The Archie comic book series has found life again in the new CW series Riverdale. The new series has given the Archie universe a darker take on the character’s relationships and ties to their hometown.
The network that adapted Gossip Girl and Veronica Mars into hit series, takes a thoughtful and bold take on portraying adolescence. With Riverdale, the network continues its tradition of bringing life to a past intellectual property and rebranding it for modern viewers.
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the series creator, commented that he wanted Riverdale to have a fresh look to the common teen drama. He also commented that he also wanted to bring back the feeling of the classical soap-opera drama to TV.
Although TV critics and commenters alike feel Riverdale is more of a teen noir/soap opera series. The series opens with a murder of a high school football player, while the town’s secrets plague its inhabitants.
The show brings up issues of race and slut-shaming to the small screen. The series heart and soul is allegedly set to rely on the character’s connections to friendship.
While the series is taking new creative strides, some Archie fans have backlashed against the CW’s impersonation of Jughead. The comic book character is allegedly supposed to be asexual, but the character remains heterosexual for the show.
Aguirre-Sacasa commented to MTV News that he and the network are treating Riverdale like an origin story. He also stated that all of their characters are still discovering themselves and wants fans to see their journey to self-discovery.
Aguirre-Sacasa also commented that he wants Riverdale to differ a bit from the original comic character’s bios.
Although the asexual and LGBTQ community are upset about the development and are reportedly tweeting their refusal to watch the show.
The CW’s new take on the Archie comics seems to push a more creative storyline, but it’s lack of representation might hinder its viewership numbers.
