WARNING: This post contains spoilers for Riverdale
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A new Riverdale trailer may reveal who’s behind the Black Hood murders. The enigmatic serial killer has been the driving force of season 2, first shooting Fred Andrews, then strangling Ms. Grundy, and, most recently, shooting Moose and Midge at Lover’s Lane. So far, Ms. Grundy is the only one not to survive, but the Black Hood has made his intentions known: He’s determined to wipe out the town’s sinners one by one.
Six episodes in, the suspect pool is large. The prevailing theory seems to be that the man behind the mask is Chic Cooper, Betty and Polly’s long-lost brother who’s confirmed to make his debut later in the season. He was given up for adoption when he was born, but he somehow ended up in foster care, and from the sounds of it, he’s had a difficult life. So, it’s possible he’s out for revenge. Among the other names floated by fans are Alice Cooper, Ethel Muggs’ father, Kevin Keller, and Hal Cooper and Sheriff Keller, the latter two of whom seem most likely, since they’re the only two that actually match the Black Hood’s physical description. (At least, the one we’ve seen on screen. There’s also been speculation that the Black Hood could have a partner.)
The trailer for next week’s episode, “Chapter Twenty: Tales from the Darkside,” points the finger pretty heavily at the Sheriff. Betty says she has a theory about him, and Veronica and Betty are seen poking around his house and spying on him from the bushes. Here’s the full synopsis for the episode:
Certainly, there’s some compelling evidence against him. As the leader of the town’s law enforcement, he has a vested stake in reducing the crime that’s long brewed within its seedy underbelly, and he’s made clear that he wants to protect Kevin, too. Perhaps after what happened with the Blossom family, he decided to take justice into his own hands. It would also explain his lackluster investigation thus far, since if he is the Black Hood, he wouldn’t be too preoccupied with closing the case. And, as mentioned, he’s one of the few characters that resembles the masked vigilante.
Riverdale remains on edge after a chilling letter from the Black Hood challenges the town’s residents to remain sinless for 48 hours – or he’ll strike again. Meanwhile, Jughead (Cole Sprouse) and Archie’s (KJ Apa) friendship gets tested after Penny Peabody (guest star Brit Morgan) unexpectedly calls in a favor that Jughead owes her. Elsewhere, Betty (Lili Reinhart) and Veronica (Camila Mendes) team up to investigate someone who Betty thinks could be the Black Hood killer. Finally, things take an unexpected turn for Josie (Ashleigh Murray) when a secret admirer takes things one step too far.
That being said, there are 16 episodes left in the season, and it’s unlikely that Riverdale’s writers would end the mystery this early on. It’s more probable that Sheriff Keller is just a red herring, though that doesn’t mean he isn’t hiding other secrets.
MORE: Riverdale Is Introducing A New Villain
Riverdale continues next Wednesday with “Tales From the Darkside” at 8 p.m. on The CW.
Source: The CW
