Review of Percy Jackson And The Olympians Season 2: A Loyal Yet Lackluster Adaptation

The return of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" brings a slightly older, taller, and somewhat wiser Percy to the screen. The series allows more space for the story than a film could, though it still occasionally jumps quickly from one plot point to the next. Many issues from season one, like uneven performances and inconsistent CGI, persist, yet the shows dedication to the original books will keep loyal fans engaged.

As the school year ends, Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) finds himself apart from his closest allies, the satyr Grover (Aryan Simhadri) and Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries). Contact is difficult because monsters can track phones, conveniently adding tension to the plot. During this time, Percy's mother unofficially adopts the cyclops Tyson (Daniel Diemer), leaving Percy responsible for the well-meaning but clumsy giant. Meanwhile, Luke (Charlie Bushnell), son of Hermes, continues to stir trouble.

When Camp Half-Blood faces unexpected threats, Percy embarks on a quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece and locate Grover. At the same time, his relationship with Annabeth begins to face challenges.

While the full season allows more room for story development than a movie, it often feels rushed, limiting character moments. Action sequences dominate the screen, leaving little opportunity to explore the personalities that made the books so beloved. Though the actors are older and more experienced, they have few chances to truly showcase their talents.

The show succeeds in world-building, presenting a vivid universe filled with Greek gods, monsters, and demi-gods. However, the limitations of television CGI often result in effects that feel unconvincing, which can break immersion and reduce the impact of key action scenes.

Tonal inconsistencies are also present. While the children face life-threatening situations and the collapse of their friendships, the adults often act comically, which can clash with the series more serious elements. This approach may aim to appeal to a broader audience but sometimes feels out of place.

Ultimately, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" will resonate most with fans of the books who appreciate faithful casting and storylines. New viewers may find it less engaging due to its hurried pacing and diluted narrative personality. Its not a failure, but it lacks the charm that originally drew readers to Riordan's novels.

The second season of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" is available on Disney+ starting December 10.

Author: Grace Ellison