Written by Nynoshka Vazquez Suazo
The highly anticipated television adaption of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series premiered its first two episodes on Disney+, becoming one of the highest-rating shows on the streaming giant.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians based on the novel series of the same name, follows 12-year-old Percy (Walker Scobell, The Adam Project), who has always felt like a weird outcast, seeing things no one else can. In this fun, coming-of-age story, he discovers the truth of his family background.
This is the second adaption of the novels following two films released in 2010 and 2013, starring Logan Lerman; because of the mixed reviews of the films, the announcement of the new Disney+ series was also taken with mixed feelings concerned it would not live up to readers’ expectations. As an admirable fan of the novels, all of which this writer read in middle school, the excitement was real. Expectations were high, and so far the series has exceeded them.
Firstly, the casting has to be applauded. The characters in the novel are set to be between 12-20 years of age, the actors fall perfectly in that age range with the oldest being Luke, played by Charlie Bushnell, who is 19. Additionally, each actor perfectly encompasses key characteristics that readers associate with each character. Walker Scobell is the perfect Percy Jackson, as he is oblivious to the power he holds. He is curious, yet cautious and brave inside and out. His chemistry with Aryan Simhadri and Leah Jeffries, who play Grover and Annabeth respectively, is already notably strong, and can only become deeper and more special as the season continues.
The visuals are incredible. It can be easy to make the creatures and action sequences in a series like this look noticeably “outside” of the world. However, the series’ visuals are outstanding. The minotaur fight sequence is chill-inducing, and with the knowledge of the monsters to come, excitement grows stronger. Camp Half-Blood will make you envious, as its cabins for each respected god and goddess make yours truly want to make an Airbnb version just to pretend to be a part of that world.
The wardrobe is also exactly how a reader first envisions it. It is understated yet affected as these are young children, in modern times, with ancient Greek armor. There’s no doubt about exactly what the next Halloween leading costume will be.
The series premiere has left viewers yearning for more. It is so far the perfect representation of the world and characters created in 2006. The writing feels to come straight out of the pages of the novels. The first two episodes have been packed with action, emotion, and developing friendships. It will only go up from here.
The first two episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians were released on Disney +, on December 20, setting up so much excitement and anticipation for the remainder of the season. New episodes release Tuesdays at 9 pm.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is currently streaming on Disney + & Hulu with new episodes dropping on Tuesday.
