Riverdale Review: Chapter One Hundred and Eight: Ex-Libris (Season 6 Episode 13)

While Riverdale Season 6 Episode 13, “Chapter One Hundred and Eight: Ex-Libris,” addresses some of its main characters’ important lingering trauma threads, it does not adequately handle the trauma of every character involved in this storyline. 

This episode arguably moves the plot forward for most of the main cast, but the message still feels contrived. How many times a season will Riverdale attempt to address the pain it constantly inflicts on its characters? Will it ever truly feel like these characters can heal?

That’s the issue here. This series claims to value the pain of its ensemble, but it loves to torture these characters without ever allowing them to recover before the next disaster hits. 

However, in an uncharacteristically honest move for the show, Riverdale finally addresses the highly problematic relationship between Archie and Ms. Grundy from Season 1. 

Betty properly identifies the grooming that occurred as Archie began his music career in a refreshingly real conversation. After brief mentions over the seasons, Riverdale never allowed Archie to come to terms with the abuse he experienced in high school. 

This is an essential move for a show that rarely identifies the abuse its characters endure on-screen. Archie often struggles to understand his pain, so it’s a significant step in his journey to hear his confusing experience vocalized. 

This scene also allows Betty to comfort Archie as they continue to open up to one another. As a critic of this relationship, I’ll admit that the last two episodes have shown them connecting in ways they never have before. 

It is important to show that support between them instead of briefly telling us about it, which was often the case in previous seasons.

In addition to Archie, it feels that Betty, Cheryl, and Jughead can move forward with an awareness that they didn’t have previously. This drives the story along nicely, considering the immense trauma they have faced. 

Betty’s family drama will always follow her, but “Chapter One Hundred and Eight: Ex-Libris” allows her to come to terms with the possibility of buried memories. Riverdale acknowledging that there is more for her to uncover helps Betty free herself from her past. 

It also creates a positive use for Jughead’s powers as he is the one to help her access those memories next episode. His presence will undoubtedly bring her some comfort throughout the process, given their history of support for one another. 

As Betty faces her past, Cheryl is further convinced to revisit hers. It is healing for Cheryl to revisit the Heather chapter of her life, especially now as a confident lesbian woman. She deserves to explore the possibilities there, making it a great move for her character. 

And with Jughead, his recurring fear of loneliness is very in character after seasons of abandonment and homelessness. So Riverdale needs to address these issues if the characters will ever overcome them.

However, there is a frustratingly predictable progression for Kevin and Veronica as they address their “trauma.”

Kevin Keller is Riverdale‘s least favorite child. There is no other way to describe his horrible treatment season after season. 

While “Chapter One Hundred and Eight: Ex-Libris” touches on his struggles with confidence in a discussion of William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, Kevin still feels like a narrative crutch used to drive the drama, however, the writers see fit. He is always the first to succumb to whatever evil strikes the town. 

It’s also deeply disturbing that Percival is manipulating him sexually. Kevin is not in his right mind to consent if Percival has him under his spell, which is a disgusting writing choice for a character trying to heal. 

I want more for Kevin, especially since Moose has returned with such a lovely, caring presence. 

As for Veronica, I’m disappointed in the narrative implications of her new superpower. 

While Veronica makes for a badass and exciting Black Widow, a disappointing level of slut shaming continuously follows her. 

The implication that all of the men she sleeps with or associates with keep dying is disturbing, considering the main two examples mentioned. Chad was her abusive husband, and Hiram was her manipulative father — both men who abused her. 

Chad’s murder is a clear-cut example of self-defense, but somehow it is Veronica’s fault? 

Veronica deserves a storyline free of torment and shame. She is easily one of the most interesting characters on Riverdale, but the writing always fails her. 

Overall, “Chapter One Hundred and Eight: Ex-Libris” allows most characters to face demons from their past but still underserves the characters that it notoriously fails.

While the plot continues to move forward, Riverdale struggles to avoid mistakes from its past. 

Stray Thoughts

• The book nerd in me thoroughly enjoys any mention of reading with these characters. 
• Is Percival a warlock? 
• “Betty’s bestie Dr. Curdle” is my favorite line of the episode. 
• Reggie joining the dark side is mind-numbingly predictable, and the way he speaks to Veronica is disgusting. 
• “What would Ray Bradbury say?” Jughead, I love you.

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

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