Riverdale Review: Chapter Forty-Five: The Stranger (Season 3 Episode 10)
On Riverdale Season 3 Episode 10, “Chapter Forty-Five: The Stranger,” Archie returns to town but can’t shake traumatic events from his past. The Gargoyle King is revealed, and Hal Cooper reenters Betty’s life.
The first nine episodes of Riverdale Season 3 slowly (sometimes painfully so) created the G&G mystery. After a bit of convoluted storytelling, “Chapter Forty-Five: The Stranger,” ties up most of the loose ends, including a pretty shocking reveal.
It’s highly unlikely any viewer would have pegged former Serpent Tall Boy as the Gargoyle King. This is the version of the creature we’ve seen running around the woods and terrifying the Cooper women. He’s not, however, the incarnation encountered by members of the Midnight Club, the occupants of the Sisters of Quiet Mercy, or the suicidal game players.
But G&G is done, and Riverdale Season 3 Episode 10 is full of twists and turns that lay the groundwork for an interesting second half. Perhaps the Riverdale writers learned from their sophomore season mistakes. That stinky SoDale storyline called into question whether or not Riverdale writers could fill 22 episodes with compelling plots.
Let’s first give props where they’re due. Bringing back Hal Cooper in Hannibal Lecter-style is more amusing than terrifying. Riverdale is adept at twisting various aspects of pop culture, and keeping them recognizable while the show’s creative minds integrate their own flare.
With mommy dearest Alice doing her best Squeaky Fromme impression, having a homicidal maniac for a dad doesn’t look half bad. All Hal’s ever wanted is to spend quality time with his youngest daughter, making the world a better place — by the most psychotic means possible.
How very odd it is to see Hal talk to Betty about college scholarships. This isn’t the last we’ve seen of Hal. He may prove useful to Betty when it comes to dealing with the Farm. But how will he twist and turn her into psychological and emotional knots in the process?
At long last, after taking a backseat to G&G, Edgar Evernever and the Farm will be front and center moving forward (will it still be the Farm when the cult takes up residence at the Sisters of Quiet Mercy?).
Currently, Edgar and his merry band of followers feel more like participants in a pyramid scheme than the second coming of Marshall Herff Applewhite and Heaven’s Gate.
“Chapter Forty-Five: The Stranger” may have surpassed our expectations and upended our predictions, but one thing keeps dragging down Riverdale — Archie Andrews. Archie’s evolution from boy next door to loner with PTSD on the cusp of a drinking problem has been an arduous and exhausting one.
Archie’s emotional self-flagellation has grown tired. It’s no wonder Veronica dumps him in favor of her meathead right hand, Reggie.
Did Archie shoot Hiram? Doubtful. If Hermione isn’t the culprit, we’ll all be disappointed. Riverdale isn’t big on pinning the blame on obvious suspects, but this time could be different.
The attempt on Hiram’s life comes fast and furious on the heels of him threatening his wife. Hermione also has her Plan B and FP on deck pretty quickly.
Did Hermione also mastermind Claudius’ untimely passing? She definitely has the most to benefit from usurping Hiram and taking out his business partners.
What did you think of this episode 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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Jennifer Lind-Westbrook
Jennifer has been working as a freelance writer for six years, contributing to BuddyTV, Screen Rant, TVRage, Hidden Remote, Gossip On This, and PopMatters. She prefers binge-watching old episodes of The Office (British and American versions) to long walks on the beach. She's still holding out hope that Happy Endings will get a revival.