Picture this: a billionaire tycoon getting gulped down by a massive humpback whale – in a TV premiere, no less! It's the kind of over-the-top moment that leaves you laughing and questioning how far showrunners will go for thrills. Mark Consuelos, beloved for his roles in shows like Riverdale, just pulled off this wild stunt in the Season 9 premiere of 9-1-1, and it sparked a hilarious back-and-forth with his former boss, Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. If you're new to these worlds, 9-1-1 is a gripping ABC drama about first responders tackling everyday emergencies turned extraordinary, while Riverdale is the edgy CW series that twisted the wholesome Archie comics into a teen mystery fest full of drama and dark secrets. Stick around because this story gets even more entertaining – and a tad controversial.
Consuelos shared the funny details with TVLine, revealing that Aguirre-Sacasa shot him a text right after the episode aired. The message? 'Mark, a whale? We didn't even do that on Riverdale!' It was a lighthearted jab at the absurdity of the scene, poking fun at how 9-1-1 escalated things beyond even Riverdale's outrageous plotlines. For beginners, understand that Riverdale often amps up the weirdness with supernatural elements or bizarre crimes, so a whale-swallowing episode would fit right in – but apparently, Aguirre-Sacasa drew the line there.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this the kind of wild storytelling that makes TV exciting, or does it cross into ridiculous territory that distracts from character development? Consuelos, ever the good sport, fired back with his own witty retort. He pointed out that the episode featured a haunting cover of 'Mad World,' a song that's become iconic in pop culture. Originally a hit by Tears for Fears, this track was famously used in an early Riverdale episode to underscore the show's moody, introspective vibe – you can check out the original clip on YouTube to see how it perfectly captured the Riverdale aesthetic. Consuelos teased Aguirre-Sacasa, saying, 'Hey, they did do 'Mad World,' Roberto, and you did it first!' It was a clever nod to their shared history, showing how these shows sometimes echo each other in unexpected ways.
Consuelos' adventure on 9-1-1 doesn't stop there. His character, space-loving billionaire Tripp Hauser, is set to return for a few more episodes, building on that whacky debut. The actor is clearly having a blast playing this new antagonist, embracing the villainous role like it was made for him. 'I wear it well, I think,' he joked to TVLine, adding a bit of self-reflection: 'Maybe I have to do some introspection about who I am as a person to see why these villainous characters fit me like a glove.' But he quickly clarified it's all in good fun. Playing a bad guy gives performers the freedom to spout lines and pull off stunts they'd never dare in real life. Take that whale scene – when Consuelos first read the script, he admits he was skeptical. 'Him getting eaten by a whale was one of the first things I read about this character,' he recalled. 'I was a little dubious about where they were going with this, but as I read further on, I was like, 'Oh, this character is delicious.'' The payoff? A role that's pure joy to inhabit, and that's why he signed on without hesitation.
And this is the part most people miss – the crossover potential! While chatting about Riverdale, the conversation naturally veered to a fresh project: Disney+'s Afterlife With Archie, a zombie-infused spin on the Archie comics, penned by Aguirre-Sacasa himself. We just had to ask if Consuelos would consider reprising his iconic role as the scheming businessman Hiram Lodge. Hiram, for those unfamiliar, is the charming yet ruthless patriarch who stirred up plenty of trouble in Riverdale, making him a fan-favorite villain. Consuelos hadn't heard about the show yet, but his enthusiasm was immediate. 'Sign me up,' he told TVLine. 'I'd love to work with Roberto again. We had a blast together.' It's a testament to the strong creative bond they formed during their Riverdale days, and imagine the possibilities – Hiram navigating a zombie apocalypse? That could be the next big crossover event!
So, here's the controversy that might spark debate: Are these recycled tropes in TV – from shared songs to familiar villain roles – a lazy shortcut or a smart way to build on what fans already love? Do you think Consuelos' whale-swallowing debut pushes boundaries in the best way, or is it edging toward parody? And for Riverdale devotees, would seeing him back as Hiram in a zombie series excite you, or do you prefer to let those characters rest in peace? Drop your thoughts in the comments – do you agree these wild plots keep shows fresh, or are they going too far? Let's discuss!
