#i need more beronica in my life

[ratherembarrassing]

2023: july! (weeks 27,28,29,30)

i moved house! and because it was possible, i've taken three weeks off work! i took the week before off to get that all sorted, and instead i went to queensland for a couple of days to surprise my dad for his 75th birthday, generally fucked around, and come the day of the move very much found out. i'm fairly certain i've made a terrible call on this apartment building, but i'm stuck here for a year so i'll make the most of it. the rooftop pool helps.

riverdale s7 (the cw): thank you to whoever alerted me to the beronica happening, i haven't felt a moment of peace since and i will not grant any of you peace either.

LIZZO (rod laver arena): despite all evidence to the contrary, i'm a say yes to things girl. but even still, i thought i knew more than 3 lizzo songs, and instead it turned out i knew about 2.5. an excellent way to discover some more lizzo songs lol.

tkay maidza's cover of sza's 'kill bill': she opened for lizzo and was very enjoyable. this cover? slaps.

BARBIE (2023): i fucked up my flights, traveled 5 hours across half the country and did a work meeting on the floor of an airport, but i made it to the preview screening my friends and i had tickets to. everyone was dressed in pink. the theatre was there. for. it. i nearly cancelled my subscription to someone's substack after they said they were enjoying the critical discourse and refusing to see it on principle, because i've been that person and that person sucks. that person probably needs this movie more than anyone, but that person will also never be saved by this movie. you've got to want it.

OPPENHEIMER (2023): honestly, whatever.

anne helen petersen, 'barbie answers oppenheimer': arguably the only interesting thing i've seen written about both movies as both movies.

the new yorker profile on sarah jessica parker: one of the most eye opening things i've ever read about an actor in my life.

SOCCER: actually before the wwc i went to the aus v france friendly, and the vibe was so meh i was genuinely nervous as hell for what was to come. i clearly had no idea. i went to the canada v nigeria match and it was lit. but i still had no idea. the australia v canada match last night was one of the best sporting experiences i've ever had.

[thatiranianphantom]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 💗

Thank you so much, Winter, this is so kind 💜

I am, sadly, my own worst critic, so it's hard to pick and yet I have surpassed the limit of 5 with some I actually like!

Hold Me Till It Sleeps (Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton/Eliza Hamilton)

It starts with a bottle of cough syrup, and the flatline of a heart monitor

(angsty hamilton fic, but I recently reread it and it kinda holds up!)

when the earth met the sky (the 100, clarke/lexa)

She closes her eyes.

Lexa would have wanted that dignity.

She closes her eyes and then she leaves.

Post Thirteen, Clarke burns with hate and remembers Lexa.

(I don't think I'll ever do better than this one. It is by far the darkest thing I've ever written, and honestly still my fave, even after I moved on from the Clexa fandom)

regret takes hold (we grow old) (Riverdale, Betty Cooper/Jughead Jones)

It's been seven years, and they're as good as strangers. But when family calls, Betty, Jughead, Archie and Veronica answer. As they come back to Riverdale, they find themselves tied up in a new mystery, much more personal than it seems. The investigation will take all four of them on a journey, and old feelings rise to the surface.

Could they even find their way back into each other's arms, or is it too late?

(A monumentous achievement: I finished a multichapter plot fic!)

until then (listen for her song) (Riverdale, Betty Cooper/Jughead Jones)

His breath comes in fast pants that have nothing to do with the chill in the air. He doesn’t understand it, but he does not allow himself to think of anything but when he will see her next.

Soon. Soon, he’ll hear her laugh. God, he loves her laugh.

After an accident, Jughead learns to survive.

(again, the darkest things I write are my faves. This one I loved, and I still love)

i'm right up the road (i'll share your load)

Betty and Veronica meet when they are fifteen and have kissed within three days of meeting.

It’s such a radical departure from the pastel monotony of Betty’s days that she begins to mark her life into pre and post-Veronica.

(This was one of my non-romantic faves. It's a friendship love story, and I highly prefer it to the bullshit that is currently Beronica on screen.)

she is gone (but she used to be mine) (Wynonna Earp, Wynonna Earp/Doc Holliday)

Alice Michelle Earp is born on August 25th, 2017.

Her daughter is born in August, delivered by her sister, on a pool table at Shorty’s.

(You will notice a theme that Mom!Wynonna is my weakness and I needed this.)

life after life, age after age (forever) (The 100, Elyza Lex/Alysha Clark)

It would figure.

You think you should have expected it.

Not only was she right about reincarnation, you just happen to be reincarnated into another fucking apocalypse.

(I barely remember writing this one, but it apparently did very well? I think it's still one of my top ones for kudos and bookmarks)

a soft epilogue (Riverdale, Betty Cooper/Jughead Jones)

This is how the story goes.

Don’t pretend you didn’t know it was a story. It’s been a story since the beginning. Since their town, once wholesome and pure, woke up to the murder of Jason Blossom. Before then, even. It was a story, and this is the boy and the girl’s story. Betty and Jughead.

Two people. Children, teens, adults, against the world. They’re strangers, once. Then he breathes an ���also,” and she weaves her fingers into his and their lives are never the same.

(This was a different style of writing, kind of an omniscient narrator, but I really liked it. We all needed some fluff.)

no one else is singing my song (Riverdale, Betty Cooper/Jughead Jones)

Betty loves Jughead. Betty hurt Jughead. But Betty swears she won't drag him down with this. He's going to do great things, and if she has to sit in the back of the metaphorical theatre to watch, and hold her tongue, she will.

(Multichapter but with less plot. First appearance of Georgina. The real Georgina, btw, is now 14. She is sweet, kind and smart. She is my desktop background and I miss her every day.)

the lion and the unicorn (NCIS:LA, Kensi Blye/Marty Deeks)

The lion beat the unicorn all around town...

(If you write what is essentially the same story for multiple fandoms, it's still not plaigarism, right?)

[superstormstar]

Do I like Camili because of Beronica or do I like Beronica because of Camili?

[vexley]

Just  Things About Riverdale, Chapter Eight: The Outsiders, Part 2

I said I’d be back to add more, because I was super tired the first time I posted about Chapter Eight. So, I watched it again, and it made me just as angry as it did the first time around. Enjoy!

Honestly not at all invested in Fred & Hermione’s relationship. Sorry, not sorry.

Ngl, I kind of ship Polly and Cheryl???

Dude, could you IMAGINE?

Still fucking furious at Sheriff Keller.

Am I the only one who keeps comparing Sheriff Keller and Kevin with Sheriff Stilinski and Stiles??

I really need more Beronica screen time. Honestly, just.

They’re playing video games, that is so adorable.

Oh my god, was this what they were like B.G. (Before Grundy)?

I think maybe I need some flashbacks.

Jughead is so snarky in this episode, I love it endlessly.

I bet Jughead has daydreams about sharing a college dorm with Archie. I mean, c’mon. Or had, I suppose. I really don’t think he’s completely forgiven him yet.

Scooby Gang meet-up.

Veronica comforting Betty.

Kevin & Veronica’s friendship.

I still think the baby shower was a terrible idea.

I was right.

BOYFRIEND.

Am I the only one who thinks Archie looks more jealous of Betty than Jughead?

Not sure how to feel about Alice Cooper anymore.

Veronica jumping to Betty’s defense.

Veronica giving Betty the elevator eyes.

That head-tilt though.

I’m still pissed at Archie.

Family dinner, and Betty is sitting right next to Veronica rather than her sister?

Yes.

I could not care less about this dumbass Blossom vs. Cooper bullshit.

Omg, does the entire town belong to the Blossoms?

Everyone gtfo while you still can.

lmao

Richest Man In Riverdale.

Honestly, who gives a fuck? It’s Riverdale--some tiny ass town that no one cares about.

HA! Kevin and Hermione’s shoes.

That sounded less weird in my head.

Aaaaaaahh, Jughead’s smile.

Archie and Jughead just talking!

Is Kevin sipping beer???

Poor Moose.

I guess.

Honestly, I’m not that invested in him as a character.

I’m really fucking sick of these Buick commercials.

I’m really starting to wonder if Sheriff Keller is the only cop in town.

Veronica being totally happy for Betty!

Sorry guys, it’s Beronica, I can’t help it!

Does Archie really not understand why talking shit about the Serpents would upset Jughead? I mean really? They’ve been friends for years, right? Jughead has lived in South Side for years--you would have to be really fucking dense not to pick up on something like this.

Same with Betty?

Everything about this scene just pisses me off.

Joaquin’s fucking EYES though.

I just.

Archie really is a dumbass.

Like, there is no logic behind this plan. He has absolutely zero proof that the Serpents are involved. How did they even become suspects? There is no evidence, and Veronica and Betty didn’t even try to talk him out of this.

The writers must have thought this was the necessary way to reveal that FP was a Serpents member and allude to his involvement in regards to Jason’s murder, because I just cannot see how else this could possibly be relevant.

Where exactly in the hierarchy does FP weigh in? Because all he has to do is tell another member to stand down, and that’s it.

I have a whole lot of questions.

Get the hell off my screen, Max Greenfield.

Fucking golf clubs.

I love how Moose and Kevin are just like, “Fuck it!”

“All these years.”????

Jughead said that his dad fell off the wagon after Fred fired him, and FP is saying that it’s been years. When was the last time that Jughead saw his mom and his sister? How long has he been homeless?

No, but seriously, that sweater. I want it.

lol The way he holds the fucking cupcakes.

That sass.

LMAO I did not misspell anything there, I do mean sass.

I still love Cheryl Blossom, just so everyone knows.

I still hate Penelope Blossom, just so everyone knows.

I was not joking about the weird chemistry between FP and Fred.

I think I ship them?

It’s never not going to be funny that FP just watched Archie sneak off into the night.

Archie just fucki

Okay.

Okay, you know what? I’m just going to stop here for a minute and talk about this thing that Archie seems to love doing...

If you honestly want to read all about my fury on this subject, click here.

Jughead looks like maybe he’ll cry, and I’m not okay with that.

I definitely need to write some Polly/Cheryl AUs.

Peryl? Haha. Chery?

I’ve never even been to Chili’s, tbh.

Omg. I’m starting to hate this fucking car.

Alice Cooper looks like she’s about to give in to some of her rage issues.

Fred deserves so much better than this town.

CONFRONTATION.

“I should’ve told you about my dad when I had the chance.”

Dude, this kid has been living alone for who knows how long. He has only just reconnected (more or less) with his friends, after quite a bit of time spent keeping the fact that he’s homeless a secret.

I don’t really blame him for not laying all his cards out on the table.

I realize it’s a strange thing to say, but some times it feels like Betty is more invested in her partnership with Jughead for the Blue & Gold than she is in their actual relationship.

Now that I’m watching this again, FP’s behavior strikes me as really odd. During his talk with Fred, he seemed to be completely sober. At the trailer, once Jughead and Betty walk inside, it’s almost like he’s putting on a show of being “the drunkard.”

The way he looks at Jughead; his eyes seem very clear, and his speech isn’t slurred. It’s a huge difference from way he was acting at the Sheriff’s station the day that Jughead was taken in.

This is some fucked up shit right here.

This scene (between the Coopers) is such a major contrast in comparison to the one between Jughead and his father. I feel like it really illustrates the fact that, while both families are broken, it’s often the people you expect the least who fight the hardest for the ones they love.

[screams internally, externally, and eternally]

I really just can’t stand the fact that Jughead feels like he’s in the wrong in this situation.

“You can talk to me about anything.”

What a fucking joke?

Look at how you reacted to finding out, asshole.

“You’re like...You’re like my brother.”

Yes, you have definitely been giving off that vibe, all season.

I love the fact that they’re cementing the “bro” thing so early on.

It took the writers of Teen Wolf, like, 4 seasons.

“You are my brother.”

I’M NOT CRYING, YOU’RE CRYING!

Okay, I know this is wicked suspicious, but I’m still not convinced that FP had anything to do with Jason’s death.

“He really likes me now.”

Okay, that’s another thing that really pisses me off. Like, I know I joked about the Romeo&Juliet thing is part 1, but that is basically what they’ve turned Joaquin and Kevin’s relationship into, and I fucking hate it.

FP Jones, swooping in to save his man.

Yup, shipping it.

Party 1.

[bookofmirth]

hey, about lucien though - and please tell me if I am being offensive or not thinking critically - but surely he would have to pass alongside his brothers, and also beron. it’s pretty obvious that no one has thought his appearance was any different to say, eris’s, and no other characters - characters who are shown to be incredibly wise - have caught on to the fact that his biological father is helion. so is he therefore not passing ?

Hello! Sorry this took me a couple of days, I wanted to give it my full attention and tumblr was a mess, as you likely saw 😅

So I totally get what you are coming from because in order for the story to make sense, Lucien needs to not have raised suspicion - at least as far as we can tell. SJM was inconsistent with his race because it just so happened that it made more sense for him to belong to Day, not Autumn, for... well, mating bond reasons. A lot of the confusion needs to be laid at her doorstep for creating this mess.

The way that we, the readers, choose to interpret and engage in the information we have been given is a different matter, though. And something that we should hold ourselves responsible for.

Before I get into the serious stuff, I have a few reasons for you about why Lucien could have those features, and his parentage remain unquestioned or at least unchallenged:

Lucien is the seventh son. No one cares about the seventh son when you have six in line before him who could inherit. No one is paying attention. Even if someone does notice, they don't care because they know that they need to be kissing Eris's ass first. Then Chad, then Charlton, then Beronica, etc. on down the line of sons. This, to me, is the most likely reason. He just doesn't matter enough (they think) to bother.

From what we can tell, fae culture is aristocratic, and it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility for the children to have been cared for by nannies, tutors, wet nurses, etc. I can see Beron being the type to have a scheduled one hour a week in which he checks in on his sons' progress but then otherwise, whatever.

Beron is an asshole and probably never acted like a father a day in his life - again, meaning Lucien was overlooked until he was a convenient target for abuse.

Beron is also abusive, meaning that if others brought this to his attention, they could be the messenger who gets shot.

@gimme-mor pointed out to me that it's possible that Beron does know, and that's why Lucien in particular has been treated the way that he has. It's completely feasible that people know, they just don't care because Lucien doesn't matter enough to them to bother. He's not only the seventh son, now he's the outcast seventh son?

To follow that point, just because Rhys didn't know, doesn't mean no one else knew.

Were Beron a devoted father and Lucien's brothers caring siblings, then maybe. I know that some people headcanon that Eris does know.

I think the bigger issue is how we as a fandom talk about Lucien. Yes, race doesn't work the same way in Prythian as it does in our world. Yes, there are different power dynamics at work in Prythian that we don't deal with irl. However, our discussions are constrained by... who we are. We may be talking about characters in a world unlike ours (though not entirely, since discrimination and homophobia have been replicated there, but that's another issue), but that discussion is happening here, in our world, with white people and people of color and biracial people etc., and all the history that comes along with that.

Basically, the problem with erasing Lucien's status as a (disabled) man of color is that it then ignores the ways that we talk about him that may be problematic. For example, the whole discussion about him being portrayed as a stalker towards Elain. Literally no one was calling Elain a racist in that discussion, but we were saying that the way that people (readers) talk about a disabled man of color "stalking" or making "uncomfortable" a white woman plays into a super racist history in our world (I would link my post explaining this but um, what the fuck tumblr I can't get to my archive). It's important for us to be aware of how we might be contributing to that, whether we intended to or not.

The important thing here though, and the thing that I think the conversation over the last few days was lacking, is what Morgan @moodymelanist referred to in this post: race as we know it in the U.S. did not exist until the North Atlantic slave trade. It's a specific concept that was created not because it's natural, or has any basis in biology. "Whiteness" and "people of color" (or whichever non-white label we prefer at the time), was something that people came up with in order to justify the kidnapping, enslavement, and mass genocide of entire peoples in order for their own gain. Slavery existed before the U.S., but our ancestors really perfected it in ways that still resonate deeply today.

White = people in the dominant caste (I am reading Caste by Isabel Wilkerson and so I am borrowing her terminology)

Non-white = people who can be subordinated in some way

Making that distinction, and then coming up with all kinds of biological and religious "reasons" to support those distinctions, justified slavery, and continues to justify a shit ton of other stuff up to today.

If you want more info about that history specifically, I'd recommend:

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi (long, but thorough)

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. This isn't as historical, but says a lot about whiteness.

Passing by Nella Larson. This is fiction, but it's pretty short and shows the precarious nature of passing as a white person.

In world, might Lucien be white passing aka Beron's son? Maybe, or maybe people just don't care enough to poke the Beron beast. But even in world, in Prythian, the second that Lucien loses that "status", he is fucked. Just like in our world, if a white person decides that someone else is not white, then suddenly that person is part of the subordinate caste. That disadvantage - that constant potential to be treated as part of the subordinate caste if a white person makes that decision - means something!

"White passing" doesn't mean much in a world where white people can - and will - decide not to see someone as white. At the drop of a hat. Whether that is for gain, or simply to assert their own dominance. "White passing" doesn't erase the fact that there is a perceived racial difference, and that if someone has been living that way their whole lives, that could be taken away in a second just because someone got bored and decided to be an asshole.

For example - I knew a woman from Jordan when I was in grad school. She was shocked to learn that despite her skin tone, she is not considered white in the U.S. It has nothing to do with race, and everything to do with power. Race is just an excuse.

If as readers we learn that Lucien is actually not white, then it's irresponsible for us to continue talking about him as if he is white, because again, that prevents us from thinking more carefully about how we discuss his character. It prevents us from considering the way we talk about a character of color, and yeah - we should be careful about that, just as we should be careful when talking about queer characters, and disabled characters.

*I got feedback on this post from a few people, but obviously I am open to additional thoughts or corrections!

[tibby]

people need to understand that beronica being former codependent besties actually makes their dynamic gayer. the angst the yearning the distance etc

exactly...it's about "you're not my homeland anymore / so what am i defending now" and "it's insane how things can change like that / don't even know where you are / what you do and who you do it with" and "recognise your mistakes and i'll let you back in" and "when i fall asleep / i can see your face / what i lost in you / i will not replace" and "baby you were my picket fence / i miss missing you now and then" and "i didn't know that you were lonely / if you'd have just told me / i'd be home with you" and "it was such a mess / and i can't forget you" and "i don't think that i ever loved you more / than when you turned away / when you slammed the door" and "if we just had one more weekend / could we try it all again" and "what if i told you / i feel like i know you / but we never met / it's for the best" and "when you lie to me / it's in the small stuff" and "i mean after all the things that we've been through / i mean after all the things we got into" and "we were such a mess / but wasn't it the best?" and "the words you were not saying nearly filled up the room / but god / i could have kissed you" and "i don't know how / you keep smiling" and "you are my sweetest downfall / i loved you first" and "it will never get old / not in my soul / not in my spirit" and "you know i still like you the most / the best of the best / and the worst of the worst" and "i'm not sorry i met you / i'm not sorry it's over / i'm not sorry there's nothing to save" and "it would be a hundred times easier / if we were young again / but as it is / and it is" and "i can't call you a stranger / but i can't call you" and "it's bittersweet to think about the damage that we do / cause i was going down / but i was doing it with you / everything we broke / and all the trouble that we made / but i say that i hate you with a smile on my face" and "don't think of my life anywhere / but in your arms tonight / won't say it this time / can't even look back in your eyes" and "someday / you will ache / like i ache" and "just cause you know what you want / doesn't mean you get to choose / squirming out of my skin / i'm in love with you" and "you're the only one worth seeing / the only place worth being" and "i'll do the time / you're my sweetest crime / you know that i'll wait for you baby / and we'll be apart / but you'll have my heart" and "in my head / i do everything right"

and so on and so forth

[go-ldy]

Riverdale 5x03

Man, I found this episode hard. There were some poignant moments, but there were also a lot of moments that were frustrating as hell. My emotions are mixed. But mainly sad. Hold me.

It really says a lot about this show that despite setting aside a whole episode dedicated mostly to character building and relationships rather than plot, it still felt like the show bit off more than it could chew. So much felt rushed including Bughead’s breakup.

anyway, the positives first:

Varchie were beautiful in this episode, and I am so happy for my Varchie mutuals for the care put into developing them and giving them this kind of send off (esp. considering the mess of 4x17 and 4x18). I loved how Archie’s flashback of his life over the last three years was just 90% about Veronica and how much she means to him. It especially contrasts to the BA “flashbacks” from 4x17 l o l. 

Archie spontaneously deciding to join the army and shipping out on an actual bus 24 hours later was so Archie and so Riverdale.  “Archie, there’s a war going on!” made me laugh out loud, IDK. 

Veronica, Betty, and Jughead chasing Archie down in the jalopy to say goodbye was a sheer delight.

Betty Cooper: FBI trainee, default law enforcement officer, yearbook editor, serial killer genes, daughter of the black hood, sister of notorious killer Charles Smith - ALSO class Valedictorian! (Can u still be class Valedictorian if you were once suspended for cheating on a Quiz Show? Riverdale High says ‘yes.’) Good for u, B. Coop.

yessssss at Hiram Lodge being forced to put Sheriff Keller back into a job to arrest those kids hiding out at Archie’s boxing studio (and Archie didn’t notice that these youth were squatting there for months ?????? lmao). I KNEW RIVERDALE DID NOT HAVE A SHERIFF THESE LAST FEW EPISODES. Truly the lawless hellhole we have come to know and love.

Jughead staying in the Andrews’ home while it was put on the market to be sold was hilarious to me. I know it was supposed to be sad - and it was - but ALSO, can you imagine perspective buyers coming into the house only to find that there is a homeless person camping out in there without furniture or electricity or heat? “Why is there a rolled up sleeping bag in the corner?” “Is that a typewriter on the floor?” “Did I just step into an old can of soup?” JUGHEAD, MAN. They probably had to turn off the electricity and heat to save money because he was single-handedly keeping the house from selling.

It was very sad that Jughead was the only one who showed up at Pop’s a year later (and then sees a blonde girl come in and immediately his eyes light up because Betty before the disappointment o m g, murder me), but also a surprisingly relatable moment? I barely remember my own high school graduation, but I do remember that my high school friends felt like everything to me at the time, and I have since fallen out of touch with, uh, all of them. Life happens.

The stuff that was meh:

In theory, I am not opposed to the idea that Jellybean became the auteur/voyeur because she felt neglected and wanted attention, but it still feels like Jellybean is only about 25% of a character. Like, we heard a lot of other people (mostly FP and Jughead) tell us about JB’s motivations, but did JB have a single speaking line in this episode where she actually got to express to anyone what she was thinking and feeling? ugh. 

I don’t care about Falice, but ????? @ FP’s solution to fix JB. So... taking her back... to her drug dealing mother who did not even show up for her own son’s funeral.... is better than a child therapist? Fine. 

Nobody seemed to have any lingering reactions or trauma to Charles being a serial killer?? Like what. Is he even in jail? Or did Betty just let him go? This is actually quite inconvenient for me from a fic-writing perspective. Nobody is a better deux ex machina when Betty or Jughead need something in fic - just call their brother Charles who works for the FBI! I guess that’s done now.

I did feel for Alice, and Alice is not a character I usually feel for because she is the worst. But her husband and eldest son ended up being serial killers, Polly is in an insane asylum, the twins have disappeared from planet earth, and now FP is leaving her. Damn. That is a lot.

So did Choni breakup? It literally happened so fast with so little emotional fallout. Whatever, I don’t care about Choni.

The Beronica and Jarchie scenes were so rushed and forced. I just don’t get this storyline, y’all. What was the point of doing what they did with Betty and Archie in 4x17 and 4x18? Was it simply to break up our two main couples? Veronica and Jughead should have each had the time and space to be angry with their BFFs over what happened (because as crazy as this town is, it is still a massive betrayal) but instead they were both like: “NAH IT’S COOL SHIT HAPPENS LET’S HUG IT OUT.” It didn’t feel earned. I feel like RAS & Co. wanted the immediate drama of the ~kiss but also wanted to have this touching, Core 4 friendship moment before scattering them. What was the point. (I KNOW, I KNOW, ‘IT’S RIVERDALE’ but these characters matter to me ok and I want to understand where they are coming from.)

Bughead

This episode was... very hard. There were some cute moments, but the breakup felt so rushed and... empty? For the most part, we still have no idea where Betty’s head has been since 4x18. Presumably, she has been wracked by guilt, but terrified of telling Jughead the truth in case she ended up losing him (which, it turned out, was exactly what happened).

The scene in their bedroom where she tells him and they kiss desperately was a beautiful scene and the acting from both was oof. But I feel cheated that we did not actually get to see them talk about “us” as Jughead suggested. So did that conversation happen or not? And then to be told in a voiceover and montage that they grew apart in the space of about 45 seconds.... it was all very empty, and painful. I just.... :( :( :( 

I guess we are supposed to assume that Betty and Archie’s kiss created this chasm between them that they were unable to talk about or address head on. But it was so rushed, very “tell not show.”

anyway, this stupid show has made me sad. I AM SAD. My heart is :( @ the unspoken hurt between them that they won’t talk about for seven years. And this show is never going to address the hurt between them in a realistic or satisfying way because it is Riverdale. Usually I would immediately reach to fic to get out my feelings, but in this case, I feel more like hiding in my zombie AU then dealing with how sad this all is lol. Is that insane? That’s what Riverdale does to us. I take heart in the fact that I am not alone in my madness.

[littlelittlebear]

Two Drifters | 3/3 Jeronica Secret Santa

@fangstomysweetpea oh my god.... its finally time!!! 

The moment i’ve been aching for is finally here and i am HYPE

Happy Christmas my dear Tumblr-friend, I hope you enjoy this jeronica playlist/au/riverdale rewrite.

A couple things first, the descriptions on each song are just an outline as to whats happening in that moment/what the song calls for. Also, this is like a story, so its not really something you can play on shuffle lol. I’m confident you didn’t really need these “instructions” lmao, just want you to have a bomb-ass jeronica experience XDD

Also, you don’t have to “follow” the descriptions when you think them out, you can completely take the reigns too if you’d like!

So.... here ya go!!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1MflcKtyBDRjnP0giX03X4?si=ZcsD0GfxR0KevhgDpTZVKQ

And here are the descriptions-

Oxford Comma-

Locking eyes for the first time… wow. Just- everything is in slow motion.

Baby Doll-

Slow dancing in Pop’s after the dance. (V goes to Pop’s instead of Archie)

Can I call you tonight?-

Jughead and Veronica’s moments of glee when they finally set up a date with each other. Veronica squeals and jumps up and down, Jughead punches the air, they both fall down on the bed with blissful looks on their faces. Two cinnamon rolls.

“So, I’ll call you tonight?”

“Yes! *Too enthusiastic- calm down Veronica* Yes. Call me tonight.”

*Que music*

Just Like a Movie-

Jughead calls this their theme song one day when they’re just hanging out in the student lounge as a joke.

Scrawny-

Veronica calls this Jughead’s theme song in response, they have a good laugh and Jughead rolls his eyes at the lyrics A LOT.

Space Girl-

Jughead calls this Veronica’s theme song- because she’s “oUt oF tHiS worLD!”.

She smacks his arm for being so cheesy.

Good Morning-

The morning after they do the “horizontal tango” with each other for the first time, they dance in Veronica’s kitchen, knowing all the words- only to be interrupted by an amused Hermione Lodge.

Unforgettable-

Their first Christmas together, spent snowed in at The Pembrooke. But honestly, they don’t mind.

Shake it out-

Jughead and Veronica cry together after her parents blackmail them/force them to break up. #parentssuck.

Your star-

Coping with the breakup, newsflash- they aren’t, or when they are... they don’t go the healthiest route. So. Much. Angst.

Rare-

Veronica changes up her style a little bit, which really is just lower cut tops, just trying to forget about Jughead- does a lil sexy performance singing to this at a pep rally.

Out the door-

Jughead never leaving the depressional stage of grief.                                

+ Exchanging broken looks that just scream “I’m not over you.”

I can’t get you off my mind-

Drunkenly hooking up at a party because their tension recently had just been… w o w

Drugs-

Sneaking around- sexy times ;)

Why Do You Love Me-

Having a screaming match, then a very angry/hot makeup session, then very angry sex XD

The Wind-

After some hOrIzOnTaL TaNGo at Sweetwater River, they admit that they can’t keep away from each other, saying that they love each other for the first time- followed by Veronica crying tears of joy cuz she’s never done that before- and that they’re going to work everything out, together. They just hold each other after that.

“I love you, Princess.”

Veronica props herself on her elbow to face him (they were laying down before)

Jughead sees her widened eyes. “Y-you don’t have to say it back, I know its ha-“

“I love you too, Jug”

You and I-

Montage of working at Pop’s for summer, ending with a jam sesh in Jughead’s trailer- Veronica just in his shirt and Jughead just in his sweats. FP comes in, surprised to see Veronica, but welcomes her easily. FP and Veronica bond, and he embarrasses Jug with some baby photos. While Jug’s probably beet-red, he can’t help but completely oggle at Veronica- happy that they don’t have to hide from his dad anymore.

Start a Riot-

Jeronica send a little message to Hiram through security cameras (they just make out lmao), showing that he can’t keep them apart. They then proceed to trash Hiram’s jingle jangle lab. :)

Moon River-

Slow dancing after having been crowned homecoming King and Queen. And of course, because Veronica is 1/2 of this relationship- this becomes their song.

“That’s us.”

“What do you mean?” Veronica asks, confused.

“The two drifters in the song. ‘Two drifters, off to see the world.’ That’s us”

Veronica’s eyes start to gloss.

“I absolutely love that. And you.”

Teenagers-

Being the badass power couple they are, being 100% team Serpent against the Bulldogs during the riots. Its all one long shot too- no cuts :))

A Sunday Kind of Love-

Looking at each other in slow motion (wow- I really love putting stuff in slow motion) when Veronica is officially named Serpent queen, they’re absolutely smitten with each other. Cut to them dancing in the Wyrm to the song, discussing how they’re going to make their big debut as Riverdale’s resident power couple… second to Choni of course.

“So… now that I’m your queen, I was thinking had a debut of sorts. Just to educate the public of this new order.” Veronica jabs, only kind of joking.

Jughead laughs, but it sounds more of a huff.

“Could you settle for a hand-in-hand entrance at school? Or would you be more comfortable with a red carpet event?”

Glory-

Veronica and Jughead walking into school as Serpent Royalty with matching Serpent jackets- no special colours thank you very much. You can bet your ass its in slow motion.

Worlds Apart-

Veronica crying at Jughead’s bed-side after the Ghoulies fuck him up.

Boss Bitch-

Veronica gets revenge on the Ghoulies and Penny Peabody with the help of the female Serpents, the River vixens, Hermione, Betty, and Alice.

Le Symbolique-

Veronica and Jughead reunite from his state of unconsciousness, this whole sequence is in slow motion, with a lot of white lighting/glare. Jughead almost died and just that thought alone KILLED Veronica.

“Jug I was so scared-“

“Shush Ronnie, let me look at you.” His teary eyes trace over Veronica’s face with a beaming smile, before he brings his girlfriend closer and kisses the top of her forehead.

Harmony Hall- 

Some core four bliss before it gets chaotic again, with a side of Jeronica and Barchie cuddles.

Not Your Barbie Girl-

A River vixen performance, Jughead is so fricken in love with Ronnie right now cuz she’s just RADIATING empowerment.

Therefore I Am- 

Jeronica sends Hiram to jail again after a bomb ass one liner from Veronica:

“Mija, you have no idea what you’re doing.”

“Only one thing’s false in that sentence Hiram, I’m not your Mija anymore.”

(HELP ME I CAN’T WRITE)

*Proud Jughead smirk*

This Life-

Veronica meeting JB and Gladys, them getting along great- just a wholesome Lodge/Jones get-together.

Don’t Call Me Angel-

Veronica changes her name to Luna, fully emancipating herself from Hiram, and this gets Jughead really turned on XD

Sway With Me-

La Bonne Nuit’s first successful night, Josie, Veronica, Toni, and Cheryl perform. Veronica somehow convinces Jughead to dance with her in public. Think Moulin Rouge’s Diamond Dogs type editing.

My Oh My- 

Getting screwed over my Hiram, Veronica is in a TON of debt and needs some “stress relief” with Jughead. He obliges. Happily.

HIP-

Veronica and Cheryl start their rum business, Jughead helps and oml he’s so proud of her. Btw, Cheronica are HUGE badasses right now.

Bury a friend-

Surviving Eversgreen Forest and Penelope Blossom…

Youth-

The core four are free from the forest, successfully escaping Penelope Blossom. Jughead and Veronica share a tearful but happy kiss, laying down on the back of a truck.

Don’t Take The Money-

The core four hang out at pops and promise to have fun this senior year, Jughead steals Veronica’s cherry from her milkshake, but being so vulnerable to Midget’s (He calls her Midget. Yup.) puppy dog eyes, he makes it up to her by sharing his fries. 

“And for a brief, shining moment, we were kids again.” all that good shiz

The Four Seasons: “Winter”-

Jeronica hangs with the Stonewall psychos.

(Online Love)-

Veronica and Jughead FaceTime and Veronica has this vibe like she’s the montage of the hero’s dead girlfriend in a movie. Like her hair is all splayed out on her pillow and she’s all smiley-

“You look like an angel right now- with your hair like a halo and how much you’re smiling.”

Veronica laughs

“Well it’s your fault I’m smiling you idiot.” Her voice softens towards the end of the sentence.

“I love you too, Ron.”

El Tejano-

Party at Stonewall, Jeronica are absolutely WASTED. Fun fact- Jughead get’s really into PDA when he’s drunk

Burned Out- 

Oh shit… I guess Jughead is dead now. (dw, Betty’s still the one who “kills him”)

Claire de Lune-

Just kidding, he’s alive, and he and Veronica have a really cute moment in the bunker. Veronica starts reading his novel, per his request, and he just starts playing this on the record player and she smiles but her eyes are still on the book. He just kind of watches her, and when she starts beaming at the book he can’t help but kiss her right there. Then they just cuddle and little bit, Veronica on Jug’s lap, reading the book some more.

Girls Like GIrls-

Veronica has to prove Jughead is dead, so she and Betty kinda sorta… make out. Like, a lot. Betty is dating Archie at this point, and he’s the one who gets “mad”. But basically Betty and Veronica end up making out again cuz they spot Donna watching them. Veronica is a bi con, and Betty might be too but everyones in denial so *shrugs*.

Dream Lover-

(Time skip, because I’m lazy) Jughead’s alive again, sadly, his spot at NYU was taken by well, Veronica. Luckily, after pulling some strings, she surprises Jug with a full-ride acceptance letter from NYU starting second semester.

Magic Moments-

Yay! Prom! Barchie gets crowned king and queen (Beronica was kind of forgotten about, but thats fine, because we’re here for Jeronica first). While Betty and Archie are totally lost in each other, Jughead and Veronica are just kind of joking around on the side. While it’s Barchie’s moment, Jeronica is still looking pretty damn cute rn. Also, this becomes Barchie’s song!!

Oxford comma-

The song comes through the speaker at prom, Jughead invites Veronica to dance. As they sway, they gaze at one another like they’re seeing one another for the first time, to the song that started it all. 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

And thats it! Thats Jeronica’s story from season one to season four, I hope you have a very merry Christmas and I hope you liked your presents! Also, if anyone feels like adding on to the dialogue or using any of the points in a fic or even making a whole ass fanfiction- please do!! I didn’t do this justice with my mediocre quotes so it would actually be preferred XD.

And again, happy Christmas :))

[ghoststudios]

Archie Doodle Draft Dump a lot of stuff for March, so here's the context for the art. (order is how old it is, the last two are from yesterday.)

1. Concept Sketches for Maria Rodriguez and Claude & Raoul Hopper.

2. Me wanting to draw my queen Damina Spellman

3. Josie and the Coolcats

4. Sabrina and the cooler Sabrina (I wanted to draw Brina and Demina in similar outfits)

5. More concept sketches: Chloe Mancus and a better Pepper Smith.

6. Reggie in a skirt because everyone needs to see that once in their life.

7. Cheryl wearing new The Archie's merch.

8. Soft Beronica cuddles.

9. Lighting practice with Cheryl and Sugar.

10. Veronica's cousins as I felt like I wanted to draw them to match my Veronica, if you are wondering Veronica is Hispanic (Dad) and Russian (Mom) then these two have the same ethnicity as what side they are on. So Harper is Hispanic (Dad) and Indian (Mom) and Marcy is Russian (Mom) and Irish (Dad)

(Harpers standing in the void so that's how she's standing)

[stonerbughead]

Ok, I'm going to slide in here and awkwardly ask something, but feel free to ignore it: if you had full creative control of the show, how would you run season 5? You can pick and choose whatever leaks you want to include.

Bless your soul, you are truly such a positive and lovely force in this fandom from your meta to your gorgeous gifsets and writing! I’ve seen so many good answers today on my dash and while I have kind of abandoned canon post-4x17, I can’t pretend I haven’t been paying attention in the hopes that they can eventually get me back on board.

ANYWAY so I continue to find both Archie and Betty’s actions SO out of character, and I’m personally of the mind that the most fun/Riverdaleian way to solve this would’ve been for the mystery to somehow explain it

I’d be all for @sullypants’ tinfoil hat conspiracy theory that Charles somehow manipulated Betty and Archie to break up bughead or some other very riverdale explanation that involves cults, the Stonies, or even a grand alliance of past villains conspiring to break up bughead bc they are Too Powerful against their foes.

I also just headcanon Betty and Jughead as truly being the only one for each other so I feel like I’d be a lot less excited to see either of them with the anti-Jug or anti-Betty that others have predicted, tho I do think that makes sense. So here’s my insane idea for how to avoid that—this is truly wild and ridiculous but—wouldn’t it be so fun if Bughead didn’t break up bc of the kiss, but it’s somehow implied they broke up during college along with Varchie and Choni...Then we flash forward and find Betty and Jughead both in riverdale, acting like they’re broken up, only to find by the end of the episode(s) that they are actually still together but needed to go undercover as not-together in order to investigative whatever strange thing brings everyone back to town? I would love to see these two with their own PI firm (Betty would never be able to stay within FBI rules imo) and we’d still get all the cuteness of having to pretend publicly that they’re not in love. I love the idea of jug as a successful author in theory but it also feels very young for that so I’d just be here for knowing that his PI work with love of his life betty is what fuels his writing whether or not he’s published yet.

I just want my investigative duo bughead and I’ve always just loved the idea that they’re the mom and dad of the friend group, the only ones who are still together since high school (a la Naley in OTH minus the injury/near-broken marriage) who end up relationship counseling their friends as they navigate their exes.

Other things on my wishlist include:

Bisexual Archie AND bisexual Veronica slowly finding their way back to each other (and Veronica being wildly successful. I could see her single, playing the field, perhaps too damaged from her breakup with Archie to truly let anyone in. I see her more as Brooke Davis in OTH post Lucas Scott heartbreak you know? So strong except when it comes to love bc she’s so bruised.)

Also keeping Choni apart for longer before they find their way back to each other bc their original relationship development was 100% the weakest of the three big ships and they deserve better build up

More mechanic Betty!

Toni, Reggie, Kevin, and the Pussycats having full storylines. I’d love for Toni to be part of the main mystery for once bc I always felt her dynamic with Betty and Jughead is underused.

More group scenes! Everyone actually playing a role in the overall narrative while having an individual journey that makes sense for their character.

More core four friendship — would actually want to see Jarchie, Beronica, even the Barchie FRIENDSHIP given more care and attention.

Idk I feel like there’s a ton more I would’ve said after 4x16 but I have so much less creativity or hope for canon riverdale than I used to. Am loving seeing all the responses tho!!!

[askandsmile]

It's kinda funny how some people think that Riverdale would be a "revamp" and a complete new show just bcs ba would date, but rvd follow being a weird show as it, bh investigate most apart but still the mystery was important and yes was interesting see new dynamics but I say this more bcs we see more of Toni with other characters, they give attention to kangs, and too jabitha than ba (bcs their dynamic was meh just my biased opinion)

I think maybe it was bcs had been a time that Riverdale really put attention on their characters arcs and give attention to their traumas

seriously! RAS main slogan for the new season was “the more things change, the more they stay the same” 😭😭😭 i don’t know how or why people who say they’re TV critics and such really believed anything would be so different.

for starters, like i’ve always said, riverdale has a formula. it has been renewed six times because of this formula. people who tune in to watch riverdale don’t want to be super surprised, they want to laugh about the cringe lines and lame mystery plotlines, and to watch their favorite ships/characters interacting. it’s like when you watched scooby doo! you always knew it’d end with the most obvious villain and “and i would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids”, and you still watched it cause it was always good.

so, riverdale has a formula, the formula doesn’t allow crazy changes and too much back and forth. i do think it has a new “feel”, though, because: 

a) most of the regular characters are having the most screen time they had in a while. it’s not perfect, it’s not great, but they’re involved!

b) they are giving other ships a “chance”, although again, it’s not drastic, but they are. ba had a couple of episodes for them. betty had a fwb situation with two different guys. jughead, who everyone called demisexual until the other day, has not one but three potential love interests and had a one night stand, veronica has a husband, cheryl is with someone else...is it great storytelling? again, no. but it’s unsual! 

c) there are so many things that could’ve changed for better but the ships are not the problem, the problem is the sloppy writing for poc and lgbtq characters and ships (help, why did kevin get hate crime after seven years in a stable relationship :(( ). toni got some voice but is yet to get an emotional flesh out; i still don’t know why she loves cheryl so much. we don’t know anything about minerva either that makes me think i’m supposed to cheer for them. i have no idea what fangs needs or wants in his life or why he and kevin love each other. they teased bi reggie only to backtrack? 🥴️ anyway, that’s where they need to get better.

d) bughead and varchie are not the problem of riverdale and even if they were, the answer for that would never be b*rchie because it’s literally the most overplayed straight/white/middle-class dynamic of all time. so if they wanted to actually shift the show using a core four ship, they’d use jeronica/beronica/jarchie.

e) the characters are engaging differently, whether you want it or not. archie feels a lot more mature although still impulsive, for example.

f) anyway, i am enjoying season 5. i think the editing is too fast paced and that a lot of things feel rushed and a lot of foundation work for something i don’t know if is coming, but i think after the season is done, we’ll have a good look at the big picture and see what was their intention. and yes, i agree that some parts of these season have been very character driven especially concerning the core four.

[riverdalenerdlol]

Bughead for the ask meme!

YAY!

When I started shipping them: TBH I binged S1 during spring break my junior year of HS (bout halfway through S2 airing at that time), then managed to catch up to real time with S2. I knew Bughead was meant to be in 1x08: when interrogating FP, Jughead kinda acts like a human shield between his dad and Betty (Juggie’s protective ass is so adorable). The meant to be part comes in after the interrogation when Jug asks if Betty believes FP’s story but she says “I believe you, Jughead.” And then they KISS and it’s the kiss that gets me. It’s the lighting, the Bughead theme they play in the background, the just utter softness between those two that just UGH *passes out*. 1x08 is the greatest Bughead episode of S1 and I will die on that hill.

My thoughts: they need to fucking TALK THEIR SHIT OUT. In general tho - they’ve got amazing chemistry, and I kinda love that they’re only truly open with each other, especially when it comes to talking about trauma. I love me some quality buggles and soft kisses and holy shit they’re just hot, yk?

What makes me happy about them: I love it when you can tell just how fucking happy and loved they make each other feel. Betty and Jughead would kill someone to protect the other, I think that’s pretty badass. They’re just, like, always on the same wavelength.

What makes me sad about them: recently, it’s been watching all of the face grab kisses from over the seasons. Those fucking hurt. I cried myself to sleep with them last night. Those gifs don’t have any mercy. They also just have a shit ton of trauma and they’ve bottled it up and I have a real good feeling that they’re not gonna be opening up to anyone until they end up back together again. They’re just suffering silently. Tabitha’s picked up on some Jughead’s unhealthy habits. Betty’s not in a place with Archie where Archie would be dedicated to helping her through her trauma at all (they’re friends but they haven’t, like, dug underneath the surface of that besides the sexual aspect). They both need some goddamn therapy.

Things in fanfic that annoy me: When people depict Jughead as some shredded dude that is ultra mega hot. You know the type. Can’t stand it - he was meant to be the skinny loner type. Leave his body alone unless being more physically fit has something to do with the plot (like if he’s an athlete in an AU or something where he’s working out and therefore more toned and all that). That’s the main one. Also, the smoking. Jughead hasn’t ever smoked in canon? Idk where everyone got that shit from.

Things I look for in fanfic: I’m a sucker for a good hurt/comfort fic, especially if the hurt is due to trauma and not necessarily just angst. I end up writing trauma into all of my fics, and I guess that’s why. It’s easier to form bonds with people when there’s mutual trauma (I know from experience).

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with if not each other: for Betty I pick Veronica. I am a Beronica fan on the side. I like them together. They’d be a hot couple. For Jughead... maybe Tabitha? I don’t think that one would last forever, but I feel that Tabitha has good intentions and would eventually shove Jughead off to some AA meeting or therapy or both. It would be good for him in the long run.

Happily ever after: they get hitched, they get the fuck away from Riverdale, they go to therapy, they adopt dogs and cats and name the cats after candies and the dogs after Pop’s menu items (Curly Fry, Hamburger, Banana Split, etc.), they start up their own PI firm and Jughead writes on the side, publishing more books. Maybe they start a quiet family? Maybe they don’t. But they be happy and they be together and they have a nice life. (As much as I love FBI Betty, she’s too stubborn to be a fed and follow all their rules... so PI)

Jughead is the big spoon and he’s proud of it, even though he’s the bottom. Betty is the top and the little spoon at the same time, and no I don’t understand how exactly that works out. Sometimes Jughead lets Betty be the big spoon when she feels like it.

Favorite non-sexual activity: investigating. Shnugglin’. Watching old movies. Hugs. Reading together. Laughing at Archie’s clumsy ass together. Etc.

Thanks for the ask, Rose!!!!!

[thatiranianphantom]

Recappin’ Riverdale, 1x02 : A Touch Of Evil

Clicketh the read more for some random thoughts! 

- I’m pretty sure Jug pronounces “irrevocable” wrong

- Penelope actually being comforting?

- Ahhhh Jason’s corpse. You stuck around....longer than anticipated.

- JUG STOP NARRATING I BEG YOU

- Things that nobody notices but me - Betty has never changed her phone case. I change mine every 2.5 days. 

- And again, we are meant to thirst over Archie and overlook the grooming

- The fact that he’s sleeping with her and still calls her “Ms. Grundy” when they’re not even in school is just...so ick. 

- Fred being the ONLY A+ parent in Riverdale. And yes, I am very much including all the parents we haven’t met yet. And yes, that very much includes Hermoine Lodge and 1 FP Jones.

- Hal being the moral high ground. Kiss me, I love it. 

- Alice Cooper would have been a very effective serial killer and I will die on that hill. 

- Yeah, while I completely believe Archie didn’t OWE Betty his affection, this walking to school scene was weird for me

- I hadn’t realized how little Jughead was in the pilot before now

- Ah yes, the show, with its usual subtlety, wants you to know JUGHEAD IS A MOVIE BUFF. Please accept that as why he makes references a teenager would never get. 

- Mrs. Phillips? I thought that was Mrs. Bell?

- Veronica trying to make up for her perceived sin is adorable. She so wants to hang onto Betty. 

- “And his cold-blooded killer is walking the Green Mile to sit in Old Sparky and fry” - oh Cheryl. 

- It breaks my heart how Veronica is so genuinely trying. She wants her and Betty to be friends so much

- Archie struggling with thoughts. He may have two, which is a thought and a half too many. 

(I really don’t hate Archie. I actually find S1 Archie kind of endearing)

- Oh so this is Dr. Curdle? And we’re to believe that Dr. Curdle Junior who looks deadass older than this dude, is his son? Please, Riverdale. 

- You, my approximately 1 reader, should know that I skipped the whole song and Grundy scene, but I am upset Betty didn’t eat those cupcakes

- Cheryl is so Cheryl. I am writing a chapter in her perspective for someone else is singing along, and I am already excited about it. 

- “It is not my fault he doesn’t like you.” That’s...true. 

- “We were meant to be best friends” I love this Beronica content I miss it 

- “I’ve never felt the way I’m supposed to feel about Betty.” I feel like we don’t pay enough attention to this.  

- This pan down shot of Betty. I know it’s supposed to be intimidating but it just comes off as...ridiculous?

- I saw this post, I think by my fandom twin @go-ldy​ and @arsenicpanda​ where it’s like there’s always two friends forced to be the responsible friend to the stupid friend. I think that’s what Jughead is invoking here, the “oh my god Archie sleeping with your teacher is a BAD idea!”

- A kid is dead. LOL. Remember when they used to care? 

- I’m really loving this swoopy hair that Jughead has

- There’s a lot of intense staring here. Getting some Jarchie vibes. 

- See, here’s my problem with this show. They tell us Beronica are best friends. That’s backed up with a decent amount of time together, last season aside. But they also tell us Jug and Archie are best friends. And aside from a few moments in a few episodes, I really don’t see a lot of narrative scaffolding for this. 

- Look at Betty’s season 1 outfit

Compare that to the cropped sweaters and miniskirts of season 4. In the hands of better writers, we could say that her confidence has evolved and so has her wardrobe. But I somehow doubt that’s the case here. 

- Gonna say I like the replacement Reggie better. Nothing against Ross Butler, but Charles Melton brings a certain Handsome Squidward stupidity to the role. 

- Love the reaction to this Archie/Reggie fight. Like, they want to stop it, but not really enough to intervene. Betty just looks mildly exasperated. 

- “I want to do this thing with this girl” you’re coming off as speaking about something entirely different, Arch. 

- Again, a lot of intense Jarchie staring. 

- Archie recoils from Betty touching his eye. We saw that, right?

- This doesn’t even sound like Josie singing....

- Jughead is looking straight at Betty with an expression that further solidifies my theory that he was into her LONG before they started working together. 

- I love how he goes straight around Veronica. I need more Jeronica snark in my life.  

[nontrivialproof]

folklore as riverdale amvs

The 1: Betty/Archie fanvid that cuts between Betty/Jughead and Archie/Veronica but like what could have been…

Cardigan: I’m sorry to do this but this literally is about Bughead. Like first of all what is more Betty Cooper than “When you are young they assume you know nothing” and second of all the vibes of this relationship being the only positive thing in your life and third of all you would need to cut between a lot of scenes for the montage lyrics and Bughead gives you the raw material.

The Last Great American Dynasty: VERONICA LODGE MADDEST WOMAN THIS TOWN HAS EVER SEEN… Opens with Veronica moving to Riverdale and details her taking down Hiram’s mafia operation. When it says “and then it was bought by me” we see her opening up Bonne Nuit. She had a marvelous time ruining everything.

Exile: Main four fanvid making heavy use of footage from the camping episode. The call-and-response sections switch between Veronica/Archie and Betty/Jughead and it uses that scene where Archie and Betty kiss.

My Tears Ricochet: Okay hear me out. Betty & Alice Cooper fanvid drawing largely from the s3 cult plotline. 

Mirrorball: Beronica ofc. I think you should switch perspectives so both of them are the mirrorball with everyone watching as their shattered edges glisten and also both of them are not like the regulars :( But if you have to pick then Veronica is the mirrorball and Betty is not like the regulars.

Seven: Tempted to say Betty/Archie but this is Jarchie. You can use that lake footage from the start of s3 for the start of the song. “And I’ve been meaning to tell you / I think your house is haunted / Your dad is always mad and that must be why”

August: Would you guys absolutely kill me if I said someone should make an Archie/Ms. Grundy fanvid 

This is Me Trying: Cheryl Blossom ANTHEM with side post-breakup Cheryl/Toni

Illicit Affairs: This is a multiship concept fanvid about how all their parents are cheating on each other with each other. A little Fred/Hermione, Sierra/Tom, FP/Alice, Hal/Penelope. Alternatively this is an absurdly serious Kevin/Moose amv.

Invisible String: This is also a main four fanvid but this time it’s about their FRIENDSHIP (meaning also that it pretends that Jughead and Veronica are friends)

Mad Woman: This is THE folklore Riverdale amv and it’s a montage of Veronica, Betty, and Cheryl girlboss moments. When it says, “The master of spin has a couple side-flings” it cuts between all their mothers putting up with their evil fathers

Epiphany: This is a composite AMV about the horrors of living in Riverdale that cuts between shots of the cast crying and like shots of buildings burning down and people getting beat up

Betty: This is obviously a Beronica AMV but I think multiple of these already exist so I have nothing to add. Make a Jarchie version?

Peace: This starts as a Beronica fanvid and then halfway through it becomes a Jarchie fanvid so that they both get one play of “The devil’s in the details / But you got a friend in me”

Hoax: This might sound crazy but this is about Veronica and Hiram and how much she wants to be a daddy’s girl while he’s out there being a supervillain :( She DID leave a part of herself back in New York

The Lakes: This fanvid is on hold until we have a Riverdale series finale and then it’ll be about whatever is endgame which I have to assume will be Bughead. So this is one is Bughead. That said even though they’re both writers it is important that Betty is the singer and Jughead is her muse and NOT the other way around.

[soyforramen]

"I don't know anything, but I know I miss you." Beronica!

All the confidence that had led Veronica here fled as she stood before the bright red door.  Sounds of a party - betty’s party, purposefully not invited, a snub for this summer, for last year, for pride, for heartache, for heartbreak - filtered out onto the lawn and, for a moment, she hesitated.  Why was she even here, when Betty had made it oh so clear what her feelings on this were?

Veronica didn’t know, not with any certainty.  But she did know that this couldn’t go on.  Not unless they both wanted to be tortured by this dark cloud between them for the rest of high school.  

Perhaps that’s why her feet had taken her the long way through town after work, her uniform soaked in grease, feet aching, head filled with orders and specials to crowd out this reality.  This time, Veronica’s hand stayed steady as she knocked on the door.  When she saw who was behind it, Veronica steadied herself for a fight.

“Invite only, peasant.  Shoo,” Cheryl said. 

Unperturbed, Veronica wedged her foot between the door and the jamb before Cheryl could slam it in her face.  Veronica hadn’t come this far to let Cheryl stop her - rumors from ginger lopez, truth and lies and spread by vicious lips, had done enough already.

“I need to speak to Betty.”

Cheryl’s lips curled up into a snarl and she kicked at Veronica’s show.  

“What you need to do is leave her alone, you feral succubus.”

“Please, Cheryl,” Veronica said, her tone soft.  “Just a few minutes.  Then I’ll leave.”

Cheryl looked her up and down as if she could scry Veronica’s true intentions.  With a roll of her eyes, Cheryl let the door go and Veronica stepped back.  

“Ugh.  But if I have to stay up with her one more night because of you… Wait here.”

That ember of hope, the one Veronica had long since quenched when Betty made her pain known - she’d only seen the back of her ponytail since they’d been back to school, was her phone broken? did she change her number? oh god what had she heard, betty please listen, betty wait, betty betty betty please - began to spark once more.  

While she waited, Veronica wondered if Cheryl had left her out on the lawn as another cruel prank, or if Betty really would come out to meet her.  Or perhaps it was a strange punishment for what she’d done - just a summer thing, it wasn’t as if reggie meant anything other than a fling, not like - or rather what she hadn’t had the courage to say.

Just when she’d given up hope, the door opened again and pulsing music guided Betty’s way out of the house.  Her arms were wrapped around her, ponytail tight on her head, and Veronica couldn’t help the pain of knowing that Betty felt the need to steel herself for this.  The sight of Betty this close -had only seen that ponytail swinging away from her, avoiding her, it wasn’t like this before ginger lopez made sure everyone knew about - made Veronica’s footing unstable.  The world felt like it was going to shift under her and for maybe the third time in her life, Veronica didn’t know the outcome of this moment.  

Would Betty ever let her speak?  Would she tell her to fuck off?  Or would she take Veronica by the hand and lead her towards the old oak try to kiss her with the same passion, longing, want, regret need -

“What do you want, Veronica?”  Her tone was tired and devoid of any emotion, eyes flat and sparkling as if tears were threatening to fall.  That hurt more than anything else Betty could have said.

“I,” -you us forever-

What did Veronica want?  Forgiveness?  Compassion?  Hatred?  Happily ever after?  Try as she might, the words wouldn’t come.  Not when Betty was looking at her like that. 

“I don’t know.”

Betty looked up at the night sky, blinking rapidly.  “Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

-i need you, i like you, i want you, i love you, i’m sorry-

“I don’t know, Betty, I -”

“Why are you even here, Veronica?” Betty rasped out.  

She scraped at her cheeks with the sleeve of her cardigan, and Veronica took a step forward.  Only Betty took a step backwards towards the house, and Veronica’s heart dropped.

“I don’t -”

“Do you know anything?” Betty snapped, frustrated as Veronica was with her lack of answers.

Veronica shook her head, fingers itching to reach out and take Betty’s hand in hers.  Instead, she laced her fingers together in front of her.

“I don’t know anything,” Veronica said.  “But I know I miss you.”

-i’m sorry i love you i never meant to hurt you-

Betty flinched and she turned as if to leave.  This time, Veronica stepped towards her and grabbed the back of Betty’s cardigan before she could slip away forever.

“Please, B, I’m so sorry.  I never meant to hurt you.  I’ll make it up to you for the rest of my life, just please listen to me.”

Betty stiffened and Veronica let her hand drop, defeated before she could even begin.

“When I saw you and Archie dancing together like that, then you left for California without a word…”

The words hung around them, red flares of her misdeeds that lit up the space between them.  

“One word, and I’ll leave you alone forever,” Veronica whispered.  “Just don’t leave me, us, like this.”

“Tomorrow.”

“What?”

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow, after your shift.  I’m not promising anything,” Betty said softly.

With one last glance at Veronica, Betty fled back inside, leaving Veronica with hope enough.

[crashingwavesinmyworld]

Riverdale Review

Wow I can’t believe I actually missed this show lol. It’s so ridiculous but 95% of it so entertaining I can’t stop watching

But this episode actually had me emotional 😭😭 I feel so horribly for Veronica. Especially when she sang that song not knowing it was Archie’s song for Betty I cried so hard. And when she told him she loved him, it just reminded me of how hard it was for her to say it before, and now that same person she finally let herself be vulnerable with betrayed her, and with one of her best friends of all people. And I’m also really angry that Archie still wasn’t fully honest with her either. Like they may have just kissed once(not counting the staged kiss that Veronica knew about) but they were meeting in secret, that one romantic dance sequence that I know wasn’t real but like he actually had feelings for Betty and he wasn’t straight up about this, it doesn’t matter if he was just confused or not. I’m still so mad that this plot had to happen in the first place. They could have still had Varchie go their separate ways because of Archie’s fear of holding her back/long distance, Why was the cheating necessary? It’s just so unfair to Veronica she deserves so much better. And I know that this isn’t as important but like it sucks to see another one of my OTPS get destroyed by cheating. It doesn’t matter what happens in the future because that will always be the elephant in the room. Like, my OTP on Degrassi (Zaya) got tainted by cheating too and as much as I still love them, it’s still hard to look at them the same. Thankfully I wasn’t as attached to Varchie but it still hurts because I genuinely loved them for a long time. I don’t even hate them now I’m just upset and frustrated and I don’t even care if they end up together now I just want them both to be happy but mostly Veronica. Also, I love Mary but can she stop saying endgame now this goes for any character it’s so cringe please. Even if it weren’t for what Archie did that line still would have bugged me lol

Last thing about Archie, his boxing plot is so boring I just...do not care...and hope he doesn’t change his mind and decide to do the academy because it’s just so boring I wanted to fall asleep thanks

Okay onto Cheryl/Toni. I’m SO happy we met one of Toni’s family members. She has every right to be wary of a Cheryl cuz of her family, and I feel so bad for both of them because Toni wants to be loyal to her family but also to Cheryl. But honestly, I’m in favor of right now Toni having her own life outside Cheryl. I love them together but they both need to grow on their own and we need to learn more about Toni outside of Cheryl. This was a step in the right direction but we still need a solo Toni Plot without Cheryl involved, and also have her interacting with other characters. As much as I don’t like the Serpents, (mainly cuz of the overuse of Jughead in the storyline, I love him but he was so obnoxious then) it was interesting to see Toni bring it up again wanting to be the leader and I’m curious to see where that goes. My heart did break for Cheryl too though, when she was crying in the end about being alone and it being her curse, I feel that way all the time 😭😭😭 It did bother me though when she visited Toni’s aunt without her permission. At this point Cheryl thought the issue was that they are LGBT, and Cheryl visiting was basically outing Toni. (Correct me if I’m wrong I can’t remember if her aunt already knew and was just unaccepting or if Toni wasn’t out to her yet) But it’s actually besides the point it could have created a huge problem for Toni. This is another reason why they need to grow on their own, a problem Cheryl has is she tends to overstep and do things without thinking about the consequences. Which, is realistic and is true for more than just her character, but still, it’s something she needs to grow from. On a positive note though Choni looked stunning in their prom dresses and I’m glad they won prom queens 💕💕 Also on another positive note I am glad they were able to split them up without irreparable damage in a realistic way that wouldn’t taint either character or their relationship. Idk why they couldn’t do that with Bughead and Varchie but I’m glad they could do that with Choni.

Okay onto the Betty and Jughead Plot. They were SO cute before/during their prom pictures 💖💖💖 their actual plot was okay, classic Bughead but nothing really new or exciting and honestly when Jellybean turned up at the rave I thought she was gonna be behind it all or at least a part of it and I’m glad she wasn’t but it would explain why she’s barely around. As much as I wouldn’t want her to be a villain, it would have been an interesting plot twist and given her something to do at least. God though I wish Bughead (and all the characters) could have just had one nice dance without weird shit happening but that’s the Riverdale way lol. I still can’t figure out whose doing this but we did see Brett in jail, I honestly can’t remember what happened to Donna in her last appearance but maybe she’s behind it some how? Or one of the other Stonewall kids but I really don’t know. It’s funny how they at first assumed Reggie did it lmao. Anyway, i guess for Bughead I should address that Jughead still doesn’t know yet about the cheating. What bugs me about this is that Archie said that he and Betty “swore” not to tell. I don’t remember that happening, must have been offscreen and I get it, they don’t wanna hurt them and at least with Betty I can believe she actually loves Jughead and wants a future with him, based on every interaction they’ve had since that whole fiasco, it’s almost like nothing ever happened and if it weren’t for Betty’s face during Veronica singing the song I honestly would have forgotten until Archie mentioned it tbh, (based on Bughead scenes only) but with Varchie scenes it was obvious something was off with Archie. And like it didn’t even seem like Archie wanted to fight for Veronica, I don’t know if it’s because he already thought he was holding her back, I mean, the reason he even told her the truth was because she said she wanted to stay in town with him instead of going to college, with or without the cheating he clearly didn’t want to hold her back. I feel like that’s the likely reason but like, the Archie’s stiff demeanor and awkwardness before the confession could have been explained as guilt but afterwards, he still acted so indifferent like he didn’t care much. He didn’t even cry. Like. It was just weird, but I don’t imagine that happening with Bughead. The thing is though, if Betty really did swear to never tell him, then that really makes it harder to believe they could make their future work whether they both want it to or not because if she can’t be honest, there is little hope. And now it will just look like when Jughead does find out it will only be because Veronica did, so it’s likely he won’t even hear it from Betty herself. I don’t think Veronica will tell him because her and Archie agreed not to but with all the creepiness going on he could find out another way, but I WANT to believe Betty confesses on her own. I actually think it could be Archie that convinces Betty to tell or maybe even he will tell Jughead because in the promo for the next episode Betty’s asking Archie what’s wrong. Jughead is also present, maybe they both tell him together. I hope that’s the case because I think something the writers have largely forgotten is the Core 4 Friendships. They barely interact one on one or even as a group it’s either the couples off together or throughout some of season 4 it was Cheryl/Veronica or Veronica and her parents and Betty/Charles but like no Beronica or Jughead/Archie, Hell even the Betty/Archie friendship was nonexistent before their random affair. If not only the relationships but the friendships can ever be repaired they need to be honest. All of them with each other. I mean I guess it’s kind of good those friendships haven’t on screen because they still would have been keeping that secret acting like all was fine and we already got Betty doing that to Jughead/Archie with Veronica until this ep so it would have been awful to see Betty do that to Veronica and Archie to Jughead, But like they’re still lying to them and they need to stop. All the truth needs to come out.

Also in the promo for next week it shows the Archie/Hiram conflict is back and like there is actually a good reason for it this time but I also just cannot bring myself to care because they overdid that shit in seasons 2-3 and like he has every right to call Archie out and that doesn’t bother me but the violence does because it’s really unnecessary and once again they already have overdone that and I know it’s possible Archie is 18 now but like Hiram’s obsession with terrorizing teenagers is creepy and if this was the first time he did if it wouldn’t bother me because Archie cheated on his daughter so his anger makes sense but he was already trying to kill Archie before for no good reason for 2 seasons straight so like, I can’t get behind this. Just call him out on his shit then move on. And please no more fights or boxing matches please I’m begging you. (For the record I know the promo could have been misleading but it did look like Hiram was trying to beat him up. Now like if Reggie or Jughead wanted to beat him up or fight him I wouldn’t be so bothered but Hiram is an adult and he’s been such a shitty father even if his anger is justified he’s hurt Veronica twice as much so he can sit down tbh). If this is them trying to redeem him for protecting Veronica or something it’s not the way to do it.

Anyway wow this was long. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a show to look forward to. As crazy as Riverdale is I’m glad it’s back and am excited for next week but am not prepared for my Bughead heart to break either 😭 at least Choni aren’t on bad terms and Varchie can’t hurt me anymore than this episode did