For the 2017 mid-season finale, viewers generally praised the episode's high-stakes tension but were divided over its major cliffhanger reveals.
“The episode did a great job of sowing doubt, especially with that final shot of Betty keeping the hood.” TV Fanatic · 8 years ago
“While the Black Hood reveal felt a bit like a 'lame' red herring involving a minor character, the psychological toll on Betty and Archie made for compelling TV.” Entertainment Weekly · 8 years ago Watch Riverdale 2017 S02E09
“The 'Bughead' and 'Varchie' drama remains the show's heartbeat, even if the resolutions felt a bit rushed for the sake of the winter break."” Den of Geek · 8 years ago Option 2: The Character-Focused Fan
“"Seeing Jughead go full 'Michael Corleone' with the Serpents was a dark turn I didn't see coming, but it makes his character so much more interesting.” Metawitches For the 2017 mid-season finale, viewers generally praised
“If the Black Hood is actually Mr. Svenson/Conway, I'm going to be violently disappointed... Mr. Svenson can't be the Black Hood. This can't be over.” Morbidly Beautiful
“"Don't let the 'nice little bow' at the end fool you—there’s no way the Janitor was the real Black Hood.” Entertainment Weekly · 8 years ago I like what they're doing with the tone
“All in all, this was a solid episode. I like what they're doing with the tone of the show, and the tension works, but the Black Hood reveal was lame.” Entertainment Weekly · 8 years ago
