Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11 Review: To Riverdale and Back Again

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Come on, Riverdale fans. There's no celebration without an investigation. Crime doesn't take a weekend off.

As much as I hoped for Betty and friends to enjoy the Homecoming festivities on Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11, they had work to do. The clock is ticking on the Jason Blossom mystery, and we need to find the killer.

Homecoming Hell - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11

"Chapter Eleven: To Riverdale and Back Again" is steering us toward the mystery's climax. Riverdale's first season so far has been a dark and addictive thrill ride, with the Jason Blossom crime anchoring the story. I'm hooked!

With only two more episodes left, Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11 pulled us back into the main story by focusing on the murder.

Ultimately, this is something we needed after a few distractions lately. The mystery is what hooked us in the first place. We need to prepare for the reveal at the season's end.

New Investigative Blood - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11

Alice's heart is in the right place during the investigation. The problem, however, is that she's tactless. Regardless of being a breath of fresh air.

The kids needed her help in trying to solve the crime. All they had were theories and some twists given to them. Even though she's stubborn, Alice looks at everything with a critical eye and explores her intuition. It's what led her to FP in the first place.

I was disappointed that Betty, who tries to see all sides, completely dismissed Alice's theory about FP because she loves Jughead. She let emotions get in the way and blind her. It could've ruined everything.

Betty needs to start being more objective.

Betty: Kevin said someone tipped off his dad. Was it you?
Alice: I was at the dance.
Betty: Answer the damn question, Mom. And don't lie. Was it you?
Alice: It was not. Though, I'm glad that you're safe and as much as I like Jughead, I am so glad that you're done with that family.
Betty: Done? I love Jughead. He's as much as my family as you are, more so right now.
Alice: You are not going anywhere, young lady.
Betty: I'm going to look for Jughead. Do not push me tonight, Mom, because I will push back.
[She leaves]

The Blossom family mystery is getting creepier. They're clearly hiding something and don't want Polly to find out. (And I'm not just talking about Clifford's wig obsession.)

Clifford Blossom's hair turning white is so "Twin Peaks" that it's hard to ignore the homage to that amazing show. I love Twin Peaks. I love Riverdale. And having Riverdale inspired by the former warms my heart. Cheers to the show for doing this!

Side-note: My original theory focused on Penelope Blossom as the killer (with FP as an accomplice disposing of the evidence). However, based on her reaction after Sheriff Keller charged FP, I'm starting to think otherwise.

My gut is now telling me Clifford killed Jason and Joaquin covered it up; he could be the one framing FP. It's my second theory – I've played way too many games of Clue.

Seeing Red - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11

Did everyone else expect Cheryl to keep the ring? I thought it was a given.

The plot was leaning toward this twist with her taking the ring from Polly. She would never throw anything away of Jason's. I'm surprised her parents even bought that story.

The ring might have something to do with his murder. Maybe blood is on it? Maybe it ties back to the killer?! (See note above on my crazy theory.)

Polly: What is that? What did you find?
Cheryl: My Nana's ring.
Polly: She gave to Jason. He proposed to me with that ring. So how does your mother have it?
Cheryl: I...
[Polly reaches]
Cheryl: Hands off, goblin.
Polly: The only way your mom could have that ring is if she or your dad got it from Jason. And he wouldn't have given it up over his dead body.
[Cheryl grabs Polly's wrist]
Cheryl: Polly, you are carrying precious cargo, but if you think for one second that those babies guarantee your safety, you're in for a rude awakening.

Was anyone else worried about Polly's milkshakes? I didn't trust those drinks.

Something was off about them the second I saw them. Kudos for setting up those drinks as a plot device; there was something about them that gave me goosebumps. I was worried Penelope was planning to kill Polly.

I can't believe I'm saying this: I'm happy they only knocked her out. We need to #SavePolly.

Let's Make Sweet Music Together - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11

I'll admit it: I was wrong about Archie and Veronica. They didn't have sex on Riverdale Season 1 Episode 10. But they did share a moment.

I'm not sure how I feel about this brewing romance yet. Sure, they're a mainstay in the original comics, and they do have heat. Camila Mendes and K. J. Apa have some serious chemistry! And they killed it with their "Kids in America" performance.

My issue may be with Archie's less than stellar love life. He's been a disaster (in more ways than one), and everything has imploded. I don't know if I want to ship them for it only to end soon.

As compared to Betty and Jughead, these two don't seem like they have a strong start and finish.

Homecoming Royalty - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11

Mary and Fred looked cute together. They make a sweet couple. It's great they ended on good terms.

I was worried they'd explore the "rekindling romance" storyline since Mary came back, but that looks be done. These two are focusing on their divorce and staying friends, which is great for the story. Though, when it comes to Archie moving, there's no chance he's going to Chicago.

He's Archie Andrews, after all – he's staying in Riverdale.

Mature Love Triangles - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11

Another storyline I'm happy didn't progress was the adult love triangle. Let's take a break from this plot. It's been done.

Mary couldn't care less about Fred's affair with Hermione. These two are separated and living different lives. She's over it all. Though, the quips she threw at Alice were perfection.

Alice: Well, well, well...Mary Andrews.
Mary: Well, well, well...Alice Cooper.
Alice: I saw you swanning in earlier with Fred and Hermione. I didn't realize that you were polyamorous.
Mary: I don't think that's an actual word.
Alice: It's a compliment, Mary.
Mary: Huh.
Alice: I couldn't be seen in the same room with those two not after all of their monkey business. Oh. Oh, did you not know?
Mary: You have been playing the same game since Junior High and it was tired even back there. Fred is a big boy and he can do as he pleases. I came here tonight to have fun with both of my dates. So if you have a problem with that...

Is Joaquin not to be trusted? His performance made it seem so. And we're being teased about Kevin's feelings for him.

Things don't look too good for this relationship. Once Joaquin slipped away during the dance, the warning alerts in my head went off. He's hiding something, and this could prove shocking if my theory above is accurate.

Let It All Out - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11

I feel like I've said this plenty of times but...poor Jughead! Can't he ever catch a break? (Come on, Riverdale!)

It was finally a chance at a normal, happy life, and yet it was ripped away again. I don't think he'll move to Toledo, but this twist will change things for him. He'll be more closed off and moodier.

I have a feeling he'll forgive Betty and his friends. Though, there's something about his dad that may still prevent him from moving back home. Maybe a lack of trust?

Jughead: Is that why your mom invited my dad and I to dinner? So these two could break into his trailer while she interrogated him?!
Betty: No, I didn't know what they were doing. But yes, that is why she invited you guys.
Jughead: To think I was gonna pass moving to Toledo with my family for you. Before I went to my dad's trailer, you asked if I believed him. I said I did. Wasn't that good enough for you?!
Betty: It was! It was good enough. I tried to talk to her.
Jughead: You could've told me. You could've warned me about all this.
Betty: You were so excited, Jug. I didn't want to disappoint you.
Jughead: So instead you lied. You all lied to me.

FP Jones is being framed for Jason's murder, and I couldn't be happier. (I can't believe I just wrote that.) The storyline needed to go in this direction. I would've hated if he was the killer.

Let's face it: FP is an obvious suspect. He fits all the criteria of someone in a small town who would be a suspect. As a mystery lover, I'm glad Riverdale decided to go in a different direction.

Don't get me wrong; I still think he's involved. There's more to this story and his involvement in the crime, but at least there's more at play here.

Is FP Jones Turning Over A New Leaf? - Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11

What did you think of "Chapter Eleven: To Riverdale and Back Again"? Who do you think is framing FP? What is Cheryl going to do with Jason's ring? Will Archie and Veronica continue to explore their feelings?

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 Eleven: To Riverdale and Back Again Review

Editor Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
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Rating: 4.9 / 5.0 (55 Votes)

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Riverdale Season 1 Episode 11 Quotes

Alice: Well, well, well...Mary Andrews.
Mary: Well, well, well...Alice Cooper.
Alice: I saw you swanning in earlier with Fred and Hermione. I didn't realize that you were polyamorous.
Mary: I don't think that's an actual word.
Alice: It's a compliment, Mary.
Mary: Huh.
Alice: I couldn't be seen in the same room with those two not after all of their monkey business. Oh. Oh, did you not know?
Mary: You have been playing the same game since Junior High and it was tired even back there. Fred is a big boy and he can do as he pleases. I came here tonight to have fun with both of my dates. So if you have a problem with that...

Betty: Kevin said someone tipped off his dad. Was it you?
Alice: I was at the dance.
Betty: Answer the damn question, Mom. And don't lie. Was it you?
Alice: It was not. Though, I'm glad that you're safe and as much as I like Jughead, I am so glad that you're done with that family.
Betty: Done? I love Jughead. He's as much as my family as you are, more so right now.
Alice: You are not going anywhere, young lady.
Betty: I'm going to look for Jughead. Do not push me tonight, Mom, because I will push back.
[She leaves]