Riverdale has had amazing lessons and interesting drama that many fans will agree played out perfectly. It addresses various issues including sexual assault and how to approach it. With the various sexual assault scandals that have rocked Hollywood and the debates ensuing thereof, the show comes at the perfect time to help give some insight into what one should do to deal with sexual assault including cases of rape. The episode released recelty demonstrates perfectly one of the best ways everyone could handle sexual assault on TV. Here is how Riverdale shows the right way to handle sexual assault on TV.
Cheryl attempted rape
“Chapter Eighteen”, as the episode is called, highlights a stranger whose primary focus is on Betty Cooper and her frustrations that include Black Hood, the season’s villain. However, the stand-out moment in the episode does not have anything to do with the plight of Betty or the trials Jughead went through before he became a serpent. It is all made to address Cheryl and the attempted rape she faces that is perpetrated by Nick St. Clair, a newcomer.
All through the episode, Nick is introduced as that fun and rich party-boy that used to crown New York City party nights in his darker days. Nick is shown to have predatory tendencies and the first instance is when he urges all to engage in jingle-jangle while at Veronica’s party. This triggers everyone to follow suit including Veronica, who by the way was bent on impressing Nick because her father had a business deal with Nick’s visiting family. The party proceeds well until it reaches that point where Nick reveals his true colors.
Sexual assault scenes
He starts to extend his hands on Veronica suggesting to pursue a flirtatious intention and he goes further to attempt to kiss her despite the fact she clearly says no. However, Nick does not stop until she responds by slapping him before she walks out disgusted at his actions. Towards the end of the episode, Cheryl is seen arriving at the open house of the Lodge where she finds Nick.
Nick roofies her drink and uses this to lure her into getting into a bedroom and tries to rape her. But he is still not successful as Pussycat and Veronica learn about his action and come quickly to rescue her. Veronica, angered by what Nick is doing, gives him a right hook and kicks him sending him to the ground. Few moments later, Cheryl comes to and is disgusted at what had just happened to her, but she is adamant to press charges against Nick.
Women helping women
The sexual assault cases highlighted in Riverdale show that women can help women in dealing with sexual assault. The reaction of Veronica and her friends to stop Nick is prompt and hard to ensure their friend is rescued from the attack Nick had launched that would otherwise have led to rape. Women’s standing up to guard fellow women is a show that should be encouraged.
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