Percy Jackson and the Olympians Review (Episodes 1-2): Origins of a Beloved Young Hero and Camp Half-Blood in All Their Glory
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Review: The action-packed fantasy adventure series is back, but this time on the small screen instead, with Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri in titular roles. Based on the much-loved book series of the same name, the first season adapts the first book, titled The Lightning Thief, in the chronology, and the Disney+ series is created by its author himself, Rick Riordan, along with Jonathan E Steinberg. Centred around a 12-year-old demigod who’s accused of stealing of Zeus’ master weapon, the thunderbolt, the show is set to open the discussion around the PJO books with 8 episodes in the season.
Also starring Virginia Kull, Glynn Turman, Jason Mantzoukas, Megan Mullally, Dior Goodjohn and Charlie Bushnell in pivotal roles, the Percy Jackson Episode 1 has a runtime of 37 minutes, whereas the second one runs for 43 minutes. Both have been directed by James Bobin, and will be released on Disney+ on December 20. Episode 1 is titled “I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher”, while Episode 2 is titled “I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom”.
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-Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV Series Review Contains No Spoilers-
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Review (Episodes 1-2): Discussion
Seeing Rick Riordan, the author of the books that got a whole generation of kids invested in Greek Mythology, so invested in the production of the Percy Jackson series was enough to get many heartbroken fans of franchise back on track with their live-action adaptation hopes after the miserably failed enterprise of the movie series starring a loved, yet old cast of actors. Many claim the movies to be actually adequately fun films if set apart as distinct storylines having no connection whatsoever with the book series, others just can’t seem to deal with them.
And then, in an age of content releases that’s rarely brought about the birth of unique crowd-winning narratives and has mostly been governed by the large scale attempts of riding on the boat of nostalgia, here comes the TV series adaptation of the books, the sole casting news of which had the majority again roaring in disapproval of the choices. It’s safe to assume that such a show will at least get your curiosity roused if nothing else. The first two episodes of the PJO series are an alarming reminder of what the books were all about, starting right from how the episodes’ titles borrow their identity from the actual book chapter names. “Are they any good”, you may ask. Here’s what I felt.
Transporting you to the sacred Camp Half-Blood, a place many of us have dreamt to step foot in, much like sharing dreams of going to school at Hogwarts, the Disney+ series accurately and dynamically brings the words from the book pages to life, but again resorts to condensing the narrative to some extent due to the short run of a total of 8 episodes per season.
Despite this contraction, the first episode provides the viewers and Percy with ample amount of time to come to terms with the drastic changes happening in his life. While it’s but common for children to feel like outsiders while going through a struggle to find their place in the world, Percy is a lot different than the average pre-teen kid. The PJO premiere makes it a point to stick with Percy and depict his bipartite struggles as he faces bullying in a rather common vision and his otherworldly hallucinations that seem to be getting worse by the minute.
Instead of jumping headfirst into cut-throat action scenes right away like the movies did, the episodes calmly lead us to point of violent aggravation. Focussing on conversations, the series lets us hear Percy voice out his inner turmoil and mental conflict raging in his head, and Walker Scobell stands up to the occasion as the new and age-appropriate Percy. The TV series adaptation format also works in the favour of world-building (costumes are spot-on) and consolidating other characters’ presence, especially that of Percy’s mother, Sally Jackson, played by Virginia Kull.
This time, we don’t just see her rushing by like in the movies, rather she gets enough time and a better character sketch that allows Kull to emerge as a strong-willed and determined Sally, instead of being reduced to the image of a damsel in distress. The same design also allows the viewers to get a better look at her relationship with Percy, which, again, the movies barely put any effort into building up.
The cinematography goes dark when needed, but for the most part stays vibrantly aesthetic, which won’t leave you squinting your eyes at the screen to see what’s happening, contrasting with the picture most young-adult movies have now resorted to hold on to. Once we get to Camp Half-Blood and all its glory, we’re greeted by some teachers, who’re not singularly portrayed as the greater good presence, rather there’s a mist of mystery around their characters and their motivations. And this is when we get to witness more of Percy’s clumsier and endearing side also, which again reminds you that Walker is Percy alright.
Big names from the books pop up here and there, opening up the door to potential future full-fledged stories that are otherwise left untouched for the moment. Seeing Dior Goodjohn and Charlie Bushnell step into their roles as Clarisse and Luke respectively is a glorious moment indeed. You can sense the intentionality with which the writers draw a stark antithetical sense of dislike vs like for either of them respectively from the first moment they grace the screen.
Dior’s portrayal of the hot-headed and proud daughter of Ares will make you instantly question what must be consuming Percy’s mind too – what does she have against him? And her heated crossfires with him find a complementary calming softener in Bushnell’s ways of bringing the tactical son of Hermes to life, so much so that you’ll instantly buy into the idea of him as your best friend at Camp.
The former’s vengefully fiery attitude that fits the description of an Ares kid is starkly countered by Bushnell’s affable character who puts you at ease in a new environment among strangers. The way these initial episodes strike hard with such contrasting dynamics from the get go is admirable and something that will get you intrigued to find out more about how their bonds with Percy will pan out in the future.
Then, coming to the other two leading faces of the main trio – Grover and Annabeth. Aryan Simhadri evidently brings on a more innocent portrayal of Grover than what Brandon T Jackson did with his in the movies. Even though, he doesn’t get too much time to establish his loyalty to Percy the first time around, his dedication to staying true to him can be felt right away.
As for, Leah Jeffries as Annabeth. She may not have the quintessential blonde hair Annabeth had in the books, but that’s not all that brought her role to life. Jeffries indeed has the same undaunted spirit as should a daughter of Athena possess. Whenever she comes up as the focus of the shot, you won’t be able to look away. All in all, she’s just as headstrong as Annabeth always was, and I can’t wait to see her and Percy’s dysfunctionally adorable friendship come alive.
Percy Jackson TV Series Review: Final Thoughts
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 1 and 2 leave you hopefully waiting for more chapters to unfold in high spirits. I didn’t particularly spot any defects and was left pleasantly satisfied with what the TV series premiere had to offer with its light jumpstart. The casting choices fit like a glove regardless of what the initial claims may have been slandering. I’m craving to see more of the three main characters in action as one of the most significant face-offs of the first book is yet to unravel in the upcoming episodes.
Other than the young actors, Jason Mantzoukas as Dionysus, aka Mr D, stands out as the mischievously playful character he was meant to be. The TV show doesn’t particularly make for a explosive opening, but it stays true to the books as much as possible, and definitely fares well as a better adaptation than the movies, which is not all about Percy, but actually respectfully brings the rest of ensemble of characters to life as crucial players in the action.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episodes 1 and 2 will premiere on December 20, 2023, on Disney+ Hotstar at 1:30 PM KST.
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