The New Riverdale

When I was a kid, I was OBSESSED with Archie Comics. Specifically, the Betty & Veronica issues because duh…? Every time we would go on a trip, my parents would get me an issue or two to read to keep me busy. They grew up reading Archie and passed their love for these comics down to me. These were the first and really only comics that I ever got into. I declared myself a total Betty Cooper, but loved the mysteriousness and fashion sense of Veronica Lodge. If you are unfamiliar with the premise of Archie comics, it follows a group of high school aged kids growing up in Riverdale (which is supposed to basically represent Small Town Anywhere, USA). Betty Cooper is the total “girl next door”; cute blonde,  innocent, kind and sweet. Veronica Lodge is Betty’s best friend and her total opposite; gorgeous long dark hair, mysterious, alluring and kind of bitchy. The only thing that could ever come between the two BFF’s is red-headed hottie Archie Andrews. The entire series Archie wavers back and forth between choosing Betty or Veronica. Of course there are also other notable characters in the comics such as jokester Jughead, queen bee Cheryl and plenty more.

When it was announced early last year that there was an Archie TV show in the works, I lost it. I don’t think I had been this excited for a new show since Gossip Girl premiered in 2007. I did as much research as possible on the upcoming project, looking forward to seeing who was cast and was surprised when I discovered that they had cast mostly newbie actors, minus Cole Sprouse who surprisingly plays Jughead. The CW named this show Riverdale and it was supposed to be a mix of the original comics, with a dark Twin Peaks vibe. I’m a sucker for any show with a murder mystery arc, so this just amped me up more. The show finally made its debut last week and in my opinion, it definitely did NOT disappoint. I thought the best way to articulate my thoughts on Riverdale would be in list form, so here we go:

• The casting is incredible. Each actor captures the personality and look of the original characters perfectly, albeit with a modern day twist.
• The plot follows the mysterious death of one of Riverdale’s own golden boys, Jason Blossom, after he and his twin Cheryl get into a suspicious boating accident and Cheryl is the only who makes it back. This show wastes no time in delving into the central mystery. It’s a fast paced show, so far.
• The incorporation of music and Josie and the Pussycats (also part of the original Archie Universe) is a fun touch.
• Based on the pilot, I feel like there is going to be a lot of parent’s meddling in their kids lives and just a lot of insane high school drama, kinda like Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl.
• Forewarning, there is a super weird forbidden relationship storyline (also like PLL) with a character who in the comics is actually pretty old but in the show is in her 20s. Keep in mind these characters are supposed to be sophomores in high school…
• After two episodes, pretty much everyone in town is still a murder suspect and I get the vibe that there might be several red herring thrown in before we get to know the actual identity of the killer.
• Literally everyone on the show is extremely good looking.
• They’ve got the central love triangle dynamic down already. 

Since there has only been two episodes so far, there isn’t much more I can say, but as of right now, I’m pretty impressed. It’s been while since a “high school” drama came out that doesn’t involve anything paranormal or people having superpowers. I miss the days of Gossip Girl, 90210, Gilmore Girls, The OC….I think you get my point. I am really looking forward to seeing more of Archie’s gang and Riverdale.

Have you seen the show? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! And if you haven’t yet, is there a certain “high school” drama you miss?

xoxo

Samantha