Riverdale Synopsis Introduces Archie's Mom

The teen drama/murder mystery combination in Riverdale has been steadily earning The CW freshman show a diehard following, inspiring the network to renew the series for season 2 after a mere six episodes had aired. While some had been skeptical about putting a dark spin on the wholesome Archie Comics series (popular with pre-teens for more than 70 years), critics and viewers have warmly received the show's moody, modern update.

Like many of The CW's teen dramas, Riverdale offers multi-generational appeal by also giving the adult characters significant roles in the series. In keeping with the nostalgic aura of the long-running comic, the show includes former teen idols like Luke Perry and Skeet Ulrich, plus a nod to the inspiration for its eerie atmosphere with Twin Peaks alum Madchen Amick. Last year it was announced that Molly Ringwald would also be joining the ensemble cast, and now we know more about her role as Archie's mother.

The CW has released the official synopsis for upcoming episode, "Chapter Ten: The Lost Weekend", and it looks like Archie's dad has finally acknowledged that his absent wife isn't coming back to be part of the family again:

TRUE FEELINGS – GUEST STARRING MOLLY RINGWALD — When Fred (Luke Perry) decides to finalize the divorce with Archie’s mother Mary (guest star Molly Ringwald), Archie (KJ Apa) hides his true feelings. Archie tries to win Valerie (guest star Hayley Law) back with a romantic evening, however, Betty (Lili Reinhart) hijacks his plans when she decides to throw Jughead (Cole Sprouse) a surprise birthday party. Once Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) learns of the party, she decides to make it interesting and things quickly get out of control. Meanwhile, Veronica (Camila Mendes) contemplates whether she should participate in the deposition to help get her Dad released.

Archie's dad Fred is very involved in his son's life, and stands out in Riverdale as the most caring and normal parent. His wife Mary left years ago to "pursue her dreams," and he recently decided to soothe his loneliness by rekindling an old flame with Veronica's mother Hermione (Marisol Nichols). In an interview with ComicBook.com, star Apa says his character's dad will soon have a lot of relationship drama:

"When Archie’s mom comes back, the stuff with Fred and Hermione looks as though it’s going to come to an end. Archie’s mom figures out what’s going on between them so there’s no rekindling for [Archie’s parents] at this moment in time."

It's not too surprising that Archie and Veronica's parents might not work out after all, considering Hermione's also still married, to a guy in prison who still has ways of getting shady activity done in the outside world. Mary's return won't just be a shake-up in Fred's life, however, and Apa says "it's obviously really surprising" to Archie when his mom shows up again. Knowing how angsty Archie can be, we expect it might not go well at first, but will end up as great material for his budding songwriting career.

Apa promises that fans will enjoy his scenes with '80s icon Ringwald, and that "it was amazing being able to work with her for an episode." That sounds like any disruption Mary makes in the Andrews household will be brief, though it's possible the Pretty in Pink actress will guest star again in a future episode.