Riverdale season 2 episode 16 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Cheryl's long-lost Uncle Claudius arrives, plotting against her and Nana Rose. Hiram Lodge closes Southside High to build a prison, igniting community unrest. Betty uncovers that Chic isn't a real Blossom, and Alice admits Hal isn't his father. Political tensions rise as Hermione Lodge runs for mayor and Veronica considers a student council run. Jughead protests the school's closure, while Cheryl fears for her safety against her mother and uncle. Archie is torn between Hiram and his father Fred, who decides to contest Hermione in the mayoral race. The episode culminates with Cheryl being forcibly sent to a conversion therapy program.

Full Episode S02E16 Recap

### Uncle Claudius Arrives - **Claudius reveals himself**: He is Clifford Blossom's twin, seeking revenge against the Lodges. - **Cheryl is in danger**: Plans are discussed to target Nana Rose and Cheryl. ### Hiram's Expansion Plans - **Southside High closure**: Hiram Lodge announces the shutdown of Southside High. - **Private prison project**: The school will be turned into a for-profit prison, causing community uproar. ### Betty's Investigation - **Chic's true identity**: Betty discovers Chic is not a real Blossom through DNA testing. - **Hal is not Chic's father**: Alice Cooper reveals Hal isn't Chic's dad, keeping the real father's identity secret. ### Political Moves in Riverdale - **Hermione Lodge's mayoral campaign**: She emphasizes economic growth via the prison project. - **Veronica's potential candidacy**: She considers running for student body president. ### The Serpents' Response - **Jughead's hunger strike**: To protest the school closure, Jughead goes on a strike. - **Ethel's anger**: Ethel Muggs expresses her resentment towards Veronica and her family. ### The Blossoms' Conspiracy - **Cheryl's fears**: She suspects her mother and Uncle Claudius are plotting against her and Nana Rose. - **Nana Rose's accident**: Nana Rose is hospitalized following a suspicious fall. ### Tensions at the Cooper House - **Betty confronts Chic**: She warns Chic about his manipulative behavior. - **Chic's threat to Betty**: He hints at revealing Betty's dark secrets. ### Lodge Family Dynamics - **Archie's dilemma**: Caught between loyalty to Hiram Lodge and his father, Fred Andrews. - **Fred's decision**: Fred plans to sever ties with Lodge Industries. ### Student Council Elections - **Betty withdraws support**: She can no longer back Veronica after learning the truth about the Lodges' plans. - **Veronica's motivation**: Despite setbacks, she remains determined to run for president. ### Final Confrontations - **Cheryl's intervention**: She is taken away by her mother for "treatment" after confronting her about the conspiracy. - **Jughead's stand at Southside High**: He and the Serpents resist the demolition, with Archie caught in the middle. - **Fred's mayoral candidacy**: Fred decides to run against Hermione Lodge. ### Cheryl's Fate - **Cheryl's forced departure**: She is sent to a conversion therapy program by her mother, marking a dark turn in her story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Claudius?

Claudius is Clifford Blossom's twin brother.

Why is Southside High being shut down?

Southside High is being shut down to make way for a private, for-profit prison.

What does Betty discover about Chic?

Betty discovers that Chic is not a real Blossom and that Hal is not his father.

What is Hermione Lodge's plan for Riverdale?

Hermione Lodge plans to build a maximum security prison to boost the economy.

Is Veronica running for student body president?

Yes, Veronica is considering running for student body president.

What is Jughead's response to the Southside High closure?

Jughead goes on a hunger strike to protest the closure.

Why is Ethel Muggs angry at Veronica?

Ethel is angry because her family suffered due to Veronica's family's actions.

What does Cheryl suspect about her mother and Uncle Claudius?

Cheryl suspects they are plotting against her and Nana Rose.

What threat does Chic make to Betty?

Chic threatens to reveal Betty's dark secrets.

Why is Fred Andrews severing ties with Lodge Industries?

Fred disagrees with the Lodges' plans and wants independence.

Why does Betty withdraw her support for Veronica's campaign?

Betty learns the truth about the Lodges' plans and can no longer support Veronica.

What happens to Cheryl at the end of the episode?

Cheryl is sent to a conversion therapy program by her mother.

What is Fred Andrews' new political decision?

Fred decides to run for mayor against Hermione Lodge.

How does Jughead confront the demolition of Southside High?

Jughead and the Serpents resist the demolition, staging a protest.

Who is Chic's real father?

Chic's real father's identity remains undisclosed.

Watch Riverdale season 2 episode 16 Online

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