The following review contains spoilers for the sixth episode of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, “We Take a Zebra to Vegas”
In maybe the most inconsequential episode of Percy Jackson and the Olympians so far, the gang makes their way through the Lotus Casino in search of another ride, this time from a surprisingly subdued Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hermes. The dialogue flows freely this time around, allowing for better performances from the young actors. Their chaotic, memory-affecting visit to the Lotus Casino fills out characters and sets up plot threads for future seasons, but doesn’t always prove its worth as the final pit stop on Percy’s journey across the country. However, it does serve as one final chance to let the kids be kids, as things start to become much more serious by the end.
“We Take a Zebra to Vegas” is another episode bookended by intriguing moments with Percy’s dream sequences finally coming to a head in a new way, and the act of defiance and resolution to continue in the face of failure at the very end. The dreams have been executed and spaced out well throughout the series, hinting cleverly at what’s to come. This one in particular – and Percy’s acknowledgment of these dreams to Annabeth now that he feels close enough to her to divulge this kind of sensitive information – is a culmination of a thread satisfyingly placed right before the truth is revealed (sort of). Likewise, Percy’s conviction to press on, even after having technically failed in his quest to stop the war between his father and uncle, is similarly satisfying. Percy has had moments of heroism in each previous episode, but here is where he finally becomes a hero.
Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians Guest Star First-Look Images
The time spent in the Lotus Casino is typically turbulent, as Grover breaks off on his own little side mission, leaving Percy and Annabeth to find Hermes. Miranda is rather uncharacteristically restrained in his performance, which honestly adds to the chaotic nature of the place. His regret for failing to be a good father to his children comes off strong, unlike his motivations. Hermes lets the clock run out on Percy’s quest, but then helps them escape the casino, gives them that ride they were looking for, and tells them how to find the secret entrance into Hades. It’s a contradiction that feels more in service of the plot than the character, who is otherwise a compelling addition to the series.
This feeling of unsteadiness is exacerbated the episode’s editing, which attempts to emulate and emphasize the disorienting feeling of the Lotus Casino, but more often ends up distracting from the action. It’s an idea much better on paper than in execution, and that detracts from the improvements episode 6 makes to the series’ dialogue and performances. It’s most evident in Grover’s side quest, as he meets another satyr on his own quest to find Pan, the god of the wild. As a reader of the books, it’s heartening to see Grover’s search for Pan explored in the series, as it will be a large part of potential future seasons, but so far it’s not off to an amazing start. The conversations between Grover and his new friend Augustus are intentionally sort of confusing as both of them struggle to remember what the other was just talking about, but more than just the intentional confusion, these moments aren’t given enough screen time nor enough explanation as to Augustus’ plan or Grover’s assistance to garner any intrigue, other than the general idea that the god is nearby.
Luckily, a raucous exit – as Percy volunteers to put himself behind the wheel for the first time in a hilarious little sequence – puts them back on track, racing to stop the war despite time having run out. It’s one of the best comedic scenes of the show so far, and felt exactly like how preteens would react to the situation. Another instance of letting the young actors play young and having it pay out in full.