Since premiering in January, Riverdale has fast accrued a dedicated following, inciting The CW to renew the series for a second season only midway through its freshman run. Its switch from the wholesome Archie comics to a brooding murder-mystery was at first jarring for some, but the show has been warmly received by fans and critics alike, abating many concerns that the modern update would tarnish the original source material.
Like the comics, the new Riverdale is similarly teen-centric, though the lives of Archie and co. now come with a drama level of 10. Fittingly, it also features a number of former teen idols. Beverly Hills, 90210’s Luke Perry plays Archie’s father, Scream’s Skeet Ulrich portrays Jughead’s dad, and Twin Peaks’ Mädchen Amick takes on Betty’s mom. Last year, it was announced that ’80s icon Molly Ringwald (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club) had joined the cast as Archie’s mother, Mary, though eight episodes in she’s yet to make an appearance. A recently released synopsis for ‘The Lost Weekend’ revealed she’ll make her big debut in episode 10, and now People has the first look of Ringwald in the show.
According to the outlet, she’ll kick off a multi-episode arc beginning April 13. The previous synopsis explains that she’ll be in town because Fred (Perry) decides to finalize their divorce. But in the photo, it looks like they’ll also be reuniting for a formal affair — assumedly the surprise birthday party Betty (Lili Reinhart) throws for Jughead (Cole Sprouse). (The balloons are kind of a giveaway).
It will be interesting to see how Mary’s return affects Archie’s family dynamic. Among the parents we’ve seen on the show, Fred is the most laid back. He works a stable job as the owner of a local construction firm, and is a supportive, relatively hands-off dad — especially in comparison to Amick’s Alice Cooper. But given that Fred has reignited his onetime romance with Veronica’s mother, Hermione (Marisol Nichols), it’s safe to assume there will be at least some lingering tension between him and Mary. With her sticking around, it could throw his newly kindled relationship offtrack.
To top it off, Archie hasn’t mentioned much when it comes to his relationship with his mom, so it’s unclear where they’ll stand when she comes back. Suffice it to say that Mary’s arrival will likely shake up an already pretty shaken Riverdale.
Next: Riverdale Will Revisit Archie-Betty-Veronica Love Triangle
“Chapter 10: The Lost Weekend” airs April 13 at 9 p.m. ET on The CW.
Source: People
