GayTV Recap: Riverdale (Episode 4x17)

This week's musical episode of Riverdale put a spotlight on the drama's gay character, Kevin (played by Casey Cott). The episode takes its title, "Wicked Little Town," from the famed musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which becomes a rallying cry for Kevin during the hour that began with the town of Riverdale once again on edge as videotapes circulated around town, showing the mysterious voyeur with his/her eyes cast squarely on key homes, as well as the local malt shop, where Kevin and several others happened to be when that tape was played, with the characters singing the title song.

The next day, Kevin delivered a list of performers for his revival of Riverdale High's upcoming variety show to Principal Honey (played by Kerr Smith). This set up one of the episode's major conflicts as Mr. Honey objected to Kevin's intention to perform a number from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which Honey believed was inappropriate for the school. The conflict featured some interesting historical context with Kerr Smith, who gained notoriety for playing gay teen Jack McPhee on Dawson's Creek, now playing the unbending and intolerant adult stifling gay teen Kevin.

Kevin refused to alter his performance, telling Honey about the themes of the hit musical and its influence on him and his generation. He explained how the kids at the school have been through so many crises and they've survived them all, but there's still so much inner turmoil that needs to be let out. He begged Mr. Honey to listen to the students around him. This led to another musical number with Kevin performing "Random Number Generation" along with his fellow students throughout the school. Afterwards, Mr. Honey informed Kevin that he could either change his intended performance or drop out of all duties related to the variety show, leaving Kevin more upset.

Later, Kevin informed his on-again/off-again love interest Fangs (played by Drew Ray Tanner) that he was switching his performance to something from Oklahoma, which surprised Fangs who wondered why he changed his mind. Kevin told him about Principal Honey nixing the Hedwig performance. Fangs encouraged Kevin not to let that stand in his way. He suggested Kevin go rogue, giving him an idea to fight for his passion.

The next day, life at Riverdale High was interrupted by Kevin on the intercom, calling for the attention of all students. Refusing to be quieted by authority, he urged anyone else at the school who was feeling neglected and unheard to join him in the music room. Dressed as Hedwig, he marched through the halls singing "Tear Me Down." He made his way to the music room, where several students were waiting along with his makeshift band, including a shirtless Fangs on guitar.

The rest of Kevin's friends were all gathered there as well, cheering on his performance. He made his way through the crowd, planting a kiss on Archie (played by K.J. Apa) in the process, also to the cheers of the gathered students including Archie. The musical performance rallied the students, but also got the attention of Principal Honey, who made his way to the music room. He was completely flabbergasted by Kevin's performance.

An infuriated Honey attempted to interrupt the performance but Kevin wouldn't listen and continued to sing. The principal pulled the plug on the speakers, leading Kevin to drop his microphone and depart with his head held high, as Mr. Honey announced that Kevin was not going to be performing at the variety show. Kevin remained unfazed as Honey told Kevin that he was completely done with having anything to do with the show.

While Kevin was glad he stood up for himself against the principal, he was left angry and disappointed by the outcome, knowing that Mr. Honey had taken away something so important to him. Attending a sleepover with Betty, Veronica, Cheryl & Toni, the girls looked to cheer Kevin up. This led Betty to lead them in another song from Hedwig and the Angry Inch. As they sang "Wig in a Box," they presented Kevin with some hair and song to raise his spirits.

Not willing to keep their support confined to the sleepover, the girls thought of a way to make Kevin's performance happen. Betty suggested that all of the acts who have signed up for the variety show could perform a song from Hedwig, to show solidarity. When Cheryl mentioned it to Mr. Honey, he threatened to ban any participating students from attending senior prom. Looking to make a final stand, Kevin showed up as Hedwig, with an army of Hedwigs at his side, to confront Mr. Honey with a peaceful protest. Mr. Honey responded by cancelling the variety show completely.

Not willing to let their voices be silenced, the teens arranged for the variety show to be moved to Veronica's bar, La Bonne Nuit. With a packed house of students and parents, the students got to put on their show. The final number of the night found Archie's new band The Archies, consisting of the soon-to-be-broken couples of Archie & Veronica and Betty & Jughead, performing another Hedwig song, "Midnight Radio," on stage with Kevin. The Archies' big closing moment moved the show outside with the quintet performing on the roof of the upstairs malt shop.