Are we even supposed to understand what's happening in Riverdale's five-episode special event at this point? Because, if we are, I have some bad news for The CW: we don't. The new trailer for the Riverdale Season 6 special event kick off is full of juicy stuff — Barchie! Veggie! Sabrina! — but contains literally zero indication as to how this will relate to the Season 6 arc at large.

Is this five episode special event, which apparently takes place in Rivervale (with a "V"), not Riverdale, a self-contained story? Or will it actually lead us to Season 6? These are questions I've been asking since the very first promo for "Rivervale" aired after the Season 5 Riverdale finale. And I regret to inform you that this new trailer does not clear anything up! It does, however, tease even more twists and turns for our beloved "Rivervale" crew. And somewhere along the line, there just might be some clues as to what effect this "Rivervale" special will have on the rest of the season.

What Is Rivervale?

The trailer makes clear that this five-episode special does not take place in RiverDale, but in RiverVale. But what is Rivervale? Is it just an alternate version of Riverdale? Is it Riverdale but with magic? (I'm leaning towards that one.) Is it Jughead's new book?

It definitely looks like Jughead will be central to placing Rivervale within the larger narrative. He's shown multiple times in the trailer speaking directly to camera — something he never did before, even as the narrator of Riverdale. It's giving major Twilight Zone vibes, which could mean that this is totally an alternate universe. (Coincidentally, "Rivervale" taking place in an alternate universe would allow the show to avoid having to explain how Sabrina, who died on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, is alive.)

Barchie Baby??

Arguably the most jaw-dropping moment in the teaser is when Betty sincerely declares, "There's nothing more that I want than to have your baby," before straddling Archie for a make out session. I am... perplexed. Archie and Betty just decided they wanted to give their relationship a real try, and now they're talking babies? (Not to mention the fact that the last time we saw them in the Season 5 finale, they were about to get blown up by Hiram Lodge.) As much as I am here for a Barchie baby, this is definitely another strike in the AU (Alternate Universe) column.

Something Witchy This Way Comes

The other big reveal in this trailer is the confirmation that magic is coming to "Rivervale." Over the course of Season 5, there were many hints that Cheryl had some witch blood in her. First, there was the time she, her mom, and her grandmother prayed for a fire to spare Thornhill — and it worked. Then, there was the time she called on the elements to help rescue Archie who was stuck in the mines on her property — again, it worked. And now, the trailer for the "Rivervale" special event shows her performing many other rituals that give off a decidedly witchy vibe.

First, there's the creepy voodoo dolls Archie thinks Cheryl and her pupils of wayward girls set up in the forest. Given that they're later seen performing a ritual with similar dolls, I'd say it's a safe bet that Cheryl is up to something creepy. Then, there's a shot of Cheryl, Betty, and Toni all praying with Nana Rose, chanting, "Spirits, reveal thyselves."

But it's not just Cheryl dealing with the supernatural.

Is The Devil Is Coming To Rivervale?

At one point in the trailer, Veronica and Reggie discuss a new player on the scene who claims to be the devil. It's definitely not the same actor who played Sabrina's dad on CAOS (you know, the devil), but, at this point, if Riverdale says he's the devil, I'm just along for the ride. It's unclear how the devil will fit into Veronica and Reggie's story, but it looks like he'll at least be a patron of their new casino.

And then there's whatever this is:

Cheryl sees this figure dressed in black walking around Riverdale High at night, and claims she knows who she is, but TBH, I sure don't! Could it be the spirit of Cheryl's beloved ancestor who was burned at the stake by her fellow Riverdale citizens?

Sabrina In Riverdale

Towards the end of the teaser, Sabrina officially makes her arrival to Thornhill, and, given Cheryl's warm welcome, it definitely looks like these two have a previous connection. This is particularly interesting considering that it definitely didn't seem like Sabrina knew Cheryl when she and her cousin snuck into the Blossom Maple Grove in Season 3 of CAOS. So how do the "Rivervale" versions of Cheryl and Sabrina know each other?

Is Nana Rose Going To Die On "Rivervale"?

It seems like Sabrina and Cheryl will have some kind of familial connection in the "Rivervale" special. At the very least, Sabrina will be close enough with the Blossoms to be allowed to visit Nana Rose as she lays on her sickbed. Alternatively, this also loos like Sabrina could be joining a weakened Nana Rose and Cheryl to perform some sort of spell, which would further track with the whole "Cheryl is magic" reality "Rivervale" seems to be embracing.

There's really too much going on in this "Rivervale" trailer to make any sense of it. And maybe that's the point. Maybe "Rivervale" isn't supposed to make sense — not yet, anyways. All I know for sure is that I'm ready to embrace the madness.

Image: Riverdale/YouTube