05x03 - Chapter Seventy-Nine: Graduation

[bunniefuu]

From the start, this story has been about a town, and the people who lived in that town, and the darkness that lived in some of those people.

Clifford Blossom.

[g*nsh*t]

The Black Hood, the Gargoyle King, the Stonies.

Add to their ranks, my sister, Jellybean, who had been the Voyeur/Auteur, making the videotapes that have been disturbing our town for months.

This isn't your fault, Jug.

[sighs]

It just feels like it.

I was the one that convinced her to move out here away from everything she ever knew.

And then I ignored her.

You were in the fight of your life at Stonewall Prep.

JB is tough.

She'll get through this.

Hey, how is she?

I don't know.

I really don't know.

I don't know if you're gonna like this idea, FP, but I've been looking into child therapists and I found one that has excellent references.

Well, I hope they're in Ohio, because that's where I'm taking Jellybean.

Back to Toledo.

Maybe you're right.

She might need her mother.

And her father.

What does that mean?

Alice...

she's my little girl.

And if this isn't a cry for help, I don't know what is.

Can we at least have a conversation about this?

Yeah.

Yeah, we will.

But first things first.

Jellybean finally told me where her accomplices were hiding out most nights.

[knock on door]

Jug, Mr. Jones, what's going on?

We need you to open up your gym.

What, right now?

After we make a couple of stops.

[knock on door]

Gentlemen, to what do I owe this late-night call?

You need to reinstate Tom Keller as Sheriff, Hiram.

Right the hell now.

Asleep, they almost looked innocent.

It's just messed up.

We survived the death of Jason Blossom, and the Black Hood, and the Gargoyle King, but I didn't even consider how the fallout of all that would affect the generation coming up behind us, including Jellybean.

Unless a meteorite strikes this town in two days, we'll have survived graduation, but will they?

And are we just doomed to be haunted by this town for the rest of our lives?

Dad?

Dad, what gives?

Take the picture.

The ceremony starts in the gym in minutes.

Yeah, Dad, what's taking so long?

I...

I can't believe we're here.

Archie, you're graduating.

Didn't think I'd live to see this day.

[breathing heavily]

-- Mom, it's not even graduation yet.

No, but it is your last day of high school.

We don't know that yet.

I do.

I have a really good feeling.

You've been applying yourself so much lately.

Yeah, we'll see.

Love you, Mom.

Love you.

As honorary chairperson and de facto queen of tonight's semi-formal...

This one's for you, JJ.

Pour moi?

I know it's been a while since you've worn any pearls for me, so maybe you'll wear them for the last day of school.

Is it true what they say about your dad?

That he's the devil incarnate?

I stand by my father.

- [Alice crying]

- Please stop crying.

You know, I was already picturing Thanksgiving break and you were gonna come home on the train from Yale and everyone would be here.

FP, Jughead, Jellybean, you, Charles, Polly, and the twins.

Yeah, that would have been nice.

[sighs]

Now it's just gonna be me, alone.

Hey, even if it's just you and me having turkey meatloaf at Pop's, I will be here for Thanksgiving, okay?

And Christmas.

And whenever you need me.

I love you so much, Elizabeth.

I love you too, Mom.

[bell ringing]

Seventy-five years ago, the first senior class of Riverdale High buried a time capsule just before they graduated.

And now, as our seniors prepare for their own graduation, it's time to open it.

Ladies.

[applauding]

A copy of The Riverdale Register from June , .

A copy of The Blue and Gold also from that same year.

This one's for Jughead.

A Pop's menu from when hamburgers only cost cents.

Baseball card of Ambrose "The Rocket" Pipps, Riverdale's hometown hero.

A Red Circle comic book.

And lastly, a photo of four seniors and it's written here that this was taken days before the boys headed off to w*r.

All of these items will be on display in the hallway for closer inspection during graduation week.

And, fellow seniors, enjoy your last day of high school.

Guys, doesn't this feel so weird?

Like this is the last time we'll all be hanging out in the lounge together.

Except for reunions?

Yeah, and Homecoming, Kev.

It just won't be the same.

What exactly are we waiting for again?

Hot off the presses, chums.

[Sweet Pea]

Oh, year books.

But Honey banned those, didn't he?

Yes, but Mr.

Honey is gone.

Brava, well done, ladies.

This is amazing.

There's even an entire page dedicated to The Serpents.

And a shout out to the Pretty Poisons.

And the musicals.

Despite the fact that...

Archie Andrews and Jughead Jones to the principal's office.

Archie Andrews and Jughead Jones to the principal's office.

Dead teens walking.

Guess who's graduating?

Holy crap, you're a legend.

- Phew!

- What about summer school?

No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers' dirty looks.

I'm happy for you, Jug.

Archie, he's ready for you.

It's gonna be all right.

- All right?

- Yeah.

I get no pleasure in telling you this, Mr. Andrews, but despite your efforts, you will not be graduating with your classmates.

So it's summer school for me, then?

Unfortunately, that's not going to be enough.

You'll have to repeat your senior year.

I understand this is a shock, but no one is going to hold this year against you, Archie.

I appreciate you saying that, sir.

Uh, can I still...

Walk with your classmates?

Of course you can.

In fact, though it's last minute, I was hoping you might record the graduation song for us.

Yeah, I'd be happy to, sir.

What's the verdict?

Summer school, yay or nay?

Summer school as expected.

But Weatherbee's letting me walk at graduation with you guys.

And I'll have my diploma by the end of June.

That's a relief.

Now you can enjoy the last day of school with us.

Yeah, definitely.

- [bell ringing]

- [all cheering]

Working on your speech?

Mmm-hmm.

Well, don't keep me in suspense.

What's it about?

Well, considering I haven't written any of it, I guess you'll just have to wait and see.

Oh, I'm sure you'll cr*ck it.

You always do.

[knock on door]

Ronnie, what's going on?

I was cleaning out my room and I came across some choice items that you've left over the past three years, and I wanted to give it back to you.

Oh.

Also, despite everything that's happened between us, I wanted to be with you tonight...

if only for one last time.

Is that crazy?

No, not at all.

In fact, I can't think of anything I want more in this moment.

At school yesterday, I spied you looking at that picture from the time capsule.

What gives?

I was just wondering what...

what must have been going through their minds.

Most of their classmates were heading to college or into their family businesses.

These guys were going off to fight a w*r.

You're not getting any crazy ideas, are you?

Not unless you consider summer school crazy.

Hey, I was thinking, uh, after graduation, I'd...

go to Toledo with you and Jellybean.

No.

Uh-uh.

Well, you said it yourself, family is what's most important right now.

You're the first Jones man to get into college.

You're going to college.

And you're old enough to be on your own.

You understand, right, boy?

[scoffs]

And this, Nana, has been my locker since the end of sophomore year.

Hmm.

It's a lot nicer than the one you had at Southside High.

But all your things are still in it, Antoinette.

I know.

I'll clean it out over the weekend.

A lot of special memories with a lot of special people.

Including my girlfriend.

We're so incredibly proud of you, Toni.

The whole family is.

You've honored the Topaz name.

[inaudible conversation]

- You okay?

- Yeah, I'm okay, Mom.

I'm just missing Dad.

I wish he was here.

Here's here, honey.

He's here.

[Weatherbee]

Ladies and gentlemen, it imbues me with such pride and joy, to invite to the stage the senior class's valedictorian, Miss Elizabeth Cooper.

Hi.

I admit I've been struggling with what I wanted to say today.

High school is supposed to be this amazing, safe time.

But our years were co-opted with heartache and drama...

and even death.

And it's not fair that so many of our classmates aren't here to walk with us today.

And it's not right that some of our parents aren't here to watch those of us who are.

Those younger than us have known no Riverdale other than the one steeped in v*olence.

Our class is lucky enough to remember a time before the era of tragedy, when this was just a small, sleepy, slightly boring town.

That's the Riverdale I wish upon the generation coming up behind us and the one I want us, our class to remember as we head into the future.

So, please, stay young for as long as you can.

Stay innocent for as long as possible, even if it's only for one more moment.

Thank you.

[all cheering]

♪ Another turning point ♪ ♪ A fork stuck in the road ♪ ♪ Time grabs you by the wrist ♪ ♪ Directs you where to go ♪ ♪ So make the best of this test ♪ ♪ And don't ask why ♪ ♪ It's not a question but a lesson learned in time ♪ ♪ It's something unpredictable ♪ ♪ But in the end, it's right ♪ ♪ I hope you had the time of your life ♪ ♪ So take the photographs and still frames in your mind ♪ ♪ Hang it on a shelf in good health in good time ♪ ♪ Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial ♪ ♪ For what it's worth, it was worth all the while ♪ ♪ It's something unpredictable ♪ ♪ But in the end, it's right ♪ ♪ I hope you had the time of your life ♪

[inaudible]

♪ It's something unpredictable ♪

♪ But in the end, it's right ♪

♪ I hope you had the time of your life ♪

[camera shutter clicking]

[music playing faintly]

[microphone feedback]

[whispering]

Cheryl, Cheryl!

Mother?

What's going on?

Well, I wasn't about to miss my only child's graduation, so I snuck in the back at the last minute.

Also, I wanted to tell you about a decision that I've made.

[sighs]

With you being a grown woman now, I'm going to turn myself over to the authorities to pay for, well, some of the crimes I've committed.

What?

But, Mumzie, you're a hothouse flower.

I've spoken to Hiram Lodge.

He's promised to take proper care of me in his private jail.

And with good behavior, I may even be out in time to see you graduate from Highsmith College.

Mumzie, if that's even happening.

Nightmare child, what do you mean?

Got to hit the road if we want to make it by sundown.

Dad.

[sighs]

Boy, I know you would have given up Iowa for Jellybean and I promise you she's gonna know it too, but...

you going to college, being a success, that's good for us Joneses.

I love you.

[chuckles softly]

I love you too, Jug.

[exhales]

[Alice]

So is this it?

The end of our story?

God, I hope not.

But, you know, for now...

I know.

I know what you have to do.

And I love you for it.

It's not too late, is it?

No, it's not too late.

And we're happy to discuss options with you, but this isn't a decision to be taken lightly.

I understand.

I'd love to hear what you have to say.

[doorbell jingles]

Hey, Pop, can I grab a clean menu?

It's for something Betty has planned.

I've been doing this a long time.

It's never easy watching you kids head off to college.

[sighs]

Which reminds me, Pop, the paperwork's coming your way, but the gist of it is I'm signing over full ownership of Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe Diner to you.

Veronica, I don't know what to say...

except thank you.

You know, it's funny, when I first came to Riverdale, I never imagined I would call it home, ever.

And then I came here...

to Pop's and that's exactly what it felt like.

Home.

Did everyone bring an item?

I am putting in today's copy The Riverdale Register The Blue and Gold, my last edition as editor-in-chief.

And a bobby pin in case anyone needs it.

I'm putting in a football signed by all of the Bulldogs.

Long may they roar.

I'm putting in a Pop's menu and a La Bonne Nuit matchbook.

I'm putting in programs for my musicals as well as a pair of Josie's cat ears.

I wish she was here with us.

Oh, HBIC shirt, [sighs]

I found no one deserving of you.

Therefore, toodles.

[Toni]

The Pretty Poisons were fun, but, uh, I'm gonna keep my Serpent jacket 'cause I'll always be one at heart.

Well, it's getting pretty full in there, but...

Finally.

Putting in a guitar pick and a hammer from my dad's toolbox.

[Archie]

You guys are the best friends - anyone could ask for.

- [laughter]

Uh-oh.

Sounds like another vow is coming on.

So let's make vow.

Really.

The four of us right now.

That in one year, no matter what's going on in our lives, we'll meet back at Pop's.

One year from today.

And every year after that.

Deal?

[all]

Deal.

Good.

Okay.

There's...

There's something else.

Dramatique this evening, Archie.

[Archie sighs]

I'm joining the army.

I know it's sudden.

But I enlisted and I leave for basic training in the morning.

It's kind of the same plan I had going to the Naval Academy.

Hardly.

In fact, it's nothing like the Naval Academy.

I can get my high school degree without repeating senior year, which I was gonna have to do.

I'd be set up for college.

Look, guys, for the first time in a long time, I don't feel scared or uncertain about my future.

Well, if that's what you feel is the right thing for you, Arch, then...

Sorry, but no.

I won't sit here and support this.

Wait, Ronnie.

Wait.

Wait, Ronnie.

You do know there's a w*r going on, right?

Of course.

You don't have a plan.

And I get that that's scary.

But this...

This is straight-up lunacy, Archie, and I won't indulge it.

Ronnie.

Toni, I have something to tell you, and it's not going to be easy.

I'm not going to Highsmith College.

I'm confused.

Because it doesn't have cheerleading?

That, and...

it just doesn't feel right anymore.

If you don't go, I'm not going.

No, you must.

You will thrive there.

But I have to fix things here.

What are you talking about?

What things?

The Blossom family name conjures a horror show in this town, and [sighs]

rightfully so.

But now that I have control of the maple factory and groves, I have a chance to lift up this town and rehabilitate our Blossom family legacy.

But I need to be here, where the damage was done.

If this is about my nana, you need to get that out of your mind.

She's starting to come around.

Hell, she even asked me if we were gonna be living in the same dorm room so she could send us care packages.

That's progress, right?

Toni.

You know I love you with every ounce of my soul.

But I don't want you to have to choose between your family and me.

And perhaps, if I'm successful, you won't have to...

and we can be together with their full blessing.

But...

in the meantime...

Don't say it.

I don't want to hear you say it.

[crying softly]

Then you never shall.

How's Veronica doing?

Confused, angry, worried.

Yeah, makes sense.

Don't you think it's crazy that she had no idea what Archie was planning to do?

I don't know, maybe it's just me, but it kind of seems like the two of them have been squirrelly since prom.

Did you notice that?

I just don't know what the problem could be.

What could have got them derailed?

I think I may know what happened, Jug.

I have to tell you something.

[whispers]

Oh, no.

During Hedwig, Archie and I kissed.

Once, only once.

I swear.

And I'm guessing Archie told Veronica, and that's why they've been acting so weird.

I didn't tell you, Jug, and I'm so sorry.

[sniffles]

I should have told you right when it happened.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

[cries]

All right, I better get going if I'm gonna get Archie to the bus stop.

Yeah, I should go see and be with Veronica.

Hey, when I get back, can we...

talk about us?

Yeah, of course.

I love you, Jug.

I love you, too, Betty.

[knock on door]

- Ready to go?

- Yeah, just about.

Hey, come here.

Be a good boy, okay?

Look after Mom.

I love you, buddy.

I love you, Mom.

I love you.

Thank you for everything.

[knock on door]

Hey.

I have to apologize to you about something.

I know, Bee.

And I'm not mad at you.

I can't be.

Not today.

[sighs]

I'm too upset.

I'm sorry.

Listen, Jug.

Before I leave, I have to tell you something.

Archie, I know.

About you and Betty?

She told me.

It's okay.

Seriously?

Yeah, seriously.

[chuckles softly]

I know neither of you did it to hurt me or Veronica.

Maybe a little normal high-school angst is good for us.

So, yeah, we're okay.

Seriously, we always will be.

I feel so responsible for what's happening between you and Archie.

It's not that, Betty.

It's not.

It's how it's all ending.

So sudden and unresolved.

I wish I had said goodbye to him.

You know?

More than anything, I wish...

[sniffles]

I wish I had hugged him one more time.

Then, let's do that.

His bus may not have left yet.

I know exactly how we're gonna get there.

[vehicle approaching]

- Guys?

- Jughead, where's Archie?

The bus left like a minute ago.

He's gone.

Well, not yet, he's not.

Get in.

♪ Will you follow me into the dark ♪ ♪ Will you follow me into the dark ♪ ♪ If you lose it all... ♪ I just...

I love you, Ronnie.

[horn honking]

♪ Will you follow me into the dark... ♪ [horn honking]

I love you, Archie!

I love you, too, Ronnie.

Sir, can you pull the bus over?

Please?

It's my girl and my friends.

[Veronica sighs]

You stay safe, Archie Andrews.

I mean it.

I will.

I love you.

I love you.

Later, bro.

Don't "bro" me.

See you in a year, Arch.

See you in a year, Betty.

♪ Will you follow me ♪ ♪ Follow me, follow me ♪ ♪ Follow me, follow me ♪ We'll rebuild here, Nana.

And not just our ancestral mansion, Thornhill, which I b*rned down in my youth, but the Blossom name and legacy.

[Jughead]

Once Archie had left, it was as if the glue that held our group together had begun to dissolve.

First to go was Veronica.

Guys, I'm gonna take a little time off before school starts.

Spend the summer with my mom and Andy Cohen in the Hamptons.

Your mom will love that.

[Jughead]

She was gone within a week.

As for Betty and me, things had changed.

We never talked about her and Archie, about the growing distance between us.

Not even when she announced...

I'm going to New Haven early.

My mom and I are taking a road trip before she drops me off.

You guys deserve the R-and-R.

What's gonna happen to us?

I still love you.

I'll always love you.

I'll always love you, too.

But for now, you should focus on Yale, and I'll focus on Iowa.

After Betty left, it didn't feel right to keep living at the Coopers' anymore.

So, I moved into Archie's house, which was empty for the time being, waiting to be sold.

Then they cut the electricity.

Which was fine, but, then the gas was shut down and with it the hot water.

So, I sought refuge in a place I knew all too well.

Honey?

I'm home.

I stayed there until August, when it was finally time for me to go where no Jones man had gone before.

College.

But I couldn't leave town without one last burger.

I'm gonna miss seeing you in here every day.

I'm gonna miss you, too, Pop.

As I paid the check and headed towards my future, I wondered...

would we keep the vow that we made on the bleachers, to return home to our booth at Pop's one year later?

Only time would tell.

[doorbell jingles]

[soft music playing]

♪ I can't blame myself for loving you the way... ♪ Another refill, Jug?

Uh, no, I'm good.

I think it's time I take off.

I'm sorry they didn't make it.

They're probably just busy.

Yeah, probably.

♪ You're nonchalant and kind of wild... ♪ [doorbell jingles]

♪ I can't blame myself for falling in love with you ♪ ♪ So love me now... ♪ It would be six years before I saw my friends again.

We'd be different people, each of us, brought together by, of course, a new crisis and mystery.

But that's another story for another day