Original subtitles

Our story is about a town...

No, scratch that.

Our story is about three young women,

bursting with talent.

They were the best of friends

until, sadly, they weren't.

Our story is about how they parted ways,

found their own unique voices,

and then rediscovered each other,

but not without some drama.

Okay, I would like to make a toast

to my roommate and my best friend,

Melody Valentine,

who, against all odds, left law school

in order to, uh, write and publish

her very first novel, Summer Storm.

I'm so proud of you.

You fearlessly chased your dream

and you're a badass for it.

I love you.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Thank you, Val, I love you.

I love you so much.

As my best friend mentioned, I was gonna be a lawyer.

But when I started looking for my voice,

I knew I wasn't gonna find it

inside of Harvard's law library.

It was inside of me... in the form of this book.

I just...

I guess I just had to be brave enough to listen to it.

And?

It's not just gonna be a book.

Tell everyone the good news, babe.

Okay! Well, it's not "official" official,

- but my book's been optioned. - By Tyler Perry.

And it's gonna be a movie,

- and the best part is...

Well, I'm really excited,

because it looks like Valerie's gonna play the lead.

Cheers to that.

Cheers to that.

That was such a fun party, my love.

I'm so glad we celebrated you.

Me too, baby.

Though, I do wish you didn't bring up the whole movie thing.

Why is that?

Tyler wants a big star, to play the lead.

Someone splashy,

like Keke Palmer or Amandla Stenberg.

Not Val?

No.

Not if we want the movie to get made, he says.

- That was a fun night. - It was amazing!

I'm so proud of Melody.

She's like a real adult.

You too, movie star.

We're not there yet.

I'm still a barista.

Oh, please!

You are so much more than that.

You are a poet, an actress, an activist,

- the love of my life... - Alan,

- you're making me blush.

Speaking of,

I know that you said you needed some time to think it over,

but...

I was wondering, if maybe, you have an answer for me.

Yeah, I have been thinking, I promise,

but I'm still unsure.

Getting married is such a big step.

Okay, well, no pressure, because I'm fine, either way.

Just let me know, when you decide.

I will.

And until then, just know that I love you, Alan Mayberry,

no matter what.

I love you too, Val.

And that was "Kiss My Hand,"

the latest, number one single from the multi-platinum recording artist,

Josie McCoy,

even as the mystery surrounding the superstar's whereabouts, continues.

After failing to appear on stage this weekend, in Berlin,

- the world wants to know

what happened, where did Josie vanish to?

Excuse me, I'd like to place an order to go.

Double cheeseburger, cheese fries and a chocolate shake.

Wait, where's Pop Tate?

Oh, that's my grandpa, he... retired.

Oh, my God. Are you...

Are you Josie?

Are you... "the" Josie McCoy?

In the flesh, in the faux fur.

Unbelievable! Josie McCoy, in my diner,

I... this is... such an honor!

At the risk of fangirling, even more than I already am,

I... I have to ask.

What brought you to Riverdale?

Just needed to take a little break... for a while.

You know, some me time,

to re-center myself and to write.

Well, what's it like being back?

Is...

Is it how you remember?

I thought I told the front desk, no autographs.

I am so sorry, Ms. Newmar,

but hotel policy, no live music in our rooms after nine p.m.

There have been complaints.

Damn, Mr. Lodge.

Nice to know you're still a little bitch.

Excuse me?

What makes you think you can speak to me that way?

Uh, well, for starters, you're here in your jammies,

whining that my music's too loud,

To me, that screams, "Once a little bitch, always a little bitch."

Move him, if he's got a problem with my music.

Excellent idea, Ms. Newmar.

Just... just turn it down.

Veronica, do you have a minute?

For you, Tabitha? I've got five.

So...

I just had an encounter with someone who really inspires me.

I won't say who, but

she reminded me of why I came to Riverdale.

My dream, my ambition, which is to franchise Pop's.

But to do that, I need more capital, so...

I thought, maybe, I could give you my nest egg to invest?

Right now probably isn't the best time.

Why's that?

Chad pulled me into financial quicksand.

A Ponzi scheme I'm trying to dig myself out of, by trading again.

But it'll be months before I can cover what Chad stole from his clients

in our name.

And should any of our investors start pulling out,

the whole house of cards, comes crashing down.

Got it.

Enough said.

Good luck to you.

Thanks.

Waldo, look who's visiting.

Ms. McCoy!

- Oh!

As fabulous as ever.

Ah, thanks, Mr. Weatherbee.

Now, what brings a star like you back to our humble halls?

Yeah, inquiring minds want to know.

Actually, I have a favor to ask.

I'm here to do some song writing, and I was wondering

if I could use the music room to record.

Of course I'd pay top dollar.

Just name your price.

Can your payment be teaching a music class at Riverdale High?

It hasn't exactly been the easiest year for our students.

For you guys, I'll happily do it.

That's fantastic news.

They'll be so excited.

Smithers, what's going on?

Uh, send her in.

Alexandra Cabot.

What are you doing in Riverdale?

Veronica Lodge.

Well, I could ask the same thing,

but I am here about some investments that I made, with your squirrelly husband.

I've been calling Chad, but he's MIA.

So, I made a day trip to pull my money out.

I'm feeling fiscally antsy, you see.

Of course.

And I could absolutely

give you the money back right now...

- Or... - Or...

Well, I just stumbled across this new investment opportunity

that I'm extremely, extremely excited about.

Out of curiosity.

How do you feel about diners?

Hmm...

Tell me more.

No way.

Really good.

Oh, my gosh.

Archie Andrews!

Josie.

- I knew it was you.

Oh, hi.

And now I'm back in Riverdale to work on this new album.

Hey, you should come to the Whyte Wyrm tonight.

Formerly, the speakeasy.

Everyone would love to see you.

I actually have some song writing I need to do.

Oh, come on. Just for a drink or two.

It's' been, what, seven years?

Yeah, something like that.

Okay.

But can I meet you there?

I have some phone calls I need to make.

Give you two guesses who Josie called.

I freaked and sent her to voicemail.

At which point, a phone in the living room started to ring.

Hey, Josie, what's up?

No, we even made this, uh, this sexy fireman's calendar

to raise money for the fire station.

But anyway, enough about me.

How about you, Josie?

Well, it's been a whirlwind.

Oh, don't worry, Josie.

I've kept them all apprised from your special

on Entertainment Tomorrow to your Vanity Flaircover.

It's so great that you're here, Josie.

You could help us save Riverdale.

We've been needing a face, a celebrity to help get people excited.

Guys, give her a minute. She just got here.

Oh, we should do a benefit concert.

That would be so much fun. Just like old times.

Old times?

I don't mean to offend you, Veronica,

but I didn't have much of a say in our old times.

And at this point, we're more acquaintances than friends.

Yikes!

Oh, Jughead. The last time I saw you,

you were robbing Pop Tate's at gunpoint in a Serpents' mask.

Everybody on the ground right now!

Get down!

Uh...

Josie, that was so many years ago.

Uh-uh, Betty, you and I have spoken all of what?

One time in high school?

If I could just jump in for a moment.

None of you townies deserve to be in the presence of such musical greatness.

Cheryl, you once sent me a pig's heart.

Which is something that still haunts me.

So jump down off that soapbox, shall we?

I came to Riverdale to make an album,

not to cause trouble.

So if you'll kindly excuse me.

Josie McCoy.

Sweet Pea?

What are you doing at Pop's?

Leaving.

Well, do you want a ride?

Wherever you're going.

Sneaking out of your own hotel room?

Sweat Pea, last night was exactly what I needed.

But I've got things to do and people to meet.

Of course, you're a busy star.

Bye, stud.

Val, Mel, thank you for meeting me here.

How have you both been doing? What are you doing?

I've been doing a lot of art

and getting into political activism.

Val is going to save the world.

One peaceful protest at a time.

That's really amazing, Val.

How about you, Melody?

I stay busy.

I'm a YA novelist.

I just had my first book published.

I thought I heard something about that.

Tyler Perry's producing a movie of it, right? It's, um, starring...

What about you, Josie?

What brings you to Riverdale?

I needed a break from my tour,

thought I'd finally write about my hometown.

And since you guys were a big part of my experience here,

I'd love to have you join me on one of the tracks.

I mean, I don't know if either of you do any performing still.

Yeah, we still do a little bit of performing on the side.

- Music was my first love, so. - Mine, too.

Which is why it was so hard when you just disappeared on us, Josie.

I know, I know I did,

but when I got the opportunity to tour with my dad...

We're not talking about that, Josie.

We're talking about before you left town.

When you stopped calling us, we stopped hanging out. Stop playing gigs.

We thought we'd done something wrong.

And the irony of that is that your dad was like us, a side man.

You'd think that you, of all people, would have respected

your side women a little bit more.

I'm sorry.

Truly, I am. I know the value of what you both did

and what you brought to the table.

And I understand if you don't want to record this song,

but it's an open offer.

We'll think about it.

But either way, it was good catching up with you, Josie.

I like to think of myself as a connector.

My friend, Tabitha Tate, wants to franchise her family's diner.

And my other friend, Alexandra Cabot,

is always looking for a smart investment.

Tabitha, why don't you tell Xandra what you told me last night?

I believe that America is ready for a new start.

And I believe the face of that new start should be Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe,

small town feel, even in big cities.

Oh, and please feel free to look through our packet,

it details our expansion strategy.

No need.

I've already made my decision.

I love diners and I'm feeling your homespun vision.

But may I suggest a tweak or two?

What kind of tweaks?

Well, you may not know this about me,

but I am a performer as well as a businesswoman.

And I've always romanticized singing diners.

Yeah, we have a proud tradition of singing here at Pop's.

Mmm.

Singing is something we can definitely talk about.

Oh, yeah, talking isn't exactly what I had in mind.

Well, I always say,

"Going out for a meal isn't just about the food, it's about the experience."

And singing clearly enhances the Pop's experience.

- Agreed. - Mmm-hmm.

Toni, thank you so much

for dropping in on such short notice.

Also, what, pray tell, is in that bag?

The most adorable baby jeans from Old Navy you've ever seen.

- And thanks for asking me.

I thought it would induce labor, but no such luck.

- Bye. - Bye.

So, Xandra, do we have a deal?

Almost.

The creative is there, but now I need to see your books and finances.

Everything from the last

twenty years.

Sure. I can make that happen.

Mom...

What are you doing in Riverdale?

- How did you even know? - Mmm.

A mother always knows.

When I heard you had disappeared,

I had a hunch you might find your way to Riverdale,

Ms. Newmar.

What happened, Josie?

When I got your call with the news about Dad,

I was in Berlin,

seconds from stepping onto a stage

in a stadium filled with 80,000 people.

- Mom? What's going on?

I just got word. Your dad passed away, baby.

Um, it was sudden. A heart attack.

Oh, my God. Mom.

I'm in Berlin, in the middle of a world tour.

I know,

and that's why I don't want you to worry about anything.

We'll meet up right after.

It'll go by in a flash.

After that call,

I... couldn't perform.

I just turned around and walked away from everything.

And you came to Riverdale.

I hadn't been back in years.

Uh... I just thought I could disappear here.

Like in high school.

Josie, I...

I brought your father's ashes.

His last request

was that they be scattered around the country.

All the little spots he toured and loved.

Sounds about right.

And that's not all.

Some songs he wrote or re-orchestrated

but never got a chance to record.

- Val? - Hey.

Do you have a minute to talk?

Sure, Mel. What's up?

Well, I've been thinking a lot about Josie

and how she didn't do right by us.

And how I wanna do right by you, Valerie.

But that means being honest with each other.

I don't think we'll be making Summer Storm into a movie anytime soon.

- What happened? - Tyler Perry wants a star to play the lead.

I mean, that makes sense.

And of course, if it means your movie's gonna get made,

I wouldn't want to hold you back.

I told him no.

- What do you mean "no"?

I just sent Tyler an email

that said I wasn't interested

in making Summer Storminto a movie

unless it starred you.

Val, the role is yours.

We'll get it done, Valerie.

The two of us together. The right way.

Oh, is that Josie again?

It's her mom.

Well, I've dug through your books,

and, um, first off, we literally need to re-price everything.

I think bringing prices up-to-date is totally doable, right?

Yeah.

And then there's the milkshake.

Oh, it's divinity in a glass.

You're losing money on them.

However, if we adjust the recipe

to replace real milk with instant milk,

we can save a ton of money.

Pop's milkshakes are our signature product

developed by my great-great-grandfather.

I can't change the recipe.

Girl, relax. It is just a milkshake.

Uh, Alexandra, you may not know this,

but Pop's started off selling one thing: Chocolate milkshakes.

Hence the name Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe.

That was back when this was

the first and only Black-owned business in town.

It was open 24/7.

A safe place for people like us

when those were few and far between.

So no, it's not "just a milkshake,"

and this isn't "just a business."

It's a legacy.

And I can't give that up for a bottom line.

This doesn't feel right anymore. Sorry.

Well, Veronica, I'm assuming you're prepared

for me to withdraw my money from your portfolios ASAP.

If that's what you wanna do.

But the banks are closed so you'll have to wait until tomorrow.

See you bright and early.

Thought you'd be here.

What are you guys doing here?

Your mom called us.

- We're so sorry about your dad, Josie.

Why didn't you tell us?

If we'd have known, Josie,

we would have never had said any of those things to you.

It's okay, Mel.

You both were 100% right.

You know, sometimes I think

watching my dad spend his entire career just outside of the spotlight

is why I became so obsessed with getting it for myself.

But now I would give anything

to play with him just one more time...

With you guys one more time.

- Then let's do it, Josie.

That's why we came.

To tell you

if you still wanna record that song together, we're totally down.

Oh, my gosh. That's amazing.

What?

Nothing, nothing. I just...

How would you feel

about playing a one-night-only concert?

That would be incredible, Josie, but what's the occasion?

You guys giving me another shot

makes me think that maybe some other people might deserve one, too.

Josie, Melody and Valerie.

I feel like I'm in sophomore year again.

- What's going on, guys?

- Hi, Archie. - Hey, Archie.

We're gonna help you and the gang save Riverdale.

Are you sure? I mean, I know you didn't exactly...

Please.

When a superstar offers to help,

you don't try to talk them out of it.

- So what are you guys thinking?

Well, we're thinking a one-night-only

Josie and the Pussycats reunion concert.

At the Whyte Wyrm.

With all the proceeds going to benefit a fund

- to reincorporate the former town of Riverdale. - Mmm-hmm.

Josie and the Pussycats reunited.

If that doesn't save Riverdale, nothing will.

Toni, how overdue are you?

A week ,

but I thought it'd be good for the baby to see the Cats live.

Plus I wouldn't miss this.

Dr. Curdle Jr.? Hey.

Did someone die?

- No, Ms. Cooper. I'm a huge Josie fan. - We both are.

Let's give it up for Valerie Brown

and Melody Valentine.

Listen, I've played a lot of venues.

The Sydney Opera House,

Dodger Stadium, the Apollo.

Whoo!

But there is no better spot to play music than here.

Riverdale nourishes artists

like myself and Valerie and Melody,

and heck, even Jughead Jones.

So, this next song is something

my dad wanted to hear me perform.

It's originally sung by one of his favorite artists.

Nina Simone.

This is for him.

Toni?

I'm sorry, Josie. I think I'm having my baby.

Oh, crap.

Um, okay. Uh,

is there a doctor in the house?

- I'm a doctor. - I can do it.

We prepared for a home birth,

I just need another pair of hands.

- I'll do it. - Let's go. Go, go, go.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

Well, as exciting as a random birth

in the back of a diner is, not to mention the coincidence

of crossing paths with Josie in Riverdale,

my mind naturally turns back to business,

- as always. - Oh, really?

Well, Josie's little speech got me thinking.

With her celebrity endorsement of Pop's,

a franchise seems like an even more lucrative prospect.

We're not changing the milkshake recipe, Alexandra.

Pop's original milkshake recipe and all.

Typical Riverdale.

The Pussycats always getting upstaged by something.

Better a new baby than a dead body.

Still, it felt pretty great

performing together again, didn't it?

Agreed.

Well, would you ladies

ever consider going on tour with me?

I wanna drive around the country

and visit all the small, cool places

my dad played. To honor his final wish.

- What do you say? - Intriguing.

But, wait. What? Would we be

like your opening act or something?

No, all three of us would be headlining.

I can't believe this.

I mean...

I have to talk to Alan about a lot of things,

including the fact that I'm not ready to get married.

- Wait. What? - I'll fill you in later.

But, Josie, I'm in.

Yes. Yes.

Melody?

I mean, I...

I have to talk to Nancy about it,

but I mean, now that my movie's on the back burner,

I guess it could kind of be like a book tour.

- Absolutely.

- Are we doing this? - Yes.

- Okay. - Yes!

- Well? - It's a boy.

Finally, some good news in this crazy town.

Not gonna lie, Josie, we were

kind of hoping you'd stay and be Riverdale High's new music teacher.

Uh, my destiny lies elsewhere.

Have an amazing tour, Josie.

And I'm gonna call you, okay?

And I'm gonna live vicariously through you.

Deal.

But you guys should come out and see me sometime.

We will 100%, Josie.

Especially if we can get backstage passes.

Uh, hell yes, you can.

Look who came to say bye.

Oh, my God.

What is this cutie-patootie's name?

Tony.

Anthony. After my grandfather.

Congratulations again, Toni.

Fangs. Kevin.

He's really beautiful.

You know, Alan, you don't have to come with us.

I still love you, Val.

I'm in it for the long haul, married or not.

In case I haven't told you today,

I'm crazy about you, Alan Mayberry.

See? Plenty of time.

God, I don't know how I'm gonna handle

being on the road without you, Nance.

You'll be fine.

We'll check in every night.

I know. I just

just not gonna be the same, you know.

Hey, Josie?

- Hi. - Can I talk to you for a second?

Uh, yeah.

So I've been thinking and, uh

is there any chance that I can tag along with you?

You know, I'd pull my weight. I could...

- I could drive the bus, or I could be your roadie.

I could be your...

I could be your anything.

It'll be a tight squeeze, but, yes.

Great. I'll, uh, I'll load my stuff.

You almost ready, honey?

I think so.

Unless this town has any more surprises for me.

Josie McCoy?

Yes?

My name is Toots Sweet.

I am a musician that toured with your father.

We've always had each other's backs.

That's why I'm here.

I was with Myles in New Orleans before he passed.

He was mixed in bad stuff.

Debts, petty crimes, even voodoo.

Josie, I don't believe your father died of natural causes.

Are you saying that my father was murdered?

I'm sorry, I realize this must come as a shock.

Mr. Sweet,

we've lived long enough in Riverdale

to know that when someone passes away,

foul play is always on the table.

Well, I know where the first stop on my tour is gonna be.

New Orleans.

It is.

Let's get the hell out of here

before we run out of room on the bus.

And there you have it.

The story of three young women, old friends who found their way

back to each other and who set off together

towards magical, musical mysteries unknown.

Do yourself a favor and remember our names.

All three of them.

Josie McCoy, Valerie Brown and Melody Valentine.

'Cause you're gonna be hearing from us again.