Certainly not the wholesome classic Archie Comics pals and gals from my own youth, this loose adaptation featuring characters from the long-running franchise takes a dark and sexy turn. Within the first 15 minutes, Betty and Veronica are making out in front of a crowd….not exactly the squeaky clean antics familiar to readers. Riverdale follows Archie Andrews (KJ Apa), an Everyteen at the epicenter of the small titular town's goings-on, whether it is his affair with teacher Miss Grundy (Sarah Habel), the love triangle with girl-next-door Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart) and posh NYC transplant Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes), contention with longtime best friend Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse), or his relationship with his separated parents (played by Beverly Hills, 90210's Luke Perry and ‘80s teen idol Molly Ringwald). A major narrative here finds the town being rocked by the disappearance of school quarterback Jason Blossom, whose vicious twin sister Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) wreaks icy havoc on everyone in her search for justice. Mainly alike in name only, the characters are far departures from their ink-and-paper counterparts, but this update definitely works as a racy dramedy, so long as you take it tongue-in-cheek. Featuring all 13 episodes from the 2017 debut season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, a 2016 Comic-Con panel, unaired scenes, and a gag reel. Recommended. (J. Williams-Wood)
Riverdale: The Complete First Season
Warner, 3 discs, 555 min., not rated, DVD or Blu-ray: $39.99 Volume 33, Issue 1
Riverdale: The Complete First Season
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