This ‘Riverdale’ Deleted Scene Would’ve Changed Everything for Betty and Jughead

Betty and Jughead ended the first season of Riverdale stronger than ever—but the cast keeps dropping hints that rough waters are ahead for them. With his father in jail, Jughead has to move to the Southside of town, which means he has to transfer schools. This move also brings him closer—literally—to the Southside Serpents, his father’s gang that detests the folks on the Northside (i.e., Betty’s side). Cole Sprouse hinted that Jughead experiences an internal battle next season with these two worlds, which puts a strain on his relationship. His girlfriend and new environment are essentially pulling him in two different directions, but where will he go?

Riverdale‘s second season will most likely focus on this tug-of-war; however, had the showrunners kept a certain deleted scene from season one in the story, it wouldn’t even be happening. Turns out, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and company originally intended for Jughead to move in with Betty’s family at the end of season one—well, that’s what this recently unearthed scene suggests, at least.

It takes place just minutes after Betty gives her big speech at the end of episode 13. Her mother, Alice, gives her a hug and congratulates her on a job well done. Then things get serious: She and her husband, Hal, tell Jughead that it’s illogical for him to transfer schools in the middle of the semester and invite him to move in with them. “Mrs. Cooper and I would like to volunteer to be your guardians,” Hal tells Jughead in a creepily friendly voice. Watch it for yourself, below:

This. Would’ve. Changed. Everything. Think about it: Had Jughead moved in with the Coopers, he wouldn’t have transferred schools, which means there’d be no strain between him and Betty. The Southside Serpents would be a healthy distance away, giving Jughead and Betty the freedom to drink milkshakes at Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe with no interference. If Jughead’s environment doesn’t change, neither would his relationship with Betty.

Shoulda, coulda, woulda, am I right? Jughead’s moving in with the Coopers is a lovely thought, but it’s not happening. Aguirre-Sacasa decided to switch the ending, and there’s nothing we can do about it. Granted, Jughead heading to the Southside creates way more drama, which is good for the show. TBH, watching Betty and Jughead do math homework and kiss in the kitchen would get boring after a while.

That being said, they better survive whatever Romeo and Juliet plot is thrown their way next season. Bughead cannot die.

h/t: Teen Vogue

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