Post — Aaron Ngo

Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.

Season Four started with a stand-alone episode to say goodbye. Back in March 4, Luke Perry (age 52) passed away, and this episode was dedicated to his memory while also writing off his character, Fred Andrews. There were no Riverdale goofiness anywhere in this episode. The emotions were high, the story was emotional, and Archie Andrews carried his grief throughout the whole thing. This tribute episode reminded me of “The Body” from Buffy The Vampire Slayer as Archie searched for the “why?” only to learn death just happens. There’s no definitive answer to it.

All the characters grieve and react to the news by telling good stories about Fred Andrews, but Archie is the one who takes action. In the episode, Fred Andrews was killed in a hit-and-run accident while helping another driver. Archie and the gang visit the accident site where they meet Shannen Doherty’s character, who is the driver that Fred Andrews helped. The whole thing was touching, including the roadside prayer.

There was also a moment where Archie is Archie and attacks the driver who killed his father. However, the plot twist was that the man who confessed didn’t kill Fred Andrews in the hit-and-run, it was his son… the son borrowed the car without permission and ran Fred Andrews over. The man took the blame to protect his son. Archie is sympathetic and leaves them alone, reasoning that his father would do the same for him.

In the end, everyone came together to welcome home, Fred Andrews on the fourth of July, and the funeral scene followed. Archie Andrews delivered the eulogy, and the rest was history.

Overall, the tribute episode was moving and paid respect to an amazing man. Luke Perry will be missed. We’ll be back to the usual Riverdale antics next week.

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