Growing up my sister and I were avid, no rabid fans of Archie comics. I think at one point I wished I lived in Riverdale so that I could hang with Betty, Veronica, and the bunch. Maybe that’s why I based The Family Portrait Series mostly around the teenagers — God knows the adults have enough drama to warrant a series of their own, but we’ll leave that there.

When The CW announced that they were doing dramatic series based on the characters from the comic book my sister and I were a little horrified, especially since they had no previews to show us or they kept it under wraps for as long as they could.

Finally, Riverdale premiered on January 26, 2017. Granted I missed the premiere because I forgot, had other things to do, and don’t like watching television in real time anymore. Nowadays missing a premier is no big deal because you can always catch it digitally (if digital technology was a person, I’d marry it). Anyhow, I was able to give the show my standard three episode test.

Here is the synopsis from IMDB.com:

A subversive take on Archie and his friends, exploring small town life, the darkness, and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade.

Not much right? A bit vague.

The show’s Wiki page was no better. Oh well, on to my take…

Review of Riverdale

I went into this with an open mind knowing that my beloved characters would be brought into this millennium, and they will be going through situations they didn’t have to deal with in the comics.

The Characters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L to R: Veronica, Jughead, Archie, Betty, and Josie

I enjoyed the pilot, I felt that the characters were very well developed and well thought out. There were funny moments even though most of the show is dark.

Since all of the young cast members are unknowns, I felt that the acting was good. I believed them. I felt that they were relatable as high schoolers. I was surprised that our beloved Betty had a mental disorder which transforms her into a more adventurous, dubious Betty. She uses this to exact revenge on Reggie for disgracing Veronica.

Veronica was boring, a closeted bad-girl, turned good girl. Her bad girl routine fell flat for me. I didn’t feel the chemistry between her and Archie.

Speaking of Archie, he is having an affair with his high school teacher. Played out? Yes, but at least they had chemistry. Before you get grossed out, this is CW so naturally, the teacher is hot once she removes her glasses. I don’t know why they hide hotness behind glasses. Seriously, if the character is hot then don’t hide it.

Cheryl Blossom is the perfect bitch. I loved her portrayal. If I had to cast Astrid Wilson right now it’d be this actress. She is stylish, she is mean, she drives the story forward but beneath it, she has a soft side that she keeps to herself. She is one of the most interesting characters in the show.

Even Josie and the Pussycats made an appearance, although I have no idea where they are going with their story arch. It felt like they needed to add an ethnic group so they made Josie and her Pussycats a black girl group.

Archie has a desire to be a musician, much to the chagrin of his father, played by Luke Perry. Archie tries to fit get into the Pussycats group but Josie made it a black thing.

For once I would love it if we just have a show with different youths and race is not a factor. Please, CW?

Keep in mind that this is the review for the first 3 episodes. The show has been picked up for a second season. I haven’t gotten through all of season 1 because of other shows like Ozark (Netflix), The Royals (E!) or Vikings, has my attention.

The Plot

The plot revolves around the death of Jason Blossom, Cheryl Blossom’s twin, Betty’s sister’s ex. It’s a whodunnit type of scenario where everyone’s a suspect. My thoughts on this type of thing is that it can totally go wrong if they drag it out with no real drama behind it.

I tend to lose interest in a show really quick and there are a lot of other shows competing for my attention, so plots like these need to really step up to hold audiences like me.

Will I continue to watch? Maybe. But like I said there are so many other shows with stronger plots and characters to get my attention.

If you want to check it out yourself, you can stream it on Netflix or Amazon. New episodes air tonight! So check it out.