Percy Jackson and the Olympians Review

Disney’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV series delivers a refreshing take on the beloved franchise, leaving a lasting impression with its modern approach and compelling storytelling. Walker Scobell’s portrayal of Percy, complemented by Leah Jeffries as Annabeth and Aryan Simhadri as Grover, breathes life into the three main protagonists, making their adventures through the underworld and Olympus enjoyable.

Scobell perfectly embodies Percy’s witty sarcasm and burgeoning confidence, channeling the teenage struggle of discovering newfound powers amidst normalcy. Having no knowledge of his father, Percy must step into a new world of supernatural beings and half-bloods to save his mother and stop a war between Zeus and Poseidon. 

Unlike the original Percy Jackson movies with Logan Lerman, this modern take relies less on supernatural elements and CGI battles while maintaining a captivating plot and a serious tone. The series also does well to navigate the balance between the source material and offering a fresh perspective. Camp Half-Blood feels alive as well, pulsating with demigod energy and mythical creatures. 

The late Lance Riddick’s portrayal of Zeus, Jay Duplass as Hades, and Toby Stephens as Poseidon, contribute to the series’ success, with Stephens’ reveal as Poseidon is  particularly chilling and a surprise as some fans may have overlooked him being cast for the role. We could use more of Jason Mantzoukas as Dionysus as his presence initially set the comic tone of the series, though unfortunately his role is not an integral one. 

Beyond the main gods, the supporting cast shines as well. Adam Copeland, better known as Edge from WWE, brings a surprising intensity to the role of Ares and we hope to see more of him. Virginia Kull delivers a fantastic performance as Sally Jackson, a mother fiercely protective of her son while acknowledging the supernatural world around them. Each character, big or small, feels fleshed out and contributes to the richness of the narrative.

The series isn’t without its minor flaws such as slow pacing and oftentimes weak villains that don’t really pose any great threat to Percy and his friends. However, Percy Jackson and the Olympians takes bold risks in reimagining the iconic series for a new audience as the heart of the show lies in its young heroes. The first season concludes on a high note and it’s safe to say the show is off to a great start. We look forward to seeing what comes next! 

4/5

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