Riverdale criticized by polyamory group for using four-way relationship as ‘shocking twist’

After airing for seven seasons, Riverdale has finally run its course - but its grand finale hasn't fallen short of controversy.

The CW show was known for its out-there storylines, so it’s no surprise that the finale’s ‘shocking twist’ has deeply divided fans.

However, a polyamory group has criticized the teen drama’s ending – which sees the main characters in a four-way relationship. (Spoilers ahead, obviously)

Even if you managed to keep up with the previous six seasons, you probably were surprised by the CW show’s ending – which aired on August 23.

Just like high school, Riverdale had plenty of drama including musical episodes, the gang getting superpowers and Archie fighting a bear because…well, reasons.

Understandably, showrunners wanted to end the long-running series on a similarly dramatic note – with the gang ending up in a four-way relationship.

If that weren’t bizarre enough, the entire thing is revealed through a dream Betty has as she dies. (Yes, really).

Jumping 67 years into the future, the bubbly blonde is the last surviving member of the Riverdale High School gang and goes to visit their old haunts with her granddaughter Alice.

CW

As they drive, Betty falls asleep and dreams of Jughead during their final day of school.

Set in the 1950s storyline, because time travel, the character wonders through the school reminiscing.

She then sits with Kevin Keller and Clay Walker who ask if ‘four of you have figured out’ – referring to the complicated love story between the gang.

It’s then that Kevin tells her that they ‘know the truth, saying: “Don’t tell me you’ve suddenly forgotten that you, Archie, Veronica and Jughead have been in a quad this entire last year.”

It’s at that point that she looks over at her ‘partners’, who wave back, with Betty truly happy.

The schmalzy ending has been unpopular with fans and a polyamory group – who also hit out at the ‘shock’ twist.

The CW

Open - a non-profit group that hopes to normalise polyamory relationships - has been frustrated by the CW show and claims it used non-monogamy as a plot device.

Spokesperson and executive director Brett Chamberlin told TMZ: "It's frustrating that Riverdale used its characters' non-monogamous relationship as a 'shocking twist' rather than engaging with an authentic portrayal of non-monogamy as simply being part of people's identities."

He added: "We didn't see or hear anything about why these characters practice non-monogamy, what it means for them, the substance of their relationship agreements and communication practices, or any of the other underlying motivations and work that makes relationships of any type function.”

Fans were also unhappy with the decision, having watched the complicated love story play out over seven seasons with few hints at the ‘twist’ ending.

One even tweeted: “This show went from a murder mystery, to musical, to Wakanda, to the vampire diaries, to Fantastic 4, only to end as a simple romance show?”

Either-way, despite viewers not being satisfied, school's officially out for Riverdale.