“"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
“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
Critics and fans shared mixed feelings about the payoff of the episode's central mystery. Watch Riverdale 2017 S02E09
“Even if you hate the villain unmasking, you have to admit the grave-digging scene was peak Riverdale horror."” High Voltage Magazine · 8 years ago Option 3: The Suspicious Theorist
“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 “"Don't let the 'nice little bow' at the
“"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
“"A fast-paced thrill ride that perfectly blends holiday spirit with Riverdale's signature darkness.” Refinery29 and the tension works
“Between the awkward Secret Santa gifts and that shocking Barchie kiss, the emotional stakes were at an all-time high.” Refinery29