The CW gave Luke Perry a fond farewell in his final episode on Riverdale, which aired April 14th. Perry passed away March 4th at Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank after having stroke. The episode fittingly showed his character, Fred Andrews, giving sage advice to his son, Archie, played by KJ Apa. Although Perry didn’t appear much in this episode, his last scene on the show was touching.
Showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa commented about the scene on Twitter: “As always, Fred’s imparting words of wisdom to Archie. A beautiful, true moment between a father and his son. Wish these scenes could go on forever.”
The Hollywood Reporter aptly pointed out how Perry’s character was the only great parenting example in the show. While everyone is blaming Archie, his father is the encouraging piece of advice he needs to fight his guilt. “Son, from everything you’ve said it’s clear that Randy died from those drugs,” Fred, played by Perry, tells Archie. “An autopsy will support that. You’re innocent.” Unlike the other parents, he doesn’t attempt to undergo questionable means to clear Archie of blame or coerce others into clearing it for him. Other parents, such as Hal Cooper (Lochlyn Munro), Betty’s dad, manipulates others in a Hannibaleque manner. Hiram Lodge (Mark Consuelos), Veronica’s father, equally uses his power and wealth to get what he wants. Jughead’s mother, Gladys Jones (Gina Gershon), also employs questionable means that put her children in harm’s way. In the midst of parental turmoil. Perry’s character is the only one that brings a moral compass, honoring the actor in his final scene.
It is still unclear how Fred’s character will be written out of the series, but it was refreshing for fans to see that his last scene was something honorable to both the actor and the character he played.