07x08 - Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Five: Hoop Dreams

[bunniefuu]

[JUGHEAD] Some towns are football
towns, some are hockey towns.

Riverdale High had a
so-so football team.

And in the dead of winter, kids
played hockey on Sweetwater River

once it had frozen solid.

But at its heart, Riverdale
was a basketball town.

Long past its heyday, some would say,

which was when the
Riverdale High Bulldogs,

led by point guard Fred Andrews,

were state champions
three years running.

[STUDENTS GROAN]

- [BUZZER SOUNDS]
- [GRUNTS]

[ANNOUNCER] That's another
big loss for Riverdale.

[PLAYERS CHEERING]

Hey, look, fellas. We fought
the good fight out there.

We got the rest of the season

to dust ourselves off, get back on top.

Not if we keep playing like pansies.

You're all a bunch of
spineless, pillow-soft chumps.

You're lucky my parents
still sponsor us.

We're a panic and a half!

Cut the gas, Captain.

Nobody's jazzed about
what happened out there.

The Bulldogs?

We used to be unstoppable.

Back when your dad played,

they were the champs, not the chumps.

Now, I know that you don't
want to spoil that legacy.

[DOOR CLANGS]

[CRICKETS CHIRPING]

What did Mr. Blossom want?

I finally convinced our lead sponsor

to let me recruit an outside player.

A kid who knows how to win games.

You know me, I'll take
any help we can get.

Who's the guy? A ringer?

No, he's a farm kid out of Duck Creek.

' ", lbs. Pure muscle, but fast.

What's his name?

Mantle.

Reggie "The Blur" Mantle.

- The Blur?
- 'Cause you never see him coming.

[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]

♪ Well, gee, I wish I had
a little girl like you ♪

♪ Yes, gee, I wish I had
a little girl like you ♪

♪ Well, nobody, nobody
Knows what I would do ♪

You know, I've been thinking.
What if you and I went steady?

Went steady?

How would that work?

It's not like you can pin me

or like we can walk down
the halls holding hands.

I know, but it could be just for us.

Our secret... only we know.

Unless you don't want to.

It's just kind of a thing squares do.

You know? Go steady.

That's a fair point. Anyway...

It's kind of like we're already secretly

going steady if you
think about it. So...

- [GRUNTS]
- [BIRDS CHIRPING]

You sure I can't give you a hand?

No, I'm good.

So you're from Korea?

My mom's Korean.

My dad was born here, I was born here.

My Uncle Frank said you played
basketball for Stonewall Prep.

What happened?

You writing a book?

There's not much to tell. I dropped out.

[FRANK] I had a great chat
with your folks, Reggie.

We're all squared away if you
want to say your see-you-laters.

All right.

Archie and Frank told me
that you grew up on a farm.

Yes, ma'am.

What was that like?

The farm's everything we
have. It's our family's legacy.

My dad came home from the
w*r with a chunk of shrapnel

stuck in his shoulder,
so, it slowed him down.

I couldn't let the family business
fall behind, so I stepped up.

Pitching in as much as I can.

What about the GI Bill? Doesn't
the government help you out?

The army doesn't give us any money.

We're not considered eligible.

Well, we are. Why not you guys?

Why do you think?

- That's terrible.
- Mayor Blossom will make sure

your family's farm
stays afloat financially.

So you can just
concentrate on playing ball.

Thanks, Coach.

[ARCHIE] This is your cot.

Some more blankets down the hall

if you get cold or anything.

Oh, I emptied a drawer.

If you need any more
space, I can make some...

Who is that?

Uh, that is my neighbor.

Uh, you'll meet her at school.

We're actually supposed to be keeping
our curtains closed from now on.

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Betty, can I talk to you for a minute?

Sure, Dad. What's the word?

Uh, well, I was talking to Dr. Werthers.

He wonders if it might not be
prudent to get you exercising more.

You know, to burn off
some of your excess energy.

He doesn't want me to go back
on Riverdale Grandstand, does he?

No, no, no, no.

He, uh, he says too
many temptations there.

Hmm. Boys.

Well, he wondered if you...
If you might not fare better

spending more time
with nice, decent girls.

Hmm. Unlike Veronica.

Now, I've spoken with Clifford Blossom,

and he's going to arrange
it all with Cheryl.

Cheryl? What does Cheryl
have to do with any of this?

Um, well, Dr. Werthers thinks,

and your mother and I both agree,

you should join the Vixens.

[SCOFFS]

Well, you looked snappy
at the game, Topaz.

Never seen a wool sweater
filled out so nicely.

Thanks for the apple butter, Lizzo.

[CHUCKLES] And let me guess.

You and the queen of the paper shakers

got chummy in the
janitor's closet afterwards?

More or less.

Nice work, if you can get it.

You figured out a good hustle.

You find these ripe cherries
knowing they're in the closet,

which means there's
a shelf life on them.

Can get what you want and move on.

No fuss, no muss.

Look. I gotta boogie.

I'll catch you later.

[TABITHA] It's so good to see you, Toni.

You too, Tabitha.

How's the tour with
Mrs. Till been going?

[SIGHS DEEPLY]

Well, let me tell you,

she has been so strong.

So inspiring.

But the tour itself...

Going from town to
town and seeing up close

what some people are capable of doing?

The inhumanity, the hatred.

- The racial injustice.
- I can only imagine.

Now give me the scoop.

What have you been doing to keep busy?

Well... [SIGHS] Don't
laugh, but I'm a cheerleader.

You are?

That's fun.

But you are still writing
for the Blue and Gold, I hope.

Honestly, I haven't been
doing much writing lately.

No.

So Betty Cooper is now a River Vixen?

Newly minted as of last night.

Much to my chagrin, might I add.

And you now own the Babylonium.

The paperwork was
finalized this morning.

Right. And weren't you the
popcorn girl two days ago?

What can I say?

Veronica Lodge likes to burn rubber.

Hey, g*ng. Do you mind if we join you?

That all depends.

Are you going to introduce us

to your strapping
flutter bum of a new pal?

Hey. I'm Reggie Mantle.

I just got recruited to the Bulldogs.

Ah, I suspected a tall drink of
water like you was a sportsman.

Careful, Veronica. You might
get a ticket for speeding.

Hi. I'm Cheryl Blossom.

My parents sponsor the Bulldogs,

and I am the captain of Riverdale
High's cheerleading squad,

the Vixens. So we'll be
working closely together.

What about you?

You a cheerleader?

I am. I'm Betty.

Nice to meet you, neighbor.

[VERONICA AND KEVIN] Neighbor?

Reggie's bunking with us.

Yeah, he's gonna help turn
things around for the Bulldogs.

Well, he's already turned my
day around. [CHUCKLES SOFTLY]

But fill us in, Reginald. Where
are you from? What you do for kicks?

And do you like the movies?

There isn't a theater in Duck Creek.

My family and I, we don't have a TV set.

Oh, well, you must come to
the Babylonium here in town.

It's a movie palace I own.

I own my own business, yes. [EXHALES]

Or if you're interested in
picking up some part-time work,

I'm always on the hunt
for a few good men.

[CHERYL] You'll have to excuse Veronica.

Clearly, she was raised by wolves.

I appreciate the, uh, invitation,

but I'm just here to play
basketball and win games.

Speaking of, where's the gym?

[ALL] I could show you.

Come on. I'll take you.

[SCHOOL BELL RINGING]

Don't I know you?

Weren't you the guy who
was supposed to help me

keep track of my homework from afar?

Oh, my gosh, I'm so sorry.

[SPUTTERS] Tabitha, I...
I got preoccupied. I...

It's... It's okay.

It was actually much
easier to coordinate

with Principal Featherhead
than I anticipated.

So you are hereby absolved.

[SIGHS, CHUCKLES] Well, that's a relief.

So, tell me, why are you so preoccupied?

Oh, I... I got a job.

I'm writing comic books.

Oh! How fun. What kind?

It's a broad range,
but I also got to meet

and start working for a literary
hero of mine, Brad Rayberry.

Oh, my gosh. I know Brad Rayberry,

I mean, not personally,
but I've read his books.

His stories.

You read science fiction?

I read across all genres,
including science fiction.

Say, would you want to meet him?

Would it be an imposition?

No, no, not at all.

It's, um... negative perspiration.

- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
- I'm sure he would love it.

Okay. Great.

[ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING]

Veronica. Hey.

Kevin.

Don't tell me you're here to
see Singin' in the Rainagain.

I would think you'd have the
whole picture memorized by now.

I do, and I'm not. I...

I'm actually here because I
wanted to see about getting a job.

At school, you mentioned
you were looking for...

A few good men. Yes, I am.

Since I called it quits
with the basketball team,

I've been looking for something
to do, and I love the movies.

Well, that's my biggest prerequisite.

And you're already pals with Clay.

I am.

Well, he's up in the projection
booth even as we speak.

But maybe you could
help me with something.

Yeah, with what?

Well, between us...

I happen to think Clay
is... extremely dashing.

I've been dropping hints that
I'm interested in something

more than a professional
relationship with him.

But so far, no bites.

Maybe you could help me

suss him out a bit.

Um, do you mean, like...

Like is he seeing anyone,
that sort of thing?

Yeah, maybe.

Well, in that case, when can you start?

[WHISTLE BLOWS]

All right, you turkeys. Bring it in.

We have ourselves a new player.

His name is Reggie Mantle.

So let's see what he can do.

We are going to split up into two teams.

Julian, you're captain of one team.

Reggie, you've got the other.

Everyone else, pick a side.

Come on, guys.

We can't have a game if
it's three against seven.

We'll take Doiley too.

That'll be enough.

The water boy?

[REGGIE] Yeah.

- [JULIAN] What is this, a gag?
- Can it, Julian.

Dilton, you up for it?

Well, come on.

[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]

[CHEERING]

[BOYS GLOATING]

[BOY] Yeah!

[FRANK] Thirty-eight,
all. Anyone's game.

[CHEERING]

[GRUNTS]

Let's go. Game point.

- [BLOWS WHISTLE]
- [CHEERING]

Yes! Yes!

[ALL CHEERING]

Guys, how about we get
some burgers at Pop's?

Reggie hasn't tried 'em yet.

Come on. It's our post-practice
tradition. What gives?

Actually, I can't.

I got a bunch of
homework to catch up on.

No, Andrews, you're right.

It is tradition.

I'm hungry enough to eat a horse.

Last one to Pop's treats.

[REGGIE SCOFFS]

You can come too, pipsqueak.

[CHERYL] Gather around, Vixens.

Now that our team's
roster is finally complete,

and with my family's first
big booster event coming up,

it is time to assign each Vixen
to their respective player.

Wait. What do you mean, "assign"?

It means that you show
your particular player

extra-personalized support
throughout the season.

Baking him cookies, wearing his jersey,

helping him with his homework.

I, of course, will
be paired with Julian.

And Toni, you and
Archie will be matched.

As for our new star player,

I was thinking Betty
could be with Reggie.

[KNOCKING AT DOOR]

Maybe we leave him a note
and try again tomorrow?

Yeah, that's a good idea.

Hey, maybe we can go catch a flick.

I think the Babylonium is playing
It Came from Beneath the Sea,

and Ray Harryhausen
did the giant octopus.

[CHUCKLES] Oh, um...

Yes.

I would love to go to
the movies with you.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

Toni.

What's going on?

We need to get real, Cheryl.

What about?

I can't do this anymore.

The Vixens.

Is this about being paired with Archie?

Would you prefer someone else?

No. I don't want to
get paired with anyone.

That's the thing.

Baking for my own personal meathead

is not really what I
want my life to be about.

This whole thing just
doesn't feel right anymore.

It's not me or who I want to be.

A cheerleader.

I see.

Toni, this doesn't have
anything to do with me

asking you to go steady, does it?

[TONI] No.

But now that you mention it,
I'm not the settling-down type.

And I feel like I've lost myself.

I don't know. This whole
square scene isn't for me.

I need to figure myself out.

I'm sorry, Cheryl.

I just need some space.

Can we do a double-size popcorn,

a large cola with extra ice,

two packs of the Senior Mints,

a Butterflinger, a pack
of those Mint Bogos,

Three Buccaneers and a Skit-Skat?

Do you want anything?

Uh, no, I'm okay. Thanks.

That'll be cents.

[CLAY] Here you go.

Perfect.

Keep the change.

- Enjoy the movie.
- Thank you.

Well, isn't that fascinating?

[CLAY] What?

Jughead and Tabitha going
to the movies together?

I find that interesting. Don't you?

Could be they both like
science fiction flicks.

You know, Jughead and I were
entangled for a New York minute.

What happened?

- I ended it.
- How come?

He's plenty handsome.

I suppose.

But between you and me,
he's a total oddball.

Lives in a train car too.

I prefer my men to be
a bit more continental.

Worldly.

With an air of mystery about them.

I... I should skedaddle to the booth.

- Get the next reel cued up.
- [VERONICA] Of course.

But Clay...

Just think about picking
up what I'm putting down.

[DOOR CLOSES]

Uh, what did you get for problem four?

You know, you don't have to do this.

What do you mean?

Oh, helping you with your
homework is one of my Vixen duties.

I'm also supposed to discreetly find out

what your favorite kind of cookie
is, so I can bake you a batch.

- You don't have to do that either.
- Oh, but I do.

On the hush-hush. It's sort of
my court-appointed punishment.

What do you mean?

Oh, I was ordered to join the Vixens

to curb my unhealthy physical urges.

Oh, you mean, you haven't heard?

[EXHALES DEEPLY]

Yeah, I sort of flashed my
underwear on live television.

You know, like Marilyn Monroe style.

Is that how come

you and Archie have to
have your curtains closed?

Oh, no... [SPUTTERS]

Archie and I...

Well, you'll probably
hear about it anyways.

We were basically caught having
a peep show in our windows.

A peep show.

Yeah, if you can even
call it that. [SCOFFS]

You know what?

I should... I should probably go.

Oh, no. No, no, no.
Nothing happened between us.

We didn't. No, we're not...

- I'm completely...
- [REGGIE] Yeah.

Still, I'm living with the guy.

And we don't go in much for peep shows

and flashing panties in Duck Creek.

So, it's... This is...

Consider yourself relieved
of your, uh, Vixen duties.

- Okay?
- But I... I...

Reg, you, uh... You want
to grab lunch with us?

Thanks for the invite,
but I'm gonna pass.

Well, it wouldn't be with the team.

It would be with my other friends.

All the same, I'm good.

[BASKETBALL SWISHES]

[TONI] I want to try
something out on you cats.

Ever since Featherhead refused
to publish my Emmett Till article

in the Blue and Gold,

I've been keen to
start a literary society

for Riverdale's Black students.

A club that publishes a journal

focusing on Black voices and writing.

I think that's an excellent idea.

Yeah, I've been craving a
forum where I can publish

my literary criticism,
poetry and short fiction.

And this is something that you
would do in addition to cheerleading?

No, I gave that up.

What happened?

I joined the Vixens
for the wrong reasons.

It was because I had a crush on a girl.

Cheryl Blossom.

But now that's over, so...

Anyway, I think publishing this journal

could really make a difference for
the Black students at Riverdale.

It would. Definitely.

But what happened with Cheryl?

On the level,

we're just so different.

She's rich, she's
white, she's a Blossom.

The whole thing, it
would just be impossible.

I mean, it's hard but
it's not impossible.

For Kevin and I, we're
also very different.

So everything's a conversation.

But he's up for getting to know me

and what I'm all about, and vice versa.

I hear that, Clay, but
you're also both preppies.

So, at least you're starting
off on the same foot.

Fair enough.

I guess it all depends on
how much you like the person.

Kevin, you haven't seen Clay, have you?

He's running late. Had
some stuff at school.

Can we chat about something?

Of course.

[SPUTTERS] It's just, it...

It seems like you're coming
on really strong with Clay.

I might be.

Clay would never say anything.

But is that really appropriate?

[CLICKS TONGUE] Oh, Kevin.
Don't be such a wet rag.

What's wrong with a little
workplace flirtation?

It's not like Clay is
even remotely interested.

He's not.

I know that for a fact.

Oh.

And why is that?

Because he's not attracted
to assertive women?

No, he's not attracted to any women.

Neither am I, for that matter.

I knew it.

I knew you were both
secret friends of Dorothy.

You knew?

How?

You're both dreamy flutter bums

who can quote every line
of Norma Desmond's dialogue

in Sunset Boulevard.

If you knew, why would
you make a play for Clay?

To test my hypothesis, of course.

You lucky dog. He is a hunk.

Say, what are the chances...

Clay swings both ways?

Uh, he doesn't. We don't.

Double-checking, that's all.

- [CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
- You're okay with this?

Absolutely.

Kevin, the only thing better
than having a hunky boyfriend

is having hunky friends who are boys.

The thing is, I've always had more
fun going out with Tony and Tab

than, say, Steve and Dennis.

Steve McQueen and Dennis Hopper.

Don't worry, we'll get you up to snuff.

[SIGHS]

Oh, Kevin, I'm so excited.

This hick town is finally
starting to feel like home.

[GIGGLES SOFTLY]

[FRANK] All right, fellas. Huddle up.

Julian has an announcement.

Tomorrow night,

my parents are hosting their annual
Bulldog booster basketball mixer.

This year, it's also a fundraiser.

To build us a new gym.

Are the cheerleaders invited?

Absolutely.

So dress spiffy.

Okay? Coats and ties.

Make sure you shower.

[CLEARS THROAT]

And, of course, we'll be welcoming

our newest Bulldog to
the family, I suppose.

You know, that Blossom mixer
may sound a little stuffy,

but they're always a gas and a half.

Yeah, well, let me know how that goes.

- You're not going?
- No, I can't be distracted.

The NCAA is giving out
scholarships for college,

and if I get one of those,
I'm made in the shade.

Reggie, no man is an island.

Can't you do all that stuff
and still cut loose a little?

Hell, Julian made it seem
like you're the guest of honor.

If that's what you heard, you're
a lot more naive than I thought.

Why are you being
such a killjoy, Mantle?

Why can't you meet anyone halfway?

Meet halfway?

Julian and those guys haven't taken

one step towards me since I got here.

And you haven't heard
anything I've been saying.

Sophomore year, I was
recruited by Stonewall Prep.

And I was juiced to be there,
but I never belonged there.

And my teammates made that very clear.

[BOY EXCLAIMS] Oh!

You guys like rice, don't you?

Is that enough to take back
to your farm, yellow-belly?

[BOY LAUGHING]

[REGGIE] And that was day one.

During practice, the other
players would foul me on purpose,

and they did whatever they
could to run me out of there.

And guess what?

It worked.

So this time, I'm not
meeting anyone halfway.

Not giving anyone an opening.

A chance to humiliate me ever again.

All right?

All right.

Reggie...

I'm sorry that happened to you.

But we're not like that here.

Aren't you?

[STUDENTS LAUGHING, CHATTERING]

Cheryl.

Toni.

- Hello.
- How are you?

[EXHALES] I'm being stoic and
strong for the sake of my Vixens.

- How are you?
- Well, I'm petitioning for a new club.

And you, as Junior Class President,

are in charge of the
student council's financing.

I was hoping you could
help us secure some funding.

What kind of club is it?

It's a literary society for
Riverdale's Black students

to share their ideas,
stories and writings

with each other and the student body.

A way to express
ourselves on our own terms.

That's a really wonderful idea.

I'll put the request through today,

but Toni, everything has to
go through Featherhead, so...

I know.

And I appreciate you trying.

And if Featherhead doesn't
approve, we'll make it work.

We always do.

Maybe a bake sale or something.

Well, I would contribute
my legendary cherry scones.

Toni, can I ask you a question?

Is part of the reason you broke
up with me because I'm white?

There was a lot of reasons, Cheryl.

All interconnected,
but that was part of it.

Yeah.

I will try my absolute
best with Featherhead.

I promise.

- [JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING]
- [INDISTINCT CHATTER]

Fancy meeting you here.

Well, howdy doody, Betty.

And how's it going being a paper shaker?

Oh, swell.

Werthers thought it would help
me burn off some excess energy.

Grown-ups don't have a clue.

No, they don't.

Anyways, I don't think I'll
be a Vixen for much longer.

And why is that?

Once my mother finds out
that I've been assigned

a basketball player to take
care of, she will flip her lid.

[ARCHIE] Oh, crap.

Um, will you excuse me, Betty?

- I...
- I'll take it.

Thanks.

[BETTY CHUCKLES SOFTLY]

Archie. Your uncle's telling
me that you're sharing a room

with our, uh... Our secret w*apon.

Uh, you mean Reggie?

Yes, I am.

Well, as a former Bulldog myself,

I do appreciate the sacrifice.

Well, it's no trouble at all.

I'm cranked to do it, really.

Well, I know I couldn't.

I mean, bunking with, uh...

We look upon him as a
necessary evil, Dennis.

A means to an end.

She's talking about winning.

The Bulldogs must be
champions this year.

The town needs something
to rally behind.

And you know, Frank, when you suggested

bringing on a Korean prodigy...

[CHUCKLES]

Well, I was skeptical.

But having seen him play... [EXCLAIMS]

I now see how inspired
your thinking was.

Tell me something, Archie.

Does he, uh, actually
realize the opportunity

we're presenting to him and his family?

He does.

He just doesn't want to fall
behind on his... On his schoolwork.

Good for him. [CHUCKLES]

But, uh, well, we don't care about that.

We just need him to be a loyal soldier

and bring us our championship trophy.

He does that, preferably
with a smile on his face,

there'll be no problems for us.

And none for his family.

If you'll excuse me.

- I'm gonna get some fresh air.
- Yeah.

Good stuff.

Well, Coach, here's to a winning season.

[GLASSES CLINKING]

[VERONICA] Reggie Mantle.

And here I thought you
weren't a fan of the movies.

I didn't say that.

I said we didn't have any
theaters in Duck Creek.

I stand corrected.

And the fact that I might
have been here tonight

didn't influence your
decision, I suppose?

If I'm being honest...

Oh, I insist upon honesty at all times.

Not at all.

Truth is, I forgot that
you worked at this place.

[CHUCKLES]

I don't work at it.

I own it.

Now, what can I get
for you? [CLEARS THROAT]

A small popcorn?

No butter. I'm training.

Here you go.

On the house.

Thanks.

How rude can you get?

Anyway, there's plenty
other fish in the sea.

True.

But take a powder, Herman Melville,

because that is the real Moby d*ck.

[TABITHA] Wow, this is
like the Orient-Express.

[JUGHEAD CHUCKLES] That's
exactly what I said.

- Here you go. Yeah.
- Oh, thank you.

Um, I actually, I brought you something.

Here.

This is for you to keep.

Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil,

by W.E.B. Du Bois.

- Du Bois. He is a sociologist and a civil rights activist.
- Du Bois.

He's also one of my favorite authors.

Wow, it's a great title.

Which one should I start with?

Well, we've established that
you're a fan of science fiction.

- Mm-hmm.
- And though it's more speculative fiction,

I would suggest a story that
Du Bois wrote called The Comet.

- What's that one about?
- Oh, it's fantastic.

It's, um, it's about this
comet that hits New York City

and it kills everybody
except for two people.

A man named Jim and a woman named Julia.

And it's sort of about
this unlikely relationship

that develops between them.

And what's really interesting is
that Jim is Black and Julia is white,

and it's sort of one of the first
times an interracial relationship

has been depicted in science fiction.

Well, it sounds terrific.

- Yeah.
- I can't wait to read it.

Actually, I was thinking that
maybe we could read it together.

Tonight. Aloud, if you wanted.

Yeah, that sounds swell.

How was the mixer?

It was dullsville. Honestly,
you didn't miss out on much.

Hmm. How were the cheerleaders?

All dolled up?

I don't really want to talk about it.

Hey, I'm gonna grab a shower.

Okay, you lug nuts.

Coach is in a meeting, so
I'm running warm-ups today.

Everyone good with that?

In that case, let's play ball.

[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]

[BOYS CHATTERING]

[GRUNTING]

[ARCHIE] Yeah!

[JULIAN] Come on.

Hey, banana boy, pass me the ball.

Pass me the ball!

[BOYS] Whoa!

[BOY] Man, come on.

[PANTING] Listen up.

We are not doing this crap.

If you haven't noticed,

Reggie here is our strongest player,

our only sh*t at making
the playoffs this year.

So we're going to rise to his level.

So if you don't want to be
chummy with him, that's fine.

But the minute we hit this court,

we are teammates,
fighting for each other.

If you can't get on board with
that, the door's right there.

And that includes you too, Captain.

I hope this will suffice.
Funds for your new club.

Thank you, Cheryl.

[CHUCKLES] I'm shocked Featherhead
approved a Black literary society.

He didn't.

Those funds were earmarked
for... something else.

But I believe your club to be
a much more worthy endeavor.

Well, I won't ask any more questions.

But thank you.

Of course.

I look forward to
reading your first issue.

Cheryl, wait.

Yes?

What are you doing after
cheerleading practice?

No plans. Why?

If you want,

maybe we could meet at the Dark Room.

I would love that.

Do you mean to talk?

Yeah, about...

what it would mean if we tried again.

I didn't sock Julian for you.

I know you don't need saving.

I did it for my own
sake and for the team's.

I didn't want to believe you
were right about this town.

But, hell, maybe we are just as...

As messed up as any other place.

I don't know. [CHUCKLES SOFTLY]

Want to grab a burger
at Pop's on the way home?

Maybe we'll run into some
of the other fellows there.

Sure, if you're sure.

I am.

Just don't expect me to
sit with anyone or anything.

[LAUGHS]

[JUGHEAD] Tabitha and
I stayed up till dawn,

reading and discussing Du Bois' stories.

The next day, I wanted to tell Mr.
Rayberry all about my swell night,

so I went back to his apartment.

[DOOR CREAKS]

Wha... What happened?

I'm sorry to tell you this,
but Brad Rayberry is dead.

Wha...

[SPUTTERS] How did he die?

He, uh, k*lled himself.

Hung himself.

He left a note.

"I can no longer
continue living this way."

I'm sorry, Jughead. I know
that he was your friend.