When trying to figure out major life decisions like where to live or what career to pursue or how to even go about making those types of decisions, anything that helps you step away from it all every so often is a necessary and welcome relief. In addition to more beneficial distractions like reading a good book, working out, or picking up a new hobby like cooking or playing an instrument, it’s important to throw in something that lets you become wholly engrossed in another world entirely separate from whatever you’ve got going on in yours. For me, nothing does that better than entering the world of a good old fashioned CW teen drama.
I’ve indulged in my fair share of teen dramas over the years (One Tree Hill, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and my absolute favorite of all time that will DEFINITELY get it’s own post soon, Friday Night Lights) but currently Riverdale is my drug of choice, and with Season 2 coming up on October 11th I’m pretty sure it occupies at least 80% of my thoughts every day. No shame in my game.
Riverdale is based on the Archie comics that came about in the late 30s, early 40s, but with darker and more modern feel. Season 1 opens with a murder investigation that transforms Riverdale from “The Town With Pep!” to a town where lines between good and evil are not nearly as straightforward as they used to be, and the skeletons in peoples’ closets come out to reveal long-hidden secrets.
Everyone was freaking out about it when it first aired last year because it was Cole Sprouse’s big return to the world of acting. The last time most people saw him was as a dorky 12-year-old boy on Disney Channel’s Suite Life on Deck, a spin-off from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody he starred in with his twin brother, Dylan. When he made his debut as the moody dark-haired weirdo named Jughead, the “Cole Sprouse is DADDY” tweets started coming in droves.
I’m one of those annoying people that generally shy away from things that are overly hyped simply because everyone everywhere is telling you that you HAVE watch it. So I was a bit late to the bandwagon, and I was still unsure after the first episode. Once the plot really started moving in episode two though, I was all in. Since it is a teen drama, sometimes the writing can be a bit forced or cringey, (Youtube Jughead’s “I’m a weirdo” monologue for a good example) but the plot keeps you hooked and the cast is incredible so cliche or cringey lines are 4given.
Without a doubt it was the cast that made me fall in love with the show so much. Other than Cole Sprouse, this is the debut role for most of the other younger actors on the show. While everyone is busy drooling over Jughead and his pointy hat, I’m all for the all-American boy-next-door, Archie Andrews. Straight-edge jock usually isn’t my type, but for KJ Apa I’ll gladly make an exception. Lili Reinhart and Camila Mendes as Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, respectively, are perfect fits for the role. Not only do they look nearly identical to the cartoon versions of the characters, but each of them brings complexity to these iconic characters. Betty isn’t just the perfect blonde with the slicked back ponytail that follows all the rules, she also has a dark side to her (that will hopefully be revealed further in Season 2) and an unbelievable drive to get what she wants no matter who stands in her way. And Veronica is so much more than a spoiled rich bitch who decided to re-brand herself as a “Reformed Mean Girl”. She proves to be one of the most loyal friends anyone could wish for, and someone who won’t give up until she gets the truth.
(Sidenote: Camila Mendes is selling tshirts and other merchandise in collaboration with the Kind Campaign. Kind Campaign is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that brings awareness & healing to the negative effects of girl-against-girl bullying. Check out their website to support a great cause & get a killer tee. You can get them here).
Not to be dramatic, but following the cast members on Instagram was hands down one of the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. KJ (@kjapa), Lili (@lilireinhart), Camila (@camimendes), Cole (@colesprouse), and Madelaine Petsch who plays Cheryl Blossom (@madelame) all post behind the scenes stuff to their IG story that make you feel like you’re one of their friends just hanging out on set. You can really tell that they all really enjoy working with each other and are genuine friends which makes you like them even more. Madelaine Petsch also has a Youtube channel that I’ve been watching where she does mini vlogs or Q&As with cast members so you can get to know them outside of their Riverdale role.
If it isn’t already apparent by the length of this post and the number of pictures I’ve included, obsessed seems like an understatement when describing my feelings towards Riverdale. Yes it’s a teen drama, but it’s also a great show with compelling characters and a gorgeous cast. Even the dads are hot as hell, I’m talkin’ DILF city over here:
Season 1 is on currently on Netflix so if you haven’t already binged it, I’m not gonna tell you that you HAVE to watch it, but I am gonna tell you that your life will be better if you do. Fair warning: after watched the season finale, you’ll never be able to hear the song
“Believer” by Imagine Dragons without being triggered. In a good way. Just watch it and you’ll know what I mean. SEASON 2 OCTOBER 11TH AT 8 PM ON THE CW, SET YOUR DVR AND RING THE ALARM BECAUSE IT’S GONNA BE GOOD.
Massive cheers to you if you read this whole thing. Can you tell I’m still looking for a job?Alright, one last picture of these Riverdale cuties because I just can’t not include it…
-K
thelavenderhours 