Riverdale broke ground on the very important topic of sexual assault a few weeks ago and is now using the aftermath of this storyline to segue into queen bee and HBIC character Cheryl Blossom exploring her sexuality. Our favorite complex character with a superiority complex was roofied by Veronica’s ex-beau, Nick St. Clair, and nearly raped until characters Josie, Melody, Valerie and Veronica came to her rescue.
In the episodes that followed, it appears that Cheryl has developed an intense romantic interest in Josie. The pair were frequently shown looking into Josie’s locker and other locations finding anonymous gifts and notes of infatuation, including a very detailed drawing of Josie. Cheryl continuously emphasizes that Josie must uncover the identity of her secret admirer and was shown at the end of their arc of the episode drawing a picture of herself and Josie that greatly resembles the previous mysterious drawing shown.
Screencap from Riverdale 2×07
Nothing in the town of Riverdale seems to be innocent, though, as Cheryl’s crush borderlines obsession. Among the drawings, a fresh and bloody pig heart was also left as a gift to Josie, as well as other ominous notes such as, “If I can’t have you, no one can.” It has not been officially confirmed in the show if Cheryl had left these gifts, as well, or if it was the doings of the show’s current unidentified villain and serial killer known as the Black Hood.
This is, without a doubt, one of the weirdest ways a television show has introduced an LGBTQ+ character, but Madelaine Petsch, who plays Cheryl, confirms that her character identifies as bisexual, despite many fans picking up on lesbian undertones.
UGH i love this lgbt warrior pic.twitter.com/D8waLVnLV1
— andrea (@ambroscs) December 9, 2017
It’s clear Cheryl’s advances will be rejected, but the events still make an interesting growth to watch.
“She needs love. She’s obviously still figuring herself out a little bit, but she’s discovered that she has no love, no home base, no friends, and this season, her undercurrent is absolutely low. She’s really looking for love, and she’s looking for it in all the right — and all the wrong — places.”
– Madelaine Petsch to ET
The addition of Cheryl to the short list of confirmed bisexual characters on Riverdale is something that, if executed properly in alignment with her enigma-like characteristics, should give the show a better reputation in the LGBTQ+ community.
