A special tribute episode of 'Riverdale' aired last night in honour of Luke Perry.
The 'Riverdale' episode premiered on CW in the US last night and is available on Netflix in Ireland from today. If you haven't seen it, be aware that SPOILERS follow.
Luke Perry played Fred Andrews on the show. He passed away in March after suffering a stroke.
Perry's death came in the middle of the show's third season. Show creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa said he didn't want to hasten the character’s exit, but rather give Perry a fitting farewell.
Yesterday, he posted on Twitter:
Tonight Season 4 of #Riverdale premieres. With an episode that honors our friend Luke. It’s an episode that’s bursting with sadness, but even more so with love. I’m humbled by the outstanding work everyone did on it. I hope you like it, Luke. We miss you every day. 👨🏻💻❤️🏠👨👦⭐️💎 pic.twitter.com/iqXJaqB8uf
— RobertoAguirreSacasa (@WriterRAS) October 9, 2019
The emotional episode featured a funeral for the character and a cameo by Perry’s close friend Shannen Doherty, whom he starred opposite in the hit 90s show 'Beverly Hills 90210'.
Archie, played by KJ Apa, discovered his father was killed after stopping at the side of the road to help a stranded driver in another town. Doherty played the motorist Fred helped.
Tributes poured in for Perry from his colleagues, co-stars, friends and fans across social media.
I’m really speechless I didn’t stop crying though the whole episode. you felt the love that the crew and cast had for Luke in this episode. it was beautiful well done and hit me right in the heart! Beautiful tribute! Rest easy, and fly Luke Perry! Always in our hearts #Riverdale pic.twitter.com/PI4w3dE3OY
— Linds 🔥 (@lindsaymck101) October 10, 2019
#FredAndrews was and always will be the BEST parent on #Riverdale. Archie’s character is so selfless and honorable and it’s because Fred raised him to be that way. It’s never going to be the same without Fred but I’m happy that Mary is back now to be there for Archie. #LukePerry
— miranda 🤍 (@mdawn37) October 9, 2019
honestly sobbed all the way through the premiere of #Riverdale, but especially those last couple of minutes with the flashbacks of Luke Perry 💔
— Anika Reed (@heyitsanika) October 10, 2019
Shannen Doherty's performance was so shockingly powerful, even in just the minute she was on screen. You felt the weight of her history with Luke Perry, the kids history with him through the show... It was everything #Riverdale
— Riverdale After Dark: A Riverdale Podcast (@RiverdaleDark) October 10, 2019
It was the most emotional episode of Riverdale I have ever watched. That was a well done tribute to Luke Perry #Riverdale pic.twitter.com/OKBN9mbJ6O
— Nikki L Phelps (@NikkiLPhelps) October 10, 2019
Forever cool. Forever kind. RIP Luke Perry Thank you for bringing us so much joy. #Riverdale pic.twitter.com/GFpDvtGrJJ
— OceanBlueJeans (@oceanbluejeans) October 10, 2019
