In February 2020, we learned that Marisol Nichols and Skeet Ulrich were leaving Riverdale after its fourth season. And now we know why Ulrich is stepping away from the role of FP Jones.
When the news broke that both Skeet Ulrich and Marisol Nichols were leaving Riverdale at the end of season 4, we were heartbroken. Sure, we understand that things are changing as our core four are graduating high school and growing up, but the idea of these two parents not being a part of the series is disappointing.
At the time, we didn’t necessarily know why both actors were leaving, but it looks like we finally have an answer, at least in the case of Ulrich. And honestly, the reason makes perfect sense.
According to Entertainment Weekly, during a recent Instagram Live with his girlfriend, the actor was asked once again why he is leaving Riverdale, and this time he gave us the unvarnished truth. Ulrich straight up said, “I’m leaving Riverdale because I got bored creatively.” (If that doesn’t hurt just a bit, I don’t know what does.)
Why His Answer Makes Sense
Here’s the thing about his answer: He isn’t wrong! I don’t know about you, but this season especially hasn’t been great in terms of storylines for FP Jones. He hasn’t really grown this season, and we don’t really know what happened after he walked away from being the sheriff.
Seriously, he went from having a potentially awesome story — even if it was a sideline story — to a lot of nothing. Even when he showed up with the rest of the parents to demand that their kids get a prom, he is the first to admit that all he is at this point is “muscle.”
When we were watching FP Jones in season 1, he was turning his life around. He was proving that he could step up to the plate to be a better father. We have watched him go from a gang leader to sheriff of the town. We saw him actually committing to a relationship with Alice. And then it was like we hit a wall.
It feels like the storylines for Ulrich dried up and there was never really anything interesting coming his way. They didn’t even give him a real chance to step up to offer his support to Archie after Fred died, and we all know that FP would have done whatever he could to support Fred’s son.
Personally, I don’t blame Ulrich for being bored. It’s not like the show was really utilizing him in season 4 of Riverdale. Even when they did bring him into the big picture, it didn’t feel like he was necessary. And if you don’t feel necessary, then why bother coming back for more?
What do you think about Skeet Ulrich’s reason for leaving Riverdale? Do you think it makes sense? Do you think he wasn’t being utilized as well as he could have been?