened. I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
All right. I better get going if I'm gonna get Archie to the bus stop.
Yeah, I should go see and be with Veronica.
Hey, when I get back, can we...
talk about us?
Yeah. Of course.
I love you, Jug.
I love you too, Betty.
[knock on door]
-Ready to go? -Yeah, just about.
Hey, come here.
You be a good boy, okay?
Look after Mom.
I love you, buddy.
[tender music playing]
-I love you, Mom. -I love you.
Thank you for everything.
[knock on door]
Vee.
I have to apologize to you about something.
I know, Bee.
And I'm not mad at you.
I can't be. Not today.
I'm too upset.
I'm sorry.
Listen, Jug.
Before I leave, I have to tell you something.
Archie, I know.
About you and Betty? She told me.
It's okay.
-Seriously? -Yeah, seriously.
I know neither of you did it to hurt me or Veronica.
And maybe a little normal high-school angst is good for us.
So, yeah. We're okay.
Seriously.
We always will be.
I feel so responsible for what's happening between you and Archie.
It's not that, Betty. It's not.
It's how it's all ending.
So sudden and unresolved.
I wish I had said goodbye to him.
You know?
More than anything, I wish--
I wish I had hugged him one more time.
Let's do that. His bus may not have left.
I know how we're gonna get there.
[vehicle approaching]
-Guys. -Jughead, where's Archie?
-The bus left a minute ago. He's gone. -Well, not yet he's not. Get in.
[dramatic music playing]
[singer vocalizing]
♪ Will you follow me into the dark? ♪
♪ If you lose it all ♪
No. Just I love you, Ronnie.
[horn honks]
[horn honking]
I love you, Archie!
I love you too, Ronnie.
Sir, can you pull the bus over? Please.
It's my girl and my friends.
You stay safe, Archie Andrews. I mean it.
I will.
I love you.
Later, bro.
Don't "bro" me.
-See you in a year, Arch. -See you in a year, Betty.
♪ Will you follow me? ♪
♪ Follow me, follow me ♪
We'll rebuild here, Nana.
And not just our ancestral mansion, Thornhill,
which I burned down in my youth, but the Blossom name and legacy.
[dramatic music playing]
[Jughead] Once Archie had left,
it was as if the glue that held our group together had begun to dissolve.
First to go was Veronica.
Guys, I'm gonna take a little time off before school starts.
Spend the summer with my mom and Andy Cohen in the Hamptons.
Your mom will love that.
[Jughead] She was gone within a week.
As for Betty and me, things had changed.
We never talked about her and Archie,
about the growing distance between us.
Not even when she announced...
I'm going to New Haven early.
My mom and I are taking a road trip before she drops me off.
You guys deserve the R & R.
What's gonna happen to us?
I still love you.
I'll always love you.
I'll always love you too.
But for now, you should focus on Yale.
And I'll focus on Iowa.
[Jughead] After Betty left, it didn't feel right
to keep living at the Cooper's anymore.
So I moved into Archie's house,
which was empty for the time being, waiting to be sold.
Then they cut the electricity.
Which was fine, but then the gas was shut down and with it the hot water.
So I sought refuge in a place I knew all too well.
Honey? I'm home!
I stayed there until August,
when it was finally time to go where no Jones man had gone before, college.
But I couldn't leave town without one last burger.
I'm gonna miss seeing you in here every day.
I'm gonna miss you too, Pop.
[tender music playing]
As I paid the check and headed towards my future, I wondered,
would we keep the vow that we made?
To return to our booth at Pop's one year later?
Only time would tell.
[door bells jingle]
["Love Me Now And Forever" playing over speakers]
♪ I can't blame myself for loving you... ♪
Another refill, Jug?
Uh... No, I'm good. I think it's time I take off.
I'm sorry they didn't make it. They're probably just busy.
Yeah, probably.
♪ You're nonchalant and kind of wild ♪
-[door opens] -[door bells jingle]
♪ I can't blame myself ♪
♪ For falling in love with you ♪
♪ So love me now and forever... ♪
[Jughead] It would be six years before I saw my friends again.
We'd be different people, each of us.
Brought together by, of course, a new crisis and mystery.
But that's another story
for another day.
-[door opens] -[door bells jingle]
[theme music playing] ells jingle]