Riverdale Season Finale: Top Moments from ‘Chapter Thirty-Five: Brave New World’ (Season 2 Episode 22)

Much like Season 2 as a whole, Riverdale Season 2 Episode 22, “Chapter Thirty-Five: Brave New World,” is something of a mixed bag. Partly a hot mess, partly chock-full of iconic standalone moments.

It’s clear that the writers intended to wrap up as much as possible in order to usher in some big changes for Season 3. This isn’t surprising, since it’s essentially what they did at the end of Season 1 after the Jason Blossom murder mystery concluded in the penultimate episode. For that reason, some things in the finale certainly feel as if they’re rushed along to their inevitable conclusion.

Since so much happens in a relatively short amount of time, here’s an overview of all of the most important bits — good, bad, and corny AF — to remember.

1. Jughead becomes the Serpent King and asks Betty to be his Serpent Queen

It’s a little ridiculous that a grown-ass man appoints his teen son to be the head of a gang, but this is Riverdale, so I’m letting it go.

Aside from that, this is a pretty logical and expected conclusion to Jughead’s season-long Serpents storyline. He spent the majority of Season 2 being incredibly (often unpleasantly) intense about the gang — and often at odds with Veronica, Archie, and Betty over it.

In the end, he sacrifices everything — nearly including his own life — to save the group. Ultimately, he’s earned the “crown.”

Betty potentially joining the crew as well is something I’m a little more iffy about. Does everyone need to become a Serpent now?

Speaking of which…

2. Cheryl gets her own cherry-red Serpent jacket

Jughead’s first official duty as Serpent King is bestowing the absolutely perfect jacket upon Cheryl’s shoulders, as an equally-thrilled Toni looks on.

Has anything on this show been done better than Cheryl’s development as a character? The answer is no.

From angry, one-note, bitchy Vixen to the happy, queer, and in love Serpent she is now, it’s been pretty satisfying.

3. Kevin and Moose kiss

LISTEN. This is the definition of a throwaway moment, as it happens in an isolated scene connected to literally nothing else in the hour. But I’ve been waiting for this, and I love it.

I’ve not exactly been quiet about my Kevin/Moose ‘shipping. And an angst-ridden make-out sesh fueled by grief is sort of shipper heaven for me.

I so hope these two actually have a storyline in Season 3. Cross your fingers, y’all!

4. Veronica acquires Pop’s

Much like Jughead becoming the Serpent King, high school student Veronica buying a diner is really quite absurd. But I’m actually here for this storyline.

For one, it’s the much-needed culmination of Veronica breaking from her evil dad.

I was thrilled when, on Riverdale Season 2 Episode 21,  it finally seemed as if she had realized just how manipulative and unfeeling Hiram is. Hermione wasn’t quite there yet, but more on that later.

Seeing Veronica barter with her dad to trade the Whyte Wyrm for Pop’s is such an awesome, empowering moment. It’s the definitive marker that she’s moved beyond her spoiled little rich girl past persona.

By convincing Hiram to give up Pop’s in exchange for the Wyrm, Veronica renounces her dad’s wealth, calling it “blood money.” This is an excellent moment of growth for her character. I’m still pretty bummed we had to suffer through so much of this mob-related nonsense this season, but this moment gives me hope that Vee will bounce back.

Also, her plan to open a speakeasy in the basement promises all kinds of cringeworthy and corny musical performances in Season 3. I can’t wait.

5. Hermione wins the mayoral race

It’s official: Hermione is the mayor of Riverdale, having squeaked past Fred to win by a narrow margin of only 200 votes.

The way she handles the win is promising. She shows up to the Andrews house to shake Fred’s hand. It’s a small moment, but it seems to suggest that Hermione is increasingly becoming disenchanted with her husband’s machinations and manipulations.

There have been several shots in recent episodes where Veronica calls Hiram out on something and Hermione is visibly affected by the revelation.

Hopefully, in Season 3, Hermione will eventually reach the point that Veronica did this season and break from Hiram forever. Bonus points if she ends up being his ultimate downfall, and extra bonus points if she reunites with Fred in the process.

6. Betty casts off the shadow of Hal’s darkness

Much like Veronica going toe-to-toe with her own nefarious dad, Betty visiting Hal in prison is an amazing, empowering moment.

The Silence of the Lambs vibes are not at all subtle, but Lili Reinhart’s performance is enough to make me ignore how derivative the scene is. Lili has really been excellent all season long, but the final two episodes have been something else.

There’s no hint of doubt as Betty assures her dad that his darkness isn’t within her — she’s full of confidence, and to drive the point home, the music amps up as Hal’s shouting voice fades out in the background.

It’s an excellently crafted, perfectly performed scene. Easily one of the highlights of the finale.

7. Polly brings some cult-y weirdness to town

In what is probably the most interesting and out-of-left-field development, Polly returns to Riverdale with the twins in tow after Hal’s arrest — and she brings someone from the Farm with her.

Alice is obviously in a fragile state, and the look on Polly’s face when her mom agrees to see this mysterious stranger is legitimately unsettling.

The Farm hasn’t explicitly been confirmed to be a cult, but the references we’ve gotten to it all season are enough to convince me. I’m intrigued to see more of this in Season 3.

Really anything that gives Alice more of a prominent, major role in a storyline is fine by me.

8. Hiram assembles his own League of Supervillains

In yet another goofy AF set-piece, Hiram gathers Penny Peabody, Penelope Blossom, Claudius Blossom, that Ghoulies leader whose name I don’t know, and Sheriff Minetta at the Wyrm to detail his decidedly evil plans for the “New Southside.”

Claudius will be running the Blossom drug empire through the soon to be built prison, the Ghoulies will be handling the drugs, and Penny will be “troubleshooting” (whatever the heck that means). And “Madam” Penelope is apparently getting her own brothel? Um… sure, okay.

Mark Consuelos is great, but I think I’ll like Hiram better if, in Season 3, Riverdale goes full supervillain with him. Like, no shades of grey, just facing off with the teens who are trying to save their town from his evil clutches.

9. Archie is elected student body president… then promptly arrested for murder

Unlike Fred, Archie wins his election (mostly because the only other person running is Ethel Muggs… poor Ethel).

Unfortunately, he doesn’t quite make it to the swearing-in ceremony. Sheriff Minetta chooses that extremely dramatic moment to stride in and arrest Archie for the murder of Cassidy (the townie that Andre killed during the cabin retreat) in front of the stunned student body.

The scene really piles on the melodrama. Josie is singing, Archie suddenly notices Hiram off to the side, Hiram is smiling like the evil mastermind he is… then suddenly, handcuffs.

It’s a perfectly Riverdale moment, and I’m looking forward to seeing the Season 3 fallout (even though I’m sure this will be wrapped up fairly quickly).

And perhaps this will teach Archie to not threaten to expose mob bosses for their criminal activities… Like, what did he think Hiram was going to do? Just let him go about his business? Oh, Archiekins.

What did you think of the season finale of Riverdale? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Riverdale airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

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