‘Riverdale’: 8 Teases For “Chapter Fifty-Three: Jawbreaker”

Last time we saw Cheryl Blossom she was working undercover for Betty investigating The Farm… Until suddenly, she had joined The Farm. Turns out the reason was they — according to Cheryl — showed her Jason Blossom (Trevor Stines), her twin brother whose murder kicked off the events of Riverdale. But… That can’t be possible, right? Even with the bear attacks and candy drugs, the dead don’t return to life on this show.

Or… Do they? That’s exactly what Betty is tackling this episode, on two fronts, and it’s all spurred on by Cheryl’s strange conversion. Prepare to learn a lot more about the mysterious cult, their motivations, and even a bit of their origins this week, as Betty heads deep down to try to free her cousin and her mother from Edgar’s grip.

One plan of attack? Send Toni Topaz (Vanessa Morgan) after her girlfriend, Cheryl. We’ve dealt with some serious Cheryl/Toni (a.k.a. Choni) angst over the past few months, as the couple clashed over priorities, leading to a brief breakup and heartfelt reconciliation. So those scared about a similar path this week need not worry. There’s friction with the couple, but given Cheryl is drinking The Farm’s Kool-Aid (calm down, not literally) she’s a different person than the Nuclear Cheryl that led to their breakup the first time.

And Toni isn’t giving up on Cheryl, no matter what. If that means laying the verbal smackdown on Farm teen Evelyn Evernever (Zoé de Grand’Maison)? Fine. Multiple outfit changes? You know it. Toni will use every trick in the book to get through to Riverdale High’s first lesbian student body President; including her mind, body and soul.

Betty’s other plan of attack? Taking on her mother in order to break the hold The Farm — and Edgar — have on her. After some arguably bad advice from a completely unreliable source, Betty spirals downwards, and reaches a surprising decision about what to do with her Alice problem. But first, she’ll be taking a trip through some of Riverdale’s darker locations; and go even farther than Toni in taking on Evelyn.

Also of note? Reinhart and Amick are superb in this episode, and their scenes together show of the incredible rapport the two actresses have built over the past three seasons. Most of the press Riverdale gets is focused on the rapid plot and crazy twists; but lost in the middle of this are some truly iconic performances. This episode shows off the Cooper women’s full range of emotion, and it’ll put fans’ feelings through the wringer.

Evelyn’s dad Edgar, meanwhile, continues the dangling conversation he had with Betty last episode over multiple sessions. Though you won’t learn everything about the mysterious elder Evernever, there are a few surprising revelations. Look to an episode earlier this season for some fascinating parallels to Edgar’s past that will have fans combing the scenes for clues. But more importantly, prepare to have your preconceptions about the cult leader challenged by episode’s end. Is it possible that Edgar isn’t the Big Bad we’ve been led to believe? Or is that what he wants you to think?

As Betty is drilling down on The Farm, Jughead is going full on Barry Allen in his pursuit of The Gargoyle King. Teaming up with his Dad, the Jones boys will go from investigating the mysterious death of Baby Teeth last episode, to tracking down a tainted batch of Fizzle Rocks causing what could best be described as a psuedo-zombie outbreak. But while their eyes are on one ball, they’re unfortunately not keeping it on the one they should be focusing on, leading to an intensely dangerous situation for a fan-favorite character.

Archie steps into the ring once again this episode in order to pay tribute to Baby Teeth’s memory, and rallies the whole gang — which definitely helps buoy up a little theory we have about the Lord of the Rings style ending this season may be heading towards. In order to do that, though, he needs to rely on an old friend with business savvy to get him into a boxing tournament. None other than his ex-girlfriend, Veronica…

…And for the most part, the relationship between Archie and Veronica is strictly business. Friends helping friends, even leading to a, shall we say, steamy situation between Veronica and mob boss Elio (Julian Haig). But then, there’s one moment in the Andrews house where… Let’s say a gift becomes something a little more, and at least one member of the pairing may be playing with fire.

Don’t think it all goes unnoticed by Archie’s current flame Josie (Ashleigh Murray), by the way. Though Veronica and Josie are there to support Archie at the boxing tournament, a simple glance may mean something a little more — and big things for Josie’s future, in particular. The match may be taking place in the ring, but the real action is outside in the audience.

Where to stream Riverdale