SPOILER WARNING: This article discusses events from ‘Stranger Things’, so if you are behind in binging, you may want to turn back!
Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things‘ has become a phenomenon in an amazingly short time and fans love nearly every element of this 80s throwback, sci fi/horror series. One character in particular seems to have gained a massive cult following partially due to her unceremonious demise. Shannon Purser played Barb, Nancy’s level-headed best friend, who was killed by the Demogorgon in the Upside Down. Fans weren’t just miffed by her death, but the fact that it was kind of done then forgotten. There were no further mentions of Barb after that, although producers have sworn that Season Two will include “justice for Barb.”
Does that mean Purser will be back? We can hope. But Purser isn’t out of work. She’s moving over to the new, darker take on ‘Riverdale’, The CW mid-season series based on the Archie Comics line, which will take a much more sinister look at this once idyllic hamlet.
Purser will play Ethel Muggs, also known as “Big Ethel.” Traditionally depicted as an awkwardly tall, bucktooth klutz, Ethel harbors an unrequited crush on Jughead in the comics. (In more recent comics, her appearance has been softened and prettied up considerably.)
Cole Sprouse plays Jughead on ‘Riverdale’ but it has been revealed that Ethel will have a completely different love interest on the show.
Ethel befriends Betty (Lili Reinhart) and Veronica (Camila Mendes) as they enact a revenge plot against Reggie (Ross Butler).
At this point, it appears Purser will only appear in three episodes.
The show also stars K.J. Apa as Archie Andrews, Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom, Ashleigh Murray as Josie McCoy, Casey Cott as Kevin Keller, Cody Cott as Moose Mason, Daniel Yand as Dilton Doiley, Luke Perry as Fred Andrews, Marisol Nichols as Hermione Lodge, Mädchen Amick as Alice Cooper and Alvin Sanders as Pop Tate.
‘Riverdale’ was developed by Roberto Aguire-Sacasa and executive produced by Greg Berlanti and will consist of 23 episodes. An air date has not yet been set.
Are you glad to see Shannon Purser back in some capacity?
Source: Entertainment Weekly
