Although it certainly took a while for us to get a substantial trailer for The CW’s next major comic book adaptation to hit airwaves, Riverdale, we’re slowly but surely being granted more looks into this reimagined world now that the floodgates have been opened, so to speak.
If anything, this perpetuates the painting of a darker picture, one that has already made fans of classic Archie Comics a bit skeptical. We can’t help but to say their concerns have some validity, but on the other hand, this sure does look like some compelling television. And, to be quite honest, any show that has the cult hit Supernatural serving as its lead-in is going to require an edge.
This recently circulated promo, however, shows that the optimism the source material is known for will still likely be present despite the footage provided dripping with love triangle drama. But then again, the Archie-Betty-Veronica dynamic has been the backbone of such tales for three quarters of a century. Perhaps those occupying the writers room will honor what’s come before while also drawing inspiration from the more modern and dramatic Archie flagship title that launched not long ago.
For more insight on the show, refer to the official synopsis below:
As a new school year begins, the town of Riverdale is reeling from the recent, tragic death of high school golden boy Jason Blossom — and nothing feels the same… Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) is still the all-American teen, but the summer’s events made him realize that he wants to pursue a career in music — not follow in his dad’s footsteps—despite the sudden end of his forbidden relationship with Riverdale’s young music teacher, Ms. Grundy (Sarah Habel). Which means Archie doesn’t have anyone who will mentor him — certainly not singer Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray), who is only focused on her band, the soon-to-be-world-famous Pussycats. It’s all weighing heavily on Archie’s mind — as is his fractured friendship with budding writer and fellow classmate Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse). Meanwhile, girl-next-door Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart) is anxious to see her crush Archie after being away all summer, but she’s not quite ready to reveal her true feelings to him. And Betty’s nerves – which are hardly soothed by her overbearing mother Alice (Mädchen Amick) aren’t the only thing holding her back.
When a new student, Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes), arrives in town from New York with her mother Hermione (Marisol Nichols), there’s an undeniable spark between her and Archie, even though Veronica doesn’t want to risk her new friendship with Betty by making a play for Archie. And then there’s Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch)… Riverdale’s Queen Bee is happy to stir up trouble amongst Archie, Betty, and Veronica, but Cheryl is keeping secrets of her own. What, exactly, is she hiding about the mysterious death of her twin brother, Jason? Riverdale may look like a quiet, sleepy town, but there are dangers in the shadows… Based on the characters from Archie Comics, RIVERDALE is from Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, in association with Berlanti Productions, with executive producers Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (“Supergirl,” “Glee”), Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”), Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”) and Jon Goldwater (Archie Comics).
Riverdale premieres on Thursday, January 26 on The CW.