In a dark and modernized portrayal of the infamous Archie comics, Riverdale brings to life the beloved characters in a captivating story. Archie Andrews(KJ Apa) and his closest friends Betty Cooper(Lili Reinhart) and Veronica Lodge(Camilla Mendes) are faced with a life and death circumstance, and it’s only a matter of time before the killer of star football player Jason Blossom strikes again.
The first season traces the steps of the gang from July 4th, the day Jason Blossom and his twin sister took a boat out on Sweetwater River. From the perspective of ‘Jughead’ Jones(Cole Sprouse) the story carries on as his narrative novel, the story of how Jason Blossom was murdered.
The young cast pleasantly surprised me by giving a plethora of tremendous performances. Some of the characters were almost too real, which not only makes Riverdale believable, it makes it hauntingly relatable. It encapsulates a high school environment that is entirely fantasy, and yet, it is the exact place we remember all too vividly. Let me put it this way: High school strictly operates on a universal hierarchy. Cheerleaders and football players are always at the top, especially rich ones. Below them are the musicians and members of various other clubs. And, at the very bottom, are the kids that write novels about star football players being murdered, grow up on the wrong side of town, and call themselves ‘Jughead.’
Throughout the season there are a few hidden gems to look for:
Kevin Keller- Played by Casey Cott, son of Sheriff Keller and Riverdales token homosexual, Kevin made me laugh nearly every time he opened his mouth. In the midst of the darkness and the dramatics, it is nice to have some comic relief. Kevin Keller not only delivers, he perfects it, leaving you craving more Kevin Keller for season two.
Cole Sprouse in a dramatic role- I have to be honest, I didn’t think that I would ever see Cole Sprouse any way other than Cody Martin, the smart, well dressed twin that once abided in the Tipton Hotel. Forsythe “Jughead” Jones III became his new identity. He owns the “wrong side of the track” persona, proving my initial hypothesis incorrect.
The music- In this adaptation of the comics, Archie Andrews is an aspiring musician looking to study music. Archie and the local ethnic music group “The Pussycats” perform a few times throughout the show, and it is something special. K.J. Apa and Ashleigh Murray, who plays Josie McCoy, lead singer of the Pussycats, have incredible singing talent and their musical performances are a highlight of the first season.
Overall, Riverdale is suspenseful, entertaining, and constantly keeps you guessing. Also, a suggestion from experience: don’t watch the entire season in one sitting in complete darkness. You will almost certainly have nightmares about Cheryl Blossom(Madelaine Petsch). Yeah, it is that good.
Riverdale season 1 is now streaming on Netflix and season 2 premieres this fall on the CW.
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