Riverdale S7 E18: Who is the Killer Milkman and What is Project Moloch?

Riverdale season 7 episode 18 is a roller coaster of twists and turns that will leave you breathless. As the curtain falls on the Blossom family’s dark secrets, the FBI closes in on their sinister plans. But the spotlight is on Jughead and Cheryl, who unravel the mysteries that have haunted them for so long in this satisfying episode.

Amid the drama, we also witness Uncle Frank’s emotional farewell and Ethel’s redemption arc that make us cheer for them. The most important revelation in this episode was the identity of the Killer Milkman.

The episode is shot in black-and-white, which gives it a noir-like vibe. Season 7 episode 18 ends with the threat of nuclear war approaching the town of Riverdale, and the characters sharing what they’d do if the worst was to happen.

While we prepare to binge the last three episodes of Riverdale season 7, let’s get a quick recap of season 7 episode 18. If you had questions about the plot and the episode in general, you’re at the right place!

1. Who is the Killer Milkman? Project Moloch Explained

Clifford Blossom is exposed as the mastermind behind the serial killings of milkmen or the “Killer Milkman” in Riverdale season 7, episode 18.

He hired an assassin to murder anyone who threatened to reveal his secret project involving palladium, a rare and valuable metal that could be used to create a powerful weapon. His actions show his greed for power and his willingness to resort to any means necessary to achieve his objectives and maintain his influence.

Clifford Blossom is questioned by the FBI for his involvement in a dangerous project that aimed to create and distribute weapons of mass destruction. His link to the Palladium, a rare and volatile metal, and his responsibility for the serial killings of milkmen are exposed to the public.

His arrest marks the end of his reign of terror and manipulation in Riverdale, as well as the failure of his devious plans. Jughead reveals that the Blossoms hired an assassin to eliminate anyone who knew about the Palladium and Clifford Blossom’s activities.

Clifford and Penelope are also involved in a secret initiative called Project Moloch that involves using palladium to create a powerful weapon.

He sacrifices children to a demon statue named Moloch in exchange for palladium, which he plans to deliver to Russia. He also lies to the U.S. government that he is developing a palladium bomb for them.

It is also revealed that Clifford and Penelope Blossom are actually Russian spies. The show explores the themes of Cold War and espionage, drawing parallels between the historical events and the current situation in Riverdale.

The narrative becomes more complex and layered as the characters face the consequences of their actions and secrets. Cheryl Blossom plays a pivotal role in exposing and capturing her parents, achieving a poetic justice for their crimes.

2. How does Cheryl and Jughead catch the Killer Milkman?

Cheryl raids her father’s office and discovers a secret chamber where she finds objects owned by the milkmen who were murdered. She learns that her father is the mastermind behind the serial killings of milkmen, who were trying to expose his project.

Meanwhile, Jughead understands that the Blossoms are Russian spies. After Cheryl discovers the truth, she decides to team up with Jughead and Ethel, who have also uncovered the truth about Clifford’s schemes. Together, they devise a plan to expose and capture Cheryl’s parents, Clifford and Penelope.

Cheryl pretends to be loyal to her parents and agrees to participate in a ritual that involves sacrificing a child to Moloch, a demon statue. However, she secretly switches the child with a dummy and sets up a trap for her parents.

She lures them into the Blossom mines, where she confronts them with Jughead and Ethel. She reveals that she knows their true identities and their crimes, and that she has contacted the FBI to arrest them.

She also shows them the piece of palladium that Ethel’s father had found in the mines, which proves that Clifford was lying about the metal being harmless. Cheryl then detonates the palladium, causing a massive explosion that destroys the statue of Moloch and the Blossom’s maple factory. Cheryl, Jughead, and Ethel manage to escape before the blast, while Clifford and Penelope are captured by the FBI.

Cheryl’s act of catching Clifford Blossom is a triumphant moment for her character, as she proves that she is smarter and braver than her parents. She also achieves a poetic justice for their crimes, especially for the murder of her brother Jason.

3. Archie Defends His Love for Poetry

In Riverdale season 7 episode 18, Archie faces some challenges in his personal life. He quits the basketball team to focus on his poetry writing, which angers his Uncle Frank, who mocks him for being weak and feminine.

Archie also considers joining the Merchant Marines after hearing about it from Kevin and Clay, who are planning to enlist. Archie tells his mother and Reggie about his decision, but they are not supportive of him. Archie stands up to his uncle and defends his passion for poetry.

4. Ethel’s Redemption Arc

In the episode, Betty has some troubles with her driving lesson with Ethel. She finds out that Ethel has become a successful author of graphic novels, and that she has moved on from her past involvement with the Gargoyle King, a cult leader who manipulated her and other students with a dangerous role-playing game.

Betty feels jealous of Ethel’s achievements and tries to sabotage her driving test by making her nervous. However, Ethel passes the test and forgives Betty for her behavior. Ethel also apologizes to Jughead for her past actions and offers to help him with his writer’s block.

In other words, Ethel’s character gets an interesting redemption arc where she is able to let go of her past mistakes, forgive and forget. She forgives Betty for her deeds and even offers to help Jughead, which gives her character a new layer.

5. About Riverdale