Death toll rises in 'Riverdale': Showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa teases Batman-Robin reference in pre-finale episode
What the freak just happened in "Riverdale"? If you are up-to-date on Wednesday night's penultimate episode, you probably know that Archie and his friend are about to endure the biggest tragedy of their lives.
[Spoiler alert: It's the right time to quit reading, potential spoilers on episode 21]
After a dramatic turn of events, Riverdale wrapped up its season 2 pre-finale episode with a huge twist - the apparent death of Jughead. Apparent because nothing is certain in the world of Riverdale, at least not until the much-anticipated finale - titled "Brave New World" - that airs next week, on May 16.
The revelations unfolded as F.P Jones emerged from the woods, carrying his son - who clearly seems to have been beaten black and blue - in his arms. The bloody sight becomes even more terrifying as the scene pans to a teary-eyed F.P. Even the bunch of teenagers are left shocked by the sudden development.
Amidst all the blood and gore, though, a significant comic book reference was casually dropped and if you are a comics nerd, it would be hard to miss. As it turns out, the tragic moment, in which the South Side Serpent walks out with Jughead's battered body, is a nod to a certain Batman and Robin comics arc, to be specific the 1988-89's “A Death in the Family.”
"This is one of the most iconic images in modern comics. And an inspiration for tomorrow’s episode of 'Riverdale,'" showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa had tweeted, confirming the Batman Easter Egg in Riverdale, which further became evident once the episode aired.
In the comics, the events where Batman walks out carrying a blood-soaked Robin in his arms, take place in the light of Joker abducting Jason Todd. After capturing the second Robin, the psychotic villain is said to have tortured him in the presence of his mother, ultimately leaving them to die.
Now, anyone familiar with the comics would know that Robin would eventually be resurrected by DC in their later editions. While it might be too early to deduce a similar fate for Riverdale's Jughead, but it certainly is not a stretch, considering the character is amongst the central ones in the show.
Find out what happens to Archie and the other teens when Riverdale returns with episode 22 next week, at 8pm EST on CW.