Archie comics have done a lot of growing up over the last few decades. To grow as their market was growing up, certain Archie comics began to have a more adult edge, tacking issues and social norms they had never tackled before. I had paid a bit of attention over the years as some of the issues made it into the press.
When “Kevin” was introduced as Archie comics first gay character it drew a bit of furor from the ignorant tight ass club that probably stopped reading Archie years ago. Afterlife with Archie also caught my attention after they dropped the comics code authority in 2011, and this was the first title that went a little darker than the normal fare …plus y’know. Zombies.
So when it was announced that CW was introducing a new show called RIVERDALE I was kind of intrigued. Like any good comic reader I wondered if they could do the source material justice. How different would it be? Could I still relate to it? Did I still have the same crush on Veronica Lodge that I did when I was 8 years old(I do)
I was pleasantly surprised by the first two episodes. It really did seem unlike much else out there. A cross between the “Wonder Years”, “Sweet Valley High”(My wife made that comparison….emphatically. So she’s earned a spot here), and a little 90210 built in with a great mystery that binds it all together. Except for Luke Perry, I recognized 0 of the actors yet with two exceptions(Fuck you, Reggie you bully),everyone played their characters very well and I’m looking forward to episode 3 .If you’re looking for some well written , nostalgia feeling drama with an edge of mystery please check this show out.
…………….oh, and Betty and Veronica kiss in Cheerleader uniforms(in a parallel universe 13 year old me just semenated the ceiling)
Trailer below.
