Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 1 Episodes 1-2 Review: An Adaptation Worthy of the Gods

You cannot help but get emotional when a book adaptation is this good.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 1 Episode 1 and 2, “I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher/I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom,” defies our highest expectations with its loyal introduction to Rick Riordan’s beloved Camp Half-Blood.

Good things come to those who wait, and we have waited so incredibly long to see Percy on TV. To watch these episodes take such care with the source material while still being an entertaining adventure in their own right is glorious.

In the spirit of Poseidon, let’s dive right into the good stuff.

Camp Half-Blood is a breathtaking playground of archery targets and angst, plucked straight from the whimsical imagery of the books. The makeshift cabins, the campers proudly displaying their beads, and the peeling green paint of the big house all come together to create a familiar and inviting character.

But a character is only as good as its scene partner, and the campers are the ones who imbue this set with life.

Charlie Bushnell’s Luke (with a killer scar!) shoves the surfer dude vibe aside for a subtle, influential role that is sure to pay off big later on. Dior Goodjohn’s Clarisse also plays the terrifying mean girl role to perfection.

Jason Mantzoukas embraces his godly duty as Mr. D with the most chilling accuracy. When he screams, “PETER JOHNSON!” it becomes clear we have won the jackpot with this cast.

The Golden Trio Glows

Walker Scobell is either just that good of an actor or played Percy in another lifetime. His physicality and voice cadence brings Percy from page to screen with staggering precision.

Ultimately, it is that smart mouth that sells this casting. Whether he is verbally assaulting Mr. D for bossing him around or giving play-by-play commentary during battle, this is our Percy Jackson beat for comedic beat.

The most surprising of the trio performances is Aryan Simhadri’s Grover, who manages to be even more adorable and likable on screen than in the books. Every time the precious little goat boy shows up, I am delighted to see him.

Leah Jeffries’ Annabeth subtly captures the essence of her book character with a performance that comes quietly and strikes when we least expect it. Percy watching her watch everyone else is alluring and allows Luke and Grover to describe her to Percy instead of using pandering dialogue.

We get to spend the next few weeks with a perfectly cast Percy, Annabeth, and Grover — what even is life?!

Sally, the Standout

This series is sticking unprecedently close to its source material — a brilliant move given the novel is paced for episodic storytelling.

Riordan knows the value of his world-building. He is also revered for his ability to listen and course correct — and he has had quite a while to listen before scripting this pilot.

So when Gabe is chewing Sally Jackson out for not making dinner, she does something unexpected. She turns and starts giving it right back to him in the thickest, most violent New York accent. And she keeps yelling at him until he backs off.

It isn’t a massive change for Sally, who is always a brave force in the books. But she isn’t quite as timid with her abusive husband, and her personality isn’t tied so closely to her motherly instincts. She talks more freely about Poseidon, too!

Virginia Kull imbues Sally with spunk and intensity, allowing the lulls of this pilot’s world-building to soar in her presence.

A Weakness, or Are We Just Old?

This introduction is perfect because all these accolades are achieved without sacrificing likeability or loyalty.

When the story stumbles, it is minuscule, and any issues can be easily waved off. But they are visible, so humor me, will you?

At times, the steady pacing hits the gas pedal too hard. Mrs. Dodds’s sudden reveal lacks elegance to balance her over-the-top transformation. The same abruptness carelessly throws in the lightning bolt thief reveal to wrap the episode.

However, we have to consider the younger demographic being catered to here. Yes, Sally’s demigod speech pandering to the audience and not Percy is annoying — but I’m an adult who read the books. The exposition might be helpful to viewers discovering his story.

I am no longer Percy’s age, so I cannot say. But twelve-year-old me happily overlooked the films’ issues because I was so enthralled. I hope the young fans watching this series just enjoy themselves.

The Kids Are Alright

The fact is, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is giving kids the big-budget, middle-grade adventure they deserve. However, it doesn’t forget the children who grew up alongside Percy and could use a trip to Camp Half-Blood.

The series gifts older fans an adaptation that embraces the nostalgia of that iconic Hunger Games era. Bear McCreary’s cinematic score, paired with an ensemble of hungry newcomers, perfectly captures the innocence of the 2010s YA genre.

When the camera pans across the twelve cabins of Camp Half-Blood and the bright orange camp shirts, that brief and overwhelming moment of joy becomes almost unbearable as I reconnect with my inner child.

Demigods, after a long-fought battle filled with heartbreak, fan fiction, and big dreams, we finally witnessed Percy find his glory.

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What did you think of the two-episode premiere of Percy Jackson and the Olympians? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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New episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians stream Wednesdays on Disney+.

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