I Just Watched the Riverdale Pilot for the First Time—These Are My Thoughts
I can now officially call myself a Riverdale fan.
I can't remember exactly what I was doing in Jan. 2017 when The CW's latest gritty teen drama premiered, but whatever it was, it didn't involve watching the hijinks of Archie Andrews and co. Still, I was always intrigued by Riverdale, and vowed that someday I would check out the popular series.
As it turns out, an eight-hour international flight is nothing if not an excuse to watch some delectable TV. Translation: I caught the Riverdale pilot roughly two-and-a-half years after it debuted, and I chronicled my thoughts below.
Scroll down to check 'em out!
Everyone on This Show Is Gorgeous. Like, Really Gorgeous
I know, it's The CW, so I really shouldn't be surprised—but everyone on this show is very, very good looking. Even though it's difficult to imagine that a real-life high school would be home to so many gorgeous individuals, I'm willing to let this one slide, because… swoon.
A Love Triangle Less Than 10 Minutes in? Sign Me Up!
While it takes most teen dramas (and ones geared toward adults, for that matter) the better part of an entire season to establish an intriguing love triangle, Riverdale has done it with Archie, Betty and Veronica in less than 10 minutes. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this plot device is that despite the brevity of its setup, this love triangle feels anything but contrived. Shoutout to K.J. Apa, Lili Reinhart and Camila Mendes for some solid acting skills.
(Riverdale via The CW)
I'm Getting Major Gossip Girl Vibes…
And not just because both of these shows are teen dramas that hail from The CW. Though the look of Gossip Girl and Riverdale couldn't be more different, the pilots of both shows hit on some similar key themes and events: complicated female friendships, new characters causing a ruckus, and complicated female friendships, to name a few.
Josie Is Awesome
This character, who also has roots in the Archie comic books, makes a brief appearance in the pilot, but it was a memorable and fiery one at that. I actually laughed out loud when she referred to Archie as "Justin Ginger-Lake," and found myself wanting more of this strong, opinionated gal ASAP.
(Riverdale via The CW)
What's Up With the Blossom Siblings?
No judgment, but Cheryl and Jason Blossom seem to have had an atypical sibling relationship. I don't know much after having watched just one episode, but the pilot seemingly indicates we will learn more about this pair's unique bond, especially as it pertains to the circumstances surrounding Jason's mysterious murder.
Veronica Encouraging Betty Was a Great Twist
I'll be honest, I was more than ready for Riverdale to pit perfect Betty against newcomer Veronica, but boy was I pleased when the show took a different approach. Instead of making the gals rivals, the pilot featured Veronica encouraging her would-be nemesis to become a cheerleader, and later sticking up for her when Cheryl's criticism got a bit too intense. Though I'm fairly certain there is tension to come between these two, it's refreshing to see off to a promising and encouraging start.
(Riverdale via The CW)
I Want More
Simply stated, this is an awesome pilot. It clearly established several distinct characters, had just the right amount of mystery to keep me interested (but not confused), and left me wanting more. Three cheers for The CW!
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