The first episode of "Riverdale" Season 4 will be the most important one. Showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa made his feelings about the upcoming Luke Perry tribute clear in a tweet Wednesday. In fact, he shared that they may never make an episode more special than the one that will honor both Perry and his character, Fred Andrews.

"Probably the most important episode of #Riverdale we'll do this year, if not ever," Aguirre-Sacasa wrote. "A tribute to our fallen friend. Thankful for this opportunity to honor Luke & Fred."

The episode is set to air on Wednesday, Oct. 4, seven months after Perry's untimely death. The actor suffered a stroke in March and he never recovered. "Riverdale" Season 3 was being filmed at the time, leading production to be temporarily halted.

Following the tragedy, the show's creative team opted not to fully address Fred Andrews's absence until Season 4; they wanted to pay tribute to Perry, as Deadline notes. They're getting their chance, and fans will get to partake in the bittersweet farewell as Season 4 kicks off. It'll be an emotional ride.

"Riverdale" returns Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.

[via: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa/Twitter; Deadline]