!['Riverdale' season 4 will honor Luke Perry and his character Fred in the premiere episode, 'In Memoriam.' [Image via Riverdale Facebook]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/6/21/660x290/b_502x220x82/riverdale-season-4-will-honor-luke-perry-and-his-character-fred-in-the-premiere-episode-in-memoriam-image-via-riverdale-facebook_2282581.jpg "'Riverdale' season 4 will honor Luke Perry and his character Fred in the premiere episode, 'In Memoriam.' [Image via Riverdale Facebook]")
Luke Perry’s sudden death surprised everyone. He left a void in every fan’s heart, including his role in “Riverdale.” Now, the show is ready to honor his life in the first episode of “Riverdale” season 4.
Perry played the role of Fred Andrews, Archie’s (K.J. Apa) father, in the series. According to showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the new season premiere will be one of the most special episodes that they may do.
An episode to honor Perry
In a tweet, Aguirre-Sacasa revealed the concept of “Riverdale” season 4 premiere episode. It will bear the title “In Memoriam” that will honor Perry and his character Fred.
“Probably the most important episode of #Riverdale we’ll do this year, if not ever,” he said. “A tribute to our fallen friend. Thankful for this opportunity to honor Luke & Fred.”
Aguirre-Sacasa didn’t give more details about the episode or how would they portray Perry’s death. The show has yet to address the actor’s sudden demise. To recall, he was only sent away on business and Archie’s mom, Mary (Molly Ringwald), came to look after their son.
Addressing Fred’s death
In a previous interview with TV Line, Aguirre-Sacasa revealed his team already had an idea on how they would address Fred’s death. However, they wanted to do it at the right time, and in an episode it deserved.
He explained they didn’t rush in and do it without fully thinking the concept.
At the time of Perry’s death, they were almost done writing the season’s end.
They didn’t want to forcefully squeeze a scene that would honor his life and character, which he described as monumental and important. So, they took the time to think about what they wanted to do and do it right.
Perry died after suffering a stroke in March.
He was 52-years-old.
"A beloved member of the 'Riverdale,' Warner Bros. and CW family, Luke was everything you would hope he would be,” the show’s executive producers, Warner Bros. Television, and The CW said in a joint statement.
He was described as an incredibly caring person, consummate professional, a true friend, and a father figure and mentor to every young cast in the show.
He was also generous and showed love and kindness on the set.
New season’s spoilers
Talking about the new season, Aguirre-Sacasa told Us Weekly “Riverdale” season 4 would be more grounded. Although he admitted he always said they would play the high school franchise, they would really do it this time.
The school will play a significant part in the season. Things will be located there. Archie will be on the football team, Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) will be cheerleading, and Betty (Lili Reinhart) will be joining the Blue and Gold.
From the looks of it, they are really reinvesting a lot in the franchise. Of course, the drama will still be there. “Riverdale” season 4 premiere episode, “In Memoriam,” will be out on Wednesday, October 9, at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.
