WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Riverdale season 4
The first episode of Riverdale season four was an emotional watch for fans after Archie Andrews (played by KJ Apa) had to say goodbye to his dad in an emotional sendoff. Fred Andrews (played by Luke Perry) is no longer on the show after the actor died of a stroke back in March.
It seems Archie is set to struggle with his father’s death as the storyline progresses.
Fans may have thought Archie got closure after the first episode saw him finally identify who killed Fred in the hit and run.
The first episode saw Archie find out the person responsible for the death wasn’t who he initially thought it was.
Instead, it turned out it was a teenage boy, who’s dad had taken the blame to protect him.
READ MORE: Riverdale season 4: Betty Cooper rocked by shock marriage?
However, it seems Archie will have even more hardships in upcoming episodes.
At a recent press screening for the new series, showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa spoke out about Archie’s new setbacks.
The showrunner explained the character is determined to keep Fred’s spirit alive.
He began: “Archie is trying to do what his father did, which is help his community, help his town, help his friends, make the right choices…
Speaking out about episode two and beyond, the showrunner explained the whole season “has almost a melancholy feel” following the funeral.
Roberto revealed: “The shadow that Fred’s death casts is on Episode 2, and honestly, we’re about ten episodes into the season, and we’re still feeling that.
“When a tragedy like that happens, everyone grieves, and then people move on at different points, but for the person who’s at the core of it, they live with it every day.
“We don’t pretend it didn’t happen. It’s very much still permeating Archie’s story.”
Meanwhile, fans have been reacting to the emotional first episode, titled In Memorium.
Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the star, with one fan tweeting: “Wow this episode made me cry and Archie made a great speech about His Farther Fred is leaving me speechless #Riverdale.”
A second added: “What a tribute! @kj_apa has me in tears with that speech and that last moment so raw.”
Riverdale season four started on October 9 on The CW and October 10 on Netflix.
