Riverdale (4×08) In Treatment Review

For our review of last episode, click here.

After a few weeks, the neighborhood creep sends out his second round of videos with images of people’s front doors just a bit closer. With students receiving letters from universities and colleges, the school’s guidance counsellor Mrs. Burble, played by guest star Gina Torres, is giving extended office hours to help those in need and these students sure do need it. Here’s what happened in “In Treatment.”

The show cuts into five smaller segments with a different character (or characters) talking to Mrs. Burble to unpackage their growing issues and PTSD.  It divides into the Core Four, with Betty accompanied by her mother, and Cheryl rounding it out. This storytelling is the highlight of Riverdale season four.

Writer Tessa Leigh Williams, known for her previous musical episodes, shines here with an encapsulating and very self aware story that has each of the character bare all and their insane antics. These teenagers have been through hell and back and finally they are given an outlet to express all of these emotions. Not only does that all each of these actors to shine, but it gives them a great scene partner to do it with.

Gina Torres excels as the school’s resident guidance counsellor bringing a reserved and stoic, but empathizing presence that is much needed to this world. She needs to come back if not just for this brilliant performance that brings Riverdale season four to new heights.

While bringing in a character with no stakes in the matter to force plot progression may seem tired and overdone, it works here. The world of Riverdale is so insane and campy that it needed a new voice to come in and shake things up. Of course the best way to do this is through someone who has dedicated their life to guiding people.

It should be noted that while it was important for her to help these characters grow, Mrs. Burble should have met with two additional students: Reggie and Kevin. Both of them went through their own emotionally scarring events from The Farm or an abusive family which have seemingly been glossed over. You think ex-Sheriff Keller would be more concerned about his son’s cult life. Aside from that, this episode was the best of the season.

What did you think of “In Treatment”? Let me know in the comments below!

If you liked this, check out my YouTube channel The Film Fanatic, my other reviews and my website!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook.

Dylan Phillips