Although it may feel a bit far removed from its source material at times, Riverdale consistently made for some truly compelling television throughout its inaugural season by not only delivering much in the way of drama, but also by having a riveting murder mystery serving as its backbone.
That being said, some viewers were left wondering how the series’ producers would be able to draw them in for a second helping, but, lo and behold, Archie’s dad was brutally shot at the end of May’s finale. Not surprisingly, this will serve as the springboard to what’s looking to be an even darker sophomore year, as the latest promo (seen above) shows the young Mr. Andrews seemingly about do go all Death Wish by channeling his inner Paul Kersey.
But knowing that KJ Apa has a rich cast backing him up, it’s only expected that each of them be put through the wringer as well when things pick up this fall. According to actress Lili Reinhart, Betty Cooper herself, the girl next door will be central to the latest enigma plaguing the quaint little town.
Here’s what she had to tease on that front when recently speaking with ComicBook.com, along with a little something regarding “Dark Betty”:
“Dark Betty I feel like doesn’t exist anymore. It’s like this season just her darkness kind of envelops her a little bit. Betty is, without giving anything away, a very big focal point of the mystery in season 2 and it takes a toll on her, just like it did with Cheryl in season 1. Betty gets wrapped up in something that she never asked to be wrapped up in and this kind, sweet, gentle person is pushed to her limit.”
Well, if Dark Betty isn’t going to rear her head anytime soon, we can only hope that Ms. Cooper find a healthy outlet for exorcising her own demons. Really, none of us would like to see her follow in Cheryl Blossom’s footsteps by doing something as extreme as burning down her own house. That said, it’s been apparent from the start that Betty has some issues, so she’ll definitely be one to watch when Riverdale returns for its second season on Wednesday, October 11 on The CW.