Watch Riverdale 2017 S02e09 «SIMPLE»

For the 2017 mid-season finale, viewers generally praised the episode's high-stakes tension but were divided over its major cliffhanger reveals.

Critics and fans shared mixed feelings about the payoff of the episode's central mystery.

“While the Black Hood reveal felt a bit like a 'lame' red herring involving a minor character, the psychological toll on Betty and Archie made for compelling TV.” Entertainment Weekly · 8 years ago 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

“"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 For the 2017 mid-season finale, viewers generally praised

“"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

“The episode did a great job of sowing doubt, especially with that final shot of Betty keeping the hood.” TV Fanatic · 8 years ago For the 2017 mid-season finale

“Between the awkward Secret Santa gifts and that shocking Barchie kiss, the emotional stakes were at an all-time high.” Refinery29