The following review contains spoilers for the entire first season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Reflecting on the entire first season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, it’s clear that there was a dedicated effort to ensure the plot and execution remained faithful to the source material. This dedication aimed to create a streaming series that could extend beyond Percy Jackson’s initial adventure among the gods and monsters of Greek mythology. The enthusiasm for this project is evident in every aspect of the first season, even when there are some shortcomings – though most of the time, these are few and far between.
Much of the passion behind the series can be seen in its production value. Despite being a Disney+ project, Percy Jackson and the Olympians consistently delivers visually and acoustically. While the quality may fluctuate from episode to episode, overall it presents a visually appealing piece of television accompanied by an impressive score from Bear McCreary (known for his work on The Walking Dead and God of War Ragnarök). This is particularly noteworthy in a time when TV production is rampant and tight budgets often compromise visuals and sound.
Percy Jackson Season 1: Episodes 1-8 Gallery
Smart directing plays a crucial role in improving the appearance of CGI, which is evident throughout the series. Visual effects are strategically used, with Grover’s satyr legs being a key regular feature. More immersive environments like Hades and Olympus are sometimes unevenly rendered, but elements such as the Minotaur, Medusa, and Waterworld effectively blend CGI and practical effects. This approach elevates Percy Jackson and sets a standard for other shows to learn from.
Riordan’s novels emphasize the importance of family and friendship, and the series has done justice to this through its remarkable casting. Almost every member of the cast impeccably embodies their role, capturing the essence of the characters from the original novels. Even with the younger cast members and some of the dialogues’ shortcomings, the characters are brought to life convincingly.
Bearing in mind the series’ Achilles heel, the writing often comes across as overly expositional, stilted, and unnatural. This is a common issue in plot-heavy projects and literary adaptations faced with the challenge of condensing extensive content into limited time. The dialogue’s shortcomings are evident in the pacing, with certain episodes attempting to squeeze substantial content into a single installment.
Despite these challenges, Percy Jackson and the Olympians shines when it concentrates on the familial and fraternal elements of the story. Some emotionally adept moments throughout the first season beautifully display the love between mothers and sons, addressing parenting in a manner that’s comprehensible for young viewers yet profound enough to satisfy adult audiences. It is certainly an appealing series for the whole family, and the prospect of more stories in this mythical world is quite exciting. However, it’s imperative for the series to progress before the main characters age out of their roles.