Book Lover’s REACTION to the Season Finale of Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Hey Super Nerds! What an AMAZING finale! This is definitely my favorite episode, it made me feel so many emotions and the ending made me so incredibly happy. And there’s a lot of alluding to a season 2 towards the end, I know they’ve been writing it. I really hope it gets renewed soon!
I’m planning to react to the documentary next week so I have at least one more Percy series related thing to look forward to in the near future. I know it’s made some of my TikTok mutuals emotional, so I have no doubt that I will be too.
The impact the Percy Jackson universe has had on so many people goes so deeply and I have no doubt that it will continue to do so with this new wave of fans💙🔱 (pun fully intended)
The Percy Jackson books and community got me through the pandemic when I didn’t have any of my friends around. I had books, the Riordanverse TikTok community (+ our discord), and of course, my Half-Blood Society discord server that once “housed” 2500 campers (ish) and 70 counselors. Being the Camp Director, and “mom” to my adoptees, was one of the best experiences of my life (though it was only four and a half months before I handed over ownership to my server bestie, my right hand, our Oracle / tech genius… the burn out was real). I wouldn’t trade the time I dedicated to that server for anything.
I have so many videos and photos from those days of us sitting on voice chat, all of our google docs filled with reports of what happened that day… that didn’t last long, way too much happened, we struggled to keep up, lots of weird stuff. Even though I was stressed and sleep deprived, because of how obligated I felt to be online all the time (‘twas not good for my mental health), I honestly miss those days, sometimes. I still have every note those kids left at my door and every sweet message they sent me. And lots of weird quotes, too, of course. Usually from when I was monitoring a cabin when none of their counselors were on… particularly the Poseidon and Apollo cabins, we’d have to turn on slow mode sometimes, too. And yall would always be saying the most wild stuff😂
0:00-2:14: Intro
2:15-25:19: 1x08 Reaction
25:20-46:08: Review
46:09-47:46: Final Thoughts & Outror

[@bootaeful7252]

I don’t know why people want the ares fight to be long if it was longer let’s be real Percy would have died he used Luke’s advice and outsmarted him long enough to draw first blood. Tbh the fight scene wasn’t that long in the book the only reason it seemed longer bc of the explaining what was happening and Percy’s inner monologue. But I loved this show and everything about it this finale was perfect and really tied everything together. It also shows how people need to be more patient bc so many things happened this episode that people were complaining they took out the show. Walker, Leah, and Aryan KILLED IT.

[@Philmaster07]

In the book it was Like 3 Pages If i remember correctly? So jeah why should it be any longer

[@typo1345]

that's the downside of releasing a book-based series episodically, people are gonna complain incessantly until they actually show it in a later episode

[@leilahussain9171]

@@MelanieJenkins0well Leah’s nominated for a NAACP award because of her SPECTACULAR performance and you’re in a KZbin comments section ripping into a 14 year old (12 when she filmed btw) so I guess you’re just going to have to cope.

[@leilahussain9171]

@@MelanieJenkins0 oh the racism really is jumping out. You’re talking about the NAACP awards right now please show a modicum of respect. Maybe she’s the most popular because, shocker, she’s a great actress. And if you want to say an actor can only have merit when “professionals” praise them then Leah has plenty of accolades from critics. Every one who’s gotten a screener says she’s amazing, but Melanie Jenkins with a blank profile pic says differently so I guess her performance is shit 😐. Seethe all you want but Leah’s going to be getting awards for her entire career while you waste away in these comment sections, crying about a child actor because you can’t let go of a fictional white girl.

[@leilahussain9171]

@@MelanieJenkins0 you’re actually stupid af because every award ceremony for film and tv has a category for kids otherwise kids wouldn’t be nominated at all. Even the Emmys have a division for children so lmao.

[@cairothetiefling_]

I think it's so sad that Lance's last line as Zeus was "make sure I never see this boy again." And he won't.

[@abbyzorel8295]

Stoppp, why would you point this out /lh/🥲My heart, that's so sad!🥺

[@typo1345]

Luke's betrayal hits so much harder in the show. Charlie and Walker absolutely killed it. You can just see raw pain and hurt in Percy's eyes, and the way Luke goes "I didn't think you'd give them to Grover to wear" you can hear his voice crack. And having Annabeth there invisible? Brilliant addition.

[@typo1345]

@@MelanieJenkins0 have you read the books or are you just introduced via the show?

[@typo1345]

@@MelanieJenkins0 quite the opposite. By having Annabeth there to witness Luke backstab Percy, she loses one of the last family figures she has after Thalia's transformation, and makes her insistence throughout the series that Luke's being manipulated carry more emotional weight, but also we as an audience and Percy as well all get that feeling that she's reaching desperately, because she's thinking irrationally rather than logically.

[@witchy.business]

@@MelanieJenkins0 I mean I think that’s just Annabeth’s character. She’s incredibly stoic, and if you look closely, you can see the pain in her eyes. Percy wears his heart on his sleeve, so he would be more openly distraught

[@witchy.business]

@@MelanieJenkins0agree to disagree then, I loved her performance. I found it subtle, not monotone

[@abbyzorel8295]

It hit so hard. They did! Walker conveys so much emotion with his facial expressions, it's unreal, he's so talented. Charlie was amazing, his voice definitely cracked, that line in particular hit SO hard. Their line delivery was phenomenal! I know, I was not expecting it at all! I wish we could've seen the moment she realized or when she told Percy (that's what I'm gathering at least) before they had their conversation with Luke so we could've seen her have an emotional moment. I know she usually just wouldn't talk about that stuff or how she's feeling, but since she’d told Percy how Luke cared for her right away, and how he was the only family she had for years, I feel like she may have broken in front of him a little bit. My sweet girl has abandonment issues for sure and Luke looked her in the eyes and ran through the portal after threatening Percy who shows as much loyalty to her as she thought Luke always had. I wish we could've had a longer moment to sit with that, but maybe we'll get to see more of that in later seasons (hopefully☺)!

[@shadowblade2178]

IIRC, Rick has said that one of the only things he really liked about the Lightning Thief movie was the change of Gabe accidentally petrifying himself by being an idiot instead of having Sally do it on purpose, so it makes total sense to me that they had him go out the same way here. 😄

[@abbyzorel8295]

Yesss, I loved that they did it this way, so Sally wasn’t a killer. Gabe was crossing the boundary, opening mail not addressed to him. He had it coming, sorry bout it😂 Maybe the plumber from episode 1 found his stone body in the hallway and had a good laugh

[@PrinceOfDolAlmroth]

1. The first time percy actually sees his dad is when the king of the gods tries to personally kill him and Poseidon stops it and yields immedeately whatever war was either about to start or was possibly a day or two in. He's surrendering and giving Zeus the petty W for the sole sake of Percy's life. That's some serious show of love right there. 2. Zeus points out that Percy is forbidden and Poseidon points out Thalia but instead of bringing shame to it he praises Thalia and appeals to Zeus' vanity (you can notice Poseidon's change in speech pattern when he's doing this) 3. This one is going to have the potential to be controversial for a few reasons, but it's my comment, I'm in the kitchen, let me cook. Lance Reddick was the absolute perfect casting choice for Zeus and from the frame of this universe's storytelling, let me explain why. The gods are personifications of rulership over certain aspects of the world, but more importantly, because Western Civilization rose under their management (along with all the implications that would have on the world as a whole) and partly because they aren't actively worshipped as they were 2000 years ago, their guises and ways they look change to better reflect the times they live in. To give several examples of this, in order, Ares looks like a mashup of war veterans from Vietnam to the Gulf War, because hey, the greek gods live in new york and non-implicitly give their favor to america in this universe, they're gonna look like the "joe baseball" of their archetypes according at least, to western pop culture. So Ares looks badass, but he also gives the vibe of the worse aspects of american vets as well. War Isn't glamourous. Haphasteus gives the vibe of distinguised scientists from 100 years ago (or at least, the stereotype of them for the longest time), but also the dishevelment takes on the western pop culture influences of Doc Brown and Rick Sanchez. Poseidon, funilly enough, looks like the fittest version of Jimmy Buffet meets Sig Hansen from Deadliest Catch, because hey, the god of the Oceans takes looks from Margaritaville in Florida, to Dutch Harbor in Alaska. And Zeus? He's in New York, Championing a nation where most of the big Artists in the last decade or so have been African American, recently had a black president, and as king of the gods, looks the part of Authority, check check check, but also in a universe where they all stay on the 600th floor of the Manhattan building like it's an incredibly grand hotel room, who better to look like than someone who was concierge of the Continental Hotel in New York City, Charon from John Wick?

[@abbyzorel8295]

It is, I loved that we got to see Poseidon show his son some love. And YES I hadn't even thought about that, he says how her bravery still inspires all demigods. I feel like he definitely is playing to his vanity, but part of me feels like he's being genuine as well. I thought Lance was an INCREDIBLE choice for Zeus, he exuded SO much power, his on-screen presence is unreal. It's so sad we won't get to see him in the role again😢That's so interesting, and I feel like your descriptions are *very* accurate! All of their designs are so great, and clearly well thought out, it's amazing!

[@lusinebaghyan8864]

8:19 not him calling Zeus monster. He is right of course 😂 but still.

[@faithtrustandpixidust]

you brought up an interesting point about luke and percy’s mothers! i like that they’re emphasizing sally’s importance in this season, and how good of a mother she is. i think it’ll really pay off in later seasons when sally is compared to luke’s mom (who hopefully is shown on screen), and the mothers themselves are also foils of each other.

[@abbyzorel8295]

So do I! Sally Jackson is the best, we love her. Yess, so true! I can't wait to see May Castellan and I simultaneously don't want to, because I know I'll break down🥲

[@johnclarke8096]

I look forward to your reactions Abby your enthusiasm is unmatched, and I also love the way you go through everything. OH my god what will we do now without Percy Jackson? I loved Annabeth giving her necklace to Percy he didn't blink once as he looked at her 😢Let's hope season 2 is announced soon. Thanks again Abby.🙂

[@abbyzorel8295]

Thank you so much!!! I have no idea. I guess we'll just have to rewatch them over and over😂I've also been listening to the Lightning Thief Musical more than usual (It's one of my favorite shows, especially the bonus songs). I did, too! It was such a sweet moment. I know, he was locked in. I do, too!

[@Sameeha_Khan_11]

Bro, your facial expressions are exactly what i go through when I'm watching this series 😂😂. And your entire vibe is giving PJO FANDOM. Love yaa 🧡

[@abbyzorel8295]

Lol, I love that for us😭🧡 I’m so glad you get that vibe, that is a very high compliment, thank you so much😂

[@persephonebby]

is it bad that i was laughing uncontrollably during the ares fight? im so unserious help 😭💀

[@abbyzorel8295]

PLEASE😂No, that's so valid! I was over here smiling as Percy was getting his a** kicked at the beginning, you're not alone, dw

[@floridababe05248]

I am hoping if Season 2 is green lit that the prophecy mentioning a child of the three most powerful gods can cause the fate of Olympus it is mentioned there

[@fandomlibrary9506]

My personal theory about Backbiter and its ability to find hidden paths is that it's actually Luke's divine ability from being Hermes' son. Finding hidden paths is such a Hermes thing. I don't know how it's linked to the sword or how Kronos unlocked it, but that's my theory.

[@TeaMasterIroh]

What I want to see in Season 2: - More time spent in Camp Half Blood. - Either expand the episode numbers or expand the runtime. - Improve Circes Spa Resort storyline. - Have Percy be in Florida, meeting with Grover as he runs away from whatever is chasing him. (Show the empathy link early on) - Introduce Beckendorf, Silena. - Book Easter eggs. Percy's dream that teases Thalia, Grover eating tin cans in the cave (can't believe they omitted that) - Percy and Tysons relationship. - Finally, new scenes with Luke. Show the torment and what his plan is. How did he get the sarcophagus? The ship?

[@LizaaFernando]

During the spa scene, it would be cool to sneak in a shot of Hylla and Reyna.

[@TeaMasterIroh]

Season 2 announced! Woo hoo!

[@LizaaFernando]

yaaaaaaas@@TeaMasterIroh

[@KayleighRisques-xg7uu]

I absolutely LOVED this episode. The only thing im kinda upset abt is how Luke betrayed Percy. I was rly wanting the scorpion. But other than that I loved it and Im so sad its over!♥️😢

[@abbyzorel8295]

I did, too!!! It was so good! That's valid, it would've been cool (that's probably the wrong choice of word, but oh well😂) if Luke had more openly and aggressively tried to take Percy out for not joining him instead of just raising his sword maliciously, but the scene was spectacular, nonetheless🥰 I am, too, I'm gonna miss watching these kiddos on Tuesday nights🥺

[@bensonfang1868]

23:18 great prophecy foreshadowing

[@hufflepuff_halfblood]

Give us The Sea of Monsters!!

[@larissadantas7766]

💙

[@leilahussain9171]

Need y’all to start deleting the stupid ass comments about Leah’s acting because it’s just ridiculously transparent why they’re criticizing her even though she’s the only one of the cast nominated for an award.

[@leilahussain9171]

@@MelanieJenkins0 misogynior is whole different ball game that you obviously don’t have the depth to understand. All your criticisms are a product of that and it’s pretty obvious, especially when you’re literally wrong. Your examples are flimsy and it’s really apparent why you think the way you do.

[@leilahussain9171]

@@juliana-fu8hi I defend all of them, but Leah the most because she’s been getting actual death threats for over a year so yeah I go harder for her than the others. And yeah, censoring comments is the least people can do because of the massive amount of hate that she’s been experiencing. She’s fourteen years old and shouldn’t have to deal with you assholes.

[@leilahussain9171]

@@MelanieJenkins0 oh I definitely can, I’m just not going to give you the satisfaction of thinking that you actually made points so we have to debate. You’re a troll online and im treating you as such.

[@leilahussain9171]

@@juliana-fu8hi I didn’t call anyone racist so maybe fact check before you go around getting all defensive and calling me a liar. Telling people to censor their comments that ARE being racist is actually completely fine. Y’all just don’t have the range to have a discussion about this because you’re still operating from the most surface level understanding of racism and not a shred of intersectionality in sight.

[@leilahussain9171]

@@juliana-fu8hi well, a hit dog is going to holler.

[@lusinebaghyan8864]

43:04 she wasn't in the first book though? It came up in later books.

[@abbyzorel8295]

She wasn’t openly, but she said “I can’t believe it.” In the first book after Percy woke up in the infirmary and recounted what happened. I know it isn’t delved into until the later books, but she’d already told Percy on the train how Luke cared for her right away and then Thalia did, too after a while, but then the furies attacked her and she was gone, too. Since her dad and step mom weren’t there for her, he was the only family she had for years. Even though she was the one who ran away, she definitely has abandonment issues and Luke just looked at her and ran through a portal after almost stabbing her new friend who shows as much loyalty to her as she thought Luke always had. I don’t see how she couldn’t be heartbroken, even if it’s not explicitly written in the first book

[@lusinebaghyan8864]

@@abbyzorel8295 hmm true. I wonder if they didn't want to "make" the betrayal about her, because it was Percy's prophecy? I hope they won't change it in upcoming seasons (if we got them) and she would be really really upset.

[@abbyzorel8295]

@@lusinebaghyan8864 Maybe? I don't know. I really hope they don't change it either

[@user-gr6cs8zl8f]

I'm gona go into kind of a rant. The show's an 7.5-8/10 for me, while the books were obviously 9/10. The show in my opinion suffers from pacing a fair bit, and sometimes the dialogue doesn't seem to be doing it for me. Actors were brilliant but Annabeth wasn't really utilised fully, and the characters seemed to be figuring things out on their own a lot, like Crusty and Medusa and Kronos. They made some changes, most of which I don't agree with but I think I understand some of them. Grover as a character was better than books, Luke's defection was shown much better here, the parent-son dynamics were better here but dialing down the abuse themes was a bit meh. Also, Poseidon wasn't really shown in all his glory like the books; there it was implied that he was basically Zeus' equal(ish) but here it's not the case(the surrender part was bad imo). All this being said, the thing I hated the most was how quickly Percabeth seems to be developing here, which may not actually be that bad depending on how they handle it going forward. The thing I loved the most is obviously the performances. Everyone was cast to perfection, but tbh I enjoyed Grover the most.