Ep 1. Chapter Thirty-Six: Labor Day

As the third season of Riverdale begins, the town is still reeling from the shocking events of the previous season. The season premiere, titled "Chapter Thirty-Six: Labor Day," picks up with the residents of Riverdale celebrating the end of summer with the titular holiday.

The episode introduces a number of new plotlines and characters as the show picks up where it left off. The central mystery of the season revolves around a ritualistic killing that takes place in the woods near town, which the local police force is unable to solve.

Meanwhile, Archie (KJ Apa) is dealing with the fallout from being framed for murder by Hiram Lodge (Mark Consuelos) and spending the summer in juvie. He's traumatized by his experiences and struggling to adjust to life back in Riverdale.

Betty (Lili Reinhart) is also struggling with the aftermath of the season two finale, particularly her realization that her father was the Black Hood. She's determined to find out more about the sinister cult that her family is involved with, even as her mother (Mädchen Amick) continues to push her away.

Jughead (Cole Sprouse) is still leading the Southside Serpents, but his position as the king of the trailer park is threatened by the arrival of a new gang in town, the Gargoyles. He also has to deal with the fallout of his relationship with Betty, which has been strained by their recent traumas.

Veronica (Camila Mendes) is back in town after spending the summer dealing with her father's machinations in New York City. She's determined to take down her father once and for all, but she also has to contend with a potential new love interest in the form of Archie's friend Reggie (Charles Melton).

As always, the show's trademark blend of soap opera melodrama, noir-inspired mystery, and teen angst is on full display in "Chapter Thirty-Six: Labor Day." The episode sets up a number of intriguing storylines for the third season, including the mystery of the Gargoyle King, Hiram's ongoing machinations, and the relationship troubles between the show's central quartet of Archie, Betty, Jughead, and Veronica.

Throughout the episode, there are hints of the supernatural and occult, which suggests that the show may be leaning even further into its horror elements this season. There's also a sense that the stakes are higher than ever before, with all of the characters facing serious threats to their safety and well-being.

Overall, "Chapter Thirty-Six: Labor Day" is a strong start to the third season of Riverdale. The show's talented cast remains as compelling as ever, and the addition of new characters and mysteries keeps the momentum going from the previous season. Fans of the show are sure to be pleased with this thrilling and mysterious season premiere.