Luke Perry's final episode on Riverdale [1] aired on Wednesday, and it was just as bittersweet as you'd imagine it would be. During the episode titled "Chapter Fifty-Four: Fear the Reaper," Perry's character Fred Andrews has a heart to heart with his son Archie (KJ Apa) following the death of his friend, Randy, who he fought in the boxing ring. Though his death is actually caused by drugs, that doesn't stop Archie from feeling any less guilty about the sudden death. In true Fred Andrews form, the father tries to comfort Archie in his time of need.
"Son, from everything you've said, it's clear that Randy died from those drugs," Fred tells Archie. "An autopsy will support that. You're innocent."
"I'm not, dad. I knew," Archie replies. "I knew Randy was using. I could have stopped the fight, but I didn't want to forfeit. I'm never stepping into that ring ever again."
Though the moment is short and sweet, Fred's final words on the show ring true to who his character is: a loving father who will do anything to protect and comfort his son.
Ahead of the episode, series creator and executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa teased the special scene [3] writing, "As always, Fred's imparting words of wisdom to Archie. A beautiful, true moment between a father and his son. Wish these scenes could go on forever."
Though this is Perry's final episode on the series, it's unclear how Fred's story will end [4]. After Perry died from a stroke [5] on March 4, Aguirre-Sacasa said that the cast and crew were struggling [6] to come to terms with the 52-year-old actor's death. "You know, honestly, we are I think all still in shock and are all still processing and grieving," he told Entertainment Tonight. "We know that we have to address it in some way, but we're giving ourselves a little bit of time and space before we figure out the best way to honor him."