'Riverdale' season 2 plot speculations, casting news: Will Fred survive the shooting incident?

Will Fred survive in season 2?Facebook/CWRiverdale/

The first season finale of "Riverdale" ended up in an unexpected twist and shocking finale, which means there are a lot to look forward to when the series returns for season 2.

In the concluding episode of season 1, Archie Andrews' (KJ Apa) father Fred (Luke Perry) was fatally shot by a masked robber while waiting for their breakfast at Pop Tate's Choklit Shoppe. However, it was not revealed whether Fred survived the gunshot wound.

Series creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa talked about Fred's fate in an interview with TVGuide. According to Aguirre-Sacasa, shooting Fred in the cliffhanger could be considered as one of the most emotional moments for him, the writers, and perhaps the rest of the show's viewers because of his deep relationship with Archie.

He also believes the incident shows that the supposed peaceful town of Riverdale is really a place full of danger, and the person who believes in its goodness experienced the cruelty himself. "The idea that the person who mosts believes in Riverdale would become a victim of the darkness that is enveloping Riverdale felt very, very, resonant," the series creator states.

Aguirre-Sacasa also hints that Fred's fate could shape Archie's future in season 2. "It felt like that is Fred being shot before his eyes, Archie's worst fears coming true. It sort of speaks to a different Archie in Season 2." He adds, "This is a guy who is going to be on a quest for revenge and hopefully towards heroism, but it's a different Archie in Season 2 if that makes sense."

The series creator also teases that Jughead Jones' (Cole Sprouse) decision to join the Southside Serpents would cause a major friction in his relationship with girlfriend Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart). Fans should also look forward to see a darker Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch), especially after she burned down her family's Thorn Hill mansion right in front of her mother.

The second season of "Riverdale" also features more of Betty's gay bestfriend Kevin Keller, since actor Casey Cott has been promoted to series regular next season. Reggie Mantle also has more screen time in season 2, after Charles Melton was announced to fill in the shoes left by Ross Butler who got busy with his commitments with Netflix's "13 Reasons Why."

The CW is expected to announce the premiere date of "Riverdale" season 2 in the coming days.