The CW has released a new batch of photos for "Chapter Ninety-One: Return of the Pussycats", the fifteenth episode of Riverdale's fifth season. As the title suggests, the episode is expected to feature the long-awaited comeback of Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray), Valerie Brown (Hayley Law), and Melody Valentine (Asha Bromfield), who will be appearing back into the fold of Riverdale for the first time in several seasons. As the photos prove, that return will bring about some great fanfare, with multiple musical numbers — and the return of Alexandra Cabot (Camille Hyde), who was most recently seen with Josie on The CW's Katy Keene spinoff series.
The return of Josie and the Pussycats comes after Murray and Riverdale star Vanessa Morgan publicly spoke out about the show's portrayal of its Black characters in June of 2020, leading to a statement from showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa promising positive change. Law, who tweeted in support of Morgan's statement, told ComicBook.com last year that she was "very happy" that the conversation was started."
"I'm very happy that the last year has brought a light to representation in film. It was something, before, that I think a lot of people of color felt like we couldn't talk about, because we have to kind of just be happy that we were there," Law explained. "I don't want anyone to feel like I'm not grateful for opportunities, but it's really nice that other cast members, on Twitter and stuff, started the conversation. I really am happy and I'm hoping that it continues. I hope that it starts to get more and more inclusive, but it's been nice that people have noticed because we've been noticing for a long time. So it's nice that people are finally speaking up about it."
You can check out the synopsis for "Chapter Ninety-One: Return of the Pussycats" below, and keep scrolling to check out the photos from the episode!
"ROBIN GIVENS DIRECTS THE EPISODE — After going MIA during the middle of her world tour, mega-star Josie McCoy (guest star Ashleigh Murray) returns to Riverdale unexpectedly. But it's not until she reunites with her former bandmates Valerie (guest star Hayley Law) and Melody (guest star Asha Bromfield), that she opens up about the real reason why she's back. Elsewhere, Veronica (Camila Mendes) gets creative after a surprise visit from her old friend Alexandra Cabot (guest star Camille Hyde). Finally, Toni (Vanessa Morgan) steps in to help Tabitha (Erinn Westbrook) and Veronica land a deal.
KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse, Madelaine Petsch, Mark Consuelos, Casey Cott and Drew Ray Tanner also star. Robin Givens directed the episode written by Ariana Jackson & Evan Kyle."
Riverdale airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW. "Chapter Ninety-One: Return of the Pussycats" will air on September 8th.