Stranger Things creators have promised to bring “justice for Barb” with its forthcoming second season. In the meantime, the actress who portrays the fan-favorite character — Shannon Purser — has landed a new TV gig.
Purser has joined the cast of CW’s Riverdale, a “subversive” reimagining of the classic comic book series Archie. Described as something like if David Lynch got his hands on the Archie property, the series will focus on how the quaint town of Riverdale deals with the death of a beloved high school student. EW reports that Purser will play Ethel Muggs, which is sadly another limited role as she’s only confirmed for three episodes.
In the comics, Muggs has a crush on the character Jughead (Cole Sprouse on Riverdale), but EW cryptically hints that the TV version will “find herself in a romantic relationship with someone very different.” EW also reports that Muggs will join the classic team of Betty (Lili Reinhart) and Veronica (Camila Mendes) in a revenge plot against a bully.
The CW hasn’t given Riverdale an air date yet, but it’s expected mid-season next year. Read the complete synopsis below.
As a new school year begins, the town of Riverdale is reeling from the recent, tragic death of high school golden boy Jason Blossom — and nothing feels the same… Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) is still the all-American teen, but the summer’s events made him realize that he wants to pursue a career in music — not follow in his dad’s footsteps — despite the sudden end of his forbidden relationship with Riverdale’s young music teacher, Ms. Grundy (Sarah Habel). Which means Archie doesn’t have anyone who will mentor him — certainly not singer Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray), who is only focused on her band, the soon-to-be-world-famous Pussycats.
It’s all weighing heavily on Archie’s mind — as is his fractured friendship with budding writer and fellow classmate Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse). Meanwhile, girl-next-door Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart) is anxious to see her crush Archie after being away all summer, but she’s not quite ready to reveal her true feelings to him. And Betty’s nerves — which are hardly soothed by her overbearing mother Alice (Mädchen Amick) aren’t the only thing holding her back.
When a new student, Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes), arrives in town from New York with her mother Hermione (Marisol Nichols), there’s an undeniable spark between her and Archie, even though Veronica doesn’t want to risk her new friendship with Betty by making a play for Archie. And then there’s Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch)… Riverdale’s Queen Bee is happy to stir up trouble amongst Archie, Betty, and Veronica, but Cheryl is keeping secrets of her own. What, exactly, is she hiding about the mysterious death of her twin brother, Jason? Riverdale may look like a quiet, sleepy town, but there are dangers in the shadows…
