The Riverdale season 4 premiere is “probably the most important episode of #Riverdale we’ll do this year, if not ever,” says series creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.
The executive producer and showrunner teased how the return of the popular teen drama will feature a tribute to cast member Luke Perry, who died at age 52 in March after suffering a stroke.
“A tribute to our fallen friend,” Aguirre-Sacasa tweeted with an image of the premiere episode’s script. “Thankful for this opportunity to honor Luke & Fred.”
The 58th episode of the CW series is titled “In Memoriam” and written by Aguirre-Sacasa. Second unit and first assistant director Gabriel Correa, who helmed season 3 episodes “American Dreams” and “Jawbreaker,” will take the directing reins on the premiere.
Riverdale‘s final episode featuring Perry as Archie’s father Fred Andrews aired in April, though it’s still unknown how the series will specifically address the character’s absence. However, the finale did feature a time jump to Spring Break in the year following all the drama with the Gargoyle King.