Rivervale Review: Chapter Ninety-Seven: Ghost Stories (Season 6 Episode 2)
Riverdale Season 6 Episode 2, “Chapter Ninety-Seven: Ghost Stories,” continues to get weird with ghostly tales preying on the character’s worst fears.
The show is clearly using this five-part special event to create a story more twisted than ever before. That’s saying something, considering its reputation for already being a campy, warped take on the original Archie Comics.
Even with five episodes to let loose, Riverdale still has a responsibility to tie everything together. As it stands, Rivervale seems to be unfolding as an amalgamation of every character’s deepest fears come to life.
If that’s the case, it’s a brilliantly laid plan with overlapping story arcs that intersect seamlessly. If not, Riverdale has got a missed opportunity on its hands, and a lot of explaining to do come the show’s 100th episode.
Going off the assumption Rivervale does stem from everyone’s darkest terrors, Tabitha and Jughead’s story in “Chapter Ninety-Seven” is certainly most fluidly poignant.
Possessed by two ghosts (Sam and Diane, very subtle), the two end up playing out the story between what once was a couple living in their apartment before them.
Tabitha and Jughead’s apprehensions about their own relationship manifest through the possession, and Riverdale crafts an impressive uncovering of allegories as it places “old ships” and gifts from old girlfriends in the couples line of fire.
Adding in a bug infestation to play on all things “Bughead,” Tabitha’s fears of never living up Betty is a beautifully woven narrative that explains everything, without having to actually say anything at all.
The show isn’t exactly known for its strength in “showing” over “telling,” so the approach to Tabitha’s insecurities is surprisingly nuanced.
Erinn Westbrook delivers a stunning performance as a panicked and overtaken Tabitha. It’s a delivery that almost feels too good for the likes of Riverdale, but emphasizes how much the relationship means in the grand scheme of things.
When the ghosts finally leave — defeated by Jughead and Tabitha’s confession of devotion — a new chapter blooms. This may be Rivervale, but it seems like Jughead and Tabitha are the real deal, and as the windswept door doesn’t just close on the ghosts, but on their remaining baggage, as well.
In many ways, it’s the most beautiful storytelling Riverdale has ever done.
Elsewhere, Ronnie and Reggie continue to unravel in what may be Rivervales most confusing storyline. Reggie is clearly afraid of losing time with his father, but the implementation of yet another inappropriate student/teacher relationship adds an unnecessary layer to the conflict.
Veronica does call out the toxicity — and maybe this is Riverdale’s way of recognizing its own missteps with Ms. Grundy — but this is a topic that needs to be dropped and buried for good.
In terms of Veronica, Rivervale has yet to dive deep into her point of view. It’s something typical of the show, regardless of what town it is. If her possessive actions towards Reggie hint at anything, however, it’s a fear of being cheated by yet another man.
It would be a perfect opportunity to delve into Veronica’s own story of trauma, which may not involve serial killers and dead twin brothers, but certainly holds enough weight to warrant recognition.
The episode’s final story finds Toni fighting for the life of her baby. Rivervale proves superior to its town counterpart by actually allowing Toni a storyline with emotional stakes.
Vanessa Morgan doesn’t waste the opportunity, somehow grounding what is otherwise a truly outrageous plotline with the raw emotion she exudes as a mother protecting her son.
It’s the type of storyline Toni has always deserved, so it’s a letdown to discover she’s the second major death of Rivervale Season 6. She’ll undoubtedly be back, but whether the show gives her a second storyline as meaningful, is a different story.
The series took five seasons to give her one story with gravitas and it only lasts one episode. I’m foolishly holding my breath for a second.
Toni’s death results in Betty’s new responsibility to take care of Anthony, which leads to the bonus piece of the episode — Betty’s evergrowing fears around her darkness being passed to her own child.
It’s certainly a subdued plot point, but touching and imperative.
Hopefully, Betty’s fate will look similar to Jughead and Tabitha’s. Riverdale has held off on letting Betty face her previous trauma since the time jump began, and it is long past due for it to be explored — in any town.
Random Thoughts:
- I think Cheryl’s biggest fear is losing the few people she loves, and she will be feral when she finds out about Toni’s fate.
- The lack of acknowledgment over Archie’s brutal murder just days prior is hilariously outrageous.
- Kudos to all the actors, who are doing an excellent job at playing slightly off-center versions of themselves.
- I can’t decide if Betty going back to a ponytail post-Archie’s death is a deliberate move or not.
- This episode has major CAOS vibes.
- It’s nice to see Cheryl’s soft side as an Aunt.
- It seems as if a major character will die every episode — who is your next guess?
What did you think of this episode of Rivervale? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Rivervale airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
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Kat Pettibone
Kat Pettibone is an aspiring TV writer, artist, and poet. As a Pacey Witter Fan Club lifer who never missed a TGIF, she has dreams of becoming your generations small screen Nora Ephron. She's also an avid lover of coffee, dogs and all things spooky.