Review of Season 2 of 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians': Disney+ Series Comes Back with a Bolder, More Personal Adventure

At first glance, Percy Jackson and the Olympians shares common ground with many young adult tales that emerged after the global phenomenon of Harry Potter, following a young protagonist who discovers extraordinary heritage, joins a magical community, and becomes central to a foretold struggle against dark forces. What sets the Disney+ adaptation apart, along with Rick Riordans original books, is its clever weaving of Greek mythology into a contemporary world where children of the Olympian gods navigate modern lifeoffering both an accessible entry point for newcomers and a fresh perspective for mythology enthusiasts.

Having laid the groundwork in Season 1 and introduced the primary antagonist Kronos (Nick Boraine), the King of the Titans, Season 2 shifts focus to a more intimate, character-centered narrative. Percy (Walker Scobell) embarks on a perilous journey to the Sea of Monsters to rescue his friend Grover (Aryan Simhadri) and recover the legendary Golden Fleece, essential for restoring the magical defenses around Camp Half-Blood from Kronos and the treacherous demigod, Luke (Charlie Bushnell).

The first four episodes present a story where the looming threat of Kronos temporarily recedes into the background. Percys revelation of Kronos plans to the Olympian gods results in minor repercussionsmainly a change in camp leadershipwhile the narrative largely serves as a personal exploration for the characters, emphasizing self-discovery over world-saving missions.

This season greatly enhances its visual and narrative scope, borrowing elements from The Odyssey and delivering new, perilous locations filled with thrilling encounters. The series balances practical set designs with StageCraft technology, reminiscent of The Mandalorian, with Episode 2s chariot race standing out for its dynamic stunts and energetic camera work. VFX-heavy elements, including a recurring cyclops character, are well executed, and the seaside confrontation with Charybdis and Scylla impresses with its scale and intensity.

Season 2 also deepens character relationships, particularly between Percy and Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Percys bond with Tyson (Daniel Diemer), a cyclops living with Percy and his mother. Even when the central plot feels less urgent, the personal stakes enrich character development. The season also explores the antagonists in greater depth, with Luke attempting to sway the heroes with persuasive reasoning. Additionally, the flawed nature of the gods is more prominently displayed, highlighting potential alternative approaches to leadership within the Olympian hierarchy.

However, the season is not without flaws. Dialogue often leans heavily on exposition, coming across as unnatural at times, and the tonal balance is uneven. While the series adopts a darker, more serious approach than the original material, it simultaneously peppers in Marvel-esque humor, creating dissonance. Some mature themes are still softened, such as family conflict and Percys complicated feelings toward Tyson, which perpetuates a tonal inconsistency that struggles to reconcile its intended audience with the depth of the source material.

As the story progresses and characters mature (with Season 3 already confirmed), there is hope that Percy Jackson will allow its narrative to grow in sophistication alongside its heroes. Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians debuts on Disney+ on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Author: Connor Blake