Season two of Riverdale brought more juicy drama, betrayal, and secrets. It also brought a musical episode based on the cult horror classic, Carrie, which was originally a novel written by writer Stephen King.
Titled “Chapter 31: A Night to Remember,” Archie and the gang prepare for Riverdale High School’s production of Carrie The Musical, and every member in Riverdale is typecasted to their respective roles. Friendships are mended, egos are challenged, and relationships are tested, all while traipsing across the stage, belting show-stopping songs worth singing. This episode also comes with a couple of downers audiences may not be fans of. Here is every number in The Carrie Musical episode, ranked. To skip or not to skip, that is the question...
“Do Me a Favor”
Out of all the lower-ranked songs, this is honestly still on a pretty decent tune in the bottom tier. This song was sung by Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Chuck. Each of these four characters gets a chance to sing, even so much as to pair up and perform in pairs, as noted in the picture above.
The dichotomy of perspectives and sounds are electric - sympathetic versus apathetic, confident versus kind. Despite its electricity, this song isn't that memorable compared to the others listed.
“In”
The first number of the episode comes in next to last with the Riverdale cast singing “In.” Despite its fun-natured vibe, "In" doesn't offer much more than simple, catchy lyrics.
The only cool part of this song was when the entire cast was dancing and singing together on stage. It's one of those show tunes that are good for a listen or two, but it usually just ends up being a skip.
“You Shine”
Forgiveness is the theme of this number. After brutally roasting Veronica in front of everyone they know, Betty, played by Lili Reinhart, makes it all up to Veronica with “You Shine.” It’s here where Veronica and Betty twirl and croon to their hearts' content until both are aware of each other’s forgiveness.
This number wouldn't even have existed if it wasn't for Betty's random need to start a verbal war on Veronica's personality and character. It's a good thing Betty sang this song to Veronica, or else they probably would still be fighting. While it's a sweet song, the reason it's performed is because of Betty's negative attitude and naivety, and that's never a good thing.
“Carrie”
Cheryl Blossom proves her haters wrong by belting out “Carrie.” Madelaine Petsch, who plays bombshell Cheryl, showcases her strong vocals with this number while donning a gorgeous pink satin dress and her characteristic cherry lips.
It’s a powerhouse number, and Madelaine Petsch knocks it out of the ballpark. If only she could've performed this song longer than the short excerpt in the show.
“Stay Here Instead”
This duet was sung by Betty’s mom, Alice Cooper, and the new understudy, Midge Klump. It becomes an endearing ballad for Betty as her mom pleads with her to stay.
Even though it’s an awkward scene since Betty’s mom should be singing about Carrie and not Betty, it showed one of the rare tender moments of the Cooper women. Not to mention Betty’s mom’s, played by Mädchen Amik, voice is velvety and smooth.
“Unsuspecting Hearts”
Friendships are mended with "Unsuspecting Hearts," Josie and Cheryl's duet. The friendship was strained due to Cheryl's "Carrie White-like demons" and it led to Josie and Cheryl's falling out. Thankfully, by the end of the duet, all was well due to the power of song.
Even though this song is short, it's touching theme gives listeners sympathy for the two characters. Not to mention the voices between Josie and Cheryl are simply lovely and they blend beautifully together. Hopefully, in the future, there can be more Josie and Cheryl duets!
“Evening Prayers”
This one comes in the top three not just because of Mädchen Amik’s voice, but also because of where the episode’s story ended up. This was the last song featured in the episode and it’s right before they reveal Carrie’s fate on stage.
Mädchen Amik’s delicate soprano voice serenaded the audience right before the heartbreaking reveal of the understudy’s demise onstage - her being stabbed to the wall, just like Carrie's mother herself.
“A Night We’ll Never Forget”
This number was reminiscent of the High School Musical 3 number, "A Night to Remember," which is also the same name of this episode! Everyone in this song got a line or two to sing, and audiences all got to see the blending kaleidoscope of voices and talent.
There's also an easy opportunity to dance along with the cast since most of the moves in this number are fun and easy to learn!
“The World According to Chris”
Veronica, played by Camila Mendes, and the chorus deliver this show-stopping and undoubtedly catchy number, which is exactly why it’s number one. The lyrics are snappy and sassy, and Veronica performs it with enough flair to last a lifetime.
She's lifted in the air, she dances all over the set on stage, and she holds some killer notes all while getting a good dance workout. These are the kinds of numbers audiences remember, so thank you, Camila Mendes, for your talent.