Luke Perry Helps Son Deal With Unexpected Death in Poignant Final 'Riverdale' Scene

Luke Perry's final "Riverdale" scene was touching, poignant, and appropriate.

Perry only spoke a few words during Wednesday's episode but the short scene encapsulated one of the most beloved aspects of his character Fred Andrews, and served as a touching reminder of the actor's lasting impact following his unexpected death last month.

Earlier this week, "Riverdale" creator and EP Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa announced Season 3 Episode 19 would be Perry's final episode and would include a "beautiful" moment between Fred and his son Archie (KJ Apa). This proved to be true as Perry's final scene was classic Fred -- imparting words of wisdom to his son.

At the beginning of the episode, titled "Chapter Fifty-Four: Fear the Reaper", Fred, Archie and Co. learned at the hospital that Randy, who Archie beat during their boxing match, had died. Although Archie knew Randy died from an accidental drug overdose, he was worried people would blame him for his death (which ultimately did happen).

Back at the Andrews' house, viewers witnessed Perry's final moments on the show doing what his character, Fred, did best: giving his son advice. Archie was torn up about Randy's death and was worried he played a role because he knew he had taken the drugs and didn't stop the fight. Fred, as he has always done, calmed his son down.

"Son, from everything you've said, it's clear that Randy died from those drugs," Fred said. "An autopsy will support that, you're innocent."

"But I'm not, Dad," Archie replied. "I knew. I knew Randy was juicing. I could've stopped the fight, but I didn't want to forfeit. If I had...I'm never stepping into that ring ever again. I can't."

As the camera zoomed out on Fred's face, we said goodbye to Perry's time on "Riverdale."

Perry passed away at the age of 52 on March 4 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank, days after suffering a "massive" stroke at his Los Angeles home. The actor is survived by his two children, Jack, 21, and Sophie, 18, his kids with ex-wife, Rachel Minnie Sharp.

Although it's still unclear how the show will address Fred's absence going forward, "Riverdale" castmembers and fans expressed they were heartbroken Wednesday night's episode would be his last.

Lochlyn Munro, who plays Hal Cooper on the series, shared a sweet photo of him and Perry. "Take a bow, my friend," he captioned the pic. "You were respected, You were loved. ❤️🙏#LukePerry#Legend #RIP"

Similarly, Nathalie Boltt reposted a compilation of photos shared by the show's cinematographer, Ronald Paul Richard. The post read, "This is the last episode we filmed with Luke before he passed. It's been an emotional month and a half without him. The love and laughter he shared with us on set will forever be missed. Luke was an unsung hero in many ways -- his kindness beamed behind the scenes. Anyone close to me knows how much I owe to Luke and his loyalty and trust..."

You can hear some of the touching stories Boltt shared with us about working with Perry below.

Actress Asha Bromfield, who stars as Pussycat Melody Valentine on "Riverdale," tweeted, "Luke Perry. Thank you for everything. You left this world better."

"Riverdale" airs Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET on the CW

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