Growing up with Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” experiencing the debut season of the Disney+ series felt like revisiting cherished memories. Following two disappointing film adaptations, this show more effectively conveyed the spirit and storyline of “The Lightning Thief,” highlighted by a charming young cast.
As the season progressed, my fond reminiscence of Camp Half-Blood was met with some discontent. Several adaptation alterations from page to screen were successful, such as broadening the viewpoints of secondary characters including Sally Jackson (Virginia Krull). Conversely, omissions like the Summer Solstice deadline appeared more arbitrary than significant. Aesthetically, the series fell short, featuring unclear, static visuals. Why wasn’t this grand narrative of heroes and monsters rendered with greater creativity?
These discontentments continue into Season 2 of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” Once more, the deviations from book to series are a mix, and the production frequently lacks a distinctive visual flair. Nonetheless, sporadic high-octane action scenes and the enjoyable dynamics among the heroes of Camp Half-Blood provide optimism for a smoother experience moving forward.
Season 2 adapts Riordan’s “The Sea of Monsters,” hinting at substantial nautical adventures. Before embarking on the open waters, we revisit Camp Half-Blood with Percy (Walker Scobell) and Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), where circumstances have deteriorated.
An assault from Kronos supporter Luke (Charlie Bushnell) has left the camp’s protective barrier failing, endangering a monster onslaught. The only chance for the camp is a quest for the Golden Fleece, concealed in the Sea of Monsters (alias the Bermuda Triangle). Coincidentally, Grover (Aryan Simhadri) is in peril there while searching for Pan. With a journey to the Sea of Monsters, Percy can rescue both the camp and his closest friend.
The route to Percy’s quest is frequently convoluted, as events and character loyalties from the book have been altered. Many changes prove effective, such as the early feelings of tension and suspicion between Percy and Annabeth, adding new dimensions to their friendship. The series also explores Clarisse’s (Dior Goodjohn) viewpoint more thoroughly, as the daughter of Ares (Adam Copeland) steps into a formidable leadership position.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” continues to expand its universe, allowing more of its young actors to shine. Initial arguments during the quest among Percy, Clarisse, and Annabeth are charged with teasing and banter, a refreshing counterbalance to the darker discussions surrounding the Greek gods and the Great Prophecy. Although these elements are fundamental to Percy’s story, they occasionally overshadow the fun, something that the show sometimes overlooks.
Consider the Laistrygonian giants that Percy confronts in episode 1. In “The Sea of Monsters,” they are introduced as visitors from Detroit, with names like Skull Eater and Joe Bob. Their disguise adds both humor and tension, as Percy recognizes he’s up against monsters that don’t appear as they should. In the series, there’s no disguise, no pretext. The Laistrygonians are shown in their full giant form, depriving us of the excitement of seeing mythical figures blended into the real world.
The absence of whimsy extends to the overall visual presentation of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” Why, in a narrative where myths come to life, does the world seem so visually uninspiring? Backgrounds are frequently faded and unfocused, and most frames center their subjects, resulting in a sense of monotony against an imaginative storyline.
Fortunately, some scenes break away from this dullness. A chariot race at Camp Half-Blood stands out as a vibrant sequence, featuring intricately designed chariots and engaging action-driven character moments. A subsequent encounter with the monster Scylla heightens the intensity and showcases impressive water effects. It’s an imposing introduction to the Sea of Monsters, one that I am hopeful the season can maintain in forthcoming episodes not available to critics.
In spite of its shortcomings, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Season 2 still quenched my appetite for more demigods, bringing me back to my initial experience with “The Sea of Monsters.” Yet nostalgia can only take one so far, and while “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” possesses all the ingredients to be good, what I truly desire is for it to become great.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Season 2 premieres Dec. 10 on Disney+.