RIVERDALE REMEMBERS

The addictive tteen soap Riverdale returned on a sad note last week when its cast said goodbye to beloved father figure Fred AAndrews, portrayed by the latlatete Luke Perry.

The BeverlyHills,90210 legend tragically passed away in MarcMarchch this year after suffering a strokstroke.ke. In the first episode of Riverdale’serdale’s Rive fourth season, which started streaming last week on Netflix, Archie Andrews (played by Kiwi KJ Apa)) iis tryingi to cope withih the h sudden loss of his dad. It’s a tragic case of art imitating life.

KJ explains, “It’s tough, obviously. We see the main four [characters] spending a lot of time together and going through that whole process together.”

With Archie’s dad gone, his mother, played by recurring guest star Molly Ringwald, takes on a bigger role this season – per the actress’ request. “She said, ‘Please don’t introduce Archie’s uncle or something. Please let me be part of this,‘” tellsll creator Robertob Aguirre-i Sacasa. “I said, ‘If you want to do it, we’re here for you.’”

And Molly isn’t the only icon you’ll recognise this season. Luke’s co-star Shannen Doherty cameos as a friend from Fred’s past. Because she was one of Luke’s real-life confidantes, Roberto “asked Shannen to do a pivotal, super emotional role” to make the tribute as special as possible. After reading the script, she immediately accepted. “The care this show takes in honouring his memory is beautiful,” she said. “I’m deeply honoured.”

Fans are in for a gutwrenching start to the series – or as Roberto calls it “the most important episode this year.” Fortunately, there will also be more uplifting storylines that focus on the relationships among the clever and talented senior class of Riverdale High.

Cole Sprouse, who plays Jughead, says, “The characters are very much clinging to one another in their last days of high school, before they go their separate ways.”