Two ‘ships are about to have their moment in the spotlight during next Wednesday’s Riverdale (The CW, 8/7c).
“It’s a powerful episode between Cheryl and Toni,” showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa said during the show’s PaleyFest panel on Sunday. The writers have discussed a potential romance since first introducing the bisexual Serpent, so “it’s nice to see it come to fruition.”
Actress Madelaine Petsch believes her character’s sexuality wasn’t a recent realization for Cheryl. “It is something she’s known for a long time, but her mom has [made Cheryl] push it down,” she shared. With the conversion therapy plot, “it was a dark storyline to reveal for her. But the response [has been] overwhelming. I feel so welcome by [the LGBT] community. I think it’s an important storyline. I’m so happy to bring that storyline to light, and unfortunately, it’s still happening — parents not accepting their children. Toni is helping her explain that love for herself. It’s a really beautiful and amazing relationship.”
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But it’s not just Cheryl and Toni who are growing closer. Next week’s installment is also “a big episode for Alice, the Serpents and FP,” Aguirre-Sacasa previewed.
Other highlights from the discussion:
* Asked for his favorite “Bughead” scene, actor Cole Sprouse said it’s coming up in a future episode. “It’s a moment between Jughead, Betty and Chic,” he teased. Added Lili Reinhart: “Jughead’s a badass in Season 2.”
* “Having Fred run against Hermione [for mayor] is her worst nightmare,” her portrayer Marisol Nichols said. Joked Luke Perry: “She’s looking to make Riverdale great again.”
* While jock Chuck Clayton has “been such a great villain,” Aguirre-Sacasa revealed that the bad boy will be redeemed so that the character could have more to do with the main gang.
