‘Riverdale’: Archie Andrews Is Dawson Leery Reincarnated

Many have compared The CW’s ‘Riverdale’ to the magic that was ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ and while there are a few similarities, the main one is the right there in front of you: Archie Andrews.

Let me preface this by saying I’m a Joey and Pacey shipper, as well as a Jughead and Betty shipper — I always have been. So it may or may not be coincidence that I’m pointing out Archie is 100 percent Dawson Leery. Since we’re already here, let’s start with the love story angle. Archie lives next door to Betty, the girl he’s been best friends with since elementary school. She has always saw him as more than a friend, but to Archie, he just sees his oldest friend. If you aren’t aware (I’m not sure why you’re reading if you’re not, but anyway), Dawson and Joey grew up together; she was the girl from the down the creek and looked at her best friend as more. He didn’t see her that way.

‘Riverdale’: Photos From Season 1

Her feelings came to the forefront even more when a new girl from New York came to Capeside, the gorgeous and experienced Jen Lindley. Sound familiar? Veronica Lodge, the mysterious and sexy brunette moved to Riverdale from New York, immediately grabbing Archie’s eye while he was mid-conversation with Betty.

Archie then made his lack of feelings for Betty clear right off the bat, but didn’t expect for her to fall for his best friend, or for her to fall for anyone else, let’s be honest. He’s doing his own thing — he’s literally kissing a random girl in a band, flirting with Veronica and oh yeah, sleeping with his teacher (the only Pacey-ish thing he’s done). The moment that Betty and Jughead got together, however — Archie sees him comforting her over her family drama — he gets weird. I mean, this was his face when Veronica mentioned Jughead is Betty’s “boyfriend.”

He always wants what he can’t have. Archie is her soulmate, of course, just like Dawson was. But he’s not the one who challenges Betty; he’s not the one who is passionate and real. And he won’t be the one that ends up with Betty, mark my words.

It’s not just the love story angle from Archie that screams Dawson. It’s also his passion; Archie knows it’ll be tough but discovers that his love for music overpowers all. He can’t shake it, and basically centers his life around it. Remember that little interest in movie making that Dawson Leery had? You know, the one that drove every single person, even his parents, crazy?

Archie’s interest is more important than everyone else’s — he doesn’t ask about Betty at the Blue & Gold or Jughead’s novel. Dawson never asked about Joey’s art (until she freaked out) and well, couldn’t remember the most important day to Pacey.

Let me clear something up: I’m not an Archie hater. KJ Apa can act, and the character is much more likable than Dawson ever was. Not everything is exact; Dawson wasn’t a really good friend… ever, while Archie is unconditionally loyal. Overall, I enjoy relating one of my new favorite shows on TV back to my all-time favorite. I can’t help it. But I want to know if you agree, so feel free to let me know in the comments!