'Riverdale' Season 4: The mid-season finale introduces us to Frank Andrews, but is the man a friend or a foe?

Most of Archie's pals have been introduced to family members who are either sinister or just not good people. So believe us when we say it isn't easy to trust Frank.
Ryan Robbins plays Frank Andrews on 'Riverdale' (IMDb)
Ryan Robbins plays Frank Andrews on 'Riverdale' (IMDb)

'Riverdale' Season 4 opened with a heartfelt tribute to Fred Andrews (the late Luke Perry) and the rest of the season had Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) try his best and live life the way his dad did. It may not have turned out so well considering the trouble the teen is going through with the community center, but it was a sure sign the teen was trying to make things work and make his town a better place. 

'Chapter Sixty-Six: Tangerine' may have focused its major chunk of the storyline on Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart) and her dark side, but the episode manages to introduce a new character while at it. Frank Andrews (Ryan Robbins) is introduced as Fred's brother.  Deadline has an interesting profile about the character: Frank is a former high school football star with a temper and vices that have a habit of getting him in trouble. He's always lived in Fred's shadow, so he joined the army in search of a purpose. Now, that he's done serving, he's in need of a home.

At the moment, it is too premature to judge if Frank is a trouble-maker. Most of Archie's pals have been introduced to family members who are either sinister or just not good people. There are two options Frank presents: He's either made a grave error and he's looking for some shelter in Archie's home or community center, or he just might be the father-figure the teen needs. It hasn't exactly been smooth sailing for Red so far and maybe Frank's presence would help Archie focus more on football and college. Even if he isn't going off to a plush university. 

Frank can also serve as Mary's (Molly Ringwald) replacement in case she decides to head back to Chicago at some stage. For now, it will be a long wait for fans as 'Riverdale' will only be back next year. If the show does follow the same pattern as last year, then the episodes will be back in mid-January 2020. Until then, it's time to keep the theories and speculations going. 

'Riverdale' Season 4 airs 8 pm Wednesdays on The CW and the teen drama is currently on a hiatus. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Netflix is keeping the newcomers’ roles under wraps as the Brannocks’ story continues in Season 2.
2026-10-22T20:18:00.000Z
Kelly Reilly reflects on Beth Dutton’s new chapter in South Texas as the hit Yellowstone spin-off 'Dutton Ranch' prepares to continue its story.
2026-10-22T19:52:53.000Z
CBS’ November 8 lineup update raises questions about new episodes and where viewers can catch up.
2026-10-22T19:13:30.000Z
The 'Outlander' is set to play a ruthless agent in Viola Davis’ corporate thriller for Paramount+, as the series expands its cast.
2026-10-22T18:34:33.000Z
Mike Flanagan reimagines Stephen King’s 'Carrie,' following a bullied teenager whose emerging telekinetic powers collide with family struggles.
2026-10-22T16:22:15.000Z
'Swipe Right on the Devil' traces how a Tinder date led investigators to Sydney Loofe’s killers and reveals where they are now.
2026-10-22T16:13:09.000Z
James Marsden’s CIA thriller adds a series regular, but one key detail remains missing.
2026-10-22T15:04:13.000Z
'Heated Rivalry' follows hockey rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov as their secret romance evolves, with Season 2 expected in 2027.
2026-10-22T14:30:52.000Z
In Episode 7, Morgan and Sasha travel to New York, where things take a turn
2026-10-22T11:48:37.000Z
Natalee Holloway set off on an adventure with her friends to Aruba and never came back
2026-10-22T10:19:30.000Z