Riverdale: 20 most shocking moments during the first three seasons

Riverdale — “Chapter Thirty-Six: Labor Day” — Image Number: RVD301b_0113.jpg — Pictured (L-R): KJ Apa as Archie and Robin Givens as Sierra McCoy — Photo: Jack Rowand/The CW — © 2018 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

10. Archie Takes The Prosecution’s Deal

Episode: “Chapter Thirty-Six: Labor Day” (Season 3, Episode 1)

Not quite satisfied with shocking us with his second season shenanigans, Archie decided to take things to a whole new level in the Season 3 premiere when he faced the repercussions of his soured alliance with Hiram Lodge.

Following his wrongful arrest in the Season 2 finale, the latest season picked up towards the end of his trial and, after spending one final Labor Day weekend with Veronica, Jughead and Betty, he returned to court to see what his future held. However, the jury was unable to reach a final decision, and Archie’s fate remained up in the air. It was a surprisingly hopeful moment. It meant that, while six people thought him guilty, six others still believed in his innocence.

Seizing the opportunity, the prosecution offered Archie a plea whereby he would plead guilty and, as a result, spend a minimum of two years in a juvenile detention facility. His mother (and attorney) refused the deal but Archie, terrified of putting his family through the stress of a re-trial and unable to shake the guilt for his horrendous actions last season, suddenly agreed.

It was yet another infuriating twist from Archie, who was becoming all too fond us making us angry, but it was one that made the audience in the courtroom and the viewers watching at home look on in awe and disbelief, and it promised to take Season 3 of the show in a completely different direction.