Directed by: Jonathan E. Steinberg
Distributed by: Disney+
Written by Livvy O’Brien
70/100
The Percy Jackson series holds a cherished place in the hearts of many fans across the globe. Author Rick Riordan has a knack for worldbuilding in a way that immerses readers of all ages into the chaotic yet enchanting universe of Greek Mythology ensuring that no reader gets left behind in his intricate narrative. Because of this, fans have become (understandably) latched onto the series emotionally and were very keen on a faithful adaptation. With Riordan present in the writers’ room for the Disney+ series script, it’s safe to say that fans will be elated with this adaptation.
The show’s strongest asset is its cast. The actors breathe life into their characters – they perfectly embody the essence of each beloved personality, which is something that many fans have longed for. The beating heart of the whole series lies within the main trio and they are perfect! Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), Annabeth Chase (Leah Jeffries) and Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri) have such an enjoyable group dynamic which has been translated on screen fantastically. We follow the trio as they embark on a quest to find the missing lightning bolt and return it to the Greek god, Zeus before the Summer Solstice begins, as failing to do so will lead to a war between the gods. The series is packed with drama, action and humour as they figure out the ins and outs of being a demigod, fight epic battles with monsters and become lifelong friends.
In episode 1 of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” the series immediately plunges viewers into the captivating world of Percy. Hearing the iconic line, “Look, I didn’t want to be a half-blood,” for the first time was thrilling. Everything is introduced seamlessly, avoiding any sense of overwhelming fans, and the montage depicting Percy’s life is both fascinating and rich with foreshadowing. Although I will say I was slightly disappointed when I realised that the rest of the show wouldn’t be from Percy’s perspective. But I do understand the decision behind this change.
In terms of its storyline, the show is exciting, but the dialogue leaves something to be desired. The Disneyfication of the script proves to be a major disappointment because overly simplified yet over-explained dialogue fails to complement the intricate storyline of Percy Jackson. The series delves into heavy themes, particularly those surrounding family relationships, both positive and negative. While the show touches on aspects of absent and manipulative parents, it doesn’t provide the space it deserves to explore it, considering they are significant plot points in the book series. This discrepancy is concerning because these familial dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the characters. The show’s tendency to dumb down the dialogue may be because of its target audience being children, but I think it underestimates their ability to grasp complex themes. Children are not stupid; they can comprehend intricate ideas if presented effectively. Rather than spoon-feeding information through dialogue, the show could benefit from demonstrating these themes through actions and interactions. Essentially – show, don’t tell.
Episode 5 kicks everything into high gear. If you weren’t fully hooked before, you definitely will be after watching this episode. It’s packed with intense emotions and marks a significant moment in the character development of the trio – it is definitively the strongest episode of the series. At this point in the storylive, Percy and Annabeth have only known each other for less than a week, yet they consistently put themselves on the line for each other. This episode beautifully highlights their fatal flaws: Percy’s extreme loyalty and Annabeth’s hubris.
Percy seizes the opportunity to sacrifice himself, offering to become a statue for eternity, so that Annabeth can complete the quest. He recognises her intelligence and capabilities, even acknowledging, “You’re better at this than me.”His humility is a rare experience for Annabeth, and it deepens her respect for Percy. This moment is pivotal because it marks a shift in Annabeth’s relationships. For the first time, she has someone who appreciates her for who she is, rather than someone she needs to constantly impress to gain attention, unlike her relationship with her mother, who only acknowledges her when she brings her pride. Meanwhile, the show gives Grover a more substantial role, which is gratifying to witness. He isn’t just a protector for the trio because he’s a satyr; he demonstrates intelligence and cunning, particularly when he outwits Ares, the god of war. By manipulating Ares into admitting his involvement in the theft of the lightning bolt, Grover proves himself as a valuable asset to the quest. Despite being categorised as young adult fiction, the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” show appeals to audiences of all ages. The storyline is masterfully woven, impressing viewers with its depth and complexity time and time again.
While many aspects of the series remain faithful to Riordan’s books, one glaring issue stands out: its excessively dark visual aesthetic. Why do I need to darken my room with blackout curtains just to actually see what’s happening on the screen? In recent years, there’s been a noticeable trend towards darker visuals in film and television, but it simply doesn’t fit the tone of Percy Jackson. When did this become the norm? Part of what made the “Percy Jackson” series so beloved was its ability to offer readers an escape into a vibrant, mythical world. Yet, how can viewers fully immerse themselves in the show when they can barely see what’s happening due to the darkness? Despite this significant flaw, I wouldn’t let it deter anyone from watching the series. Maybe try your luck watching it at nighttime. The production team utilised a massive 95-foot LED stage, which gives breathtaking visuals and provides actors with a more authentic environment to work in. They showcase this in “A Hero’s Journey: The Making of Percy Jackson and the Olympians” which I highly recommend watching after you’ve seen the series. It further proves that this was nothing short of a passion project for everyone involved and makes the series feel all the more special.
All things considered, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is a wonderful adaptation to a beloved story. Riordan understands the need for a faithful adaptation and it was delivered fantastically. The narrative is emotionally charged and tackles weighty themes such as family dynamics, friendship and feeling out of place in society.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Season 1 Trailer
You can follow Livvy O’Brien on Letterboxd.
