“This finale was less about answers and more about setting up a much darker second half of the season."” Den of Geek · 8 years ago Community Highlights
For the 2017 mid-season finale, viewers generally praised the episode's high-stakes tension but were divided over its major cliffhanger reveals.
“"A fast-paced thrill ride that perfectly blends holiday spirit with Riverdale's signature darkness.” Refinery29 Watch Riverdale 2017 S02E09
“The episode did a great job of sowing doubt, especially with that final shot of Betty keeping the hood.” TV Fanatic · 8 years ago
“"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 “This finale was less about answers and more
“Between the awkward Secret Santa gifts and that shocking Barchie kiss, the emotional stakes were at an all-time high.” Refinery29
“If the Black Hood is actually Mr. Svenson/Conway, I'm going to be violently disappointed... Mr. Svenson can't be the Black Hood. This can't be over.” Morbidly Beautiful I'm going to be violently disappointed...
Critics and fans shared mixed feelings about the payoff of the episode's central mystery.