Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the television adaptation of everyone’s middle school hyperfixation, now has a second season.
The series, which is the second on-screen iteration of its source material, largely remains faithful to the books, with adjustments made for a television format. After all, it would be difficult to adapt 20-something chapters into eight episodes.
Overall, the season’s first two episodes, released Wednesday, make it look quite promising. It’s a callback to early-2010s young adult novel media with some marked improvements in technology and execution. It’s visually pleasing, has a compelling plot and is generally well-made.
After the events of last season, the opening episodes focus on the state of Camp Half-Blood in the wake of Luke’s betrayal and the return of Zeus’ master bolt to Olympus. After clairvoyant dreams and conflict at camp, Percy, Annabeth and Percy’s cyclops brother Tyson set out on a quest to the Sea of Monsters to heal the tree that keeps Camp Half-Blood’s protective barrier intact.
This season retells the 2006 novel, The Sea of Monsters, and the episodes largely stay true to the book’s plot points.
At the forefront, the show does a good job of establishing the atmosphere of tension and uncertainty at camp.
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The show’s camera work and transitions are beautifully done, enhancing the viewing experience. This extends to the set and production design, which perfectly capture the world of the novels, feeling both grounded and fantastical.
Direction-wise, the premiere episodes set up an exciting season. They don’t rush or drag, and aren’t overly expositional either. Character and plot arcs are built to be later developed, and the show balances funny moments with drama and action, without trying to force comedy.
During the chariot race in the second episode, Percy and Annabeth blast Mariah Carey’s “Emotions”, through a loudspeaker to drive away a flock of monstrous Stymphalian Birds who breached the camp’s shield. As the birds descend upon and maim various campers and counselors, they are driven away by Carey’s signature whistle notes in a scene that is both high-stakes and funny.
The inclusion of the song was unexpected, but well-integrated and amusing. The rest of the soundtrack, both the instrumental score and vocal tracks, was well done, perfectly underscoring each scene and adding to each daring and dramatic atmosphere.
The main ensemble, including Percy, played by Walker Scobell, and Annabeth, played by Leah Sava Jeffries, stand out as excellent performances.
Scobell masterfully captures Percy’s earnest awkwardness and never misses a comedic beat. He also projects the growth in Percy’s character and maturity from the previous season especially well.
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To protect Percy from a prophecy, Annabeth initially bars him from going on the quest. In this scene, the hurt and betrayal Scobell conveys highlight his range as an actor. Furthermore, Jeffries captures Annabeth’s resolve and her reluctance to keep secrets from Percy.
Jeffries brilliantly acts both Annabeth’s conviction and bravery, while also highlighting her inner turmoil and grief, adding dimension to an already dynamic character.
Aryan Simhadri, who plays Grover, continues to bring warmth and comedy to the show, serving as a grounding presence when combined with the others in the main trio.
The show’s special effects ooze with charm. The practical effects of The Gray Sisters’ makeup and ping-ponging eyeball, along with the explosions and live horses used in the chariot race, particularly stand out as both convincing and immersive.
Conversely, the series’ use of CGI, especially with Tyson’s eye and the visuals of the Iris messaging service, is uncanny at best. Its subpar quality immediately takes the viewer out of the show’s world.
While the poorly executed CGI is ultimately distracting, it’s an easily-overlooked flaw in an otherwise cohesive production. The show’s use of practical elements hopefully foreshadows a reliance on them rather than on digital ones in future episodes.
Overall, the episodes set up what is sure to be a thrilling season. Stakes are set, prophecies are cast, and the heroes set out on another quest, this time to save the camp.
It’s a little corny, but overwhelmingly charming, and is sure to be a fun watch this winter.
