'Riverdale' Season 4 Episode 18: Who is Jinx Malloy? A look at the relatively minor character from the comics
This article contains spoilers for 'Riverdale' Season 4 Episode 18: 'Lynchian'
There was one story in Archie comics where Archie and Jughead get into a state of paranoia when they hear Jinx Malloy is in town. And for those who thought he was another Moose Mason in the making who either "duh-d" or pummelled people, this Malloy had a notorious name for being a jinx around people.
You're never too sure if you would feel safe around Malloy. If you're walking with him on the sidewalk, odds are that a skateboarder might run into you or a man painting a wall would drop a paint can on your head.
On his part, the Malloy of the comics was a sullen teen who actually tried to be friends with Arch and Jug, but it never really took off. Plus he was a relatively major character who according to Comicvine has six appearances in four comics.
However, 'Riverdale' in its episode 'Lynchian' name-dropped the character introducing him as a ruthless liquor businessman bent on taking down Veronica (Camila Mendes) and Cheryl Blossom's (Madelaine Petsch) Maple Claw. He has a brand too — The Maple Moonshine. And that brand cannot have competition.
The episode also establishes a history for the character when Hiram Lodge (Mark Consuelos) reveals he went up against Malloy once and never stood a chance. In a way, Malloy was still a jinx.
His threat saw the end of the Maple Claw business in the final hours of the episode and Hiram Lodge before having his revenge was actually subject to a sound thumping.
'Riverdale' has bought in a lot of characters from the comics giving them a rather different shade and Jinx Malloy was one of them. It is surprising they bought in a new character this late in the series, but it did serve to be a perfect storyline that signaled an end to Ronnie and Chery's bustling rum business.
What are your thoughts on the Jinx Malloy introduction in 'Lynchian'? 'Riverdale ' will be back on May 6 with its final episode at 8 pm on The CW.
