'Riverdale' Season 6 Episode 1 Explained: Is Archie Andrews dead?

Things have changed, but in what came as the ultimate gasp moment, Archie Andrews had his heart cut out after being stabbed dead by Cheryl Blossom
KJ Apa as Archie Andrews in 'Riverdale' Season 6 (The CW)
KJ Apa as Archie Andrews in 'Riverdale' Season 6 (The CW)

'Riverdale' Season 6 began in trademark 'Riverdale' fashion as the premiere centered around the town of 'Rivervale', a new synonym for weird. Things have changed, but in what came as the ultimate gasp moment, Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) had his heart cut out after being stabbed dead by Cheryl Blossom.

The episode started off with Jughead and Tabitha's living in was spoiled by bugs infesting their apartment, Cheryl and her cronies stick a bunch of creepy totem dolls to scare the town from getting into maple business. And if that wasn't terrifying enough, Archie's met his maker, but not before knowing that Betty was pregnant with his baby. All of these come off as impossible considering that Archie and Betty have sex only a few hours ago before she declares she was pregnant.

Earlier in the episode, Cheryl was seen offering solutions to the townsfolk who has their share of issues — and for Betty, being called barren was a major issue. If the solution to the town's sins being absolved was Archie, then he was crucified so they could live a better life.

RELATED ARTICLES

'Riverdale' Season 6: 5 things you didn't know about KJ Apa

'Riverdale' star KJ Apa hints that storyline will continue after high school: 'Show's not called Riverdale High'

All of this is mighty absurd. And here's what showrunner, Roberto Aguirre-Sacars told Entertainment Weekly: "I can say that Archie is dead. In [season 6, episode 2], the town isn't exactly mourning him, because they killed him, but the town does know that they sacrificed Archie. There's a scene in fact where Cheryl and Nana are toasting Archie's sacrifice because now their maple trees are producing maple syrup again. And Betty is pregnant with Archie's love child. And we won't see K.J. [next episode]. All of those things are true."

However, what's to take away from is the fact that this is 'Rivervale' and not in 'Riverdale'. This was where a woman could get pregnant in a couple of hours, two dudes could eat over 200 pancakes, and where the grim supernatural exists. So when 'Riverdale' indeed does return, there surely will be Archie Andrews alive and kicking. Until then, 'Rivervale' will just continue to dish out more intense episodes and only time will tell if he's the start of the body count.

'Riverdale' Season 6 airs Tuesdays at 9 pm ET on The CW. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The psychological thriller’s upcoming season 3 will feature Alexandra Daddario along with some new faces and an exciting twist in the storyline.
12 hours ago
The latest episode of the fantasy drama series leaves Sunfyre’s fate in doubt after Aegon reunites with his beloved dragon.
14 hours ago
Charles, Caroline, Laura, and Mary’s realistic depiction in the Netflix series makes fans speculate about the show’s source.
15 hours ago
The fan-favorite character had a reduced role in Season 27 of ‘Law & Order: SVU’ which left fans worried about his future on the longtime crime drama series
17 hours ago
Netflix’s ‘Little House on the Prairie’ strived to stay true to the book while bringing the family drama to life.
2 days ago
Danny Reagan is heading back to Boston sooner than expected, as a new promo appears to reveal when the hit ‘Blue Bloods’ spinoff returns.
2 days ago
Caleb Groen faces off against Kristal LeMaistre from Texas and Chris Bergman from Florida in his sixth game of 'Jeopardy!'.
2 days ago
David's toughest battle is still ahead. The biblical drama is preparing to tackle one of the most dangerous chapters in the future king's journey.
2 days ago
Ariana Grande’s planned appearance in the FX horror anthology has received a disappointing update ahead of its September return.
3 days ago
Eddie and Susie take their operation to Italy, where new allies and dangerous rivals emerge, putting their partnership to the ultimate test.
3 days ago