Riverdale Season 1 Episode 4 Review: The Last Picture Show

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It finally happened!

This is the moment I've been waiting for all season. (And it's only been four episodes...)

The affair is over. Ms. Grundy packed up her bags and hightailed it out of town on Riverdale Season 1 Episode 4. Let's savor this development for a second.

Memory Lane - Riverdale

First and foremost, I don't hate the character. She had an interesting backstory for all the lies. And Sarah Habel, who portrayed Ms. Grundy, did a fine job making her seem timid yet manipulative.

This has more to do with the teacher-student affair storyline. I've seen this trope done to death before in teen dramas. I didn't want them to dive too much into this plot.

Luckily it only lasted four episodes. And we also got an extra mystery thrown in to explain this younger Ms. Grundy.

Betty: Ms. Grundy showed up in Riverdale a year ago, out of thin air. There is no record of her before that. Her Facebook, her LinkedIn account...they were all created a year ago. Before that she's a ghost, she doesn't exist. The only 'Geraldine Grundy' I could find was a woman who died seven years ago.
Archie: Where did you find all this?
Veronica: The deep web, the dark internet. Check it, it's all online...simple Googling.

Did anyone hope a relationship would start between Mr. Andrews and Ms. Grundy? I didn't. Our Riverdale round table didn't want it either.

There was something brewing in this storyline, and Mr. Andrews was making his intentions known. I'm glad this was nipped this in the bud early on. I wouldn't be able to handle the creepiness of that triangle.

It would become too much of a tragedy. I'd rather see a romance rekindle between Mr. Andrews and Hermoine Lodge.

Flower Delivery - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 4

Betty and Veronica working together to investigate Ms. Grundy continued to show the perfection of this friendship.

Whereas on Riverdale Season 1 Episode 3, Veronica was the tough one taking the lead, now it was Betty's turn. She put the pieces together. She interviewed Ms. Grundy, and she broke into the car. She is the Nancy Drew of Riverdale.

Betty: Bobby pin.
Veronica: Okay, Ms. MacGyver.
[Unlocks box]
Betty: I learned that from the Nancy Drew detective handbook.

Camila Mendes and Lili Reinhart continue to have great chemistry.

I loved every minute of their scenes together. Betty and Veronica balance each other, and it was shown perfectly. When one is more dominant, the other is caring. But they are still strong as solo characters.

Veronica: What's happening out there? Do we know? Is it about me?
Jughead: I have a strong inkling, and no. Also, I'd let it go.
Veronica: Yes, but you're you and I'm me. You do you, girl. I'll be back.
[She leaves]
Kevin: What was it like before she got here? I honestly cannot remember.

Do you think Mrs. Cooper will keep Archie's affair a secret?

She got what she wanted and got Ms. Grundy to leave town. However, Alice doesn't seem like the type to let things fade away. She has vital information for a juicy story.

Though, Betty did cross her mother. I would be afraid if I were Betty right now. This will no doubt come back to haunt her, especially if she does start dating Archie.

Staring Daggers - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 4

Is Kevin's dad both strangely cool and embarrassing? He just might be.

He not only pushed his son to start dating but also tells him to not hookup with people. It made the moment funnier hearing the sheriff say this. Kevin must've been dying of embarrassment.

Kevin: Can I borrow the truck for the drive-in?
Sheriff Keller: You got a date?
Kevin: No, I'm going with Veronica.
Sheriff Keller: Ah okay. Isn't there a nice gay kid at your school?
Kevin: Yes, there is. Me.
Sheriff Keller: Alright. No cruising guys tonight. We both know what goes in those woods.
Kevin: Oh my God, Dad!

I don't think there's a connection between Kevin making out with the Southside Serpent and his dad's wall being vandalized. That's too much of a coincidence. They must be completely separate storylines.

Joaquin seems like an interesting character. I have a feeling there might be a "West Side Story" element to this (with less dancing and one less gang). But I wouldn't put stock in this character; he doesn't seem like Kevin's endgame.

Though, it's great to see Casey Cott start to develop his own storyline. It would've been a shame if he was only used as the gay best friend role. Now we just need Josie to be utilized more for a well-rounded group.

Coopers Questioned - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 4

Where was she?

The downside of large ensembles is that not everyone gets enough screen time. Though, Josie has been the least utilized so far. Hopefully, they make up for it next time. Cheryl at least popped in to push the side plot and deliver great lines.

If I would have known Mama Lodge was working as a waitress at Pop's, I never would've given Veronica a spot on the Vixens. It's off-brand and it sends a false message of acceptance.

Cheryl

Speaking of the second plot, did you think Jughead would be able to save the drive-in?

There was some serious shadiness with this deal. You usually know when someone purchases land and what they plan to do with it. This was all a big secret. Something was up.

Kudos for subtly highlighting the corruption of Riverdale. This was the episode that made it known the town isn't as idyllic as we thought. Not including the murder, of course.

I thought Mayor McCoy, played by Robin Givens, would be a trustworthy character. I was wrong in that regard. She is just as secretive as the others.

Desperate Plea - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 4

The biggest surprise was Mrs. Lodge. After three episodes of her being a nice mother, she showed her devious side. She's just as much a part of all the deals than originally thought.

Sure, she's trying to protect Veronica and finish the mess her husband started. However, she's still going along with it. Who knows what she's planning to do next.

What Is Mother Hiding? - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 4

Jughead's past being a main point of the hour was a nice touch for the character. We didn't know much about him before, except his writing and friendship with Archie. I love that we got a new side to him.

Did anyone expect the twist with his father? I didn't. This move caught me off guard.

I think the Southside Serpents will play a bigger role in the story. Jughead can't simply be related to the leader without it be connected somehow. They affected the drive-in, but who knows what else?

Right To The Source - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 4

What did you think of "Chapter Four: The Last Picture Show"? Will Ms. Grundy return to Riverdale? Who do you think destroyed Sheriff Keller's wall? Does Cheryl secretly want to be friends with Archie and friends?

If you missed the latest episode of Riverdale, you can watch Riverdale online via TV Fanatic. Come back here and let us know what you think.

Chapter Four: The Last Picture Show Review

Editor Rating: 4.6 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.8 / 5.0 (33 Votes)

Justin Carreiro was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.

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Riverdale Season 1 Episode 4 Quotes

Veronica: What's happening out there? Do we know? Is it about me?
Jughead: I have a strong inkling, and no. Also, I'd let it go.
Veronica: Yes, but you're you and I'm me. You do you, girl. I'll be back.
[She leaves]
Kevin: What was it like before she got here? I honestly cannot remember.

If I would have known Mama Lodge was working as a waitress at Pop's, I never would've given Veronica a spot on the Vixens. It's off-brand and it sends a false message of acceptance.

Cheryl