#alex’s riverdale highlights

[maya-matlin]

Dumb question but your replies to asks are my favorites on this whole site, so I wanted to send an ask! Here it is: are there ships that you thought you'd love based on gifs but ended up not really liking once you saw them on tv or in youtube videos? For me one of them is Brulian. I kept hearing what an adorkable cutie Julian was and loved how happy Brooke looked in their gifsets but then when I actually saw them I just thought the chemistry was forced, Julian was a TOTALLY different character his first two seasons on the show and a lot less likable initially, and the acting and writing just didn't work for me? I expected them to be an otp but ended up meh at best on them! And I thought I'd ship Barchie because they're an iconic comic book couple, I'm much more of a Betty than Veronica personally lol, and their gifsets are gorgeous, but then when I watched the show I'm like, no, Varchie and Bughead are meant to be imo and Barchie doesn't do it for me at all. And one final example - Piper/Leo from Charmed. They're adorable in their gifsets, but it turns out the gifsets highlight literally the only times they're remotely happy?! Post-S1 Piper is perpetually angry, critical and miserable, she complains and snaps at everyone (especially Leo) every minute, Leo is so flat and personality-free, and their chemistry and connection are just lacking to me no matter how many times the show tells me their love is epic :) I can't wait to read your choices!

I don't think it's a dumb question! You're seriously sweet. <3 I feel like I'm really bad at replying to asks, so I'm glad you think that LOL

I think I might have to slightly alter this question to mean ships that I'd heard of, period, or had seen advertised and believed I'd end up shipping only to end up either disliking or feeling neutral towards. I only say that because for the past few years, I've really tried to keep an open mind when starting new shows so that I wouldn't go in with any preconceived ideas about what couples I'd root for.

Those are all interesting examples!

So when it comes to Brulian, I kind of agree. That being said, I did ship them the first time I watched season 6 and for the first half of season 7. But eventually, I was turned off by the Brooke/Julian/Alex arc. While I understand Brooke's LP trauma continuing to haunt her years later, it was just frustrating to watch it all play out again and for Brooke to devolve back into the most insecure version of herself. In some ways, I actually prefer Julian with Alex over Brooke. I still love the idea of them and think they had sweet moments, but their relationship never hit the same way Brucas did. It's an acceptable endgame for Brooke, but it will always kind of feel like second best. I'm sure that's an unpopular opinion, but oh well. I didn't force Chad and Sophia to have such strong chemistry or make the writers execute their seasons 2 and 3 arc so well.

Funny you should mention Barchie, because I had a similar experience in some ways. To be clear, I never read Archie Comics, but I vaguely knew some of the basics. The week Riverdale premiered, I'd been talking to a friend who rooted for BA in the comics and was excited to see Riverdale's take on their relationship. So, I watched the pilot episode to see what it was all about. I guess I shipped Betty and Archie then? But only in the sense that for the first couple of episodes, I was honestly cool with any outcome except Veronica/Jughead. That changed very, very quickly. Pre-Bughead, I was all about Beronica. Archie in contrast just wasn't as compelling to me and seemed to have a revolving door of love interests - something I'd heard was also somewhat the case in the comics. In the long run, BA became a good representation of everything I hate in a fictional couple. Their relationship is one of the laziest things I've ever seen. I truly mean that. Their fans did almost 100% of the work trying to piece that shit together because the writers were NOT writing a slow burn. The Riverdale writers seemed to deliberately avoid kicking off a story arc with any awareness of how it was going to end. The sad excuse for off screen, pre-series childhood anecdotes replacing any true development from episodes 103-416 didn't impress me. I hated watching Betty slowly sacrifice everything she wanted for her life just so she could conform into being Archie's ideal woman as he sacrificed absolutely nothing in return or ever once showed he had any true understanding of Betty. She needed extensive therapy, not the golden boy's dick. Anyways. Bughead forever, Varchie over BA because at least effort was put into that relationship.

As for Leo/Piper, you make some points, but I have to disagree. I can't help it. They were my favorite couple on Charmed. That being said, I acknowledge there was a lot of unnecessary angst, particularly during the later seasons. Leo's actor, Brian Krause, was also incredibly weak and nowhere near as talented as the women on the show.

Now, on to my answers. I already explained my history with BA, so I'll skip that one.

Bangel and Spuffy - Buffy the Vampire Slayer: I'd heard positive things about both couples, so I had no clue going in which I would end up shipping. As it turns out, the answer was neither. The Buffy/Angel arc was fine for a while, but at a certain point Angel was just kind of there. As much as I liked the guy, their romance was one of my least favorite aspects of the show. So it was a relief when he moved onto his own show, where his character improved tremendously. I also liked Angel better with Cordelia, so there's that. In the case of Spuffy, I'd heard about the slow burn and the enemies to lovers arc. So I was curious how all of that would happen. I didn't expect Spike to be such a creep towards Buffy. Season 6 wasn't great for them as it was, but the painfully long, attempted rape scene was the last straw. There was no overlooking that, yet season 7 basically had Buffy bending over backwards to defend Spike just because he had his soul back. That sucked. Out of the two love interests, Angel > Spike, always. But truthfully, the only Buffy ship I was ever passionate about was the potential one with Faith.

Jonah/Frankie - Degrassi Next Class: I don't know what I was expecting from these two. They seemed to have chemistry based on the promos Netflix and F2N released. I naively thought Winston had been such a dick that any guy would be an improvement over him. Jonah seemed like an overall decent guy in season 14 during his relationship with Becky, even if he was still haunted by some demons. Unfortunately, Next Class Jonah was a cold, judgmental, arrogant asshole. At least towards Frankie. The writers seemed to want an enemies to lovers situation, but mostly it just felt like Frankie being berated by her older boyfriend. She was an insecure mess with him, and he got away with emotional cheating.

EJ/Gina - HSMTMTS: Looking back at all the signs, it's very obvious Ricky and Gina were intended to end up together from very early on. But I was so certain that Ricky/Nini was the Disney ship that HAD to end up together, so I didn't think my ship stood an actual chance. EJ was transforming into a good guy and I wanted Gina to be happy, so I thought they'd be pretty good together. Sadly, they didn't have a single ounce of romantic chemistry. It was painful to watch. Gina's one episode almost romance with a guest star shined a light on what was lacking with EJ. Watching them fumble into their awkward romance was the worst. Which is a shame, because their platonic chemistry was pretty solid.

Duncan/Veronica - Veronica Mars: This was a VERY long time ago, and my reason was shallow: based on pictures, I thought Teddy Dunn (Duncan) was cuter than Jason Dohring (Logan). I knew nothing of their relationships with Veronica, just that Logan was more popular. I'm not particularly attracted to either guy physically now, but it's very obvious it's all about the charisma. Logan had it and was played by an extremely talented actor. Duncan didn't, and his actor was considerably weaker in comparison. Logan and Veronica demanded to be written together regardless of what Rob Thomas wanted. Duncan as a character was never able to keep up with Veronica and kind of like BA in some ways, it felt like a regression whenever Veronica was with Duncan.

Honestly, there needs to be a category for ships you initially liked solely because it was the only thing being offered at the time and less that the ship was anything special. Because I decided against including several ships for that reason LOL

[daddy-dotcom]

3x05 Highlights

*spoilers*

-that was one of the longest “previously ons” ever

-r those rubber bullets?

-GOOD yall r dead now STOP PLAYING

-ofc Hiram still wears his hs wrestling shirt

-IT WAS RUBBER BULLETS

-they’re branding Archie yikesssss

-reggie confused about his dad cosplaying bahahahaha

-“The Miragio” I gotta add this to the list of fake franchises

-Cheryl and Toni’s rendezvous 😏

-HOLY SHIT PEA IS SO HOT 🤤

-LMAOOO SP AND FANGS PLAYING WITH THE ARROW

-that got scary real quick

-AWWW the McCoy-Keller family

-“id recognize those abs anywhere” lol me

-TOM AND SIERRA ENGAGEMENT AWW

-poor reggie :( why is everyone’s dad abusive

-dont cry Joaquin, and HE KISSED HIM THEN STABBED WTF

-I love Reggie’s Camaro 😍

-lol Reggie being Veronica’s fake fiancé I love it

-MADDOG IS BACK MY BOY

-buT Archie has to fight while STABBED?!

-dont hate me but I like Betty in the serpent jacket

-KEVIN AND JOAQUIN!!! But Joaquin better not be a ghoulie or else

-dang V she did Hiram dirty

-wait when did Betty learn to ride a motorcycle

-Hermione GO OFF

-next week looks good I guess

[alexzalben]

Hey Alex! Love the podcast. I get why a lot of folks like to say that Riverdale Is Riverdale and have their expectations on the floor for anything story-wise, but I think Veronica's story has been rad this season! Cami looks fantastic in all her outfits, and Veronica's story with Hiram this season actually makes sense for once and this week her and Reggie made a great team. I didn't think I'd be rooting for the She Wolf of Wallstreet, but she's been a highlight for me.

Thanks so much for listening! And I'm enjoying Veronica, as well. I think what fans are missing is the emotional intensity of the other storylines, which are really digging into the other characters and showing what makes them tick - while Veronica is mostly just having fun. But honestly, if you didn't have something to contrast with the other storylines, it would be a grim slog, and make the show overall less enjoyable to watch. Does Veronica deserve the same critical eye as everyone else? For sure. But taken on its own, it's fun to watch her and Reggie have fun with the whole investment thing.

[berkcwitz]

❛ ✶ (   madison beer, cisfemale, she/her   )   spotted   !   jalissa   berkowitz   was   spotted   singing   along   to   find   my   way   by   dababy   in   hilton   grove  .   you’ve   heard   of   them   right   ?   they   are   a   twenty   two   year   old   pornographic   actress   /   internet   personality   who   has   already   amassed   a   net   worth   of   550m  .   you   should   really   follow   them   on   insta   @callmejalissa  ,   they’re   about   to   hit   89m   followers  .   the   tabloids   have   been   calling   them   the   vixen   because   they   are   known   for   being   whimsical   but   also   a   bit   abrasive  .   though   most   people   recognize   them   by   a   drunken   gaze   staring   into   the   mirror   as   she   holds   finger   guns   to   her   head   ,   a   laugh   too   contagious   ,   leaving   notes   in   lipstick   on   bathroom   mirrors   &   echoing   of   her   mothers   longtime   disapproval   .    —   ooc info   (   mia.   twenty.   est.   she/her.   )

GUYYYSSSS ?! this group ? a masterpiece , wow . im hella excited to get to roleplay with you all . im mia by the way , im twenty ( i’ll be 21 in june what a vibe ) & i live in the est ( a clam chowder eating , dunkin donuts chugging , no Rs havin , boston sports loving new englander ). also i go by she/her pronouns ! i am going to be so honest with you guys . this intro is dummy long . like , i promise i will not judge you if you hmu asking for a quick synopsis of my girl because this shit below this cut ? is a novella & a half , sis . if im very honest i really just needed to flesh her out completely because she’s a new baby of mine ? and i wanted to make sure i really knew her before i put her out on the dash . im so anal about this , i know . anyways , before this little note section gets as long as the intro without further a do ? adu ? idfk ... here’s jalissa , she’s ... a piece of work . also if you'd prefer to plot on discord hmu @ 𝖒𝖌𝖐'𝖘 𝖜𝖍𝖔𝖗𝖊#9789 .

𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐇

full name: jalissa  billie-jean  berkowitz nickname: lissa , jals , jb , berks , jalissa cadden ( porn name ) birthday: october 13th birthplace: fort lauderdale , florida hometown: hilton grove residence: hilton grove nationality: american ( est. 1997 through birth ) , british ( est. 1997 automatically a citizen due to mother’s citizenship , passport was claimed est. 2012 ) ethnicity: askenazi jewish ( maternal & paternal , 100% ) religion: judaism orientation: pansexual , panromantic ( she never really came out per say , people just kind of know she’s attracted to all genders . her family is very religious and she’s very involved with her synagogue so she’s made the choice not the necessarily put a label on her sexuality but is open about loving people no matter gender ) languages spoken: english ( fluent , first language ) , yiddish ( fluent , second language ) , spanish ( fluent , third language ) , german ( conversational , fourth language ) . father: henry  christian  berkowitz  ( 50 years old )  was born & raised in fort lauderdale , florida by a politician / banking heir & talk show host / philanthropist . henry himself went on to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve as a us senator for two terms & currently is the ceo of berkowitz capital . ( relationship:  it’s never been perfect but the love is clear in the relationship & he’s been much better at being supportive of her in recent years . certainly a daddy’s little girl even when you do wrong you can’t do much wrong type of situation ) mother : austen  sylvia  rachelson-berkowitz  ( 48 years old ) was born & raised in westminster ,  england up until her teens when she & her mother moved to washington dc after her mother had become the incumbent uk ambassador to the united states . austen was crowned miss usa at the age of 20 & later went on to follow in her families long time involvement in politics ( holding former offices as a us representative as well as governor for two terms ) . today she spends much of her time putting her law degree to work on criminal cases . ( relationship: they’ve never been close & have never quite seen eye to eye . since jalissa was nineteen she & her mom haven’t said more than ten words to one another & if they have it’s never necessarily positive ) brother: kenneth  patrick  berkowitz  ( 24 years old ) was born in fort lauderdale , florida & raised in hilton grove . he shares the same parents as jalissa and is the couples first born & only son . kenneth is following in the berkowitz footsteps & is heading the uk sector for berkowitz capital since graduating from columbia university a couple years back . ( relationship: the two siblings have always been close. they had a similar friend group growing up & alot of the same interests . they’re still rather close to this day despite being countries away from one another ) sister: sariah  rachel  berkowitz ( 19 years old )  was born in fort lauderdale , florida & raised in hilton grove . she shares the same parents as jalissa and is the couples last born . sariah currently attends stanford university where she’s on a pre med track . ( relationship: the two were often at each other’s necks growing up . mostly because how similar they are to one another . as of recently the two have grown close , though , with sariah fessing up to looking up to her older sister ) social class: upper education: highschool diploma ( hilton grove highschool g. 2015 ) career: youtuber ( from 2014-present ) , pornographic actress ( from 2016-present ) , podcaster (from 2018-present ) notoriety: being apart of the prominent berkowitz family , having one of the top 10 most watched pornographic movies , her podcast with her best friend tickets to our downfall  & her youtube channel callmejalissa . weight: 122lbs  height: 5′4″ hair color: brown ( with blonde highlights ) eye color: hazel ( wears blue contacts sometimes ) positive traits: whimsical , astute , extroverted , affectionate , quick , intelligent , friendly , ambitious , passionate , humorous , loyal , compassionate , effervescent negative traits: opportunistic , recalcitrant , hypocritical , vain , critical , stubborn , distant , sneaky , abrasive , sarcastic , obsessive , vengeful , reckless , arrogant likes: black coffee , birthday parties , lying , sunshine , baby pink , glossy lips , gossiping , stand up comedy , sunkissed skin , dogs , peanut butter , popping champagne bottles , driving with the windows down , swimming , mimosas , oversized sweaters , taco bell , cranberry juice , makeup , football , cosmetic work , arguing , online shopping , exotic foods , jewelry the price of a car , fresh berries , roller skating dislikes: liars , driving in the snow , her mother , jelly , basketball , bad drivers , when people lie about their cosmetic work , sushi , hateful people , disloyalty , overly emotional people , romance , being alone ,  astrology enthusiasts , hospitals , silence , cheap perfume , criticism , traffic , being late , red wine , short hair , anything banana or grape flavored  hobbies: reading magazines , dancing to her newly curated playlist in the mirror , gossiping with her grandparents , video editing , meddling , going for brunch , goat yoga , drinking alcohol while snuggled up in bed , painting alternate universe cartoons , attending big soirees , making impulsive decisions , smoking weed , sleepovers with her closest friends , suntanning on yacht decks , late night instagram lives , marilyn monroe movie marathons  chara inspo: kourtney kardashian , emily nelson ( a simple favor ) , tan france ( queer eye ) , evie zamora ( thirteen ) , rebekah mikaelson ( the vampire diaries ) , jennifer check ( jennifer’s body ) , gabrielle solis ( desperate housewives ) , regina george ( mean girls ) , lucifer morningstar ( lucifer ) , kathryn merteuli ( cruel intentions ) , veronica lodge ( riverdale ) , chanel oberlin ( scream queens ) , samantha jones ( sex and the city ) , andie anderson ( how to lose a guy in 10 days ) , blair waldorf ( gossip girl ) , naomi lapaglia ( wolf of wall street ) , maddy perez ( euphoria ) , kat hernandez ( euphoria ) fashion inspo: fran drescher , bella hadid , alex chung , madison beer , romee strijd , kendall jenner , selena gomez  career inspo: tana mongeau , jordan lipscombe , sofia franklyn , alexdandra cooper , lana rhodes , abella danger headcanons: she has one hundred percent smashed the windows in an exes car , she drives a black range rover , vandalized an exes home before , says “ harely quinn is my spirit animal “ once a day , is not the type of ask if you’re okay with her vlogging , has slept with rock stars and couldn’t care less that they’re basically the age of dirt at this point , is actually very sad when she’s not putting on the vivacious front in front of people , dances on tables whens she’s drunk , its not a party unless someone has offered her a line  

𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐉𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐀

the   berkowitz   family name has long been one that holds prestige & power . among the 1% for over a century . they are a prominent banking family that has had their hands in the pots of nearly every big banking company across the nation . coming into the united states after word broke of the california gold rush back in 1849 , the berkowitz brother’s were of the lucky few to acquire pounds of gold by the thousands . later founding what would become a leading investment bank known as berkowitz capital . the generations to follow would capitalize on the head start given to them by the two brothers . expanding the family company as well as the knowledge of the family name through heavy involvement in politics alongside the kennedy’s . since as early as 1953 there has always been a berkowitz family member actively appointed to a political role ( governor , senator , representative , us ambassador , etc ) . although the families roots within the states are documented in the capital of california , as generations went on they made their way over to the east coast , with most of the family members now residing in southern florida . 

the   rachelson   family is a prominent political family . synonymous with power & eloquence . with their rise initially taking place in the british parliament . many escaped to england from germany between 1933-1935 . they hadn’t settled into the states until jocelyn rachelson ( jalissa’s maternal grandmother ) was appointed the united kingdoms ambassador to the united states in 1987 . the rachelson’s have since had heavy involvement in the us government , both behind the scenes and at the forefront . much of the rachelson family have stayed within the european union ( germany & poland ) as well as england . although the few that followed jocelyn to the states now reside in washington dc and the tri-state area .

henry & austen had met through their mutual friends . it didn’t take long before the two became a rather public couple , a supercouple if you would ( similar to that of a brangelina of the 1% ) . although they’d met in new york the two decided that when it was time to start a family they wanted to move to hilton grove , an island austen had eyed for years . instead they found themselves moving down to fort lauderdale where henry had grown up . before they knew it , they were three kids deep in settling down in fort lauderdale . austen’s anger from never wanting to build a life in florida started to tumble into the relationship & the daily life of the family & so in an effort to recover the marriage henry agreed to moving the family up to hilton grove , where they have resided ever since .

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐀 𝐄𝐑𝐀

jalissa was born the second of three children and oh boy does she suffer from middle child syndrome , riddled with a envy and a need to be in the mix . the berkowitz household , although , from the outside looking in looked like a fabulous family life was anything but . jalissa , like her siblings , was born on a pedestal & what came attached with that was even higher expectations from her parents . her parents found a way to be extremely authoritarian & uninvolved all at the same time . they were very dismissive if you disappointed them & everything jalissa did seemingly did just that .

for a long time she was obsessed with getting her parents approval , she’d turned life into a silent competition between herself & her siblings . she befriended only the people her parents approved of , did all the events they asked her to do , did everything she could to excel academically & only dated people who were of benefit to her parents ( people who’s parents where also in high places ) . 

during highschool she joined the model un , debate team , and soccer team . if it were up to jalissa & not her parents she’d probably had joined the cheerleading team but her mother would never let that fly . it was too “ self indulgent “ to fit the family brand ( if only she’d known what would be coming years later lol ) .

it wasn’t until she was seventeen that she started to deviate from her parents wishes . of course , the catalyst to this was a boy , one her parents hadn’t really approved of but jalissa was completely head over heels for him . he really helped her boost her confidence to be her own person ? and not allow her parents to treat her like a puppet . with his encouragement she started her youtube channel , something she’d wanted to do for years but her mother had shot down the idea anytime jalissa brought it up . it was once again too “ self indulgent ” . the channel known as callmejalissa was an outlet for her , talking to a camera was the most heard she’d felt in seventeen years of her life . and god she knew that was hella sad . she really grew to view her subscribers as family & by the time her channel was brought to her parents attention ( more like her mothers , her dad had found her channel just four months after she’d made it and promised not to tell her mother so long as she was smart about what she posted ) she was about to turn eighteen and there wasn’t much they could do to stop her from doing it .

at eighteen she’d graduated highschool salutatorian with offers from university of pennsylvania & brown university . in all honesty she didn’t wnat to go to college , she saw it as a complete waste of her time . it wasn’t like she was going to do anything with the degree anyways . it would simply be a point of bragging for her parents at events & at this point she really could care less about them being able to brag to their friends . she knew she had to play along though , because this was the same year she was going to receive her first half of her trust fund ( a whoopin 500m , yes her trust fund in total will be 1b her parents are grossly wealthy guys ) so she bamboozled ? her parents , promising she’d committed to attending penn just so they’d allow for the money to be released to her account . she moved out of the house , literally moving into a house of her own a couple blocks from her parents house & claimed she was living in pennsylvania for college . we stan a sneaky binch .

two months later her parents were at her front door , though , ready to give her an ear full . her mother basically disowned her at this point . telling her how every year jalissa found a new way to be a bigger disappointment . her dad kind of played good cop , like he normally would because her mother often dug into her pretty deeply . to the point where any insecurity ( even though with the way she carries herself you’d never think she has any ) she has stems from something her mother has said / called her in the past . if henry berkowitz had a soft spot , it was certainly jalissa , it that had only grown clearly with the harsher austen became on the girl .

a few months before her nineteenth birthday a sex tape was released of jalissa cheating on her boyfriend at the time . it was a drunken mistake she’d made around the time of her mother basically disowning her , but that explanation did suffice for her boyfriend who inevitably broke things off with her . although this was a horrific time she’d received an abundance of offers to film more tapes . it was enticing to say the least . she was someone who loved intercourse but also had this deeply rooted desire to get back at her mother ? and what better way to do so then to something so far left from what her mother was about . this was next level disappointment in the eyes of austen berkowitz . the only thing that made sense ( in her mind ) was to dive head first into the porn industry .

like you’d expect her parents had a fit when they found out about her new career choice . although her internet fame had soared to new heights and her youtube & instagram followers were loving every second of this move . her mom was currently serving as governor and has since not been able to get elected in the political world since jalissa became one of the top porn stars around . they basically blacklisted her & jalissa feels no remorse , she’s gone so far as telling her mother “ sucks to be shunned , huh? ” .

although it took her dad a while to come around , he cares far too much to shut her out . 

not to long after jalissa & her best friend started their podcast tickets to our downfall , it’s a mix of call her daddy & the basement yard , basically two besties talking on a level that most people wouldn’t want to leave the privacy of their own space , giving advice , hoe tricks , and telling funny stories of their past . it a total hit & one of jalissa’s favorite things to do .

she live sin the same house she has since she was eighteen . she lives on her own with three dogs and a cat . she absolutely hates being alone and so maggie ( a tan corgi puppy ) , louis ( a  yellow lab puppy ) , humphrey ( a chocolate lab ) , and cedric ( a orange scottish fold ) are her babies that keep her sane in her big ole home . 

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 

as you can tell jalissa is chaotic , impulsive , reactive , and overall just searching for attention . she doesn’t care if the attention she receives is for the wrong reason or not , as long as she’s getting it . despite this she’s a good person ? i promise . she’s very friendly , loves a good joke & having a good time . very fun loving . she’s the type of person to try and bring up everyone else’s mood even when she isn’t feeling 100% herself . she’s loyal to those she deems are loyal to her . sometimes she’s bad a seeing who is actually loyal to her though & will be disloyal to someone who actually has her back ? oops . she’s definitely not the type to sugar coat anything for you , she tells it like it is & refuses to apologize if that hurts your feelings . if you cross her ? i’ll be praying for you . she’s the type to fuck your s/o , tell your boss some wild story about you & dump alcohol over your head at an event all in the matter of a week . don’t get her going , she’s absolutely relentless . with that said she’d very affectionate ... ? you can catch her hugging up on whoever is next to her at all times . touch is her love language , because lord knows she’s no sweetheart . she hates the stereotype of porn stars / internet personalities being ditzy , although she didn’t attend university she was accepted into two ivy leagues based off her academic abilities alone . the girl is intelligent & enjoys having a clever conversation from time to time .

𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

a girl squad or just a squad in general really , give my baby her lil group of people please

her ex boyfriend from when she was seventeen ( he’s mentioned above ) but basically he’s the one who encouraged her to not let her parents make her their puppet , they didn’t approve of him , jalissa fell head over heels for him . they would’ve dated for nearly two years because the sex tape of her cheating on him came out .

the person she cheated on her ex with ? maybe they’re the one who leaked the sex tape ? maybe they never even told jalissa they were recording ? 

her best friend that she does the tickets to our downfall podcast with ? these two are literally like twins , just two peas in a pod ( pun intended )

fans of her work ? and im not taking about her youtube channel or podcast 

ex hook ups that think she’s crazy ? she probably gave them reason to think so lbr

frenemies give me blair & serena circa season one type of shit

just plain old enemies , they were probably friends at one point or maybe just have always disliked one another ? 

smoking buddies were they literally just hot box cars together and munch on taco bell talking about why sound vibrates & shit 

someone who isn’t afraid to confess their love for jalissa but her damaged ass refuses to confess her feelings for them ? so it’s just this constant cycle of them having a good time , them being sweet & her just gets weirdly quite & starring at them before she complaining about them going and ruining the vibes

she’s a bad influence on them ? they’re a good influence on her ? ride or dies ? partners in crime ? only friends when there is a substance involved ? sugar baby vibes ? unlikely friends ? flings ? crush ? friends with benefits ? everytime they are around one another its a fight ? someone she lets crash at her place sometimes ? someone she’s backstabbed & maybe they don’t even know she has & they still think she’s a ride or die for them ?

[oosteven-universe]

White Ash Season 2 #1

White Ash Season 2 #1 Scout Comics 2021 Written by Charlie Stickney Illustrated & Lettered by Conor Hughes Coloured by Fin Cramb    Welcome back to White Ash, a small smudge of a town in western Pennsylvania, where mining is a generational calling, and the secrets are buried deeper than the coal in the mountain. And the biggest of those secrets is that elves and dwarves live hidden among the town's population. Two months have passed since the dramatic conclusion of the first season.  Alex, fresh off finding out he comes from a family of dwarves, plans a secret romantic rendezvous in the woods with Lillian the elf... or not so secret, as their meeting is witnessed by a young couple with dire results.    I like this series a lot.  It has this feel like you’d find in Riverdale but with a much more interesting and diverse set of characters.  By this I mean the small soap opera town full of secrets, lies and tons of machinations from those with money and influence.  At its centre there’s a forbidden romance, kind of like Romeo & Juliet but without the death, and altogether it really manages to create this small mining town where you want to go.  It is charming, endearing and full of drama and horror and all plays beautifully off each other.      I’m a huge fan of the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information are presented exceptionally well.  The character development that we see through the narration, the dialogue, the character interaction as well as how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter does a magnificent job in continuing to flesh out their personalities.  The pacing is excellent and as it takes us through the pages introducing the story we’re caught up in the events we see.    I am very much liking the way that we see this being structured and how the layers within the story begin to emerge and grow.  I am also liking the way that the layers within the story open up new avenues to be explored and boy are there a number of avenues to be explored here!  What this does is add tons of depth, dimension and complexity to the story.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward are impeccably rendered.    The interiors here are fantastic.  There is this really strong comic book style artwork within these pages and where it shines is how we see the creativity and imagination in the characters, the species and such.  The lizard man for instance or how we see those creatures in the wild are perfect examples though I do wish we’d have seen more of Aleck at the lake.  How we see backgrounds being utilised as they enhance and expand the moments as well as how they work within the composition of the panels to bring out the depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story is marvellous to see.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a remarkably talented eye for storytelling.  The various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work show a great understanding of how colour works. ​    Now if you didn’t read the first arc don’t worry because this is completely new reader friendly and what you missed is easy to pick up on through their conversations and dialogue.  I highly suggest that you pick this up and give it a go. It'll surprise you with how clever and interesting the story is thanks to its smart, intelligent writing with strong characterisation and these utterly fantastic interiors. 

[purple-spring]

OMG LIZ!!!! CONGRATS ON THE 1K FOLLOWERS MY TUMBLR BFF ❤❤❤ our convos (ALL IN CAPS) are the highlight of my day and I love how extra we are together And now... here's to many more ;)

MY TUMBLR BFF. Honestly, nothing bonds two intercontinental fangirls more strongly than crying over Sprousehart together and CHATTING CONSTANTLY IN ALL CAPS. Oh, and following along live while the other one bumps into Cole Sprouse on the street and damn near collapses. LOL. Alex, I ❤️ you! You are such a treasure and I’m so glad Riverdale/BH/SH brought us together!

[jugxbets]

Archie's Little Sister: Chapter One

A/N: this is an AU where Archie has a little sister. they will be a year apart. i plan on making this a series so i’m also gonna be making things up as i go. I’m gonna start from the very first episode of Riverdale. the only things i’ll mention is that she’s going to be a lot like him and she’s going to be a bit of a bitch. there will be smut eventually. the fic will mostly be revolved around her and Archie. i’ve noticed how most of the characters in Riverdale have such elegant and sophisticated names but have nicknames within those names like Archie = Archibald, Reggie = Reginald, Betty = Elizabeth, etc. so i decided to give her a name sort of like that. i hope you all enjoy and start sending in requests!

Warnings: swearing, maybe?

Summary: Alexandria Andrews, mostly known as Alex, has always been overshadowed by her brother, Archie. She was always compared to him and she would let it slide. But once she attends Riverdale High, she thought she would make it known that she is her own person and not just “Archie’s Little Sister.”

*the things that happened with Jason Blossom’s murder still happen. everything else still happens as far as i’m concerned with myself. i might be changing a couple of things, nothing big. i’m just adding another character and making it a bit more interesting.*

Actress to visualize: a young Lily Collins.

——————————————————————————

“The River’s Edge”

Tomorrow will be Alex’s first day of high school. Riverdale High.

She rolled her eyes at the thought of going to the same school as her brother, Archie.

She was always overshadowed by him. It never really bothered her, she just hated when people compared them. She always thought of herself as someone better than him.

She loved Archie and she always would. They will always be protective of each other. She was just annoyed by how “perfect” people thought he was.

In middle school, she was already known as “Archie’s little sister” and she knew it would be the same in High school. She hated the phrase because people didn’t think of her as anything more than that.

At least she had people to hang out with though. Betty, Jughead and Kevin. She was closest to them. She grew up with them like Archie did. She met Kevin through Betty at Pop’s. There were other people she knew that went to Riverdale High but they weren’t important.

Except for Jason. Alex and Jason had a fling type-of-thing during the summer before his mysterious death. Jason hurt Alex too many times for her to feel any kind of sympathy when she heard about the accident. She always knew he had a girlfriend but Jason always lied to her. Then it was confirmed that it was Polly by Betty. She’s hated Polly ever since. Her sadistic side comes out when she thinks about her being in a psych ward. That’s what the rumors were saying anyway. She laughs about it when she’s alone. Jason was older, sure, but that didn’t bother her. He was beautiful to her. He was the literal definition of a nightmare dressed like a day dream.

She dreaded her very first day of high school.

She was downstairs with her father, Fred preparing dinner when Archie decided to head out.

“Hey, dad, i’m going to Pop’s with Betty for a milkshake.” Archie said, as he walked into the kitchen while putting on his hoodie.

“What about dinner?” Fred asked.

“Save me a plate?” Archie shrugged.

“No, if you wanna eat, eat now or starve.” Alex responded coldly.

Fred gestured for him to head out. “I’ll save you a plate, just go.”

Archie smiled and headed for the door.

Alex scoffed. “Of course.”

“Hey,” Fred called out before Archie left. He turned around to face his dad.

“Why don’t you, uh, take crabby pants with you?” Fred suggested.

Alex’s face scrunched up. “Uh, i’m not third wheeling. Thanks, but no thanks.”

She continued to dice the onions.

Fred raised his brows at Archie, as if he was telling him to convince her. Archie sighed and went along with it.

“Oh, come on, Alex.” Archie huffed.

“You don’t want to have to tell your kids you spent your whole adolescence staying in with dad, do you?” He continued.

She rolled her eyes. “Staying in with dad isn’t so bad.”

“But fine.” She sighed. “If you insist.”

Archie chuckled.

She grabbed a hoodie of her own and headed out with Archie.

“We won’t be too late, dad.” Archie assured Fred as they walked out the door.

They decided to walk to Pop’s. It wasn’t that far anyway.

They made it there and they saw that Betty was already there, sitting in their usual booth.

She greeted them with a smile.

Betty got up from the booth so Alex can slide into the other side while Archie slid into the front of them.

Betty gave him a questioning look. She didn’t mind Alex. They were good friends. Betty was the only girl Alex was nice to. It’s just that she finally wanted to tell Archie how she felt tonight and she kind of wanted to do it alone.

“Uh, my dad made me bring her.” Archie answered to her look.

She gave an understanding nod.

Alex scoffed.

“If you want, I can go to a different booth.” She said, ready to climb out of the one she was in.

Betty held her back.

“No! No, it’s fine, you know I don’t mind hanging out with the both of you.” She said with a smile.

“Okay.” Alex said, sounding unsure.

“So, what was the highlight?” Archie asked, sparking up a conversation.

“Of my internship?” Betty asked to make sure. “The Toni Morrison book release party I organized, by far.” She smiled as she thought about it

She started gushing about Toni Morrison while Alex tuned them out. She didn’t want to be here with them but Archie was right. She didn’t want to tell her kids in the future that she had no social life.

“How was working for your dad?” Betty asked both of them.

“It was.. pouring concrete, every day, all day long.” He said as he dreaded doing it again. “Alex hated it.” He chuckled.

“Yeah, but I suppose we do have dad to thank for our abs.” She smirked. “I didn’t get as buff as Archie, obviously, but hey, I got some work done as well. Never again though.” She groaned.

Betty laughed.

Then Archie started talking about his poems.

Betty mentions that he doesn’t even like reading poetry.

Archie clarifies and says they’re song lyrics.

“Oh, we’re telling her about that, are we?” Alex smirked as she sipped on her vanilla milkshake.

Betty looked at Archie confused. He nodded and smiled.

Archie continued. “working on them made me feel like..”

“What, Archie?” Betty was just dying to know.

It was then Archie’s turn to gush over his music.

Again, Alex tuned them out.

But then she saw something sparkle in Betty’s eye when she watched him talk about his passion.

She looked mesmerized.

That was Alex’s thing. Observing people. Reading them.

“Music.” Archie blurted out. “Starting this year, tomorrow.” He smiled.

“Amazing!” Betty returned the smile.

“Will you ask Ms. Grundy to tutor you?” Betty asked.

Archie’s mood shifted a bit. “I’m not sure, maybe.”

“What about football?” Betty continued with her questions. “Can you do both?”

“I’ll try out, at least.” Archie responded to her questions as fast as they came.

“Well, have you told your dad?” Betty kept the questions coming, causing Alex’s head to spin.

“No,” Archie said a bit agitated.

Betty nodded. Maybe she overdid it with the questions.

“Until I’ve got things more figured out, you and Alex are the only people I’m telling, okay?” He assured her.

She looked at Alex.

“I already knew. I’ve been helping out.” Alex shrugged.

She nodded and smiled.

“Well, I’d love to hear them sometime. Your songs.”

“Yeah, I’m finishing a couple of demos tonight.” He said as he looked at Alex. “With the help of my dear sibling, of course.”

“Great. Also..” Betty began. She got nervous. “I’ve been thinking..”

“Hold on, I’ll be back.” He said as he slid of the booth and into the bathroom.

“Uh, okay..” Betty trailed off as she frowned.

“Were you about to tell him what I think you want to tell him?” Alex asked.

Betty groaned. “Ugh, yes but now I think I wanna back out. Maybe it’s not meant to be.” She said as mixed her milkshake around with her straw and sipped on it.

“You’ve gotta talk to him. I can tell you really like him. You guys are perfect for each other.” Alex tried convincing Betty not to back out.

“What if he doesn’t like me back?” Betty asked, very unsure about how he would react or what he would say.

“There’s only one way to find out.” Alex shrugged as she smirked. “I can leave if you want.”

“No, stay, I could use the moral support.” Betty half smiled.

Alex nodded. “Well, you’ve got my blessing.”

Betty smiled as she took a deep breath while trying to regain the same mentality she had a minute ago.

Archie came out moments later.

“Sorry, Betty, you can continue.” Archie said as he slid back into the booth.

Alex sipped on her milkshake as she watched Betty.

“Well it’s just that, I’ve been thinking about us, Archie, and our friendship, and how’s it’s time we..”

Archie unintentionally tuned her out when he a dark haired girl caught his attention when she walked into Pop’s.

He looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Stunned by this mysterious raven-haired girl.

Betty tried to continue what she was saying but she noticed Archie’s attention was somewhere else.

Alex had her back. She snapped her fingers in his face.

“Earth to moron!” Alex said as she kept snapping.

She gave up as she realized she wasn’t going to get through to him.

Then she and Betty both turned around to see what he was so stunned by.

Betty looked back to him with a frown while Alex was still watching her.

“I called in an order, for Lodge?” She asked Pop.

He told her the order was almost ready but she had to wait.

She smiled when he left to get her order. Then she saw them.

“Hi.” She greeted with a smile.

Archie was the first one to say hi back. A little too quick if you ask Alex or Betty.

She asked how the onion rings were here. Archie said ‘so good’ which was a bit of an overstatement since Alex always thought they were too greasy. She rolled her eyes at how he was looking at her.

Then she asked for some onion rings as well with her order.

“Thanks.” She said, smiling, once again.

Alex couldn’t read her. It frustrated her a bit.

“My mom and i just moved here, so..” the girl went on to say.

“From where?” Archie asked.

“New York.” She responded.

“Wow.” Archie said, impressed.

“There are way better places in the world, Archie. New York isn’t really all that impressive.” Alex snapped.

The dark-haired girl raised a brow. “She’s right, I suppose.”

Betty was frowning ever since the mysterious girl sparked up a conversation.

“Do you guys go to Riverdale?” The girl asked.

“We do. Both of us. Together.” Betty answered.

“Actually, Alex, here, is starting her very first day tomorrow. She’s a freshman.” Archie said.

“You didn’t have to say that.” Alex glared at him.

“We’re sophomores.” Archie ignored her, as he pointed to Betty.

Betty gave her a smile the best she could.

“Me too.” The girl said uncheerfully. “I’m filled with dread.”

“Why is that?” Archie asked as he chuckled.

“Are you guys familiar with the works of Truman Capote?” The girl asked the group.

“The novelist?” Alex asked, uninterested.

Archie and Betty both nodded.

“I’m Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but this place is strictly In Cold Blood.” She said.

Archie laughed a little too hard at her joke. Betty watched him as if she knew that if she had made the joke, he wouldn’t have laughed that hard.

Alex scoffed at Archie’s reaction. Idiot. was all that she can think about it.

“Veronica Lodge.” The girl finally introduced herself.

“Archie Andrews.” He said as he shook her hand.

Betty was looking at him in shock because of the way he was acting.

“Uh, this is Betty Cooper and that over there,” he said, pointing at the other side of the booth. “Is my evil little sister, Alex.” He chuckled.

Veronica giggled.

Alex glared at him. “I think we’re capable of introducing ourselves, Arch.” She hissed.

He ignored her.

“Wait, are you..” Veronica trailed off, taking to Betty.

“Supposed to give you your tour tomorrow? Yes.” Betty finished and answered her question for her.

They both smiled awkwardly.

“I’m your peer mentor.” Betty said looking down as she chuckled.

“Do you want to join us?” Archie invited her.

Both of Betty and Alex’s eyes widened.

“She’s seems pretty busy, Arch.” Alex began.

“Hey, maybe we can un-fill you with dread.” He said, ignoring his sister once again.

Veronica eventually got the hint that neither Betty or Alex wanted her there.

“My mom’s waiting for me.” She forced a chuckle.

Archie gave her an understanding nod.

“But, to be continued.” Veronica said as she smiled.

She walked away.

“Yeah.” Archie responded quietly.

His full attention went back to Betty. He caught himself still smiling but then went back to the mood he was in earlier.

“What were you saying?” Archie asked, trying to get back on topic.

“Nothing.” Betty smiled the best she could but Alex knew she was frowning deep down.

Alex felt bad but Betty had an advantage to being good friends with his little sister. She can talk him up about Betty.

They all talked a little more amongst each other. Then they all went home.

Archie and Alex got to finishing up the demos he was talking about to Betty before they went to sleep.

It was a little bit over midnight and Alex couldn’t sleep. She was nervous about her first day. She knew Cheryl would give her a hard time and clearly, she wouldn’t let herself but she just knows she’s not going to be in the mood for it.

Ever since the “accident” happened, everyone says she’s the bitchiest she’s ever been. That’s not what Alex was worried about. She wondered how she was going to face Cheryl after knowing she and her brother were involved. Alex assumed Cheryl knew because, well, they were twins and she always thought they told each other everything.

No one can ever know. You have to take this to your grave, Alex. She thought to herself.

She eventually fell asleep thinking about it.

——————————————————————————

Alex’s alarm went off. Too early, she thought. But she had to wake up earlier than everyone else so she wasn’t late.

She got up and decided to go into the shower. She took her time since she knew no one would be up until a few more hours.

She got out and realized she hadn’t picked out an outfit to wear the night before.

She shrugged and decided to do her hair and makeup in her towel.

She started with her hair. She blow dried it and brushed it out. She always hated that Archie got their mom’s red hair. She thought red locks would suit her. Instead, she got stuck with Fred’s hair color. She didn’t mind being a brunette but she will always wish for red hair.

She decided not to do anything else with her hair since it naturally dried wavy.

She moved on to makeup. She always went light on it. She put on her usual base which was foundation. She moved onto her thick, full brows. She never really needed to shade them in but she did anyway. She put on a bit of blush and mascara to finish it all off.

She looked at herself in her tall mirror with just her royal blue bra and panties. She felt confident for once.

She was insecure about herself in middle school but ever since she helped Archie and her dad out at the construction site, she built some muscle. Her abs were her absolute favorite.

She heard Archie’s alarm go off in the other room. It reminded her to stop looking at herself and put some clothes on. She heard him get up and into the shower.

She started looking for an outfit. She sighed at the thought of her knowing how ugly it was about to get for her room, in search of a good outfit.

She decided to go with a crop tank top and some black ripped jeans with her Doc Martens. She was never the preppy type. Not like Kevin and Betty.

To accessorize, she put on a velvet choker and some skull earrings. She wanted to be extra edgy today, especially since Archie hated it.

She almost went as far as adding black liner but she decided not to. She just woke a dark lipstick. Her favorite from Covergirl. She got her books and bag ready.

She was downstairs giving Vegas breakfast, which was normal dog food in the morning.

“Archie, hurry up! We’re gonna be late!” Alex called out to him as she pet their dog.

Archie was racing up and down the stairs. They were definitely gonna be late.

“Hey, dad, Alex,” Archie called out as he pulled out his phone to check the time. “First day of school and we’re already late.”

“We wouldn’t have been if you had your shit together last night!” Alex called back out.

“Language!” Fred scolded in a sing-sing voice, as he was pouring coffee into his mug.

Archie went to the kitchen table to put his books in his bag. He said hi to Vegas on his way.

Alex rolled her eyes.

“Hey, you guys, uh, stopping by the site later?” He asked Archie.

Archie looked at Alex.

“Uh, I’m not.” She scoffed. “I hated it but maybe next summer, dad.”

He nodded and looked at Archie for a response.

Archie sighed. “Dad, it’s my first day.”

“Oh, we gotta get you going to the office, so next summer you’re not on the crew.” Fred responded.

“Well, I can’t. I’ve got football tryouts.” He said as he shoved his books in his bag.

Fred smiled. It wasn’t a good smile but it wasn’t a bad one either. They can never tell.

“Or is that not okay?” Archie carefully asked.

“No, it’s, uh, it’s okay. Good luck.” Fred said, leaving Archie unconvinced.

“Greaaaat, can we go now?” Alex asked with an attitude.

“Yes, we should head out now.” Archie said when he checked his phone again.

“Good luck to you, too, sweetie.” He gave her a peck on the top of her head. “I don’t suppose you’re trying out for the cheer team, huh?” Fred teased.

“Haha, very funny, dad.” Alex sarcastically responded.

They began to walk towards the door.

“Be nice.” Fred called out to Alex.

“I’m always nice.” Alex’s face scrunched up.

“Who’s the funny one now?” Fred teased.

She glanced at him to glare at him for a second but then they both left.

They started walking.

“Ugh, why do we have to walk?” Alex complained as she groaned.

“Because it’s just a few blocks away?” Archie scoffed. “Jesus, you complain about everything.”

“Are you trying to pick a fight with me?” Alex asked. “Because it’s way too early for that.”

“No,” Archie denied. “But i could do without your complaints.”

“Oh, well, that’s too bad.” She said as she skipped. “What are little sisters for?”

He forced a chuckle.

“Hey, you brought a sweater, right?” Archie asked as he eyed her outfit.

“Uh, no, it’s not cold.” She scoffed.

It was 53 degrees.

“Uh, it might not be too cold but it is pretty chilly.” Archie said. “And you’re showing too much skin, anyway.”

He took his book bag off and looked for the hoodie he shoved in there, along with his books. He took it out and offered it to her.

“Uh, no, thanks. Since when do you care about what I wear, anyway?” Her brows furrow.

“Since I found out that there are a lot of horny boys in high school.” He said, shoving the hoodie in her face.

“Oh, no! Let me hide my shoulders because God knows it’ll drive the boys crazy!” Alex sarcastically said as she clutched her shoulders dramatically.

Archie glared at her and shoved the hoodie in her face one more time. “Not your shoulders, Smartass. Your stomach.”

She laughed.

Finally she took it. “I’m not wearing it.” She shrugged.

“You will when you get dress coded.” Archie said with a smirk.

“We’ll see about that.” She smirked right back.

They laughed.

“So, what did you think about that Veronica girl?” Alex asked as she narrowed her eyes.

“Uh, i thought she seemed cool. And pretty.” He stammered. “You?”

“Prettier than Betty?” She asked, raising an eyebrow, definitely crossing a line. She avoided his question.

“What kind of a question is that?” Archie’s face scrunched up.

Alex shrugged.

“I think they’re both equally beautiful.”

“Hm.” Alex responded. “I don’t believe you.”

Archie scoffed. “Well, what do you think of her?”

She smacked her lips. “I think she’s a bitch.”

Archie’s eyes widened. “God, can’t you be nice for just one second?”

“I am nice, Arch.” She defended herself. “And it’s the truth. My bitch radar was going off like crazy. I know a bitch when I see one.”

“Does it go off when you look at yourself in the mirror?” Archie joked, and laughed.

Alex mocked his laugh as she nudged him. “Haha, hilarious.”

“You heard about her dad?” Alex asked with a grin on her face.

“What about her dad?” Archie asked with his brows furrowed.

“He’s in prison. For fraud. And embezzlement. That’s why they moved here.” She said, with the grin still on her face. “To.. ‘start a new life.’” She motioned her hands with quotation marks.

“How do you even know?”

“I do my research, Archie.” She responded.

“Damn.. that must be tough.”

Alex rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, okay.” She mocked her sympathy. “Still not as bad as mom leaving us, if that’s what you were thinking.”

“It wasn’t.” His face scrunched up again.

“Well, good. Because her father got locked up. He was forced to leave her and her mom. Our mother, left, on her own free will. Not giving a shit, not looking back.” She said coldly.

He sighed heavily.

“I know you’re still mad at her, but, come on, Alex. I think you’ve held the grudge for long enough.” Archie tried reasoning with her.

“Sure doesn’t feel like it.” Alex rolled her eyes.

They arrived at school.

Archie went straight to his locker. Alex followed. He promised her he would show her around. She was going to ask Betty, but she didn’t really want to hear the history of Riverdale High and all of the other unnecessary stuff.

He was going over some song lyrics with her. He told her he was going to try to talk to Josie, from Josie and the Pussycats, to see if they would sing one of his songs.

“Your hand writing is sloppy.” Alex pointed out.

“So is yours.” Archie returned the insult.

She scoffed.

Then Reggie came up out of nowhere.

“Bro, you are ready for football.” He said, looking at his upper body. “I’m not kidding, dude. You got ripped.”

He seemed very shocked.

Reggie went on about how buff Archie was.

He didn’t even notice Alex was there.

Again, being overshadowed by her brother, like always. She was use to it by now but she wanted it to be different this time.

“Taking some T?” Reggie then asked.

She snickered. Archie glared at her.

Then they started walking. She followed.

Reggie then starting asking what he was taking.

“It’s from working construction, Reg.” Archie laughed as he put his letterman jacket on.

“Oh yeah, yeah, that’s right— Yo, Moose!” Reggie called out. Moose started walking with them.

Alex was annoyed by how loud he thought he needed to be.

“So, Archie, you gonna show me around?” She said instead of asking, like she was reminding him.

“Oh, yeah. Hey, I gotta show my little sister around, I’ll catch up with you later.” He tried walking off.

“Whoa, what?” Reggie asked, surprised, while he checked Alex out.

“That’s Alex? Holy shit! And i thought Archie grew up.” He laughed with Moose.

“I can show you around instead, babe.” Reggie winked.

Alex cringed at his lame attempt to flirt. Archie wasn’t having it.

“Knock it off, man.” Archie said, annoyed. Reggie and Moose laughed once again.

“Yo, be honest with me..” Reggie paused for a bit. “You work on any houses? Any private homes?”

They kept walking and faster. Alex followed, trying to keep up.

“Yeah, a couple.” Archie answered.

“Did you tap some cougar ass this summer?” Reggie shouted.

A look of disgust appeared in Alex’s face.

“Okay, you know what, I’ll just ask Betty. Goodbye.” She said, walking away.

“Hey, call me later, sweetie.” Reggie said to Alex as he winked again.

Archie playfully smacked Reggie’s chest.

She laughed.

“You know what, I think that’s more a fantasy from your wank-bank, Reggie.” Archie said as he walked off as well. “I’ll catch you guys soon.”

“Yeah, so is your sister now, Andrews!” Reggie called out.

Archie flipped him off. Both Moose and Reggie laughed.

Alex went around looking for Betty desperately. She knew she was going to be late if she didn’t find her soon.

She found her when she was introducing Kevin to Veronica.

“Hey, Betty!” She called out from the other end of the hall.

She looked at her with a smile.

“Hey, Alex, everything okay?” She bit her bottom lip.

“Yeah, i was wondering if you would give me a tour as well. Archie suddenly got busy..” she shrugged.

“Yeah, sure, you remember Veronica?” Betty said, trying to get her off her back.

“Archie’s little sister, right?” Veronica asked Alex

The phrase that grinds Alex’s gears.

“Yeah, hi.” Alex said uninterested and quick.

Veronica’s facial expression went straight. She looked at Betty. Betty shrugged.

“Hey, Kevin. It’s been a while.” Alex smiled.

“Hi, Alex.” He smiled back.

“Thank god, you’re gay, Kevin. Let’s be best friends.” She said with a grin on her face, purposely interrupting them.

He smiled awkwardly.

Alex glared at her.

“Is it true what they say about your dad?” Kevin asked, shamelessly.

Alex tried to hold back a laugh except she wasn’t really trying. Betty couldn’t believe he actually asked her about it.

Veronica’s mood shifted.

“That he’s the devil incarnate?” She asked, with a tone in her voice that wasn’t so giddy anymore. “I stand by my father.”

Alex raised her brows and chuckled.

“Does everyone here know?” She asked, as she crossed her arms.

“Well, he’s all over the news sooo, what do you think?” Alex responded.

Her smart comments never got her anywhere.

“Wonderful. Ten minutes in and I’m already Blue Jasmine of Riverdale High.” She said walking off.

Betty rolled her eyes at Kevin, causing him to question her. Then they followed.

“Oh and of course there’s a back-to-school-semi formal dance this weekend.” Betty continued with her tour.

“That’s so lame.” Alex scoffed.

“Oh!” Veronica interrupts once again.

She pulled Betty back so she can see Veronica’s view.

“There’s the hottie we were with last night.” Veronica smiled.

“The red headed Ansel Elgort.” She continued.

Alex snorted. “That’s disrespectful. To Ansel.”

Kevin giggled. Betty wasn’t into the whole thing but she knew she had to play nice.

They all looked at him. He looked like he just got rejected. He probably didn’t get through to the Pussycats, Alex thought.

“Is he your boyfriend?” Veronica asked.

“No, he’s straight.”

“No, we’re just friends.”

“No, he’s my brother.”

The three of them say at the same time. Veronica looked at all of them. They smiled awkwardly.

“In that case, mind putting in a word?” Veronica asked Betty. “I’ve tried every flavor of boy but orange.”

Alex’s face scrunched up.

“Why the hell is everyone in here so horny?” She asked. Betty chuckled and shrugged.

“Actually, to clarify..” Kevin began. “Betty and Archie aren’t dating, but they are endgame.”

“Yeah, and i already gave her my blessing.” Alex joined with a fake smile.

Betty was sort of quiet while they explained.

Veronica wasn’t exactly disappointed but she wasn’t happy either.

“You should ask him to the semi formal then.” Veronica suggested to Betty.

“Oh, you definitely should! He’d never say no to you.” Alex said.

“She should, but I heard it might be getting cancelled.” Kevin said. “Because of what happened to Jason. They’re gonna tell us at the assembly.”

Betty nodded. Alex’s whole face went blank.

“Who’s Jason and what happened to him?” Veronica asked uninterested.

They all stared at Veronica.

“You’ve got lots to learn, new girl. And i don’t mean academically.” Alex smirked.

Betty continued the tour. She told Alex where all of her classes were so she wouldn’t be late. She wasn’t exactly excused for a tour like Veronica was.

It was time for the assembly. Everyone was at the gym, which was huge.

It started with Cheryl’s speech. She still looked the same, Alex thought. She looked meaner as well.

She went on about how many of us were lucky enough to have known Jason personally.

Alex wouldn’t say lucky. He was a player who broke her heart.

He was and always will be my soul mate.

That’s a weird thing to say about a sibling, Alex thought. Whatever floats her boat, she shrugged.

Alex was surprised that her little speech wasn’t depressing. In fact, she stopped the semi formal from getting canceled. Everyone cheered.

Alex looked around the bleachers to see where Archie was. When she did, she saw him eyeing Ms. Grundy. She eyed him right back. She didn’t think too much about it and her attention was back on Cheryl.

The assembly was over moments later. Alex tried to look for her next class but she got lost. She couldn’t find Betty anywhere.

She saw Archie at the bottom of the stairs talking to Ms. Grundy.

She walked towards them to ask Archie for help.

“During my office hours. My official office hours.” Grundy said, then skittishly walked off.

That was the only thing Alex heard.

“What was that about?” Alex asked Archie.

“Nothing.” He sighed.

“How’s your first day so far?” He asked, changing the subject.

“It’s greaaaat.” She sarcastically responded.

He laughed.

“I don’t know where my Algebra class is.” She groaned.

Archie smiled. “Come on. I’ll take you.”

She followed him.

The rest of the day went on. So far, everything was going smoothly. Alex was a bit anti social so she didn’t really make friends.

It was lunch time. Archie let her sit with him and his friends, who were also Alex’s friends, like the nice big brother that he is.

Alex saw Veronica struggle to find anywhere to sit while Archie showed the others one of his songs.

Betty was smiling at him. She was the only one that seemed to be into it.

“Can I join?” Veronica appeared.

Alex rolled her eyes.

Archie closed his laptop.

“Yeah.” Betty said.

“What are we doing?” Veronica asked as she sat down in front of Betty.

“Listening to one of Archie’s songs.” Betty said as she smiled and nudged him.

He smiled.

“I thought we were gonna have to pretend to like it, but it’s actually really good.” Kevin said, impressed.

“Wait, that was you singing?” Veronica joined on the conversation. “Something you wrote?”

“Yeah,” Archie said. “Alex helped me record and write. It’s rough.” He admitted.

“Your doing.” Alex clarified.

“No, it’s great!” Betty insisted.

“It’s incredible, actually, the little snippet I heard.” Veronica admitted.

Alex went back to eating her food, trying to tune Veronica out.

“Is that your thing? Music?” Veronica asked, flirtatiously.

Betty got uncomfortable. Kevin sighed. Alex scoffed.

“Are you doing something with that?” Veronica continued as she bat her eyelashes.

Archie nodded. “Yeah, that’s the plan.”

“So how’s your first day going? Good?” Archie asked.

“Not to be a complete narcissist, but I thought people would be more…” she trailed off.

“Obsessed with you?” Kevin finished for her.

Veronica smiled as she looked down.

“Any other year, you’d be trending number one, for sure.” Kevin continued. “This year, though, it’s all about Cheryl trying to win the Best Supporting Psycho Oscar for her role as Riverdale High’s bereaved Red Widow.”

Alex saw Cheryl approaching them from the corner of her eye while Kevin was talking. She wasn’t scared of her but she got nervous. She hated herself for overreacting. She was sure that she knew.

“Hey, i should go. I got that meeting with Grundy and then football tryouts, so.” Archie said as he got his book bag.

He gave a small hug to Alex. She smiled.

“You play football too? What don’t you do?” Veronica asked, surprised.

Then Archie left.

“Before you ask, Blue Jasmin, no she has not invited him to the dance yet…” Kevin aggressively said.

“I’ve been trying to get her to all day but..” Alex trailed off as she groaned.

“Not yet, and don’t talk about Archie!” Betty whispered harshly.

When Cheryl came to their table to talk to Veronica, they all understood why.

As soon as Cheryl came, Alex tuned her out. She introduced herself and asked to sit.

She sat down and pushed Betty to make space for herself causing Betty to push Alex. Her face scrunched up.

Betty apologized.

“So, what are you four hens gossiping about?” Cheryl began.

She paused when her eyes landed on Alex.

“Are you new here too?” Cheryl narrowed her eyes.

Alex froze. “I’m a freshman.”

Cheryl gasped. “You’re quite ripped for a youngster. What’s your secret?”

Cheryl’s kindness was an act and she knew it.

“I worked with my dad and my brother at his construction site all summer. Archie is my brother.” Alex said.

“What? You’re Alex? Damn, you got hot.” Cheryl said, very impressed.

Alex hated the fact that people were surprised about her transformation. It wasn’t a big deal.

“Anyway,” Cheryl continued. “Are you guys talking about Archie’s Edwin-Raquel emergence from the chrysalis of puberty?” She smiled deviously.

Alex scoffed.

Betty shook her head when Veronica looked at her.

“Extracurriculars.” Veronica changed the subject. “Weatherbee wants me to sign up for a few.” She continued, bored.

“Cheerleading.” Cheryl suggested with a smile. “You must! You and Alex!”

“Yeah, I’m not really into that.” Alex began.

“You never know..” Cheryl insisted.

Alex shook her head.

“I’m senior captain of the River Vixens.” She said with a smile as she flipped her hair.

“Is cheerleading still a thing?” Kevin asked, provoking her.

“Is being the Gay Best Friend still a thing?” Cheryl hissed.

Alex’s eyes widened. Her mood shifts quicker than her own, she thought.

Cheryl and Veronica continued their cheer talk. Apparently, Veronica was a cheerleader in New York. She bragged about how she always sat at the top of the pyramid.

Alex was annoyed.

“Im in.” Veronica finally said. “Betty, Alex, come on, you guys are trying out, too.”

Alex shook her head and furrowed her brows. Betty smiled and looked at Cheryl as she continued to eat.

“Of course, anyone’s welcome to try out,” Cheryl said with another one of her fake smiles. “But Betty’s already got so much on her plate right now” she said as she eyes her plate of food. “And being a Vixen is kind of a full time thing but open to all!” She insisted.

She gets up. “Oh, and I’m hoping you’ll change your mind, Alex. We could use someone like you. You’re fit, pretty, and I can sense your bitchy attitude. You’ve got what it takes.”

Alex thought about it but then shook her head once more.

Cheryl shrugged then told them to follow her on twitter and that she would do the same.

She gave them her username. None of them were really going to do it. She walked off.

“Okay, go ahead and hate on cheerleading, but if hipster Prince Harry..” Veronica began.

Betty cut her off.

“I’d love to be a cheerleader.” Betty admitted. “It would look great on my college applications. But last year, when I tried out, Cheryl said I was too fat.”

“What?” Alex’s brows furrowed. “Who the hell does she think she is?”

“No, it’s okay. I wasn’t bothered by it as much as you would think.” Betty shrugged.

“Too season 5 Betty Draper.” Kevin quoted Cheryl. “It was a great line,” he glanced over at Betty who was frowning while Alex looked heated. “But not at all true.” He quickly added.

“Well, you’re a total smokes show now.” Veronica defended Betty. “I mean it. As hot and as smart as you are, you should be the Queen Bey of this drab hive.” Veronica admitted.

“Look, if you want to be a River Vixen, I’ll help you prep. I have moves.” Veronica offered.

“Okay, you know what? Show me your moves.” Betty accepted.

Veronica squealed. “Alex?”

“No, cheerleading isn’t my thing.” Alex protested.

“Oh, come on. Drop the ‘edgy’ act and try out. I can help you too.” Veronica said.

“Actually, Alex used to be a dancer. She’s really good.” Betty told Veronica. “But you should, Alex! It’ll be so fun.” She smiled.

“Okay, no offense, Betty, but I’m not falling for her act. Have you told them what you were really like back in New York, Little Miss Richie Rich?” Alex asked.

Veronica froze. how does she know?

Alex nodded. “Of course not. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

She got up and left.

“Wait, why would it have offended me?” Betty asked.

“You can be a little naive at times.” Kevin told her.

Betty frowned while Veronica stayed frozen.

“You okay?” Betty asked.

She sighed. ���Yes, we can talk about that later though.” Veronica said as she tried to go back to the mentality she had moments ago.

——————————————————————————

Alex was lost once again. She couldn’t find Archie or Betty to ask for help so she tried being on her own. She didn’t want to take her schedule out because she didn’t want to make it known that she was lost.

She decided she didn’t care anymore and whipped it out. While looking down as her paper, she bumped into someone. He was tall, dark, handsome, and buff.

“Oh, shit, I’m sorry.” She apologized as soon as it happened.

“Hey, no worries.” She said as he licked his lips and checked her out. “Are you new here?” He asked.

“Yeah, I guess. Not new, like Veronica Lodge, I’ve lived in Riverdale my whole life. I’m just a freshman.” She smiled, thinking to herself what an idiot she was for basically telling him her whole life story.

“Damn, you’re a freshman? With a body like that?” He eyed her up and down, not so subtle. She couldn’t tell if he was flirting or not.

“Yeah, i worked out the whole summer.” Alex chuckled.

He smiled. “Well, welcome to Riverdale High. You look a little lost. Need some help?”

“Sure.” She smiled back.

She told him what class she needed to be in and he took her there.

“So, what’s your name, freshie?” He asked as they went up the stairs.

“Alex. You?”

“Chuck.” He smiled.

She nodded. “Nice to meet you.”

“The pleasures all mine.” He smirked.

She giggled. “So are you a sophomore? Junior?” She asked.

“Sophomore.” He smirked.

“Hm. Looks like the only people I seem to know are all older. Great.” She sighed.

“What, are you having a hard time making friends?” He chuckled.

“You can say that. I don’t really want friends though. It’s all just drama. I mean, what’s the point? Once high school ends, so do the friendships.” She explained.

He laughed. “Yeah, i get it.”

They got to the class she needed to be in.

“Well, here we are. Uh, I was wondering, can I get your number? I mean if you don’t mind.” He took his phone out and offered it to Alex.

She took it and put her phone number in.

“Call me.” She smirked.

“I most definitely will.” He said as he walked away, still eyeing her.

She laughed.

She walked into her class, longing for the day to be over.

In the middle of class, Veronica and Betty had Alex excused.

Alex got out and met them in the girls locker room. It was empty. “What the hell? Why did you guys have me excused?”

“Because you’re trying out for cheerleading.” Veronica said.

“I already said no, Veronica. God, you’re annoying.” Alex said as she groaned.

“I’m not taking no for an answer. Look, I don’t even know why you don’t like me. I know that you know what I was like back in New York, but that’s not me anymore. I’m trying to be different. Will you just give me a chance?” Veronica asked.

Alex looked at Betty, unsure. Betty shrugged.

“Dancing was your passion, Alex. This could be your chance to show everyone what you’ve got.” Betty said, helping Veronica convince her.

Alex groaned once again. “Fiiinnneee.”

The girls squealed.

“But if you’re looking for my blessing to date Archie, I already gave it to Betty as I mentioned before. And I’m trying out on my own.” Alex listed her conditions.

Veronica nodded. “Okay. I understand.”

Betty had a huge smile on her face. “I’m so happy you’re gonna dance again!”

“I’m a little nervous.” Alex admitted.

“You’re gonna do great, Alex.” Veronica insisted. “Now go get changed into your P.E. uniform.”

Alex did what Veronica told her to. Veronica was happy because she was reinventing herself in all the right ways.

When Alex was done, they all went to the gym.

Alex tried out first. She didn’t really feel up to it but she did. She was amazing. She use to dance when she was in middle school all the time. They had a team and everything.

Cheryl smiled big. She told her she would have to help her choreograph the team. Alex nodded.

why is she being so nice? Does she not know?

“I’m glad you changed your mind. We could really use someone like you.” Cheryl said.

“So you’ve said.” Alex said out of breath.

“You should feel really special. I never ask freshman to try out. But with you, I’m glad I did. I see you’ve got fire.” Cheryl admitted.

Alex smiled.

“Welcome to the River Vixens.” Cheryl smiled big.

Alex thanked Cheryl and went to the hallway to give the floor to Betty and Veronica. She watched them from the door way.

Then it was their turn. They were doing good so far but Cheryl didn’t look satisfied.

Cheryl complained about not seeing the heat between them. Veronica then pulled Betty into a kiss leaving Alex in shock. Cheryl rolled her eyes and passed her clipboard to one of her minions.

Alex observed Cheryl while she continued with her judging.

Alex could tell Cheryl was going through so much. She had so much anger. Alex would know. As much as she tried to understand her, she couldn’t sympathize for her because she was such a bully.

She started making Betty tell Veronica about Jason and Polly.

Alex told herself she was over Jason but she wasn’t. Whenever someone spoke about him, it broke something in her. She just didn’t want to admit it. He was gone. Whats the point?

Cheryl began to push Betty’s buttons. She was trying to get her to snap.

Alex noticed that Betty began making fists with her hands. Was she going to hit her?

Betty started tearing up. Cheryl got what she wanted.

Betty unfolded her hands, where Alex saw blood at the palms. She felt bad.

Betty started apologizing to Cheryl. She was so sweet, Alex thought.

Cheryl welcomed Veronica to the River Vixens, where as she told Betty ‘better luck next time.’

Alex was about to go in there and rip Cheryl’s red hair out but then Veronica started defending her. Guess she was trying to be better than how she was in New York.

She observed the whole situation. Cheryl expected Betty to be the one to be crying at the end but it was really her, with what Veronica said. Eventually, she accepted both of them to the River Vixens.

All the girls in the cheerleading squad went back into the girl’s locker rooms.

The girls all zipped each other up as they got into their new uniforms. Alex was happy for Betty. She knew how devastated she was when she didn’t make it last year. Maybe having Veronica around was a good thing.

Betty giggled after she saw herself in the mirror.

“Perfect.” Veronica said, smoothing out the cloth and joined in on her giggling.

“Very Betty Draper, season 1.” Veronica joked.

Betty nodded with the biggest smile on her face.

“And how do you feel, Alex?” Betty asked.

“As long as I’m dancing again, I’m happy.” Alex admitted.

“I guess I have you to thank.” Alex looked at Veronica.

“I guess you do.” Veronica chuckled. “You’re very welcome.”

Alex smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror a little longer while Betty pulled Veronica to the side.

Alex could hear what they were talking about, so doing the whole 'side bar’ thing was a little pointless.

“I know the crowd you ran with in New York.” She heard Betty say.

oh, she knew this whole time. Alex thought.

“Come on,” Veronica said to both Alex and Betty. “I’ve got a little story to tell.”

They went outside and walked along the the side of the football field, where track rehearsals were held.

Veronica talked about her dad. Talking about how everything felt in her point of view. How she and her mom were harassed by trolls. She admitted that the things the trolls were saying were true and that’s why it hurt the most. She also admitted she was like Cheryl, even worse. When her mom said they were moving to Riverdale, she made a pact with herself to use it as an opportunity to become a better version of herself.

Betty thought it was a lot of pressure for someone. Alex agreed.

Then Betty talked more about Jason and Polly. When they got together, it meant everything to her and nothing to him. She admitted that things got intense. Her mom turned on Polly, while she was trying to keep up with Jason at the same time. Betty’s mom basically disowned Polly, and continued to insult her. She said Jason hurt Polly, but it was her mom that broke her.

Alex got weird. She felt bad about laughing at Polly whenever she thought about her being in a psych ward. She also felt bad because of what Jason put her through. She had no idea they went through the same type of pain.

They both turned to Alex. It was her turn to tell them her sob story. She sighed.

“I gave up dancing when my mom left. It was a hobby that turned into a passion. I loved it. My mom supported me throughout all of it. She was always there at my rehearsals and my competitions. Until she wasn’t. She and my dad separated and she decided that she didn’t want to live in the same house as him. She left town. We didn’t find out until a week later. I’ve always held that against her because she left me when I needed her the most. I was going through puberty at the time, and I couldn’t talk to my dad or Archie about it, you know? She’s the reason I have all these issues and I’ll never forgive her. When my mom left, my dad tried being there for me when I danced but it wasn’t the same. It felt like without her support, I couldn’t do it anymore. So I quit. I let my anger get the best of me. I started seeing someone. Someone I can talk to about anything. Not necessarily a therapist. But at the time I loved to draw as well. She told me whenever I felt angry, to draw, paint, sculpt, do whatever I had to do to let the anger out in the most harmless way. And it worked. I’ve created beautiful drawings due to my anger. So in a way I’m thankful for her leaving us. I just hope she doesn’t come back. When I danced back there, I let out all of the other emotions I was keeping in. A few months back, anger was the only emotion I knew. It was bad. But I feel great about trying out now, especially now that I made the team. I’ll be dancing with or without my moms support. I don’t need her.”

She thought about mentioning Jason but she decided not to.

“Hey, i had no idea.” Betty said. “Archie only told me how it felt for him but I should’ve asked you how it felt for you as well.”

“It’s okay, Betty. I’ll be okay without her. I know that now.” Alex smiled.

“Well, you have our support, Alex.” Veronica said with a smile.

“And your dad, and Archie’s.” Betty added.

Alex smiled and nodded.

“Thanks, again, Ronnie.” Alex said.

“Aw.” Veronica put her over her chest. “You do like me. You called me Ronnie.”

She went over to Alex to giver her a hug. She wasn’t having it.

“Okay, now you’re over doing it.” She tried fleeing from her but Veronica caught her and hugged her forcefully.

“Come here!” Veronica said as she smothered Alex.

Alex looked uncomfortable. Betty laughed at the two goofs.

“But thank you, too, Betty.” She said, almost forgetting that Betty helped as well.

“Any time.” Betty smiled.

Veronica saw Archie and called him. He began to run towards them.

“You’re so doing this.” Veronica said.

“What?” Betty questioned.

Alex smiled, knowing where Veronica was going with this.

“Slaying your dragons, Betty Cooper, one by one.” She said as Betty began to freak out.

“Hi, teen outlander.” Veronica said, when he got to them.

“Hey.” He responded. “Nice outfits.”

His eyes widened when he noticed his baby sister wearing one as well.

“what? You actually tried out? Aw, you look adorable.” He teased.

“Shut up, doofus.” Alex rolled her eyes. Archie laughed.

“Betty here has something she wants to ask you about the back-to-school dance.” Veronica continued with her scheme.

Betty looked at her.

“Go on, Betty. Ask.” She smiled.

Archie looked at her.

“I was wondering if you wanted to come with the three of us.” Betty blurted out.

“What?” The three of them except Betty asked.

“Uh, no, Betty, I’m not even going. And you know, Veronica aren’t you just so busy?” Alex said, making up an excuse for Veronica not to go.

Veronica went along with Alex. “Yeah, you’re totally right. Still have lots of unpacking to do.”

Betty widened her eyes at both of them. She was definitely going to kill them after this.

“Come on.” she pleaded. “It’s your first dance at Riverdale.” Betty reasoned. “You should have someone to go with, even if it’s just a friend. You too, Alex.” She smiled lightly.

Alex thought about it. If she went, she can keep Veronica distracted.

“I mean, I’d love to, but I gotta unpack, like mentioned…” she awkwardly said.

“On second thought, you’re not all that busy and i actually change my mind. What do you say, Archie?” Alex said with a smirk.

“Uh, I’m not really in the headspace for a dance.” Archie responded.

“Oh. That’s okay.” Betty said, disappointed.

“More the reason to let loose and have a little fun, Archie.” Alex said, trying to convince him for Betty.

“Totally unacceptable, Archiekins. We need an escort!” Veronica began. “Take a break, like Alex here loosely suggested, from being a tortured musical genius and come spend a blissful evening with not one, or two but three newly-minted River Vixens.”

“We’ll text you time and place.” She smiled.

geez, this girl really doesn’t take no for an answer. Alex thought.

Archie smiled and accepted. He said bye to them and went back to the football field. Betty smiled.

Veronica and Betty went home while Alex waited for Archie.

She waited a good two hours. The whole time she was watching Chuck play though.

They began walking home.

“Damn, take your sweet ass time, why don’t you.” She said as she rolled her eyes.

“Sorry.” He chuckled.

“You make the team?” She asked.

“Uh, yeah. There’s a spot for quarterback. It used to be Jason’s. Coach Clayton is just handing it to me.” He chuckled.

Her chest felt empty. It used to be Jason’s. She sighed.

“Well, that’s just life for you, isn’t it? Getting things handed to you.” Alex’s eyes narrowed.

He scoffed. “Not the thing I want the most though.” He looked down.

“I’m guessing things with Josie didn’t go so well?” Alex assumed.

“Yeah. It was a long shot anyway.” Archie admitted. “I might ask Cheryl to talk to her for me.”

Alex nodded.

“Are you gonna take Jason’s spot?” Alex asked.

“I don’t know. I told Clayton I would have to think about it because of dad’s site. But I told dad I couldn’t stop by his site today because of football.”

Alex inhaled sharply through her teeth. “So you lied to both.”

“It’s just that I want to do football and music. I just don’t want to work with dad at the construction site.” The corner of Archie’s mouth twisted.

“So be honest. It’ll save you the trouble.” Alex suggested.

“I don’t know. I don’t want to hurt his feelings.” Archie shrugged.

“You know he’s going to find out. So just tell him.” Alex advised.

“I will.” Archie inhaled deeply. “I don’t know how, but I will.”

Alex gave him a smile. He returned it.

They arrived home.

“Hey, dad.” Alex said as she walked through the door.

Archie went upstairs as soon as he walked through the door.

“Hey, Sweetie.” His eyes widened when he looked at her outfit. “Uh, you know I was kidding about the cheerleading thing, right?”

She nodded. “I decided that I want to dance again.”

Fred smiled at her. Then he hugged her.

“I’m proud of you.” He pecked her on her forehead.

“I’m gonna go start on my homework.” She gestured towards the stairs.

He nodded. She climbed the stairs and disappeared into her room.

Archie went back downstairs with his guitar.

“Hey, dad.” He quickly greeted then went outside to the porch.

Fred debated whether it was the time to talk to him or not. Then he decided it was. He went to the kitchen to grab a beer and joined him outside where he saw him practicing his guitar.

Alex didn’t have any homework to do. She lied so she can go upstairs and wait for Chuck to call.

She almost gave up on waiting when her phone started to ring.

It was an unknown number.

“Hello?” She asked as she narrowed her eyes.

“Hey. It’s me.”

She muted her phone and squealed. She unmuted herself and went back to talking to him.

“Hi.” She smiled.

“What’s up?”

“Oh, nothing much. I’m pretty bored.” She said, faking an uninterested tone.

“Do you want to hang out?”

Her heart started beating fast. She hesitated to answer.

“Sure.” She smiled once again.

“I’ll text you time and place.”

Then he hung up. She squealed and danced with excitement.

She got a text telling her to meet him at Pop’s at 7.

She smiled. She texted back and looked for something to wear.

She decided to wear a shorter crop top with the same black jeans and shoes she was wearing earlier. She decided to add an oversized denim jacket so Fred or Archie wouldn’t say anything about her top.

Ever since she got abs, she’s been showing them off non stop.

She touched up her makeup and added perfume. Then she headed out.

She walked outside to where Fred and Archie were 'discussing’ something. She assumed he had told him.

“That’s it?” Fred asked. “We don’t talk anymore?”

He looked disappointed. You can cut the tension with a knife.

“Ahem.” She cleared her throat, trying to get their attention.

It broke them from their eye contact.

“Uh, I’m gonna go to Pop’s for a milkshake with… Betty.” She lied.

Fred and Archie sighed.

“Go ahead, sweetheart. Have fun and be careful.” Fred said with a smile.

Archie didn’t even look at her.

“Okay. Thanks.” She smiled.

She walked over to peck him on the cheek and walked off.

They continued their little discussion after she left. She heard a bit of what they were saying but decided she wasn’t going to get in the middle of it.

On her way there, she called Betty.

“Hello?”

“Betty? Hi. Are you busy?”

“Not exactly. I just came to the mall to buy a dress. What’s up?”

“Okay, perfect. I was just going to ask you if you can cover for me? I kinda told my dad I was going to Pop’s with you but I’m going with someone else.” She cringed at her words.

Betty didn’t respond right away.

“If you can’t, it’s totally fine–”

“no, it’s okay, I’ll do it.”

She can tell she hesitated but couldn’t help to let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks. You’re a life saver. Just if they ask, okay?”

“alright. Are you going to be safe though?

“Yeah, it’s just a guy from school.” Alex coyly responded.

“oh, my god! You have to tell me how everything goes.”

Alex chuckled. “I will. Bye.”

Betty said bye and hung up.

She got there and Chuck was already waiting for her. It wasn’t even 7 yet.

She greeted him and sat in front of him.

“How are you doing?” Chuck asked flirtatiously.

She smiled. “I’m okay.” She lied.

“Really? Because I’m sensing that you’re not.” He raised an eyebrow.

She sighed. “Okay, so I may have lied to my dad about coming here with Betty but whatever. He won’t find out.”

Chucked smirked. “I’m sure he won’t.”

They started talking about their personal lives. Alex talked about her mom, she didn’t really go into detail. Chuck talked about his dad, how tough it was to be the new kid whose dad is also the new teacher and coach. They made jokes and laughed. She felt like she really got to know him. Eventually, the night had to come to an end. Chuck paid the check and offered Alex a ride.

“Do you want a ride home?” Chuck asked.

It got kind of late and it was a school night.

“Sure.” She smiled. They got up and headed for the door. That’s when she saw Jughead at his usual booth. He was on his laptop, typing away.

“On second thought, ill just walk. I forgot I told my dad that I was with Betty.” Alex said as she realized.

Chuck nodded. “Alright.”

He gave her a hug and a peck on the cheek before he left. She blushed.

He went outside and drove away in his car.

She went up to Jughead and sat in from of him.

He gave a quick glance through his lashes. She smiled.

“Do you need something?” Jughead asked as his attention went back to his laptop and continued typing.

“Walk me home?” Alex suggested.

He gave her a kind smile. “Let me finish this up.”

She nodded.

Jughead was always nice to her. He was kind of like her second older brother. She loved it. She never thought of him as anything more than that.

He took one more sip from his coffee then nodded towards the door for them to head out. They both got up and started walking.

“So why weren’t you at school today?” Alex tried making conversation.

“Oh, yeah. That’s right. Today was your first day at Riverdale.” He remembered.

“Yeah… so?” She continued with her question.

He sighed. “I don’t go to the first day of school. It’s too much. Everyone is too happy and giddy.”

“Huh. I guess you’re right.” Alex shrugged.

He couldn’t stop looking at her. She looked different. Since Archie was working at his dad’s construction site all summer, he didn’t really call Jughead or hung out with him as much. Neither did Alex. So it had been a while since he saw her.

“You look very different.” He finally said.

She chuckled. “Is that a bad thing?”

“Not necessarily.” Jughead shrugged.

It was a bad thing for him because now he was attracted to her. He had never been attracted to her. Again, they only thought of each other as siblings.

“I’m surprised Fred and Archie let you go out like that.” He pointed at her top.

She laughed. “I covered it with my jacket when I left.”

He laughed. “Of course.”

“Now,…” He said, changing the subject. “What were you doing here with Chuck Clayton?” His brows furrowed.

shit.

“Y-you saw me?” She stuttered.

“Uh, yeah.” He said. “I’ve been there since you arrived.”

She scoffed.

“You can’t tell Archie or my dad, okay?” She assured him.

He nodded. “Okay. Just tell me why you were there with him.”

She groaned. “We were just hanging out, Jug.”

“Okay.” He said as he smirked.

She started blushing.

“Look’s like Archie’s little sister has a crush.” He teased. He knew how much she hated that phrase as well.

Her face scrunched up and her cheeks became more pink.

“I hate you.” She lied as she laughed.

“Yeah, sure you do.” He smirked.

“Will you be going to the dance?” She asked.

“Probably not..” he trailed off.

She nodded. “Yeah, I wasn’t gonna go but this new girl..” she trailed off as she’d rather not talk about it.

“Is she gay for you?” Jughead’s brows raised.

She laughed. “No! You’ve got lots to catch up on already.”

He shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

She smiled and he smiled back.

They got to her house.

“Well, thanks for walking me home.” She reached in for a hug, which he returned.

“No problem.”

“If you need anything, you can always call and text me. Or Archie. Whatever you prefer.” She offered.

He nodded. “You, too.”

She knew about his lifestyle. His alcoholic of a dad. How him mom left and took his sister with her. They’ve always had that in common. Not having a mother around growing up. They always had each other’s back.

He walked back to Pop’s and Alex entered her house. Archie was in the living room, watching tv.

“Where’s dad?” She asked as she put her purse down.

“At the construction site.” Archie answered blandly.

“Did everything go okay, Arch?” She asked carefully.

“Not really, but hey, at least he knows now.” Archie shrugged.

She sat next to him and rubbed his back for comfort.

“He’ll come around, Archie.” She assured him.

He nodded. “Anyway, I went out to by myself a suit. I got you a gown since I knew you would forget.”

She was surprised. “You got me a gown?” She smiled.

He nodded.

Then her eyes narrowed. “Wait, it’s not something ugly, is it?”

He laughed. “No, I made sure I chose the right one. I texted Veronica some pictures. She helped me out.”

She got excited and ran upstairs to go see it. Archie followed to see her reaction.

He got his suit and her dress in advance because like mentioned, he knew she would forget. If she got it last minute, he knew it would’ve been a disaster.

It was a very fancy satin mermaid-like gown. It was dark, forest green and festooned with flowers on it. It was colorful and beautiful. It was super long, which Archie loved most about it since she wouldn’t be showing off her legs. She smiled and squealed as she went to hug Archie.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She screeched.

“Okay, okay.” Archie said as he tried to push her off gently.

“I was pretty sure you weren’t to wear heels so I didn’t get you any.” He admitted.

“It’s fine, I don’t care.” She smiled big as she observed the gown some more. “Where did you get the money for it?”

He shrugged. “Don’t worry about it.”

She narrowed her eyes at him but didn’t think too much about his response.

“Alright, well I’m going to bed.” Archie said.

“Oh, wait, before I forget,” he turned around to face her again. “How did Pop’s with Betty go?”

There was a small pause. She thought he knew that she lied.

“Oh, it was good.” She gave a small smile and nodded.

“Alright, good.” He returned the smile. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Arch.”

She put the gown in her closet. It was stunning, she thought. That Veronica has good taste and knows what a girl likes.

She decided to get ready for bed. She got into her pajamas and took her makeup off. She set an alarm and got into bed.

She texted Betty, Veronica, and Kevin back before she decided to actually fall asleep.

——————————————————————————

It was the day of the dance. School was school. It went smoothly for Alex and Archie for the rest of the week.

Throughout the week, Alex had more subtle dates with Chuck. She started developing a crush on him. He was all she thought about.

Then it was time for the dance. Archie and Alex headed back home from school to get ready.

Alex was only excited to wear the gown but she had a bad feeling about tonight.

She got ready anyway. She got into the gown and paired it with her Doc Martens. The dress was long so no one would see them anyway.

She curled her hair and went heavier on her makeup.

Special occasion, she thought.

Archie called out to her to hurry up from downstairs.

They had to go get Betty from next door and meet Veronica at school.

When Alex came down, both her father and Archie looked at her stunned.

“Yeah, yeah, I know, I look great.” She joked as she laughed.

“You really do, Alexandria.” Fred said with tears in his eyes.

“Dad, come on.” She said as she got off the last step. “No tears.”

He nodded. “I know. You’ve just grown up to be such a beautiful young woman. And you,” he looked at Archie. “A very handsome young man.”

“Thanks, dad.” He smiled.

“We won’t be too late.” Alex said as she smiled. She got her purse and jacket.

They headed out.

They picked up Betty on their way there.

“Wow, you clean up nice, Archie.” She said with a huge smile on her face. “And Alex. You look gorgeous.”

“You, too, Betty.” Alex returned her compliment.

They began walking and got to school where they saw Veronica.

They all complimented each other.

“Thanks for choosing my dress, Veronica.” Alex began.

“What? I didn't–”

“Hey, shall we?” Archie interrupted.

He held out both of his arms for Betty and Veronica. They each held on to one. He led them to the dance. Alex followed. They thought it looked great. Or at least, Archie, Betty, and Alex did.

“Well, it’s not the Met Ball.” Veronica joked, looking around.

Alex rolled her eyes. Then her heart dropped when she saw the huge banner with Jason on it. Her mood changed quickly.

Betty noticed. She nudged Alex which made her snap out of it.

Then she looked at Archie who was also staring at the banner.

“Hey.” She nudged him. “When do you have to let Coach Clayton know about football?”

“This weekend.” Archie responded.

“Guys, can’t we just liberate ourselves from the tired dichotomy of jock/artist?” Veronica asked as her brows furrowed. “Can’t we, in this post James Franco world, be all things at once?”

Betty was smiling. Then she laughed.

“She’s right.” Alex joined.

“I’m working on it, guys.” Archie said.

“Work faster.” She demanded. “We’re gonna go get punch.” She grabbed Veronica. “Come on, V.”

They waved goodbye to Betty. Her eyes widened when she realized they were leaving her alone in purpose.

“You got this.” Veronica whispered.

They giggled as they ran off.

When they got to the punch table, Alex noticed Betty was alone.

“Wait here.” She said to Veronica she walked up to Betty.

“Um, where the hell did he go?” Alex asked, a little upset.

“He went to talk to Grundy, i guess.” She shrugged.

Alex scoffed. She was on her way to bring him back but the she got pulled back by Betty.

“No, it’s okay. Just go be with Veronica, okay?” Betty said.

Alex nodded, unsure, but she did as Betty asked.

Then Kevin went with Betty, which made Alex feel better so she wasn’t completely alone. He seemed excited too.

Veronica and Alex started dancing with each other. What the hell, Alex was already there, she might as well have some fun.

She never thought she’d come to like Veronica but she did. It was weird.

Then Cheryl stood on the stage and began talking to the crowd.

Alex tried to tuned her out but then Veronica made her pay attention. She sighed.

Alex was very uninterested.

“…it is my great pleasure to introduce this evenings main entertainment. To know them is to be obsessed with them. Though they usually perform their own material, tonight, they’re making an exception and debuting a cover of the song my parents claim they were listening to the night Jason and i were conceived.”

Alex’s face scrunched up. What the hell kind of dance was this?

“This one’s for you, JJ.” Cheryl continued. “I give you, Josie and the Pussycats!”

Everyone cheered.

Alex sighed. “I think I’m gonna sit this one out.” She let Veronica know.

“Wha–”

Then she was interrupted when Kevin came in and danced with her.

Alex looked for Chuck but he was nowhere to be found. She was a bit disappointed but she decided to shake it off.

Alex then started watching Betty and Archie. Making sure he was being a gentlemen.

Betty looked over to Kevin and Veronica for some encouragement. They gave it to her. Alex laughed to herself. She can tell Betty was nervous but she was strong.

She assumed Betty told him. Then they stopped dancing.

oh, no.

She sighed.

Then the song ended.

Alex got up and went to Kevin and Veronica.

“How do you think that went?” Alex asked.

“Not too good.” Kevin assumed from the look on Betty’s face.

Alex sighed once again.

Somehow the partying continued at Cheryl’s house. They were all invited back to hers.

They were sitting in the living room when Cheryl came in.

“It’s game time at Chez Blossom, kiddies.” Cheryl deviously said.

“We’re going old school tonight.” She continued. “Seven Minutes in Heaven.”

Alex scoffed.

Betty looked like she wanted to go home already. Veronica tried to make the best out of the situation, as did Archie.

Alex was ready to go home but she couldn’t leave without Archie.

“Who wants to tryst in the Closet of Love first?” Cheryl asked the crowd.

“My vote is 'A’ for Archie.” She answered her own question.

Everyone looked at him. He didn’t seem to be up for it.

“Anyone care to second it?” Cheryl asked around the room.

“Wait, actually..” Archie started.

“Yes, Andrews! Yes.” Reggie cut him off.

“All right. Gather round, kids.” Cheryl said.

She was up to something. Alex knew it.

“Actually, I’m gonna get out of the circle.” Alex said. “I’m not really into incest.” She said as she looked at Cheryl.

Everyone in the room laughed.

Everyone thought Cheryl and Jason were involved in that kind of way. She always denied it. It was just a rumor.

Cheryl glared at Alex, but continued the game.

“Let’s see who’s riding the ginger stallion tonight.” She went back to smiling and spinned a bottle.

The bottle took forever to stop. But when it did, it landed in between Veronica and Betty.

Although, Cheryl said otherwise.

“Oh, no way!” Reggie said as he snickered.

Archie and Veronica looked at each other.

“It’s clearly pointing to… the new girl.” Cheryl said as she tilted her head to the side. “This should be fun.”

Alex rolled her eyes.

“Um… I’m not doing this.” Veronica protested.

“That’s up to you.” Cheryl rolled her eyes. “But, if you don’t, house rules decree the hostess gets to take your turn.”

Veronica noticed Betty tense up.

She gave in and went to the closet with Archie.

Alex scoffed.

Betty looked upset. Like she trusted neither of them. She started looking impatient and a minute hasn’t even gone by.

“I’m sorry, I can’t.” A tear fell from Betty’s eye as she got up and left.

“Betty, wait!” Alex said as she tried to stop her. She failed.

Cheryl was loving the drama. Alex just glared at her. She couldn’t wait for them to come out so she can yell at them.

Whether they did something or not, Alex was still pissed.

The seven minutes passed and they came out.

They both noticed Alex’s mood changed.

“Where’s Betty?” Veronica asked, looking around the room.

Alex was about to answer but Cheryl beat her to it.

“She spiraled and fled.” Cher said casually. “Between us, she’s a lot more high-strung than she looks.”

“You shady bitch.” Veronica snarled before walking off with Archie following.

Alex stopped them.

“You’re the shady bitch.” Alex hissed. “Cheryl might have put Archie in the closet, but you didn’t have to go, Veronica.”

Veronica’s facial expression changed to shame.

“Did you guys do anything?” Alex asked as she crossed her arms.

“It’s none of your business, Alex.” Archie growled.

“Maybe not, but both of you hurt Betty.”

“I’m sorry—” Veronica’s voice broke.

“I’m not the one you need to apologize to!” Alex shouted.

“You claim to be better than Cheryl now but no. You’re still the same, bitchy, spoiled brat that everyone knows you are.”

“Alex—” Archie tried to stop her.

Veronica was crying now.

“No, Archie. She’s right.” She sniffled. “We messed up.”

She ran off.

All the good things Alex thought Veronica was, were wiped out as soon as she went into the closet. She’d swore she wouldn’t trust her again.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Archie snarled at Alex.

“No, Arch, what the fuck is wrong with you? Are you stupid? You know how Betty feels about you. You don’t give a shit if you hurt her feelings. You’re so selfish…” She paused. “Just like mom.” Her voice broke.

She walked off as well, going home, leaving Archie behind.

Cheryl faked a pout before she grinned.

Archie tried to call Betty but her phone was off. He decided to look for her instead.

Alex walked home. She was upset. More than upset. Angry. She was mad because what Archie did tonight was selfish. It reminded her of her mom.

Hence, the anger.

She’s had anger issues in her past. It’s been really bad before. Meaning she would actually think about hurting herself or the person she was angry at. She hadn’t had those thoughts in a while. The last time she had them was when she thought about hurting Jason.

In the moment, she thought about hurting everybody. Cheryl. Veronica. Her mom. Archie.

She was crying and she didn’t even realize it. It was all from anger.

She was trying to stop herself. She couldn’t let this end bad.

She got home. She looked like a mess with mascara running down her face.

“Hey, honey–” he stopped when he noticed her appearance.

“What happened? Where’s Archie?” He asked, as he tensed up. He thought about the worst case scenario.

“He stayed behind at Cheryl’s, or I don’t even know.” Alex sniffled.

“What’s wrong, sweetie? Did someone hurt you?” He asked observing her.

She gently pushed him so he could get out of her personal space.

“No, dad.” She sobbed. “Archie made me upset. A-Archie, Veronica, Cheryl, everyone.”

“Upset how?” He asked, afraid of what the answer might be.

“Dad…” she whispered as she sobbed. “It’s getting bad again.”

Fred sighed. He hugged her as tight as he could to make her feel better.

“Go get cleaned up, sweetheart. I’ve got to call Archie.”

Alex sniffled as she nodded.

She want upstairs and ripped the gown off. She cleaned her face with makeup remover. She put on some comfortable clothes and went back downstairs. She needed to be comforted so she went to Fred.

They sat in the living room. They watched tv as Fred held his beloved daughter in his arms to keep her calm.

She fell asleep. Fred didn’t move a muscle. He didn’t want to wake her. He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head occasionally.

A few hours later, she was woken up by her dad.

“Alex?” He said with a hushed voice.

“Hm?” She replied, still sleepy.

“We gotta get down to Sweetwater River. Archie just called me.”

Her eyes fluttered open. She got up with her brows furrowed.

“Why?”

“They found Jason’s body.” Fred hesitated to tell her.

Her heart dropped.

She got up as quickly as she could.

They met Archie at Sweetwater River. Everyone who was anyone was there. Observing.

Fred held his daughter. He couldn’t imagine what he would do if that was one of his own. He reached out to Archie to comfort him as well.

Everyone was distraught. The police weren’t investigating an accident anymore. They were investigating a murder.

[maya-matlin]

Varchie, Klare, Jackogen, Jonnor, Cheronica, Folly J, Dallogen, Sperri, Alex/Jessica, Clannah, Choni, Rivasworth, Dave/Tori, Farlie, Cremma, Tony/Ryan, Zach/Chloe, Adam/Tori, Zoe/Jack, Danny/Jane, Drianca

Varchie: I think they’re a cute couple. It’s not my favorite pairing for either character, but it’s clear they love each other and they’re almost guaranteed to be endgame, so I accept that. I only wish they had better story lines. Because I really can’t watch however many more seasons of Veronica and/or Archie trying to take down Hiram while Archie gets himself injured or in trouble with the law attempting to save Riverdale. Basically, they’re great in the moments where they’re allowed to support each other and not just have sex scenes. But to be fair, there haven’t been nearly as many this season. 

Klare: I used to be way more into Klare than I am now. They were one of my ultimate favorite ships circa seasons 8-12A. I loved their innocent relationship in grade 9 and always assumed the show would eventually go back to that. Then Eli as a character and Eclare the couple blew up and I really should have realized it was a lost cause. But I held out hope until KC left the show. After that I kind of lost interest. I still find them sweet, but multiple rewatches has proven KC was far from the best boyfriend and I prefer her more with Jake. 

Jackogen: I liked them a lot in season 13 and thought they had good chemistry, but their relationship was mostly damaged by season 14. I’ll never understand why Jack as a character had to be destroyed solely to break up Jackogen. Imogen was graduating. Jack was an army brat, meaning there was always the possibility she would have to move. Other things could have gotten between them like the weirdly handled “Jack might be poly” plot point. But instead Jack as a character is dragged into Degrassi nudes and calls Imogen immature for being upset by it. After that she’s villainized for not yet being out to her parents and not coming out as quickly as Imogen wants her to. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the writers wrote her into one more episode just to make sure there were no Jack fans left. It was annoying. 

Jonnor: They’re cute together. I remember being surprised their characters were being paired up, but they ended up being one of the highlights of season 13 especially. Because even when almost everything in the actual story lines were going to shit, you could count on Jonnor to be cute in the background. 

Cheronica: I mostly still love them. I think Riverdale not doing a slowburn Cheryl/Veronica relationship was a missed opportunity. Camila and Madelaine have so much chemistry and the Cheryl/Veronica friendship had strong build up throughout season 1. I would have at least expected their friendship to be given development considering Veronica supported Cheryl after she attempted suicide. But instead they’re barely allowed to speak to each other aside from when Veronica needs a favor. 

Folly J: I really love their friendship and could have gotten into them as a romantic couple, but mostly I’m fine with the way the story line played out. 

Dallogen: I think I started shipping it in Thunderstruck? Maybe during 13A? I don’t remember. It’s one of the many crackships I got into in season 13 because the actual canon ships were terrible. 

Sperri: They were really cute! It’s one of the saddest almost Degrassi ships because Spinner choosing Paige over Terri indirectly led to the events of season 3 which led to the shooting which changed Degrassi forever. I don’t know how much long term potential they’d have, but I could definitely see them getting together at some point had Terri not left the show. 

Alex/Jessica: I thought they were cute together in season 1. It was hard not to root for him to end up with Jessica considering her other romantic option was complicit in her rape. Season 2 only made me love them more. I liked seeing their friendship solidified and watching them slowly come back together. But even then it was obvious Jessica wasn’t 100% into it. Season 3 ruined whatever positive feelings I had for them by having Alex act so entitled to Jessica. There’s only so many scenes you can watch of Alex yelling at Jessica because she doesn’t love him back or because she dares to want to be sexually satisfied in a relationship. I definitely feel for him because on paper, Alex is the right guy for Jessica. They work very well as friends and he, unlike Justin, didn’t gaslight her and cover up her rape because of his messed up friendship with Bryce. But feelings don’t work like that and while Jessica clearly wishes she loved Alex back, her heart never left Justin. Once he started to redeem himself and even risked going to prison to make sure Bryce paid, for better or worse she forgave him and seems happier after taking him back. 

Clannah: Yet another ship I liked in season 1 only to have it ruined by the guy in the ship acting entitled towards the girl and shaming her for her sexuality. I think I liked Clannah because there were no other options? The season 1 arc frames the story as if Clay is the only person who never screwed Hannah over. Clay was the one person Hannah might have lived for. But season 2 shows that Hannah had meaningful bonds with the other characters on the tapes as well, both platonic and romantic/sexual. It seemed like the more Clay learned about Hannah, the less he liked her. He couldn’t stand the fact that she had complicated feelings about the people in her life and threw a fit over her feelings for other guys and especially the sleeping with Zach. Once he came incredibly close to giving up getting justice for Hannah because he felt she no longer deserved it due to her romantic past, I was done. No attempts to romanticize their relationship or allowing Clay to give the eulogy at her funeral was enough for me. Clay had Hannah on a pedestal and Hannah, in her depressed state, romanticized the idea of being with him. It’s very hard for me to imagine the two of them ending up together even had Hannah lived. 

Choni: Ugh. I enjoyed their relationship in season 2 and even 3. I never thought Toni got enough POV or a life/back story that didn’t involve Cheryl in some way, but I accepted that because Cheryl only had it marginally better due to her character being shoved into the background not long after Choni got together. But this season everything is a huge mess. I sympathize with Cheryl because I realize she’s been through a lot. There are currently no adults in her life who can get her the help she needs or step in and raise her niece and nephew. That being said, it doesn’t give her the right to gaslight Toni in order to continue her unhealthy coping habits. Last night’s episode was a step in the right direction with Cheryl realizing that she hasn’t been coping well with her brother’s death, but so much more work has to be done before I could consider rooting for Choni again. The way I see it, nothing has changed. Toni is still Cheryl’s keeper and still doesn’t have a life of her own. Their relationship is very one sided with Toni basically being Cheryl’s sounding board and constantly complicit in whatever wacky thing Cheryl is doing from week to week. It makes me sad because both characters deserve better. 

Rivasworth: I was really into the possibility of them together in season 13, but that was ruined by the Degrassi nudes fiasco. But what’s funny is their potential relationship template kind of existed later with both Gracevas and Fresme. 

Dave/Tori: I started shipping them in season 12 and actually had hope they could become canon in season 13. Both characters were stated to want epic romance (though I think only Dave specified that) and both had recently gone through breakups with a longtime boyfriend/girlfriend. IDK, it made sense to me and I still find the idea cute. 

Farlie: I shipped them in season 11, but I’ve since gotten creeped out by the age difference. Fiona was a vulnerable, newly out high school senior and Charlie was significantly older. It wasn’t a good idea for them to get involved and Fiona proved she wasn’t ready for that kind of relationship especially so soon after rehab. 

Cremma: I like the idea of them having a temporary relationship around season 2 or maybe even Emma taking Ellie’s role in season 5 having spent time with Craig over the summer. But basically I’m more into the possibility of Cremma than their actual almost relationship. I like them as friends and could have shipped them as a couple, but mostly I’m happy they went in a different direction. It would have been too predictable for Emma to end up with Craig over Manny. Cranny, even though it was incredibly unhealthy, made for a better story. 

Tony/Ryan: They seemed cute. I especially liked their scenes in season 2. I’m not that invested in Tony’s love life, so I’m fine with them never getting back together. But I wouldn’t have minded if it happened. 

Zach/Chloe: I’m relieved they turned out to be just friends. I could understand if their closeness had led to things becoming romantic, but the fact they were platonic made me enjoy their scenes more. Besides, since Zach can’t end up with Hannah, the next best possibility is Alex. 

Adam/Tori: I started shipping them in season 11 mostly because I wanted Zaya that badly. :p I still find the idea of them cute, but there’s no way they could have ever gotten together in canon due to the timing and obviously the fact Adam’s dead. 

Zoe/Jack: I like them fine. It’s probably my least favorite out of all my Zoe ships, but they had chemistry. 

Danny/Jane: I mostly prefer them as friends, but I would have been equally happy with them dating. I mean, imagine the triangle in season 9 being Spinner/Jane/Danny instead of Spinner/Jane/Declan. I don’t think it would be much of a stretch what with Jane and Danny both preparing to leave high school and both being college bound unlike Spinner who would be staying in Toronto. Plus the actors seemed to have chemistry. But mostly I’m not that invested. 

Drianca: I wish I had actual thoughts about them since I know they’re one of your OTPs, but I don’t. I thought they were a great couple and had some of the strongest chemistry out of any Degrassi pairing. There’s no doubt in my mind they should have been endgame.

[daddy-dotcom]

3x02 HIGHLIGHTS

(Live)

-woaaahhh 2 mins in and Archie is naked

-hot dads club pt 3

-stress seizure??? Really??? I ain’t buying it

-DILTON IS DEAD NO

-aww we love an investigative couple

-ooh maddog is FINE (also hes from the 100 and Glow so like I’m familiar)

-oooh Josie u hit Cheryl with that history knowledge

-JOAQUINNNNNNNNNN BITCH YES

-this is probably the most Joaquin has ever talked wow

-mkay call me a thirsty bitch but the lead prison ghoulie is hot

-did Archie get......no idts wer’re good

-looks like me and Kevin r both thirsty bitches

-TGI THURSDAYS BAHAHA IM DED

-ofc dilton has a secret bunker

-FALICE AYYY

-“rEgGie HElpeD Me pIcK tHeM OuT” ok #veggie

-ARCHIE STOP PREACHING THIS IS CRINGEY

-awwww moose in his lil ROTC outfit

-sweetie he is ashamed of u #kevindeservesbetter

-OMFG WAS THAT A ZOMBIE

-wait no just a scout lol

-that whole jailhouse rock scene was a mess but Veronica had good intentions

-MADDOG NO ILL MISS U

-yasss bughead DRAG ETHEL

-that bitch Evelyn probs made Ethel have a seizure I AM NOT HERE FOR THIS PARANORMAL SHIT

-Veronica undercover pt2

-MY LIL BABY ROTC KEVIN

-THE PARENTAL SECRET OMG

-BEN NO

[alexzalben]

Hey Alex just wanted to say Riverdale After Dark continues to be the highlight of my week. Totally agree with what you said about Archie this last episode. I always felt he was at his best and most-Archie in the s2 episode where Betty starts getting black hood calls and archie is the only one she can tell. He's great being a lovable doofus supporting his friends through mysteries and im glad we seem to be getting back to that!

Thanks so much for listening! And yeah, not that Archie shouldn’t have conflicts and problems, but the focused, confident Archie from last episode was so refreshing and fun. I hope they stick with it.

[raging-violets]

2, 5 And 10 (for both of you!) ☺️❤️

Riley:

2. Who is your favorite author? Did they inspire you to start writing?

Anthony Horowitz is my first pick. I have plenty of other influential authors in my life, but Anthony  Horowitz is my number one favorite. And, no, they didn’t inspire me to write. I never actually had any inspiration to write other than to just start writing stories. (Later of which I found to actually be called fanfiction as I wrote stories if I were in the fandom I liked at the time). Horowitz’s Alex Rider series is my absolute favorite middle grade/young adult book series. There’s always so much ingenuity that goes into it that I absolutely love each time a new one is coming out.

Mitch Albom is my second pick. For a more adult author, his style is very simplistic but detailed, straight forward yet imaginative and it’s the style I try to emulate into my own. All of his books are just so amazing and he constantly inspires me.

5. How do you outline your works? Go into detail about the process.

I don’t outline my works. I have a general plot I want to do, say: abusive boyfriend, rich popular girl gets knocked down a peg, child abuse, stalking, etc. and use that as the basis of my stuff. Then I have specific scenes/lines of dialogue/points I want to hit that I write out early (sometimes writing the end before the rest of the story) and then 99% of my story is completely made up as I go along despite the themes and foreshadowing I drop in. I find I have a lot more interesting and creative things come about that way compared to when I try to outline a story point by point. So far, it feels all the more organic to me and has been a success.

10. Which one of your works would you write differently? Why?

I would write a lot of my stuff differently and have over the years. Hence why there’s a lot of ‘re-write’ stories on my profile. But the two I’d certainly do differently are Flash Fire/Crossfire and We Were Merely Freshmen. I’d change my two Flash stories to be in one, so it’d be one story per season, I would’ve started Flash Fire from the very beginning of the show instead of from episode 4, and then I would’ve had Barry’s and Cadence’s relationship start/move a little differently so that when they fall in love later it’d make a bit more sense in terms of character motivation.

For my Riverdale fic, We Were Merely Freshmen, instead of writing it as a sort of ‘origins story’ I would’ve just jumped right into the plot of said story. I think it’s taking too much time to explain everything. But, at the same token, I wouldn’t have made it a prequel to The War At Home, my main Riverdale fic idea. I would’ve made it an AU story all on it’s own where Jason was still alive and had an actual plot, rather than it being used as a way to explain things. To that extent, I’m starting to like the idea of Jason and Gabby, as well as Archie and Gabby, and have been thinking of Sweet Pea and Gabby, and a love triangle type thing with Jason, Cheryl, and Gabby. So I’d probably would have had a more concrete idea.

Rhuben:

2. Who is your favorite author? Did they inspire you to start writing?

I don’t think I could pick one: R.L. Stine, Christopher Pike, Tamora Pierce, and J.K. Rowling, and Stephen King are way up there in terms of which authors I have read and/or go back to the most - if not attempting to find books written by people in the same genre these authors cover. They did not inspire me to start writing, I don’t think.

Honestly, I don’t remember if there was any that did get me to start writing. I just know that I have been writing a lot. They are, however, authors that inspire me to keep writing, as I look to their books to help me figure out how to write myself out of areas where I’m stuck in my stories. Or, if I’m trying to re-work my writing style.

5. How do you outline your works? Go into detail about the process.

I don’t outline per say. I have a lot of ideas and scenes and quotes randomly written out in a word document, waiting for the perfect time to use them or “the time” to use them.

Occasionally, I’ll “outline” my chapters by just writing in a quick blurb what I want to happen in said chapter, and once I get the parts done, I’ll highlight them to show that my ideas have been completed. It also helps me realize if there’s just too much in the chapter as I’m going on, or if a certain idea will just fit naturally somewhere else in the story.

Overall, I have ideas/themes/scenes I want to hit in my story, and work my way through getting to them all - if I do stick with them from start to finish as my ideas do change even as I’m working my way through a story.

10. Which one of your works would you write differently? Why?

At the moment, I would write my first Flash fic, “In a Flash” differently. Not to mention my Big Time Rush fanfics in regards to not only the DakxRhuben pairing, but the LoganxRhuben pairing.

To start with BTR: I feel like a lot of it transpired as “this works because of this”, without fully letting the reader see and understand why a pairing ends up working out together. They just do. And it’s partly because I’m writing it with everything planned out, and knowing how they fit, but it doesn’t translate well with the readers - especially with DakxRhuben, despite us now changing how we’re writing his character due to the social climate in 2018. I had essentially told the readers that either pairing are great for each other instead of showing them with examples.

(I know it says which “one” but the BTR part has been on my mind for a long while now)

For “In a Flash”, like a lot of fics, I get to the end and think “Oh, this is how I could have done this better.” I would change how I started the fanfic (which, I’m currently close to doing), the reveal of Barry and Averey’s relationship, maybe have more tension with Averey’s foray into the metahuman world (which, I’ve actually worked into it’s sequel), and more.

[Send us some Writer’s Asks]

[savetopnow]

2018-03-10 03 CELEBRITY now

CELEBRITY

E!

Meghan King Edmonds Copies Beyoncé's Iconic Pregnancy Photo

Riverdale's Lili Reinhart and Camila Mendes Slam Cosmopolitan Philippines for Photoshopping Their Bodies

Alpha Male Madness 2018: Nominate Your Favorite TV Actors Now

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Kristen Wiig Cast in Wonder Woman 2, Patty Jenkins Confirms

Hollywood Life

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People

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TMZ

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The Shade Room

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Us Weekly

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The EmRata for Kooples Campaign Is Hotter Than the Sun

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[cryptodictation]

Spoiler Alert: Grey's Anatomy, Big Little Lies, The Morning Show and more news …

Gray’s Anatomy, Big Little Lies spoilers and more…

After a few weeks off, thank you very much to my editor for the wonderful work he does as always, I am back with several new features. We have information about the possible continuation of Big Little Lies and Watchmen, but also series that already have a guaranteed future, such as Gray’s Anatomy, The Morning Show, Motherland: Fort Salem and the miniseries Little Fires Everywhere.

In the quickies, Chicago Med, Sabrina's Dark World and even the missing Altered Carbon arrive with news.

So I count on your reading of Spoiler Alert this week, as well as your comments, criticisms and suggestions for news.

Continues after advertising

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Maybe one day we'll meet again

As soon as Big Little Lies concluded its first season, there were several questions about the possibility of a continuation. Will there be history? HBO hesitated but soon succumbed to pressure and ordered new episodes. With the second year of the drama over, the question remains: will more episodes be around? During a conversation about The Undoing, the channel's new miniseries, Nicole Kidman talked about this possibility. “I don't believe we could get Laura (Dern) back!” said the actress laughing. Then she remembers that Zoe Kravitz will have a busy schedule due to the new movie from Batman. “Everyone is working,” he continued. “I hope that at some point we can meet again,” he concluded.

I will wait seated, then

After an extremely successful first season in terms of criticism and audience, the question for HBO executives is: Watchmen will there be continuation? If it depends on the channel executive, for sure. “Right now everything depends on Damon (Lindelof). He's thinking about what he wants to do, ”said HBO president of programming Casey Bloys. “Really, at this point I don't know if it's a series or a miniseries. I believe that one of the most brilliant things that Damon did was to discover this new world, ”he said.

“So, perhaps, there is the possibility of having another version with a new round of characters. I don't know why Damon doesn't know, so I'm going to wait and see what he decides, ”he added. In addition, the executive reiterated his willingness to continue working with Lindelof. “If there is a second season – great, but if it's a new look at the world – great. But if it is something completely different, I will expect your leadership in this matter, ”he concluded.

The future of Gray’s Anatomy

One of the couples Gray’s Anatomy will undergo a major change, on the return of the series in the United States on January 23. This change will come from the decision of one of the couple's members, and it will probably haunt him for the rest of his life, reported columnist Michael Ausiello of TVLine. The public can also prepare, as there will be tears to flow. Does this have anything to do with Alex Karev's departure from the series? In addition, it has been confirmed that Alex's whereabouts will be given in the next episode, but that it probably won't be a closure for the character.

So, when will you be back?

Hours before win one Screen Actors Guild for his (exceptional) work in The Morning Show, Jennifer Aniston was with the cast and crew of the series on the winter tour of Television Critics Association. Reese Witherspoon, who is also an executive producer, said that “we are just getting started” when asked about the future of the drama series.

“I feel that at the end of the ten episodes, there is a completely new world order. It's chaos. Nobody knows what command is and knows who is in control at that point. I think what we are exploring in society at the moment is a question about what the new normal is. I am very excited to know what remains to be explored, ”added Witherspoon.

Another doubt that hovered during the conversation with journalists was the possibility of Steve Carrell returning for the second season since the actor signed with Apple for only one year. “We are going to see about Mitch. We are exploring. There is still no update on this, ”said showrunner Kerry Ehrin.

It doesn't have to be easy

In the process of attracting a new generation of viewers, or rather, viewers, Freeform will launch in the coming months Motherland: Fort Salem, a very bold project and unlike anything that has been shown on the channel. The creator, Eliot Laurence, said in an interview with journalists that one of the main themes that was dealt with in the scriptwriters room was how to present female sexuality in a world that is not patriarchal, but matriarchal. “We didn't want the fellowship to be easy. We wanted it to be difficult. But without losing the mood, ”added Laurence. “It's a story less about individual success and more about teamwork,” concluded Taylor Hickson, one of the actresses who complete the cast.

We will have a lot of work

Little Fires Everywhere is one of the most awaited productions by this one who writes to you. No wonder, the book that inspires the miniseries (Fires Everywhere), is one of my favorites. But how similar will the limited series be to your original work? According to Kerry Washington, who spoke to journalists on the Hulu panel at TCA, “There is a lot to deal with”. “From the beginning of the book, it is possible to notice a dip in the cultural, social and class differences in the United States,” said the actress. “The work does a great job of moving away from this binary view of race that we have in this country, which is white and black, because we also have an Asian, migratory and class identity. There is a lot to deal with, ”he concluded.

Quickies

In Chicago Med, April is going to confess the kiss to Crockett to Ethan, and that will cause a huge mess. The episode is scheduled to air this week.

There is no crossover planned for The Dark World of Sabrina and Riverdale, but the town of Archie will have an interesting role in one of the episodes of the third part of the witch.

Buck and Christopher will have a “very nice” scene at the end of episode 12 of the current season 9-1-1. After much darkness, these characters will soon smile again.

Altered Carbon should return soon on Netflix, highlighting Anthony Mackie acting in the character that was Joel Kinnaman. In addition, a big reveal is expected at the end of the first episode.

Fans of Supernatural, at least one face we should not see in the final episodes: Alastair. Showrunner Andrew Dabb that the character will be left out of the final.

See you next week!

Gray’s Anatomy. However, spoiler. However, spoiler. Therefore, spoiler. In addition, Gray’s ANATOMY.

The post Spoiler Alert: Grey's Anatomy, Big Little Lies, The Morning Show and more news … appeared first on Cryptodictation.

from WordPress https://cryptodictation.com/2020/03/25/spoiler-alert-greys-anatomy-big-little-lies-the-morning-show-and-more-news/

[news-mashable-yahoopartner-blog]

It's time we all accept it: Netflix is a meme account now

When the people over at Netflix aren't obsessing over streaming, they're focused on something completely unrelated: meme-ing.

Over the past decade, Netflix has worked to step up its social media game, and in the process, wound up cultivating its present day online persona — a sassy, lighthearted, and extremely tuned-in meme account.

Netflix has gone from Bland Brand to Witty Social Media Acquaintance Who Cracks Jokes You Wish You Thought Of, and though it's utterly perplexing to some, the transformation seems to be a success.

SEE ALSO: Why 'The Princess Diaries' should be revived for streaming

The company, which was founded in 1997, didn't introduce streaming until 2007, and its main US Twitter account wasn't created until 2008.

In the early years, Netflix's Twitter was noticeably boring — geared more towards updating users with information on the latest releases and answering inquiries. But today, if you're following Netflix on social media your feeds will be sprinkled with a genuinely funny assortment of original and shared memes centered around your favorite shows, movies, and semi-disgraceful but extremely relatable binge-watches.

The journey to total meme takeover

The meme takeover happened gradually across Netflix's social platforms, but the company really began pushing the boundaries in 2015.

That's when Netflix started to step outside its comfort zone, moving away from solely posting show promotions and formal updates in favor of more personal content geared towards its users' interests.

It's not complicated. #facebookofficial

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on Aug 12, 2015 at 9:46am PDT

By 2016, Netflix was taking more risks and regularly posting creative content that poked fun at its own features, played off of its users' binge-watching addictions, and highlighted specific shows like Jane the Virgin and House of Cards. It even began merging fictional, on-screen worlds with current real world happenings, like final exams or the 2016 election.

May or may not be on your exam.

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on Dec 11, 2015 at 12:01pm PST

Honesty is the best policy, as long as you're speaking straight to camera. #FU16 #HouseofCards

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on Mar 1, 2016 at 4:42pm PST

By the time 2017 rolled around, the service was ready to dive deep into the world of memes. It unleashed a sassy voice on Twitter and began adding text to photos like a pro. As a follower, it became clear that the social team was up on the latest trends and attempting to join in on the conversation. But that was just the beginning.

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on May 10, 2017 at 3:29pm PDT

Ummm yeah

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on Oct 15, 2017 at 7:01pm PDT

Meme madness: Achieved

But now, in 2018, Netflix's social team has really perfected its knack for meme making.

They're good — in a way most brands just aren't — at finding ways to make people laugh while simultaneously highlighting their own products. 

In the past brand accounts like Olive Garden, Words With Friends, Coca-Cola, Jimmy John's, Jolly Rancher, and more have tried to hop on the internet trends train and failed miserably. When Keebler attempted to cultivate a fun internet presence it came off as confusing and a bit creepy, and when IHOP tried to get people onboard with a fresh rebrand to "IHOb," people around the world rolled their eyes.

We couldn't make this up! RT to share with your BAE. #NeverEndingPasta pic.twitter.com/bp4HhYt1Uz

— Olive Garden (@olivegarden) October 17, 2014

Here come dat boi. Sucks when brands take your meme. #KeepOnSucking pic.twitter.com/mQ1IjFnDdK

— JOLLY RANCHER (@Jolly_Rancher) May 6, 2016

But that's not to say all brands are bad online. Wendy's, Merriam-Webster, and Dictionary.com are some of the few that tackle smart snark well, but Netflix is likely able to shine so damn bright because the platform is currently so of-the-moment. 

Netflix is still relatively new, and remains a constant source of entertainment that people can only access if they're willing to pay for. Whereas brands like Wendy's have been around for years, so not as many people are paying attention to them on a daily basis.

That means the Netflix Twitter account can easily provide comedic commentary on hot topics of discussion like Leo crying in The Titanic or Phil Collins' emotional Tarzan soundtrack, and share a favorite movie plot in five words or laugh over Royal Wedding moments in real time with its users.

Here's just a small selection of the jokes Netflix Twitter's unleashed so far this year.

the two moods pic.twitter.com/ZkiZqWcOn5

— Netflix US (@netflix) July 16, 2018

Film Twitter: Christian Bale is unrecognizable when he transforms into his characters Me, an intellectual: Hilary Duff is unrecognizable when she transforms into Cinderella. pic.twitter.com/u48FD1R21M

— Netflix US (@netflix) July 18, 2018

NO RULES AGAINST BASKETBALL DOGhttps://t.co/NpgSIlh7Zt

— Netflix US (@netflix) July 31, 2018

looking forward to the weekend! pic.twitter.com/PtfPhIoP8F

— Netflix US (@netflix) June 22, 2018

pic.twitter.com/LqiE74LxTE

— Netflix US (@netflix) May 19, 2018

so no one told you life was gonna be this way? pic.twitter.com/9nZYXWqaaE

— Netflix US (@netflix) May 16, 2018

🤔 pic.twitter.com/JSnShiwD4q

— Netflix US (@netflix) May 10, 2018

Kevin McCallister ○ / く|)へ. / 〉 / ￣￣┗┓ ▯ 　 　 ┗┓ ヾ○ｼ ┗┓ ヘ/ 　 Marv 　 　 ┗┓ノ 　 　 　 　 　 ┗┓

— Netflix US (@netflix) April 25, 2018

In the midst of the "In My Feelings Challenge," Netflix Twitter even cut scenes from Pretty Woman to make it sound like Julia Roberts was belting out the Drake jam.

And when To All The Boys I've Loved Before was released and everyone with a pulse started crushing on Peter Kavinsky, Netflix Twitter changed its bio to let everyone know: "SAME."

THE OFFICIAL NETFLIX ACCOUNT’S BIO IS A MOOD pic.twitter.com/k1gecFCW80

— mari (@chbellamy) August 20, 2018

When it comes to Twitter, nothing is off limits — not even getting super meta and calling its meme-making out in actual memes. And the brand's Instagram game is just as strong.

Best time to get in on a meme as a brand 13. There 12. Is 11. No 10. Right 9. Moment 8. Because 7. Memes 6. Are 5. Ever 4. Changing 3. And 2. Fluid 1. Several days late

— Netflix US (@netflix) June 29, 2018

When everyone was obsessed with finding their spirit artwork through the Google Arts and Culture app, Netflix decided to get two Stranger Things favorites in on the action. When Twitter users were laughing over that woman who was stunned by simply being in Beyoncé's presence, Netflix turned it into a relatable meme for fans of The Good Place. And when people were respecting their own personal presidents, Netflix was showing some love for Parks and Rec's Ron Swanson, and so on, and so forth.

*cue synchronized dance sequence* #teotfw

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on Jan 18, 2018 at 9:02am PST

I also spent the weekend not doing my laundry, so...

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on Feb 19, 2018 at 7:44am PST

  It’s called a glo up

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on Mar 16, 2018 at 11:08am PDT

at least i’m consistent

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on Apr 12, 2018 at 4:59pm PDT

Netflix even went from publicly obsessing over Cole Sprouse, one of the stars of the popular show Riverdale — which isn't even an original series — to forming an inside joke with followers that the actor is the one who runs the social accounts. It's such an incredibly bizarre bit to keep up that you can't help but enjoy it. But with internet sensations coming and going can the good times keep rolling?

Wow looking forward to all your birthday wishes 🎂 (📸 by @jessicaandclark for @heromag)

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on Aug 4, 2018 at 11:11am PDT

Dear @vanessamorgan thank you for capturing this really beautiful photo of me I mean Cole

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on Jul 21, 2018 at 3:39pm PDT

Is this how reverse psychology works?

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on Jul 13, 2018 at 7:42am PDT

Can Netflix keep up the meme momentum?

Netflix's contemporary meme tactic works so damn well because it doesn't just allow people to participate in online trends, it gives them yet another way to obsess over their favorite parts of pop culture.

If memes are good and streaming is good, then memes + streaming = GREAT. It's a pretty foolproof formula for success, and followers seem to appreciate the efforts.

Netflix on instagram is a meme account I tell ya pic.twitter.com/4QAFdEYP26

— Jam (@jamconcel) August 13, 2018

Why is the Netflix account actually a high brow meme account https://t.co/XAe945yqSz

— Gay Nature Boy 🌹 (@WakobJaters) May 20, 2018

things i wish i didn't hear in a bar: "the netflix twitter account actually posts some pretty good memes!"

— Pete Sos (@churrs27) May 11, 2018

But while there's been a fair share of love for Netflix: The Meme Account, there are definitely some people who think the streaming service's social channels have gone a bit off the rails. 

I’m pretty sure Netflix’s twitter account is run by an exhausted intern who lives for the memes at this point. https://t.co/aqFfuVpTbV

— Alex Verret (@Kalexandverret) January 4, 2018

so now that the netflix account is doing the political compass memes, can we retire them

— beema (@djbeema) February 20, 2018

Why are Netflix being a weird “meme” Instagram account https://t.co/p9qt4GqZ5B

— Scott (@Barxoe) April 9, 2018

In the haters' defense, sometimes when Netflix gets excited about something — like adding Princess Diaries to its streaming library, for example — the social team has a tendency to be a biiiiiiiit excessive. (Like four variations of the same meme in one day kind of excessive.)

Netflix, SHUT UP!

Image: screengrab/netflix

But provided the personalities behind Netflix's social channels can remain on the right side of the very fine line between peak hilarity and overkill, they should continue to remain one of the very few successful brand accounts.

In addition to social accounts for different locations that offer Netflix outside the U.S., and original series/movies, the streaming platform has a Facebook page for those looking for a bit less whimsy in their lives, and a bunch of other offshoot Twitter accounts (listed below) that all know their audiences and are rising in popularity.

@seewhatsnext: For all Netflix-related news updates.

@NXOnNetflix: Focused on the "super, sci-fi, the fantastic, and beyond."

@strongblacklead: An account led by a group of black executives at Netflix that's dedicated to discussing diverse shows, talent, and more.

@NetflixIsAJoke: The place for all things comedy.

@NetflixFilm: All about the movies.

Overall, Netflix appears to have found its social media niche and as long they keep delivering smart, creative content followers are likely to happily continue watching.

Want more clever culture writing beamed directly to your inbox? Sign up here for the twice-weekly Click Click Click newsletter. It's fun – we promise.

WATCH: The internet didn't hold back roasting MoviePass

the office moment

[mchenryjd]

2017 in Review

Necessarily incomplete, mostly for my personal record. I will probably regret this.

MOVIES

10.  mother!

Got to a screening late, had to sit in the third show, could barely tell what was happening and spent most of the movie staring at J. Law’s flared nostrils. An ideal viewing experience.

9.     Personal Shopper

Nothing captures the purposeful emptiness of spending time online like Kristen Stewart texting a ghost.

8.     Get Out

I kept telling my dad this movie was funny to get him to see it, not realizing he didn’t already know it was a horror movie. Afterwards, he texted me, “that was not a comedy!” Feels like that’s enough a metaphor. Daniel Kaluuya for best actor.

7.     Star Wars: The Last Jedi

A Star Wars movie about loving Star Wars movies, which means loving the epic, silly struggle between good and epic, loving the spiral staircase that is John Williams’s force theme, loving it when character always do the coolest possible thing followed by the next coolest possible thing, loving dumb furry creatures and sarcastic slimy ones, loving it when characters kiss when you want them to kiss, loving the hundred-million-dollar sandbox of it all. After the constricted dance steps of The Force Awakens and Rogue One, give me this bleeding freestyle any day.

6.     Phantom Thread

Finally, proof that everyone in a serious relationship has lost it.

5.     Call Me By Your Name

I refuse to believe that being stuck in rural Italy would be anything other than deadly boring and if my father insisted on turning everything into a lecture on classical art, I would run away. Also, there’s a contrast between the book (vague on the details of place and time, vividly specific on matters of sex) and the film (more contextually specific, sexier, but less horny than the original). Also, who am I kidding, I was moved and unsettled by the force of the thing. *Michael Stuhlbarg voice* Pray you get a chance to fall in love like this.

4.     Dunkirk

Having your tense, churning, clanking, thrumming, score transform into Elgar right when the beautiful, imperiled young heroes are reading a stirring speech (and Tom Hardy is heroically sacrificing himself in what looks like the middle of a Turner painting) is a level of craft so deft if feels like cheating, but it works.

3.     BPM

A film about a community in danger that acts as both a memorial to and rallying cry for that community. Uncompromising, accommodating, queer in the best way, BPM makes you want to cry and go dancing at the same time.

2.     Columbus

The kind of movie that makes you want to get in a car and keep driving until you find something beautiful, it has stuck and expanded in my memory ever since I saw it over the summer. Like the architecture that looms large in the setting, the plot can feel uncomfortably schematic – John Cho wants to leave and gets  stuck, Haley Lu Richardson is stuck and gets to leave. The question is how people live within, and blur the edges of, those confines. John Cho has a winning, curdled decency; Haley Lu Richardson gives the hardest kind of performance, in that she often seems unaware of her character’s own wants. I’d watch her quietly assemble dinner for hours on end.

1.     Lady Bird  

A movie that feels less plotted and more prefigured – every fight between Lady Bird has happened before, every high school landmark lumbers by with inevitability, every boy disappoints in the way you expect. What redeems all this? Paying attention, which is also love, in this movie’s pseudo-religious sense. Between Lady Bird and Marion, between Lady Bird and Julie, between Lady Bird and Sacramento. Watch people closely, as Greta Gerwig does, and they reveal glimmers of themselves (I know so little, and yet everything, about Stephen McKinley Henderson’s drama teacher from a few moments that feel perfect, in the sense of contained, past-tense completeness). It’ll all so ordinary. Fall in love with it.

Honorable mentions: Regina Hall’s speech about friendship in Girls Trip, Sally Hawkins tracing a droplet with her finger in The Shape of Water, Meryl Streep on the phone in The Post, Cara Delevingne in Valerian, Rihanna in Valerian, the part where the ghost jumped off the building in A Ghost Story, the fact that Power Rangers was surprisingly good, the soldier who gasps as Diana whips out her hair in the trenches in Wonder Woman, Ansel Elgort’s jacket in Baby Driver, whenever anyone tried to explain anything in Alien: Covenant, Elisabeth Moss in The Square, Anh Seo-hyun feeding Okja in Okja, Lois Smith being in movies, the kids eating ice cream in The Florida Project, the Game of Thrones joke in Logan Lucky, Vella Lovell in The Big Sick, and finally, most preciously, the moment in Home Again where Reese Witherspoon kissed Michael Sheen and someone in my theater shouted “she’s not feeling it!”

TELEVISION

10.  The Good Doctor

Listen, he’s a good doctor.

9.     Riverdale

They’re hot. They’re angsty. They do drugs that look like Pixy-Stix. They never seem to do homework. They love to hook-up in weird locations. They have terrible taste in karaoke songs. They love hair dye, and a well-defined eyebrow. They have really hot parents. They’re TV teens! I love it.

8.     Insecure

This is just to say that I am far too invested in Molly’s happiness as a person. I would also like to view a full season of Due North.

7.     American Vandal

From Alex Trimboli to Christa Carlyle, the best names on TV are on this show. Also the best reenactments, and somehow the most incisive take on what fuels, and results from TV’s true-crime obsession. Jimmy Tatro mumbling!

6.     Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

More shows should take the opportunity to explode in their third seasons, rocket forward at full speed, diagnose their main characters, and give Josh Groban wonderful, unexplainable cameos.

5.     Alias Grace

A show that conjured a performance for the ages out of Sarah Gadon and somehow made Zachary Levi palatable as a dramatic actor, this miracle of collaboration between Mary Harron and Sarah Polley is all the better for being binged. Down it in an afternoon, think of Grace under her black veil, daring you to disbelieve her, for years to come.

4.     Twin Peaks: The Return

A show that drove nostalgia into itself like a knife to the chest. Totally absurd. The best revival/exorcism yet on TV.

3.     Please Like Me

“Sorry about your life.” “I’m sorry about your life.” In a time when things tend to peter out, what a final season, in which everything goes to shit and then some. Maybe TV’s most prickly comedy, Please Like Me’s heart is of the “stumble along and keep going” sort and never does it test itself as much as it did with this bleak, pastel final statement.

2.     The Leftovers

Do you believe Nora Durst’s story? Sometimes I do. Sometimes I think it sounds ridiculous. Sometimes I relax in the comfortable, academic premise that it only matters that Kevin does. It’s a haunting idea, though, this image of world even emptier than The Leftovers’s own, where it’s possible to wander for untold time in darkness. Carrie Coon’s description of it is a kind of journey to the underworld – we’re there with her, maybe, and then we make it back, maybe. The trick of The Leftovers is the wound’s never fully healed.

1.     Halt and Catch Fire

The world changes. People sorta don’t.

Honorable mentions: the twist in The Good Place, the Taylor Swift demon character in Neo Yokio, Claire Foy on The Crown, Vanessa Kirby on The Crown, the stand-up in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Cristin Milioti in Black Mirror, the televised Academy Awards ceremony, the weeks when Netflix didn’t release new TV shows I had to watch, Girls’s “American Bitch,” the fact that Adam Driver is both in Girls and Star Wars, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys performances on The Americans (and life in Brooklyn), the moments in Game of Thrones that were good enough to make me stop thinking about what people would write about Game of Thrones, season 2 of The Magicians’s resistance to any sort of plot logic, Jane the Virgin’s narrator, Nicole Kidman at therapy on Big Little Lies, Reese Witherspoon’s production of Avenue Q in Big Little Lies, Alexis Bledel holding things in The Handmaid’s Tale, Maggie Gyllenhaal directing porn in The Deuce, Alison Brie’s terrible Russian accent in Glow, Maya Rudolph in Big Mouth, Cush Jumbo miming oral sex with a pen in court in The Good Fight, the calming experience of watching new episodes of Superstore and Great News on Fridays, Eden Sher in The Middle, the fake books they make up for Younger, and Rihanna livestreaming herself watching Bates Motel.

THEATER

10.  Indecent

History, identity, community all mangled together in something that’s both excavation and revivification. I’m so mad I didn’t get to see it with my mom.

9.     Mary Jane

A nightmare that goes from bad to worse, which Carrie Coon performed with the endurance of a saint.

8.     SpongeBob SquarePants

Highlights: The tap number, the Fiddler on the Roof joke, the many uses of pool noodles, David Zinn’s design in general, the arms, the volcano setpiece, the fact that somehow I kept laughing for two-and-a-half hours at something SpongeBob SquarePants. Tina Landau, you’re a hero.

7.     Hello, Dolly!

I had a wonderful viewing experience like this, in that I sat alone on an aisle next to an older gay man who turned to me right when the curtain came down on the first act and said, “man, we love Bette.” (Shout out to any and all gags involving the whale.)

6.     Groundhog Day

Proof you can dig deeper into the material you’re adapting and still find more. Sometimes, the funniest gags come out of old-fashioned repetition. Andy Karl has the Rolex-like ability to make it all speed by without revealing any of the ticks, and then wallop you in the second act.  

5.     The Glass Menagerie

A lot of unconventional ideas piled onto each other that go so far into strange territory that they loop back around to being immediate. Maybe distant to some, but enough to unsettle me. I can still smell the onstage rain.

4.     The Wolves

A sign of a good play is probably that you remain invested in the characters long after you see it, and I’m going to spend so much time worrying about all the girls on the soccer team in The Wolves for the rest of my life.

3.     The Band’s Visit

Katrina Lenk has a gorgeous voice. Tony Shalhoub is restrained to the point that he could move his baton with nanometer accuracy. The songs are transporting. But most of all, The Band’s Visit manages to capture loneliness better than nearly any musical I’ve seen. Everyone, audience included, experiences something together, and then it all, slowly, both lingers and drifts apart.

2.     A Doll’s House, Part 2

What, you think I wasn’t going to include a play with a Laurie Metcalf performance? ADHP2 is perhaps clever to a fault in its set-up, but in the right hands, it turns into something both funny and moving – a story about what it takes to become a complete person, in or outside the influence of other people. Nora’s monologue about living in silence near the end is the full of the kind of simple statements that are so hard to act, and so brilliant when done just right.

1.     The Antipodes

Both an extended meditation on what it means to run out of stories and a brutal subtweet of Los Angeles, The Antipodes is my kind of play, in that it’s mostly people talking, Josh Charles is involved and very disgruntled, and everyone eats a lot of take out.

Honorable mentions: the music in Sunday in the Park With George, the pies in Sweeney Todd, the ensemble of Come From Away, seeing Dave Malloy in The Great Comet of 1812, Alex Newell’s “Mama Will Provide” in Once on This Island, Cate Blanchet having fun in The Present, Imelda Staunton in the NTLive Follies, Michael Urie in Torch Song, Patti LuPone’s accent(s) in War Paint, Ashley Park in KPOP, and Gleb.

[surrendertodaniel]

Surrender To Daniel’s Top 250 Tracks Of 2017ish (140-121)

Opening Blab

250-201

200-181

180-161

160-141

140. Mike WiLL Made-It featuring Big Sean - On The Come Up

Sometimes right on the nose is the perfect call. “On The Come Up” has a condominium on said nose.

139. Pkew Pkew Pkew - Before We Go Out Drinking

“WE ARE GETTING DRUNK! BEFORE WE GOT OUT DRINKING! *slightly mournful framing* That is the best part of our night!” Pkew Pkew Pkew (THAT’S HOW YOU DO IT, YOU KNOBS FROM !!!) come out swinging with a cheerfully rowdy pre-drinking anthem that underlines how much better getting liquored up with your buds than trekking out to the bar or an abandoned K-Mart later. The bittersweet circumstances add a cherry on top. Beauty.

138. Brockhampton - Star

Hip hop’s premier boy band flexes muscles, puckers lips and tosses you face-first into a party you never knew existed. (Featuring the best Shawn Mendes nod you’ll hear in 2017!)

137. The Perfect Kiss - Broadcast (From You To Me)

There’s an Elefant Records piñata in the video and the first time I saw it I blammed so hard I was worried I caused nerve damage. Anyway, The Perfect Kiss does some spectacular cuddly darkness with the bopping “Broadcast (From You To Me)” about a two-timing schmuck getting worked online.

136. Fishbach - Un Autre Que Moi

Ambling in something Billy Ocean would have taken to the top of the charts in 1984, Fishbach’s “Un Autre Que Moi” does neon-pop right and brings out a lot of dramatic headturns out of this hotshot. (Me. I’m the hotshot.)

135. Surfbort - Back To Reaction

Shopping cart down-the-stairs punk mayhem that will give you a concussion if you’re not careful.

134. Highlight - Can Be Better

More boy bands should grill, toss snacks around and suggest the group is left for dead in a refrigerated meat truck in their videos. (IMAGINE WHERE 3DEEP WOULD BE TODAY!) I know Riverdale is very serious sternflaked seriousness a lot of the time, but this is the sort of shit The Archies should be making in 2017.

133. Dagny - Wearing Nothing

There’s a touch of Ned Flanders in this (y’know, cuz of the sorta overrated Simpsons gag connection), but “Wearing Nothing” is more like confident Springfield entertainment/business guru Lindsay Naegle strutting about.

132. First Hate - The One

The intensity of theatrical finger wagging I do to “The One” would chill you to your core. (Unless you’re into that sort of thing in which case let’s powerhang and sort out a 45 minute playlist.) “Life is not always about keeping your promises” we’re advised by First Hate on this quasi-throwback nightclub joint. It’s dreamy, features the overdue return of dance music harmonica and has the sweeping thump and bump Denmark has been exporting for decades.

131. Sorority Noise - No Halo

Sorority Noise unleashes a stadium-sized emo hymn that may have been Sliders’d into our dimension from a universe where My Chemical Romance were taken 5% more seriously.

130. Playboi Carti - Magnolia

Best use of a Jamie Foxx Show sample you’ll come across this decade, although I’d be happy to be proven wrong. Playboi Carti practically surfs overtop the production which sounds even better being blasted by a car rolling through your neighborhood.

129. Alex Cameron & Angel Olsen - Stranger’s Kiss

Alex Cameron and Angel Olsen trade barbs with flair in this acid-dripping adult contemporary through a funhouse mirror duet. “They made a meme out my legacy, darling” sings Olsen because there’s pathos too.

128. Real Numbers - Frank Infatuation

C-86-kissed bliss that hones in like a missile on my dorky hip-based attempts to “rock” along to this song.

127. Rejjie Snow featuring Pell - Virgo

I fear parties, but this is the sort of thing that has me fantasizing of having upwards of three people over to my apartment so we can do friendship things in slow motion to this effervescent hip-hop blessing.

126. YoungBoy Never Broke Again - Untouchable

Post-jail singer-songwriter self-reflection excellence from YoungBoy Never Broke Again.

125. Kesha - Learn To Let Go

Sincere pop that knocks me over like a Care Bear stare every single time. I flip out to this and sing (well lipsync 60% of the time) every line like it’s CBT* Idol.

*the therapy one, not the cock-n-ball torture one but no judgment if that’s your scene,

Also: American Idol was a show that was popular generations ago

124. LOONA Odd Eye Circle - Girl Front

Exhilarating K-Pop that would be my #1 choice to soundtrack this exciting waterslide-based sci-fi spy thrilling I’m working on. (Keep this in mind, industry insiders!)

123. Middle Kids - Never Start

To me, “Never Start” sounds like driving around at dusk in a 1985 something that still has a tape deck and too many Burger King wrappers on the floor. Think evergreen ramshackle “college rock” that could fit comfortably in a number of different decades and not seem out of date.

122. Kelela - LMK

Limo interior R&B that’s hypnotic, fun and travels within a forcefield of regal dignity.

121. Hey Violet - Break My Heart

“Break My Heart’ is a synthrock firework display of a break-up anthem and it ruuuuuuuuules.