The Prophecy Comes True

So, my history with the "Percy Jackson" series is thus, haven't read the books (should probably read them to my son before he ages out actually). I did see a film, or possibly two from the ones that were made a few years ago - but can't really remember anything about them, so I might as well have been coming to this series with no prior knowledge. It was fine enough time, with some decent writing and a lot of cool cameo appearances.

Expelled from school, Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) has been seeing strange creatures. His mother Sally (Virginia Kull) decides that it's time to finally tell him the truth, that the gods and monsters of ancient myth are real and that he is a demi-god and son of Poseidon (Toby Stephens). He's taken to learn the ways of the Demi-Gods at Camp Half Blood but is quickly drawn into an upcoming conflict between the gods about the theft of Zeus's (Lance Reddick) Thunderbolt.

Whilst not really coming close to the sort of top tier television around at the moment, I generally had enough of a good time with "Percy Jackson" that I'll be back for the second. I thought that the three central casting roles of Walker Scobell as Percy and Leah Save Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri as his two best friends Annabeth and Grove were done well - as it would be brutal to spend this much time with the characters if the actors weren't up to it. The shows real strength though is the many cameos and actors in supporting roles. I'm a wrestling fan, so seeing Adam Copeland in another role was cool. Megan Mullally, Jason Mantzoukas, Jessica Parker Kennedy, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jay Duplass all appear too smaller roles and seeing who will play the god or titan this week is a fun game.

I was impressed by the visual effects and the performances, even if it still feels a little rushed in this extended format. I'll be back for season two though.

I give this show a solid 8.9/10. I have never read the books so these changes they've done doesnt really bother me. However, I agree with some critiques over lack of action, short episodes/fast pace,etc but that doesnt make the show overall terrible. This is only the start of something bigger that will happen (Kronos emerging) which will obviously show more action as well as tension and stakes becoming to rise but then again I havent read the books so lol. In my opinion, not all tv shows start off spectacular but I believe this show did good for a start off. This is only the first season and I have faith that the show will get better. The trio (Walker Leah and Aryan) have done such a wonderful job playing their characters. They have such pure chemistry in the show and they are hilarious with each other offscreen and I cannot wait for them to blossom more as the show goes on. Overall this show has the potential to reach a HUGEEE status and I hope to see it. This was a great watch!!

If you want to shoot a scene where the Greek Gods are speaking greek or ancient greek to each other, you should at least have the decency to use Google Translate to do it right. On the contrary, you made the actors say words that came out of their minds and don't even sound like Greek. This episode was also extremely boring.

If you want to shoot a scene where the Greek Gods are speaking greek or ancient greek to each other, you should at least have the decency to use Google Translate to do it right. On the contrary, you made the actors say words that came out of their minds and don't even sound like Greek. This episode was also extremely boring.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this first season with my nephew (11). He just read the books and it was fun for him and I to point out the similarities/differences and why we think they were done that way. With any adaptation there are sacrifices, but the main spirit is there especially in the casted trio. If the next seasons build upon the strong characters and stay as true to the source material, then we have a lot to look forward to! If anything, I hope we get more and longer episodes!

I have kept up with all of Rick's books, and I am extremely hopeful that a whole universe will be kicked off!

This is really an 7.5/8 for me. It's book accurate, though that means its a bit anti-climatic as the book ending didn't have a lot of narrative heft to it either. It sets the stage nicely for the next season. Not spectacular but solid. If you made it to episode 8, you'll be satisfied.

So why the 10? Because Lance Reddick's appearance was an unexpected delight. If this is the final thing he filmed before his passing then it is fitting he went out as the King of the Gods. From The Wire to Fringe to Bosch he was one of my all-time favorites. Grateful I got to see one more scene where he defied the word gravitas.