It’s hard to believe it’s been a while since we lost the legendary Luke Perry. When he tragically passed away at just 52 years old on March 4, 2019, after suffering a massive stroke, it felt like a piece of our hearts went with him. Fans of Luke’s work were heartbroken, especially those who watched him shine on shows like Beverly Hills, 90210 and Riverdale. When the Beverly Hills, 90210 reboot, BH90210, honored him in its premiere, it only made sense that the show he was starring in at the time of his passing, Riverdale, do the same. And they did, in a powerful and heartfelt way, during the season 4 premiere on October 9, 2019.
A Farewell to Fred Andrews
The episode, titled “In Memoriam,” is described by The CW as follows: “A FAREWELL TO FRED ANDREWS — As the residents of Riverdale prepare for the upcoming Independence Day parade, Archie (KJ Apa) receives a phone call that will change the rest of his life forever.” This makes perfect sense, considering Luke’s character, Fred Andrews, was Archie’s loving and protective father. It was a moment that resonated with fans who knew just how important Fred was to the story of Riverdale.
The Cast and Special Guests
The rest of the Riverdale cast, including Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes, Cole Sprouse, Madelaine Petsch, Marisol Nichols, Madchen Amick, Mark Consuelos, Skeet Ulrich, Casey Cott, Charles Melton, and Vanessa Morgan, were all part of this emotional episode. But there was a special guest star who added even more depth to the story: Shannen Doherty. Shannen, who played Luke’s character’s girlfriend on Beverly Hills, 90210, brought a personal touch to the tribute. Directed by Gabriel Correa and written by showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the episode also featured Molly Ringwald as Mary Andrews, Fred's often-absent wife, giving the tribute an even more heartfelt feel.
Read also:Brett Gardner Mourns Sons Tragic Loss A Heartfelt Tribute And Reflection
Spoiler warning: If you haven’t watched the episode and don’t want to know specific plot points, don’t scroll down!
How They Said Goodbye to Fred
Let’s dive into how the show handled Fred’s departure. The episode starts off with Archie getting a call that something has happened to his dad. As the sheriff explains to Archie and Molly, Fred was on his way home when he pulled over to help someone whose car had stalled on the side of the road. Tragically, another car came speeding toward them, and Fred was struck. Even worse, the driver fled the scene, making it a hit-and-run. It was a bittersweet way to say goodbye, as they ensured Fred’s character stayed true to his selfless and caring nature by helping someone in need.
Shannen Doherty's Role in the Story
Now, let’s talk about how Shannen’s character fits into the story. As Archie and his friends went to pick up Fred’s truck, a stranger approached with a bouquet of flowers in hand. That stranger turned out to be Shannen’s character, the unnamed woman Fred had stopped to help when he was killed. She shared with Archie the details of what happened, saying Fred was talking about his son the whole time. But she dropped another emotional bombshell: she froze as the car sped toward them, and Fred pushed her out of the way, sacrificing himself to save her life. “He saved my life, and if he hadn’t done what he did, there’s no way I’d be here right now,” Shannen’s character said. Together, they said a prayer, bringing a moment of closure and reflection.
The Impact on Archie's Story
This event is a massive turning point in Archie’s life. From the initial devastation of learning about his dad’s death, to the gut-wrenching moment of identifying Fred’s body at the morgue, Archie experiences a whirlwind of emotions. Meeting the woman Fred saved, condemning the selflessness that seemingly cost him his life, and then finding the man responsible only to discover it was to protect his own son—all these moments add layers to Archie’s journey. By the end of the episode, we see a community that loved and cherished Fred, and the funeral scene is a testament to that. Each character pays their respects, but it’s Archie’s eulogy that truly tugs at the heartstrings. “My dad was there for every high and every low,” Archie said. “He’s the greatest man I’ve ever known. It hurts me that I never got to say goodbye, that I won’t get to see him again or talk to him, but his spirit and his memory live on in this town and in everyone he’s met. Fred Andrews will always be a part of Riverdale. I love you so much, dad.”
In my opinion, Riverdale did Luke proud. The tribute was heartfelt and respectful, capturing the essence of Fred Andrews down to the very last frame.
