The Feminism of “Riverdale”
If you didn’t watch Riverdale, run, don’t walk to stream it now! Riverdale is a delightful little show from the CW Network. I picked it up on a whim after my sister said it was “Twin Peaks meets Josie and the Pussycats plus characters from Archie Comics.” With such a compelling description, how could I not watch?
This show has everything: a compelling mystery, romance, not to mention a sizable helping of feminism. Here’s a rundown of all the super feminist reasons why you should stream the whole season now. You can binge on Netflix beginning May 18.
1. Standing up to slut shaming
Riverdale seems rosy on the outside, idyllic with bright colors, beautiful people, and a 1950s hang out spot. But, the colors begin to fade. The more you watch Riverdale, the more you see a town that is struggling. The episode that won me over is Episode 3: Body Double. In this episode, Betty and Veronica discover the football teams keeps a play book of women they’ve had sex with. They take down the star football player, exposing his evil deeds.
2. Being solidly pro-choice and supporting Polly’s decision to keep her baby
Riverdale is about teens who are coming into their own as adults and beginning to tackle adult problems. Polly’s growing belly serves as a clear indicator of this throughout the season. Polly’s parents send her to stay with some nuns, who plan to keep her for her pregnancy then put the baby of for adoption. But Betty (Polly’s sister) and her friends support Polly in the decisions she wants to make about the baby. She ultimately decides to keep the baby and her friends throw her a baby shower.
3. Deciding Archie isn’t worth fighting over
The start of the show is all about Betty’s bold decision to tell Archie she loves him. But when Veronica arrives, Betty’s plans are spoiled. It’s tempting for the show to drag out their squabble over the charming red-head, Archie Andrews, but the show focuses instead on Veronica proving to Betty that their friendship is more important than boys.
4. Female friendships make up the core of the show
On this note, female friendships are a huge core of the show. Veronica and Betty quickly become besties. They support Cheryl when called upon. Plus, Josie and the Pussycats show that women can not only be supportive friends, but also make jamming tunes together.
5. Embracing the weird kids
This isn’t strictly feminist, but I love Riverdale for embracing the weird kids. Jughead would be an exile in most schools and towns — he’s an emo, poor, writer kid — but in Riverdale, Jughead is the heart of the show. He acts as “the chorus” and it’s updating Betty, the star child of the town.
6. Friends who discuss mental health
Riverdale does not shy away from mental health. Veronica discusses mental health with Ethel Muggs (Barb from Stranger Things) after her father commits suicide. Later, they rescue Cheryl from attempted suicide.
7. Discarding heteronormativity
One of the main characters on the show is the son of the sheriff, gay, and dating a biker. His sexuality is never a big deal, it’s just a part of who he is.
8. Friendships, truth, and justice
At the end of the day, Riverdale is just about friends who face extraordinary circumstances. They are driven to discover the truth about who killed Jason. They will bring the killer to justice even when the truth is devastating. While Riverdale is covering the dark and seedy underbelly of America’s hometown, the character’s commitment to their ideals is refreshing. I can’t wait for Season 2!
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