In the world of The Midnight Club,' the parents were once teens too. And they have their share of traumatic events. Riverdale is a horror town and none know this better than Alice, FP, Hermione, and Penelope.
The parents are usually attached to their children's stories in some ways, but they keep secrets as well. And if the children thought they were traumatized, it is nothing compared to what their parents have been through.
Alice Has FP’s Child
The Cooper women have always had a weakness for the Jones men. It seemed when Alice and FP interacted in season one that they just disliked each other. But over time, it was clear they still harbored feelings for each other from high school. Alice married Hal but had been with FP on and off.
Alice tells Betty that she had a secret baby, though it was a long time before she let on who the father was. Alice’s harsh demeanor was hiding the inner pain of losing her son as well as FP. This storyline cemented Alice as a complex character and an intense inner life.
FP Goes To Prison
Gang member, alcoholic, and –lastly—father, FP wore a lot of hats. It wasn’t a surprise that he ended up in prison at the end of season one. FP struggled to take care of his son. But when it mattered most, he did what he could. FP was accused of Jason Blossom’s murder and for a moment, it seemed as though he was guilty.
FP had been aware of and would do anything to keep him safe.
Alice Kicks Hal Out
When it comes to protecting her children, Alice is fierce. Betty was astounded to find out that her parents had sent Polly to the Sisters of Quiet Mercy because she had become pregnant. It was the same place that Alice went when she was an unwed teen about to give birth.
What Alice didn't know was that Hal had tried to force Polly to have an abortion. Alice and Hal’s marriage was far from perfect and this was the straw that broke to get Alice to finally it her marriage was crumbling. She kicked Hal out without a second thought.
The Midnight Club
History repeats itself in Riverdale and one of the great joys of season three was to see the parents tell their own story. This episode featured Alice narrating her time at Riverdale High while ing a club with the other parents of the town.
Alice, FP, Fred, and Hermione were all part of The Midnight Club. A live-action role-playing crew that played Gryphons and Gargoyles. This specific story showed how the parents hid secrets from their children but also how they befriended one another.
Penelope Blossom’s Tragic Past
Penelope had been an easy villain. She was abhorrent to her only daughter and frequently set out to poison the men of Riverdale. Just like Alice, there was a reason behind her crimes. Penelope was plucked from the Sisters of Quiet Mercy by the illustrious Blossoms when it was still an orphanage.
The Blossoms asked to see the Sisters’ redheaded children and chose Penelope to be the child bride of Clifford. Penelope was indoctrinated into an incestuous culture and after that, there could be no hope for her.
Gladys Is The Drug Kingpin
Jughead struggled with the absence of his mother for two seasons. But it seemed almost worse when she made it to Riverdale. She claimed to leave FP for a better life but when Gladys returned, she quickly took up the drug trade in town.
This was a refreshing change of pace from the predictably evil Hiram Lodge. Even though she was ruthless in her takeover, she still itted she made a mistake and left Jughead and Jellybean in the charge of FP.
Alice Was A Southside Serpent
Betty finds out more than she bargained with her mother after the Black Hood blackmails her into publishing a story about Alice. Alice Cooper started as Alice Smith, a Southside Serpent from the wrong side of the tracks.
Alice wanted to protect Betty from the Southside but eventually accepts her past and that part of herself. This brings her close to her daughter and eventually rekindles an old flame with FP.
Hermione’s Plot Against Hiram
Hermione had become pigeonholed as the dutiful wife for more than a season after Hiram came back from prison. It was a relief when she made a plan of her own. Hermione knew when to stay quiet. But when the opportunity presented itself, she struck.
Hermione paid FP to assassinate her husband. And when that attempt failed, she seduced the ex-sheriff Minetta into trying again. Hermione suffered too long under the control of Hiram and while unsuccessful, her attempt was irable.
Fred’s Death
In a show revolving around death, ‘In Memoriam’ was one of the saddest to date. After Luke Perry ed away unexpectedly, Riverdale honored his memory with one of the best episodes it had to offer.
Fred Andrews died as he had lived, helping those in need. Fred stopped on the side of the road to help someone with a flat and became the victim of a hit and run. This episode was a touching reflection of Fred as well as what Luke Perry brought to the show.
Alice s A Cult
There were many times that Alice’s parenting should have been called into question. One of her many offenses to Betty was when she left her to The Farm. In a cult run by Edgar Evernever, Alice essentially abandoned her daughter. But her redemption was just as important.
Alice realized that she had been hypnotized and fought from the inside. She became an FBI informant and worked with her newly discovered son to bring down the organization.