Bittersweet Last Episode Luke Perry Airs

[Jean]

people.com/tv/luke-perry-final-episode-filmed-riverdale/

Riverdale Airs Bittersweet Final Episode That Luke Perry Filmed — Nearly 2 Months After His Death


The late actor appeared in the final scene that he filmed for the CW series ahead of his death.

Riverdale fans are saying goodbye to Luke Perry‘s character.



Perry, who died on March 4 after suffering a massive stroke, played beloved Fred Andrews for nearly three seasons on the drama. And on Wednesday night’s episode, the late actor appeared in the final scene that he filmed for the CW series ahead of his death.



After Archie (K.J. Apa) was accused of murdering fellow boxer Randy during a fight in the ring, Fred attempted to comfort his son.



“From everything you’ve said, it’s clear Randy died from those drugs. An autopsy will support that. You’re innocent,” Fred told Archie.



The teenager had doubts, though: “I’m not, dad. I knew. I knew Randy was using. I could have stopped the fight, but I didn’t want to forfeit.”



“I’m never stepping into that ring ever again,” Archie continued. “I can’t.”

[Tim]

Wow, that is a powerful scene.  Of course, when they filmed it, neither Luke nor K.J knew it would be their last together.

Just makes it even sadder.

[Jean]

Having seen the episode now, I was very sad. I couldn't get through his last scenes ever.

This episode also was an exit for not only Fred Andrews but Josie, who of course is leaving due to her regular role in the Riverdale spin-off. The Archie and Josie break up were really lacking any emotion at all. Of course, when they decided to put her on this spin-off, they didn't get to give her and Archie more time together.

So the Hiram-Archie war isn’t over. WOW!

[Tim]

I can imagine how sad that would be.  Knowing that Luke would not live to see the next episode.

[Katie]

This episode was hard for me, and oh man did it get so emotional when they had a long pause at the final shot of Fred Andrews/Luke ever, and paused on him for more seconds than needed.

Mary is back for the final two or three episodes, no doubt filling in for Fred's role, until S4 when they settle on how to properly write Fred out.

Josie's exit was weird, and of course, we have a spin-off with her as a regular.

[Tim]

This episode was hard for me, and oh man did it get so emotional when they had a long pause at the final shot of Fred Andrews/Luke ever, and paused on him for more seconds than needed.

No doubt that is why the CW did that.  This is the last fans will see of him.

[Katie]

I'm betting the S3 DVD and boxset will have a special feature dedicated all to Luke Perry now.

[Tim]

Yeah, that would be nice.

[Katie]

I'll look forward to watching it. Just think S4 will be sad, seeing Luke's name no longer in the credits.

[Tim]

Yeah, that will be noticeable.

[Katie]

I think a time jump might help more. Especially aging the characters up. Then they can line up with the spin-off.

[Tim]

Cheers did a time jump, a few months, after the death of Nicholas Colasanto, who played Coach (the original bartender).

It was said that Coach died in that time jump.

TV Tropes:  The Character Died with Him

[Katie]

Interesting I wonder if they'll do that too.

This weeks episode of Riverdale, basically had Mary Andrews filling in for Fred's role, and they mentioned he's gone away on a trip somewhere. So if Fred dies, it is being done for S4, and whatever role Fred would have had for the rest of S3 is being filled by Mary.

[Tim]

This weeks episode of Riverdale, basically had Mary Andrews filling in for Fred's role, and they mentioned he's gone away on a trip somewhere. So if Fred dies, it is being done for S4, and whatever role Fred would have had for the rest of S3 is being filled by Mary.

Some shows do that, when an actor dies.  They send the character away on a trip, and then kill the character off later. 

Dallas did that when Jim Davies (who played Josh Ewing) died.  Josh was sent away, and kept alive over the phone.  Later, it was revealed that he did in a plane crash.

[Katie]

Only two more episodes to go, and looks like it's going to be some chaos on our hands.