Percy Jackson Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2 - TheMythologyGuy discusses

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#mythology #percyjackson #disneyplus #disney #lightningthief #rickriordan #reaction #greek #annabethchase #zeus #ares

[@aidenmorris8971]

He didn't even really stab mrs. Dodds, the sword just opened into her

[@user-ts2og7lc1z]

Yeah, could’ve been cooler, or like more interesting, I didn’t even realize what happened at first.

[@jonathangoodwin5609]

Also known as stabbing her.

[@seanbrassell]

It’s weird to say, but the movie actually did that scene better.

[@gtdc4685]

He didn’t stab her in the back, he slashed her

[@butters849]

The only part that did bother me was in episode 2 when they didn't make Percy being the son of Poseidon a bigger deal considering that was one of the main conflicts within the books.

[@extremelyburntout]

i mean it ended on the claiming and the quest being undertaken. obviously there's not much time in 2 episodes to go in depth about all of the things the book did

[@butters849]

@@extremelyburntout yeah but the thing is they could have just revealed that he's the son of Poseidon in the second episode and then talk about why it's a problem on the beginning of the 3rd episode.

[@randomosity6878]

@@extremelyburntoutMy biggest issue was with Annabeth’s reaction. In the books, she had hoped he was a child of one of the big three, but she REALLY didn’t want it to be Poseidon because Athena hates Poseidon and she knew that things would likely be strained with any working relationship they had if his dad was Poseidon. So far they’ve really downplayed Annabeth’s personality and made her a lot more deadpan and cold most of the time than I think the books had portrayed her.

[@youngstar312]

@@butters849 I'm sure they will go into that a bit more in ep 3, but you kinda need a hint on where the rest of the series is going to go to keep people hooked. You have to think about these things.

[@graffbussiere4831]

Yah I feel the same way they should have at least had a couple of the campers go “oh no” or “that’s not good” or something like that

[@Neutral_Tired]

honestly, the thing I had the biggest issue with, which I didn't expect to, is the portrayal of Gabe. The fact that he's basically just a disrespectful deadbeat and a pushover, rather than actually abusive (he folds at a stern look from Sally, there's no way he's got the balls to hurt her, she clearly has the power in the household), downplays Percy and Sally's struggles and makes Sally not look as strong as she is in the books. Then again, I don't remember the books too well because it's been ages, I might focus on other things if I did remember it

[@Random-ix3oe]

in my opinion that was an improvement, instead of making him a borderline gangster who might kill Percy or his mom, he's just a burden making the home lees of a safe place and more depressing, hes more of a leech than a threat, also they probably didn't want to go to far with how volatile the internet's reactions to stuff like that is.

[@peterfreeman5121]

My thoughts are that this guy doesn’t deserve to die. I was ok with him being straight up murdered in the book because of how truly horrible he was. Gabe in the show is still a dick, but they shouldn’t just straight up kill him like they did in the book.

[@jastro.]

Fr I think the actor for the movie was better 💀. When me and my sibling saw it we were like he looks nice honestly and they were like yeah he looks like he’s got his life together. He looks like he could play a nice caring dad and would give you a hug

[@pickedceasar1216]

@@peterfreeman5121 I’m thinking they might do a reversal and have him sacrifice himself to save Percy and/or Sally. It’s either that or they just make him worse over time which is also probably more likely to happen

[@EpicRandomness555]

I don’t know, I liked his performance. He was a disrespectful jerk but I actually liked watching him and he didn’t fill me with hate, which I don’t need more of. Slightly different interpretation of Gabe and I dig it.

[@ethanstrs]

I haven't seen anybody else mention the fact that in the book percy causes the water to come out of the fountain and pull Nancy into the water where in the show he straight up force pushes her into the fountain

[@faerydae29]

You know I did think that was weird. I didn’t read the books but know his dad is Poseidon from the movie so I did think it was weird that he used air to push her into the fountain rather than the water grabbing her. Also is there ever a mention in the books about him having a connection to water prior to his powers showing? Something like being comfortable around water, loving to swim, anything? It seemed a bit weird that all of a sudden this city kid with 0 connection to water now is the son of the god of the seas.

[@ethanstrs]

@@faerydae29 no prior to that moment he had no connection to water whatsoever unlike Harry Potter in percy jackson your powers stay to unveil as you start to realise who you really are

[@lariall8733]

YES I thought that was weird. it really throwed me off bc it makes it seem as if his powers were air-related or sth. I think it was kinda lazy, but anyway I'm still excited about the show overall, specially for the Lotus episode.

[@bunionl382]

No the water does come up, it's just kind of behind her. His hands never touch her

[@ethanstrs]

@@bunionl382 no you misunderstand, I never said he touched her that's the complete opposite of what I said, and the water still doesn't grab her

[@Scythewielder45]

I was hoping to see gabe as more intimidating than pathetic. There was a perfect scene where we could've seen the eagle and horse (Zeus and Poisedon respectfully) fight on the beach. And see Percy and Luke sparring together and percy disarms Luke, showcasing his own natural fighting ability

[@ImIndavyjoneslocker]

yeah needed more of them hanging out & having natural dialogue instead of exposition dumps. that scene would’ve been perfect to showcase that

[@Mary_Studios]

That was another thing I said in my review that I wish that we had been show more of Luke's fighting ability instead of being told "He's the best swordfighter in the camp"

[@asakoster8794]

THIS. I was SO pissed these were not featured. like, in envisioning this book coming to life, these were some of my top scenes I wanted to see. It makes me worried for Percy vs ares sword fight

[@_somerandomguyontheinternet_]

Eh, Percy was never shown as having natural fighting ability. He disarmed Luke after gaining a strength boost from the water, a further hint towards his parentage. In book 2 he ran into serious difficulty fighting Luke due to having neglected his training.

[@andalilbitqueer]

You know what's interesting? they made such a big deal about Nancy Bobofit's casting announcement that I was honestly expecting the first episode to end with Percy going home from Yancy. Though the head creatives did mention they wanted to get out of camp as soon as possible.

[@andalilbitqueer]

I find it so funny that they didn't just end the episode out when Percy gets claimed, but considering how shoehorned it seems, i think it may have been an altered scene from the next episode that Disney got made because without it, there'd really be no plot motivation till episode 3.

[@ultrabrian8151]

@@andalilbitqueerit ain’t shoehorned dude

[@andalilbitqueer]

@@ultrabrian8151 the part were we get exposition about how Zeus and Poseidon are fighting? that was definitely shoehorned in

[@cosmicriptid]

I thought it was super strange that they put so much emphasis on Nancy when she was such a small character.

[@glowjoe09]

I find it really weird that in the teaser for episode 3, Aunty Em (Medusa) flat out tells Percy that she's medusa, where the books do what you mentioned with Dionysus and the minotaur, tease you and make you realize with Percy that she is medusa

[@TheIndianDeity]

She also calls him “son of Poseidon,” meaning it could be after the trio figure out her real identity. Another thing is the ending of the synopsis for episode 3 is “and the three seek refuge from a stranger that could pose even more of a dangerous threat,” meaning Medusa isn’t revealed immediately, cause there’s a reason for the ambiguity of that line. Am I looking too much into things? Probably, but we have to see how things play out to know for sure.

[@eloigillarty3285]

I am sure that it's not going to be the very first thing she says to them, she will probably introduce herself after they've figured it out.

[@glowjoe09]

That makes sense, just gotta hope

[@_jpg]

​@eloigillarty3285 Hey, I'm from the future, so spoileeer and sorry to ruin it, it's amongst the first things she says and they completely messed up the entire scene 😢

[@eloigillarty3285]

@@_jpg I watched it😂😂😂

[@SageMann92]

Joe Pantoliano's Gabe was like the one thing the film versions got remotely right and they completely nailed it. They've claimed they're making him less abusive as a tone issue, but the series is plenty mature in tone, I think they just want to avoid anything being remotely reminiscent of the films.

[@manellejoykadusale7777]

On point! And by them distancing from the movies, they're making almost the exact same missteps the movies made.

[@zackshick9310]

I’m pretty sure it’s just because it’s Disney. They would be really shy about showing that sort of abuse. I did not expect the change but I don’t mind it. The actors delivery was just amazing I actually laughed so hard at the Nostradamus line

[@_jpg]

​@@zackshick9310 Like Gabe would've ever heard of Nostradamus 🫤

[@truthseeker20490]

It has nothing to do with "avoiding similarities to the film". That's giving them too much. It's standard 2020's bullshit of we can't have darker or mature themes because somebody might get triggered or offended and we can't have that

[@Mialikesthings]

@@zackshick9310That’s quite sad for Disney especially considering that literally 4 of their villains are abusive parents lmao.

[@blackbirddragon8045]

This feels so validating to have someone say they didn't like it as much as they hoped either, when everywhere on the internet i look its people freaking out about how good it is. I was really hoping to see my favorite character Grover finally be likable on a screen, but good gods

[@shadowhawkrine1947]

You’re telling me

[@Bulldozer_Brodkin]

So far my favorite casting choice has been David Matzoukas as Mr D, from his first line i knew i was gonna like him

[@Jessidafennecfox]

So far he's my favorite character, my book series favorite is Nico.

[@4ngelic_l0ver]

isn't his name Jason lol

[@ZlatnoPeroTV]

The cologne guy 😅

[@Mialikesthings]

Yeah I honestly did not mind and actually loved how he seemed to have those wise sort of aura. I apologise if my sentence makes no sense.

[@ElliottR0se]

Idk I felt like his line delivery was really off. When he says "There are powerful forces at work here boy" it just felt....fake. Like he was saying the lines but there wasn't any meaning behind the words.

[@tomhur1]

In defense of the changes to Percy's character, they might be setting up his story arc in the show to emphasize his resentment toward Posideon and the other gods to make him a bigger foil for Luke later on. That being said I totally understand your concerns and issues with it.

[@JaviusSama]

I think they are doing it so him being overshadowed by Annabeth doesn't shock the regular viewer.

[@tjarkeifler5634]

​@@JaviusSama what do you mean with overshadowed?

[@Legacysong2012]

What changes? Besides the hair and eyes, that is Percy on the screen

[@tjarkeifler5634]

@@Legacysong2012 and there are not much more Features of Percy Jacksons look

[@lonerevenant]

​@@Legacysong2012Character, not looks. I think he means that Percy is not the "he could even sacrifice himself for his friends" type in the show

[@shadowmarauder6033]

The point on it being rushed I think is a problem that plagues many shows from the last 3 to 5 years, where they only get 10 to 15 episodes a season(sometimes even less) and so the people behind it have this pressure to somewhat move fast through many events to reach the climax. This is probably an effect from those shows not being on cable & COVID changing everything.

[@chromesucks5299]

10? its lucky if they get 8 episodes now vs the 20+ episodes of old, now 20 episodes is entire series.

[@dannylions]

also probably since they're working on minors who still go to school. Cant have filming for over an eternity when the majority of the cast is hoing to age and grow throughout the show

[@aizenuchiha4998]

It is more like 6-8 episodes a season but even those shows aren't always rushed I have enjoyed a lot of shows that are that small and they aren't rushed but are really well paced you obviously haven't been looking at the right shows because I see a lot that are good

[@mujiescomedy279]

@@chromesucks5299it makes sense with shows like one piece Percy Jackson and stranger things where the budget is going to be really high. Imo, it makes less sense for a show like stranger things

[@jeltusmagnificus2797]

I agree i coule also Imagine that they Had to Rush this because they wanted to make the Quest more book Like but we'll See i guess.

[@peteryeter892]

They got 9 chapters done in 2 episodes which leaves 13 chapters left for 6 episodes. The pacing will slow down wayyyy more.

[@dilberthigh]

Yep, I'm glad they rushed these first two episodes of set up so they could get into the good stuff during the rest of the series.

[@emojiface699]

Very good point, I hadn't realized that. Better to get the introductions out of the way so they can get to the good stuff

[@tosutaa]

They could've done 3 chapters per episode though instead of trying to bull rush through the introduction. It's hard to learn who percy as a character is when they want to switch scenes every 5 seconds

[@geoffreygeorge999]

ya exactly. They basically did half the book in 2 episodes@@tosutaa

[@alexwaterfield6075]

Yeah, lots more stuff happens in the later chapters

[@OptimusPhillip]

"You're probably gonna hate me for what I'm about to say" On the contrary, that line alone made me feel quite validated lol. Sure enough, pretty much every critique I had with the show was shared in this video. The thing that really gets me about the pacing is that while the big moments feel rushed, the small moments feel bloated. The first episode in particular, there are so many long exposition scenes that weren't there in the book and really don't benefit the episodes in any way, so I just have to wonder why so much time was devoted to them when everything else is so rushed.

[@andrewfisher8428]

Seriously. I’m confused why everyone seems to think this show is so great, as someone who loves the books so far the show is mid at best

[@longforgotten4823]

Extremely poor riding plagues most Disney movies nowadays. This will be no exception.

[@naomilanders9381]

I have been saying it pretty much since the movies happened that the Percy Jackson series would probably be best as an animated TV show. It would give more freedom to the creators and more wiggle room when it comes to adapting the books. I was so disappointed when Disney announced it was going to be live action and while the trailer was definitely more accurate to the books, I'm not all that excited about it. I might end up watching it with my sister, who I got into the series, but I think I'd still prefer the books.

[@OlgaPrikhodko-bh6sj]

I very much agree. No offense to the team who did the cgi, but doing it animated would be so much easier. You would be able to adapt a lot more. You would be able to add in a lot more effects. You can make scenes more dramatized. And for everyone who doesn't like the changes in characters' appearances, they would easily be able to make the characters fit the appearances. And the show is centered around kids and teens. I'm not saying that the actors are bad; they're really good. But there's a difference between a thirteen year old Walker filming jumping off the arch and a however old RDJ filming the airport fight scene in Civil War. Again, not in any way trying to bash the child actors. But having it animated with child voice actors would be so much easier. Also, it's a mythological series. I know that the series and show centers around Greek mythology and the fact that gods are real and kids having power but some of the scenes look a little goofy. Make it animated like ATLA. That show did really good. And the power scenes and the fight scenes didn't look goofy because they were animated.

[@Sigel110]

I’ve been saying this for years! Harry Potter too

[@IzzyakaSpookyGurlQueenal-lh3dh]

My mom and my older sister watch the show but I prefer the book😊

[@excelsiorgamez8850]

Something I noticed, in addition to what you said, is that they seem to have tossed a major plot point out the window. It is mentioned in episode two that the children of the big three (which i dont think i heard that term used in the show) are forbidden simply because they are too strong. In the books the reason is a prophecy stating a child of the three is either going to save or destroy Olympus. That is a reoccurring point in nearly every book, I really hope they bring it up in the next episode.

[@dylantennant6594]

For me, my problem so far Annabeth’s writing. The actress is doing a good job so far, but writing wise makes no sense right now. I get Annabeth and Percy don’t have an immediate friendship, but the writing is strange. Annabeth’s character is supposed to be intelligent, outspoken and not afraid to give people crap. Also, the whole point in the first book is that she goes against what her mother is supposed to be, becoming friends with a Poseidon child over time. In the show, she seems borderline antisocial, barley gets a time to be a character (why did Chiron give Percy the tour?). But the one scene I hate, is Percy’s reveal that he is a son of Poseidon. She is exited. That’s suppose to be the opposite, she’s suppose to be furious, hoping he was son of Zeus, angered that her chance at a quest, was her mothers immortal enemy. It goes against the mythology. Really hope the next episodes fleshes her character out a bit more.

[@BiasFree]

Exactly what I thought too, the actors are stellar but the character writing is missing the mark for a few characters.

[@marychristyshackelford5595]

I'm also kinda amd that they buried "You drool in your sleep" in the in-and-out-of-consciousness scene.

[@ekkobellick939]

i read the first series like a year back, at the beginning Annabeth wasn't very outspoken. she talk too much at times yes but most times she remained silent and was letting things play out while kind of studying what would happen. tbh i don't really know how to place her in the early parts of the first book other than overly curious. like when she let Percy get attacked by Clarisse. i haven't seen disney + version yet, waiting to get more reviews.

[@EviTheClick]

@@marychristyshackelford5595 that's because that's how it was in the book

[@mondaynugget6503]

For the Zeus thing it's also that she wants Percy to be a replacement for the friend she lost as a way of grieving. I'd also add that Percy's semi-consious arrival to the camp is very much the "Did I die and are you an angel" trope and they made her look like a creep instead.

[@christophermitchell9739]

8:00 That's very funny to me because I felt the exact opposite. I never really thought Luke was Percy's friend in the book, and in the show I actually believe it.

[@arabbarbiedoll]

me too !

[@samanthawise8991]

My husband who has never read the books is watching it with me and he said “I think Luke is going to be Percy’s best friend. Luke is my favorite so far.” 😳🤫 I can’t wait to see his reaction to what Luke does at the end. 😅

[@caryg9889]

My brother said the same about Luke being a good friend.😂

[@torijeri]

that’s how I felt too!

[@coreyklaustermeier5692]

Yeah, I’m a bit nervous about how he’s gonna play villain Luke because he looks too nice. One of the things I will give the movie credit for is Luke’s casting, he balanced the charming suave and the intimidating side really well like how it was described in the book. Clarisse has this problem to the extreme, she really doesn’t seem intimidating at all. She more fills the “mean girl” archetype rather than the “I’m gonna shove you into a toilet” big bully type that Ares is so known for. Overall though I’m really liking the show. 90% of it is super faithful to the books and I’m excited for the next episode Edit:It auto corrected Clarisse to Clarissa💀

[@ItsDagar]

Totally agree with you, I don’t get many of the changes, like they left out the part about Percy being expelled from five schools and being a troublemaker, they just have him see weird things, its just not as emotional and impactful when he’s expelled once again. Honestly im very disappointed, but i do hope it gets better cause i love the books, and with so many people calling it a perfect adaptation (which it very much isn’t) i can’t help but think many fans are blinded by the fact it IS better than the movies

[@dustinkestner6758]

Personally I can't wait to see Adam Copeland as Ares

[@rambofan334]

He's gonna have the EDGE in combat.

[@dustinkestner6758]

@@rambofan334 oh that's a good one!

[@ianpgmusicfanfictionart]

@@rambofan334 Adam is going to get to the point Ares.

[@theharoldsshow]

On that day, I hope I see cleary

[@QAIMIFplays]

Oh goodness, I just searched hi, up and the casting is *ON POINT!* honestly I think they’ve nailed the role down.

[@giantflyinghog3550]

Couple of other things they straight up skipped: Percy seeing the fates. Percy having a dream symbolic of the coming conflict. Percy being severely wounded during the fight with Clarisse and only getting his ass kicked until he fall in the river. Percy being attacked by a hellhound after capture the flag. God I hope the rest of the show doesn't cut this much.

[@mjthecat7346]

As someone who has not read any of the books and barely knows the plot of the books through your reviews of the movie, the series looks cool so far! I do understand what you mean about it being rushed, now that you talk about it I notice that they could have done things differently, but at least from an outsiders perspective its pretty good.

[@jonathangoodwin5609]

To be fair to it, it makes sense that its rushed. They only have so many episodes to go through the book.

[@puppies3330]

+it’ll be less rushed later on, they got eighteen chapters done in TWO episodes and there’s 13 more chapters and there’s six more episodes so it’ll be slower and more dramatic. Yes this is from another comment but I wanted to spread the information

[@mikaelafox6106]

Respectfully speaking, do yourself a favor and read the books. Even borrow them from the library if you can't, or don't want to, buy them. The studio is obviously relying on people who haven't read the books to be the biggest supporters, and I'm sure that's exactly what will happen.

[@jxton_]

​@@puppies3330so basically they're making the EXACT same mistakes as the movies. the movies that we all hate, but people who've never read the books love them. because they're not bad movies, they're bad adaptations of the books. the same with the new show, it's not a bad show, it's just not accurate to the books.

[@jxton_]

though i actually feel like thats still giving the show too much credit, there were scenes where the effects or the acting made me have to pause the show cause they were..... bad, they were bad.

[@queenamphitrie1278]

Some things I wished they did was make the episodes an hour long instead of less, because as you said everything felt fast-paced and you weren’t able to breathe. Like in the car scene, Grover just randomly says he’s 24 out of nowhere and it’s supposed to be funny but it just felt awkward. Making them an hour long would be able to let scenes be fleshed out like the Mrs. Dodd scene. Another thing I wish they added was the Luke sword practice scene. This would show that Percy is getting actually sword training and was not just OP in the start. It could also foreshadow water strengthening him and him being a natural sword fighter. What I ESPECIALLY wished they added was Percy falling into the water and getting a strength boost during the Clarisse fight because it makes no sense for Percy to win against Clarisse when he’s only been there for a couple of days and she’s been training for years especially in a 3v1. It just makes Percy look like a Mary sue. I also wish they wouldn’t lore dump, like ik they did the same in the books but it felt more natural but in the TV show it’s kinda of a case of show don’t tell. I also agree about Gabe, I hope they make him meaner bc if they decide to kill him like in the books now it would feel wrong, but I do hope they do the books ending. Anyway, I think these scenes could have been added if the episodes were an hour long.

[@verdragon5591]

That line isn't out of nowhere, it's in response to Sally calling them kids

[@ashleyterry6424]

Yes! I really wanted to EXPERIENCE camp. In the books it feel like we were learning about the camp and the world with percy but in the show it feels like they just want us to know about this and then we'll move on.

[@KatalovesLinkinPark]

When Percy is failing in everything, I would have liked 2-3 more snippets maybe being good at rowing, destroying plants and then the sword lesson with luke where he's terrible but with the water disarms luke. In total that could have been 2 min maybe less. I think an issue why it is so fast paced is also the budget. I hope it gets good ratings and next season they have more freedom to do more stuff

[@DARKAURA999.]

I agree very much that they are rushing some parts like they introduced Percy to what he truly is way earlier on than in the books, also they literally INSTANTLY give percy the quest RIGHT after he gets claimed, thats not how it was supposed to go. Also congrats on 1mil 🥳

[@LunarJeishin]

I mean I think it's only 8 episodes max so

[@TiredLex]

​@LunarJeishin I honestly think it would have worked better if each episode was like an hour and the pacing was a little bit slower.

[@DARKAURA999.]

@@TiredLex i wouldn't say an hour just as long as they need to make the scenes accurate to the books

[@isaacbrown7936]

just because they give him the quest instantly doesn’t change much… he is still going to go to the oracle next episode

[@familydevice8398]

In the musical, the minotaur is revealed very quickly as well. Sally's line is "Is a Fury after Percy right now?" GROVER: oh, no no no no no. Sally: Thank gods Grover: it's the Minotaur

[@familydevice8398]

@@lost_age777 Yes, just look up The Lightning Thief musical and the recording should come up

[@Amatureb]

@@lost_age777 Yes there is! It is a work of genius, The musical: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJKrZ4SbpNCpmJo The soundtrack: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHfaiWl8jMqIfLM

[@pugpugz3171]

Tbf the pacing is gonna be different in a musical vs in a show

[@tomshapira9368]

As a massive fan of the books - YES, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT AGREED! Me and a friend did a watch party of episodes 1 and 2 the instant they were available (my friend is also a massive Percy Jackson fan - she's probably a bigger fan than me, lol), and about five minutes into the episode I had to just open a notepad file to start writing down things that bothered me, starting with Miss Dodds, because it was just such a headscratcher and made no sense. I ended up only having four or five things to write, out of which only one wasn't relevant (I missed Percy flicking the cap off of Riptide, my bad), and when the episode was done, i turned to my friend and I thought she would disagree, but NO, SHE AGREED WITH ALL OF MY POINTS. WHY did Miss Dodds not take Percy to the side first and why did she die so fast??? I really do hate to say this, but even the movies got that right. WHY did Grover betray Percy like that??? It felt so artificial and forced and contrived - we had someone who never read the books watching with us, and they said it made Grover seem like an asshole. It's even more egregious because the books do something similar that achieves the same result without feeling contrived, which is Percy misinterpreting Grover speaking about Camp and thinking that Grover is some rich kid with a summer home and therefore no longer one of Percy's people. Why is Gabe the way that he is? Not abusive, but like... he seems, like you said, like a loser, and even worse, he seems NICE and POLITE - like he genuinely likes Sally and wants to be with her and tries to best to coexist with Percy for that, but Percy is just a difficult child to work with, for better or worse - I SHOULD NEVER BE THINKING "Gabe is trying his hardest to coexist with Percy because he genuinely likes Sally" Then there's a bunch of smaller things like the Sisters of Fate with the Socks of Doom not appearing, Percy feeling mischaracterized a lot, the lack of the horse and the eagle clashing in Percy's nightmare, even for a brief second, how everything gets basically spelt out to him instead of him figuring things out on his own, even a little. I enjoyed episode 1, but still. Episode 2 bothered me a lot more. Like you said, Luke feels like... I hope this doesn't sound shallow of me, but, wasn't he blonde in the books? Couldn't they have given him a wig or have him dye his hair or even just frosted tips or something? The actor is fine, it just bothers me a little, a very minor pet peeve, honestly. The other things, though... Why don't we see Percy handling the horses well? Or his duel with Luke, where he wins after spilling the bucket of water on himself? I realize the series is almost two decades old and the trident is IN the title, but if this TV show is for a new generation of people, to turn them into fans like I've been told, then why isn't that in there? Those are both TREMENDOUSLY important pieces of foreshadowing to him being the son of Poseidon. Why is Annabeth the one to push him into the river instead of Clarisse? It makes her look more proactive, I guess, but it also kind of makes her look like an ass, and takes away from the reveal, same as them just cutting away instead of having people bowing to Percy and showing him respect, which is important because Percy HATES attention and HATES standing out - everyone bowing served to emphasize how much he hates being claimed compared to being unclaimed. Why doesn't the Hell Hound attack him? That served to show how dangerous things are getting, that a monster broke through the camp's barrier, plus it would've been cool. And most importantly, to me... WHY DO THEY NOT EXPLAIN THAT CLARISSE'S SPEAR IS A GIFT FROM ARES??? YOU'RE JUST MAKING HER LOOK LIKE "oh big shallow angry girl who doesn't like her toys being broken"! CLARISSE BEING SO DESPERATE TO PROVE HERSELF TO HER DAD BECAUSE OF THE GIFT HE GAVE HER AND ALSO BECAUSE OF THE INHERENT SEXISM OF BEING THE DAUGHTER OF THE GOD OF WAR IN HOW HE TREATS HER IS A BIG PART OF HER CHARACTER ARC IN THE SECOND BOOK AND WHAT TURNS HER FROM ASSHOLE BULLY INTO AN INCREDIBLY SYMPATHETIC CHARACTER, WHY WOULD YOU NOT SHOW THATTTTTT. There's also a bunch of little things, like how everything feels so rushed and without time to breathe, like you said - the actors are great, the sets are great, the effects are great, but the pacing and writing feel lackluster... I still liked both episodes, and I have hope, but I'm afraid that maybe this won't be a great adaptation in a vacuum, but only when compared to the movies. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but... I hope I'm wrong. Edit: since I am not a punching bag nor do I want attention, I will say right now - yes, some of the things I said might've been slightly exaggerated or blown out of proportion - that's on me. Please just be civil to me and read my other comments before replying. I can take criticism, I'd rather not be bashed and treated like devil incarnate, though.

[@Sgr667]

I agree with every point you wrote. I think they could have added the eagle vs horse dream. But it could be almost too graphic for young children. Also about Luke. I feel like his scar wasn't that noticeable. It took me like 5 looks to even notice the scar. The scar is very pale and tiny compared to what gave him the scar.

[@Sgr667]

Oh. And another thing. I didn't watch ep 3 yet. But I'm pretty sure the oracle didn't appear after Percy was chosen

[@eloigillarty3285]

Then go be paranoid in a corner somewhere else, tf? I hate people who nitpick at stupid shid, "Oh, why isn't Luke blonde?" "Why isn't Percy's mom weak and submissive?", "Why can't we sympathize with Clarisse now in episode 2 instead of later on in the season as we see her character develop? "Why did Ms Dodds die so quickly even though we see her appear again later on in the teaser?" Like STFU. If you don't like it, don't watch it, it's that simple. Rick Riordan approved of these episodes and their changes from the source material. Aside from all the exposition, the first two episodes were done very well. Just shut up and watch the damn show, grab a bowl of popcorn if you must.

[@tomshapira9368]

@@eloigillarty3285 you wanna calm down, buddy? It's called criticism. I'm allowed to point out things that bothered me, even if they're nitpicks, especially when I myself am aware that most of those things are small and might only bother me, and that despite all of that, I still liked the episodes and am excited for more. Acting as if everyone who points out flaws or things that personally bugged them is some kind of vile hater that whines unnecessarily and just can't understand Rick Riordan's brilliant vision is immature, toxic behavior, that pushes people away from engaging with with Fandom, and is what leads to people not offering criticism when criticism should be offered. I still trust Rick, but I'm allowed to be a bit confused by some changes or dislike them - it's part of having an opinion. If you thought I hated the show because my comment seemed overly-negative, that's because I didn't share a lot of the things I did like. Why, you may ask? Because there were literally too many for me to list. Tl;Dr don't lash out at strangers online for sharing their opinions, they're allowed to do that. It's not hate, it's concern, and people are allowed to feel that towards something they care about and is near and dear to their heart.

[@dannylions]

Its like 3am so ill just share what i think quickly I think annabeth pushing percy imto the water doesn't make her an asshole, it shows that she's intelligent and as luke said earlier, 6 steps ahead of everyone. Luke having black hair really isn't that bad lol. Doesn't even add anything to the plot but i understand you know its a nitpick lol I don't think they really needed to include the duel with luke or the percy handling horses scenes much. Its a show with 8 episodes, and yes it feels rushed, but i hope its just them trying their best to focus on the actual quest more. The show is aimed to attract new fans of the series, and when you think poseidon the first thing you really think of is the sea and water. When I was first reading the book i didn't even know poseidon had any connection to horses, and i assume the general new viewer also wouldn't. They seem cool details i admit, the duel would be fun to watch, but the bathroom scene was probably enough to get people suspicious and think "oh he's probably a son of poseidon". the clarisse point, i get it. didn't really catch it at first but perhaps they could've gave dior another line or two where she gets upset at percy and yells at him for breaking the one thing they gave her. Hopefully they expand on that later on, in this season or hopefully the next

[@minimumwage2169]

Grover is an absolute exposition machine😅

[@tami7992]

Absolutely

[@babs3241]

Thank you! Everyone's in raptures, and I'm like... okay? And especially the bit about people telling Percy everything. We don't get to see Percy's intelligence, which is wonderfully explored in the books--he's got school troubles because of his ADHD and dyslexia, and his goofy sense of humor throws people off (where is his goofy sense of humor? He acts like Nico!), but we see him using his intelligence often enough that it's hardly a surprise when Hazel comments on how sharp he is. The characterization is weird. I don't get why they went for this very generic take on him. Percy was a very specific character in the books, now he's just... YA protag #3. He's also my favorite in the books, and this is just not _Percy._ With actors, I kind of shrug. When the medium you work in is human beings, you can't treat them like paint, trying to get everything just right. I know that they wanted to soften Gabe, but you're right--too much.

[@lmnop29]

Same, people are fawning over it and I don't think it captures the spirit of the original. It's lifeless and so mediocre it's frustrating.

[@alexiataylor9035]

My 2 biggest issues with the show were the fact that the screen kept cutting to black between scenes (I guess this is supposed to indicate the book chapters ending but it doesn’t really work on TV) and the way they wrote Grover - he is too timid and him betraying Percy. He does explain why he got Percy expelled later and I really hope his timidity will be overcome as the season goes on, I think this is his story arc for the season. Also Annabeth’s cap was blue… I’m a little sad it’s not green but with the amount of green on set I think blue shows up on camera better. Overall I really loved the show though, these comments are just minor things I wasn’t so keen on! :)

[@starfleet0085]

Grover was actually very timid in the book, and it was part of his character arc. He starts out as a timid character but over time he gains confidence and is ready to go out on his own to try to find Pan. Your point on him betraying Percy is completely valid though. I was so upset after watching that as it completely goes against Grover as a character. In the books, he takes the blame for Percy, even though he was terrified of Mrs. Dodds.

[@elcar659]

i thought it was supposed to be because it’s also on hulu and had ads there

[@TidalVex]

I'm reserving judgment until we get to actual quest. That's where it'll be make or break for this adaptation. (Also I've enjoyed it so far, but tbh it's been a few years since I've read the book so I probably don't have as many complaints as you do).

[@avihaygozlan8739]

9 chapters out of 22 are in the first 2 ep. they both nerfed and buffed him - the bathroom scene was weaker and made Claris, the daughter of Ares, the future Lydian Drakon slayer, run away from one water splash. his swordsmanship is crazy without training or water boost, just like that - took down 3 ares kids, when he only accidentally used a blade twice before. Luke took Annabeth's screen time - now I don't see any reason why he would take her instead of Luke, who was nicer to him, believed in him, and kind of took him under his wing, while she just observed him from a distance and let him struggle even though he's the new guy (in the book she tried, but he decided to take Claris' challenge head on)... Percy is a lot less smartass and more spinless - he is supposed to be like the sea: unyielding, stubborn, and tackle challenges head-on - here he gets bullied by Claris ("Are you special?" "N-No", what the hell? Percy would have sassed the hell out of her!), he called Mr. D 'your highness'... how is that Percy? No sisters of fate (for now), the minotaur scene felt a bit weaker than it was supposed to be, Where is Percy's love for Greek mythology? there is no real tension

[@Mary_Studios]

I was thinking that Chiron took more of Annabeth's screentime than Luke cause Annabeth is the one that explains about the cabins and that he's unclaimed and takes him on the tour but they made Chiron do that.

[@faerydae29]

I didn’t read the books. Percy is supposed to be sassy and have more personality like the sea?! That’s so cool! I would’ve loved to see that

[@iSupermanCKi]

As someone who's read the series 5+ times, I gotta say I'm loving it so far. Rick is also listed as a writer for the show so I don't mind the changes since the author signed off on them. Edit: To clarify, when I say series I mean PJO, HoO, ToA, all the diary side books and the encyclopedias, Kane Chronicles, Magnus Chase and the crossover shorts. Also the graphic novels. Kindle currently has me down for reading Lightning Thief 12 times, that doesn't include the times I listened on Audible or the times I read the hardcover.

[@auraguardianemerald6667]

Right at first that was my biggest thing (cause I was out of the PJO loop I heard about the actor controversy first before the fact that Rick was a writer.) So at first I was ready to write the show off as another terrible adaptation. But then I saw Rick was on the project and I changed my mind, I read what he said about the casting choices and decided, "Well if Uncle Rick picked them and is writing this then I can give it a shot too." And I LOVED the first two episodes though I have my own grievances about them but they're my personal dislikes and nitpicks.

[@Mooffgamesgamer]

Just because the original creator of a series is involved in a adaptation doesn't always mean that its good. At least this is better than the movies.

[@iSupermanCKi]

​@@auraguardianemerald6667 I gotta say, the only thing so far that's bugged me is Anaklusmos not being a white pen with a blue cap.

[@noswad8317]

I’ve read the books dozens of times per year since I was 9

[@noswad8317]

@@Mooffgamesgameroda made the one piece adaptation good

[@tobiasgreenhalge6165]

I think that the reason of the rushed pace was because of the 5 chapters in one episode, i think it wpuld have been best with 2-3 chapter per episode, but thats my opinion

[@Lambdefeatuber]

I wanted one chapter per episode.

[@tobiasgreenhalge6165]

@Lambdefeatuber many people did, but I think that that would give the scenes too much time to breathe after an important plot point.

[@TheKnowledgeMan101]

​@@Lambdefeatuber I don't think Disney is gonna approve of that considering its gonna cost alot of money

[@lebin7802]

I think ep1 should have ended with him hoping home and they should have given the fight more room to breath as well as the scene with chiron and grover talking. Ep 2 percy leaving grover behind to him being nocked out in the fight. Ep 3 and or 4 intro to camp training, tour with Annabeth etc and accepting quest. It was just way to rushed and some of the reasons they made those changes might be the episode count, they might have not have had a choice in that

[@peteryeter892]

It’s going to slow down the next 6 episodes. They covered 9 chapters which leaves 13 left.

[@legodude2513]

Dude I totally agree with what you say. I have read the first book( and it's my favourite) over 3 times and was annoyed a bit at some of the exclusions made such as the fates not being there or how fast the pacing is.

[@isaacbrown7936]

the fates are going to be there though… they’re just doing it later. people have to realize not everything is going to happen EXACTLY the way it is in the book. something have to be moved around for pacing. like how percy doesn’t meet the oracle until next episode

[@LITTLEREDBEAR917]

Book reader: I honestly hate it so far, I want to love it but I can't get over some of the changes (mainly to Grover and Percy, but also some of the cut content). I fucking despise the fact that everything has to be condensed down to 8-10 episodes. You know how fucking good this shit could be if we got a 15-23 episode season run like shows used to do? It just makes me mad thinking about it... this pacing and forcing hard expo-dumps is just sad. I hope it gets better now that we're getting into the meat of the quest storyline.

[@TheDenofBadgers]

I honestly i wish hey done it as an animated series

[@XavierSnows]

As a book reader I loved it. I do think it feels rushed but I also assume that to get to the quest quicker. I hope and think they will slow down the pace there. I do think Luke and Percy look like how I pictured them all be it slight differences I can see it. I think personally Lukes relationship feel stronger here then it did in the booms however the relationship with Annebeth feels weaker. Grover is also obviously weaker due to the fact percy is mad at him. All that said though I think you are looking at Book 10 percy more then book 1 Percy. His “small ulterior motive” in the books was his main reason for taking the quest I could be misremembering but I believe he tells Annebeth that later. Hes a kid that just wants to save his mom and he learns through the journey to be the hero. So I do think he will become the person who truly cares for his friends that we both want by the end. Anyway you probably wont even read this but its always cool to see a different take then my own and discuss it. I hope it gets better for you and keep up the great videos man.

[@AaayeeeeB]

Thank you! This is what I've been trying to convey. I feel like a lot of the criticism I've seen is from people having 'known' Percy for years and knowing how he comes to be but we're dealing with book 1 Percy right now. Also, it's a live action TV show, of course some things are going to have to be changed or moved around to flow better. I think we've made snap judgements about an unfinished project. Let em cook!

[@justsomeguywithagasmask8203]

13:24 Those are some bars you are spitting. I totally agree with you about the pacing, especially in the second episode.

[@probablyalexandernorthrip6598]

To be honest, I am fairly sure annabeth was not completely friendly immediately and only opened up to percy on the way to vegas

[@theshadowsagas3617]

Yeah her and Percy seem to be the one character relationship they're doing pretty flawlessly at the moment

[@vidhisharma6898]

Yeah but still I really liked her in the books, the series are making her seem like an asshole.

[@theshadowsagas3617]

@@vidhisharma6898 Annabeth was kinda standoffish and schemey for the first half or so of the Lightning Thief so if anything her portray here earns points for book loyalty tbh

[@vidhisharma6898]

@@theshadowsagas3617 I’m afraid Disney will ruin her character like their other female characters in live action movies. I sure remember her staying quiet when Percy was getting bullied but not bullying him herself. I also want that Annabeth that would turn all pink while talking to Luke cause she had a crush on him, so yeah I simply want her to be like a normal teen girl.

[@shadowhawkrine1947]

She wasn’t exactly friendly in the books, but in the show she she’s become by an asshole that argues like an isiot

[@Neforax]

Avid book reader. I started the series at the same time battle for the labyrinth came out. I’ve reread these books numerous times. I even re read them in the week before the show to “get ready” for it. You and your worries encapsulate EXACTLY what I thought about it. I’m on edge of it could be good but it’s not yet and I really didn’t like the character assassination of Grover. Honestly I thought I was going mad, because not many of the other KZbinrs or people covering this thought there were any major issues so far… and that… almost disturbed me once I saw the 2 episodes. I will watch through the end to make my final assessment because I’d love to see all 5 books on screen with age appropriate characters. But… this is shaking my faith in Disney… yet again.

[@marianat.408]

To me it feels like they are just doing a lot of telling not showing and thats leading to a lot of the pacing. Rather than give percy and the audience time to make connections, they are just telling us and that then makes the pacing faster becuase you dont have to linger.

[@longforgotten4823]

There is virtually no magical discovery in this series. That’s like the whole gosh dang point.

[@everythingisawesome23]

I totally agree. "Movie making 101, Show not Tell". How is it that they fail to do the most basic of movie making? Also, if you are going to exposition dump, you need to get a great actor that can convey the emotions well. Sad to say, the child actors arent at that level yet in their acting abilities. The cut to black scens are also ruining any immersion for the audience...

[@Flopfist]

I can't believe no one on set made an issue about the script where they told grover not to tell Percy the one thing that would convince him to do the thing they want him to do

[@shinigami2link]

Ive read both the original series and the sequel series cover to cover a few times, so I had some expectations with how this would work. I thought I had heard somewhere that they only have 8 episodes for this season, so that could be the reason for the rush, but I agree that it feels like we're going a mile a minute here and that percy is simply reacting to the things around him. If i remember correctly, the first book is the book where he is most passive and only reacting to threats, but even this is alot. My biggest complaint is how they are restructuring how we get out of the camp. Chiron and Mr D and Grover Lready knowing that Sally is being held hostage feels off, and the same with them telling him about what he needs to do. While I have many issues with the films, I did like that they had (a horrendously made) Hades show up and give Percy the ultimatum about his mother. This feels like its shoving Percy towards agreeing with Luke almost. Which Book Percy would reject. Sure he thought that the gods could show up more for their kids, but he wasnt on this crusade to get his father's attention. At least, not that I remember. They also keep putting in moments from the books that feel like they're there to get readers to say "Aha!", but not much more context behind them. Feels a bit weird to me. However, this was just the introduction, so I'm willing to see what else they have cooked up for us. Hoping that we get to flesh out more of the characters.

[@TheBlackDemon1996]

Regarding the Percy/Grover drama, I think it makes sense for the TV show to do that given the logic of the books. Like you said, Percy's fatal flaw is loyalty, he will do anything for those he cares about. So, if Grover betrayed him, for his own good or not, of course he's gonna be a bit a little snappy with him. He does a lot worse later on to those who betrayed him.

[@wontstopme1226]

One thing I realized while watching it is that Rick wrote basically a whole separate script for the series to make it different so I’m excited for a different style of story of Percy Jackson

[@jonathangoodwin5609]

It always confuses me when people get mad that tv series isn't a one for one copy of the books even though the original author of the book is the one responsible for the series.

[@kikiyah5666]

but if the book does it so much better than the series and they can just very easily copy what the book has, then why change it at all?

[@evillittlegoat8338]

@@kikiyah5666 because stuff that works in books doesn't always work as well on screen. I saw a lot of people complaining about how in the show Percy is just being told things he is figuring out by himself in the books. But we can't look into his head in the show, so that's much harder to convey. And I happily take this alternative over constant voice-over narration.

[@spencerwillmoth5456]

I watched the first two episodes, and honestly I agree with you 100% before I watched this, and you've pointed some new stuff out to me

[@iamthemimic3298]

Hey man, I want you to know that when I watched the episodes, I couldn’t wait to get a review or something like that from you. I adore your content, keep up the good work

[@derkaiser420]

You finally got one million subscribers? Yes! Congrats. You deserve it, you have worked really hard, and your content is great. Keep up the good work.

[@troyburnex]

I loved the detail of Sally sitting in the rain and just thinking about a certain Sea god. It was nice❤

[@accellex2845]

The Sally & Gabe dynamic has (in my opinion) her being strong in different ways. In the books, she put up with a lot, because it meant protecting her son. It really hit hard realizing that she willingly put up with that just to keep Percy safe, revoking the previous “Just leave him!” thoughts. SPOILER FUTURE BOOKS So when she gets together with Blowfish (compliment), it felt that much more wholesome. In the show, I feel less of that, but at least she shows strength. It makes me think she has good people-reading skills, since the idea of her risking chasing away Percy’s meat shield by standing up to a meanie would be interesting to see.

[@aliceangel267]

The fact this man on the internet knows so much about mythology and is not afraid to show it makes me really happy and he is just living his best life. Thank you for being you. You boosted my confidence in the last four videos of yours that I have watched. I have picked Percy Jackson back up again because of you.

[@alexboru2234]

It's really cathartic hearing you talk about the characters being done wrong. I was so mad seeing it. It seemed like everyone else loved it anyway in spite of it or seemingly because of it.

[@Opcatoverlord]

Congrats on 1 million subscribers been here since 700k

[@Hell_diver1]

Let’s go I’ve been waiting for this review since I saw this on Disney+

[@gavinjohnston6004]

congrats on the 1 mill!

[@max_kirchi_fca]

I definitely agree with you that the pacing is too fast, but I think it's definitely slowing down We're getting episodes centred around single chapters alone, like the Tunnel of Love (even written by Rick himself) or Medusa next week For a start I thought the first two episodes were great, they established the world well, gave us a little insight into the characters and just felt like the books 8.5/10 By the way, I thought the decision to keep him in the dark about his mum was the right one This puts him in a conflict of interest of either solving the quest or being distracted by saving his mum, which is why Percy's feelings are a big risk, had Grover not told him, he would have gone in with a clear focus

[@Mythology216]

That conflict you claim the show needed was already present in the books. The last line of Percy's prophecy before going on the quest was that he would 'fail to save what matters most in the end.' For the entire quest, Percy took this to mean that he would fail to save his mother, yet he continued in spite of this conflict. Hiding it from him leaves a gaping hole in his mentality when it's eventually revealed to him by an enemy, opening him up as a perfect target for Kronos to seduce to the Titans' side.

[@im_iansun]

I can totally understand your points about the show feeling a little rushed (like the Mr. D and Minotaur moments you mention). I agree for the most part. I think, though, the reason they went this route is that the slower realization and buildup to a reveal (again, Mr. D and the Minotaur) came from the books being from Percy’s perspective, with readers being all having knowledge of his thoughts. This is something that’s nearly impossible to execute convincingly and enjoyably through a TV shows medium. But that’s just my thoughts. Overall though, totally agree with the point that these reveals could have been more suspenseful and less rushed

[@Marenks]

I just hope that since most kf the exposition is now done(till the final reveal). We can slow down the pace and enjoy the quest.

[@noctys2940]

Congratulations on the million subscribers! You absolutely deserve it. As for the series, I absolutely agree with the rush of these two episodes. I think it's a problem with the length they decided to give the episodes and it seems to be a common thing with Disney+ series, which is seriously bothering me. As for Percy's speech, it bothered me a bit at first, but then when I rewatched the episode and some parts of the book I changed my mind. First of all, it must be said that in the book Chiron is a bit of a bastard, since he says that the Master Bolt could be in the Underworld AFTER Percy went to the Oracle, because otherwise he would not have accepted the quest. Secondly, I don't know which chapters you reread exactly, but in the chapter about the attack of the Furies on the bus, Percy reveals to us readers that he has no interest in recovering the Master Bolt and saving the world, but only wants to save his mother. Here they made it much more explicit because the first time this thing comes up in the books is through Percy's narrative voice, so they couldn't exactly reproduce it, but I find it perfectly in line with the character in the books.

[@ARxAHS]

Oh shoot heck yeah congrats on 1mil I didn't even notice but thats amazing dude you're literally my favourite mythology based content creator and you deserve all the love and support 🙏 also I haven't seen the show yet but my next day off work(Wednesday) I'll be watching whats out then I'll come back to this video.

[@super4469]

I did also think that they rushed past things but I think they made that sacrifice intentionally because of how much space they have and what they want to put in. I’m hoping the rush now translates into more time for more fun scenes later on

[@superyahoo1822]

my biggest problem was that the fisrt fight started suddenly and was over before i really realised what was happening

[@dream_big_88]

I was waiting for this review cuz it was the 1st video i watched in this channel ❤

[@EliHolbrook]

Listening to this man rant is very entertaining thank you for the video

[@zoey_everdeen5628]

Also Percy never saw the 3 lades cliping the thread on the side of the road

[@fanficfreak2113]

When adapting a book into an Animated adaptation, it’s easy to keep the inner monologue of characters. But it doesn’t fit in well with live action adaptations.

[@raahilmohan5693]

Congrats on 10 mil subs

[@hridayshah6730]

I 💯 agree with every word you said. Feels good to see someone else feels the same. Watching the show was infuriating and heartbreaking

[@OssiumWolf]

I kinda liked how they made Sally badass. i agree about the friendship between Percy and Grover being bad was unnecessary. I really hope they can get the thing with Percy's personality fixed. I do like how the actor for Dionysus played him. I kinda liked how Dionysus tried to trick him into getting him a drink. I can totally see Dionysus trying that.

[@mikaelafox6106]

Dionysus, the patron god of drunken frat boys and sorority sisters, would totally do that. 😂

[@ellielovegood6307]

He would also just pretend to be Percy’s father to fuck with him and that’s just so perfectly in character for him

[@shadowhawkrine1947]

Except Dionysus can’t drink any alcohol regardless of how he receives or who retrieves the drink. It was just an excuse for exposition and really ticked me off

[@OssiumWolf]

@@shadowhawkrine1947 that doesn't mean he wouldn't try. He literally just summons a glass in the book and would have drunk it if Chiron didn't say anything about it. To me, it seems less like a "magical he can't do it" like Tantalus and more of a Zeus is punishing him by keeping him from doing it, but it is just he doesn't want to deal with Zeus getting pissy about it.

[@GreekGeek6]

I've read the main series probably over 20 times. I understand some of the frustration, especially the pacing. The issue though of not letting the viewers make discoveries with Percy is just a side effect of the medium. You can't hear what he is thinking in this medium, so of course you can't figure it out with him. I think the relationship with Luke really does do a good set up for the twist. I have some friends who know nothing about the series, who Luke is being such a great big brother figure. I also think the reason Gabe isn't as horrible as he is in the books is due to the show rating. Yes these are children's books, but those have always had a bit more freedom than children's shows. Also, Sally being strong and independent makes more sense than her being submissive. I do also agree that Percy not agreeing to go on the quest just to save people is a bit jaring. But honestly, most 12 year olds are selfish, so it is understandable. This show is not just for the readers, it is for everybody. Reading these books literally saved my life, this series means a lot to so many. We have to let it be a bit fluid to invite others in. Also, Uncle Rick approved everything, so this is all technically cannon. I just think of the show as an alternate but parallel universe.

[@mlordwhiteslayerfromf.u.g]

Sally wasn't being submissive in the books, she only stayed with Gabe because she understood his strong human smell would mask Percy's demigod smell and help protect him from monsters. When presented with the means to get rid of Gabe and when she understood being with him no longer was necessary for Percy's protection, Sally didn't hesitate in using the head of Medusa to turn gabe and his poker buddies into stone.

[@geoffreygeorge999]

The thing is gabe is not bad enough to warrant death

[@mlordwhiteslayerfromf.u.g]

@@geoffreygeorge999maybe not but for some reason I can't find an ounce of sympathy for Gabe.

[@geoffreygeorge999]

@@mlordwhiteslayerfromf.u.g like he may be a jerk but he doesnt seem downright abusive. If it does turn out he is it wont even make sense. Sally could probably beat up gabe herself. HES A FREAKING TWIG.

[@mlordwhiteslayerfromf.u.g]

@@geoffreygeorge999 you've clearly not read the books.

[@CouncilBloom]

You’re really enjoyable to watch wether the watcher is even into mythology or not. Keep it up

[@TheMaverickMan273]

I love this guy man. Such wholesome, I will show you to my children. Who I will name Atlas because I got inspired by you. Thank you

[@markfuse2340]

Congratulations on 1 mil bro awesome 💯 ❤🎉❤🎉 Can you do a piece on Hiesta, the most under rated Goddess but such a healing beautiful Greek God that warms our soul and home.

[@Van_Wendigoh]

Hestia? Also I agree she's so underrated

[@markfuse2340]

@@Van_Wendigoh she's the ultimate healer.

[@markfuse2340]

2023 resonates with healing, with Hiesta. Odin Posodin Applo All loved her. She's 💯

[@TEAMKYR]

I really agree with your take on the show and my main reaction was that I was worried for the future of the series. I've been a fan of the books since I was seven and so I really wanted a good adaptation. The biggest flaw I can currently see in the series is how they are changing different characters' characterization, especially percy's. In the books, percy's super kind and loyal and we see that although he was doing bad in school, he's actually pretty smart being able to piece together what's going on around him with his knowledge of greek mythology. In the books, he goes on his quest so that world war III doesn't start and nature doesn't tear itself apart, and of course he has his hidden motive of maybe being able to save his mom. In the show however, there's this emphasis on glory that I really don't like. Percy doesn't do things for glory, he does them because he has to if he wants to protect the people he loves. I really feel like there was a lot of time wasted where we could've slowed the pace down and a lot of it had to do with Grover. It feels like they added the snitching scene just to give grover something to do and to give him some conflict in the story and then in episode two they went "people won't forgive grover for getting percy expelled" and that was the reason they added him telling the truth about sally to percy. I feel like if they didn't try to shoehorn in a lot of the grover conflict pieces, like the grover meeting the council scene that led to one line later, we would have more time to let the characters express what they need to. My biggest complaint is percy's relationship with luke. In the books he's the guy percy can look up to, everyone at camp looks up to him, he takes percy in immediately, he's super humble, he's camp's best swordsman, and he's supportive of percy. This is especially shown during their swordsmanship practice when percy is able to perform a disarming maneuver on luke in front of everyone, percy feels like he's supposed to apologize but luke is immediately overjoyed that percy was able to pick up a complicated technique so quickly. It's because luke is such a loveable guy that spoiler: it's world-flipping to find out he's the one who betrays percy and that he's been after him the entire time. Instead in the show, while he still does take percy in, he doesn't really build much more of a relationship with him other than giving him some bad advice about achieving glory. There's other problems I have like percy's relationship with his father and even his relationship with riptide, but these were the big ones throughout the show. I really hope the show does well and becomes better over time because I am really glad that we're getting a better adaptation than the movies, but it shouldn't be that my only compliment for them is that they are better than the movies.

[@chandrawagner4061]

"It shouldn't be that my only compliment for them is that they're better than the movies" so perfectly said. And you are so right about the glory thing. I'm surprised more people aren't talking about that. Percy is the ONLY main character of a YA book that I never got annoyed with because of the strength of his character and his loyalty to his friends and helping others. Percy's never even thought the word glory unless he was mocking someone offering it to him. What a weird decision. Maybe I'm misremembering since its been a few months since my last reread but I don't remember that

[@jacobcox4565]

As someone whose watching the show and has never read any of the books, I think the biggest complement I can give is that it makes me want to read the books, the original 2 movies didn't make me interested in learning more about the story at all. The smallest compliment I can give is that it's nothing like the 2 movies, being better than those movies is a low hurdle to get over. I also hope the show gets Hades right, he's a misunderstood chill guy in mythology and I heard his personality in the books is accurate to mythology, so much better than how he was in the movie.

[@Mysticleo42]

Honestly, like with every new show or movie, I just watch it for the first time just to enjoy it and see what kind of reaction it gets out of me but I do absolutely agree with you MythGuy, looking back on it (and I'm gonna rewatch it again with episode 3 this time to actually examine it) and see if there's anything else I noticed but for the most part while I do agree with you about it being rushed, I love it simply for the obvious fact that it gives off more of Percy Jackson book iteration vibe than a hundred of these movies could ever do. As a kid I loved the movies, and I still partially do, ONLY because I'm an absolute fanatic for anything fantasy. I love it, and I love movies & shows about heroes fighting monsters on an epic quest, and someone in a discord server I'm in made a good point about the movies about just considering them "a horrible alternate timeline in the multiverse of Percy Jackson" and we now call the movies the Peter Johnson verse just to make fun of it 🤣🤣🤣 But honestly, even with only two episodes and for as rushed as the show is so far, it is still a MAJOR improvement by 1000% imo

[@ericjohnson5265]

With the thing about Grover I think telling on Percy is building their friendship when you think about it Percy said your job is done now to Grover meaning he thinks Grover was just doing a job and not being his actual friend and through the episode you see Grover talking to the council about sally getting more info and his talk with Charon and Mr D him being conflicted with not telling Percy until he finally tells Percy showing he’s Percy’s friend

[@sakurap95]

I understand Percy’s story is going to evolve and include future generations, although I thought they would include more 2000s culture. I was the same age as Percy, so it made sense to me when Riordan wrote that demigods didn’t use cell phones. One, as a clever way to not make communication and summoning help too easy on their quest, and two, because it was rare for kids to even *have* cell phones back then. It was a choice like having a tv in your home. I thought it added to the whole experience of being a demigod. (On top of everything else.)

[@j.b.5422]

Huh, never thought about the phone limit that way.

[@isaachope714]

I am so glad I am not the only one who feels like this! I agree with basically everything you said!

[@zackshick9310]

I relate exactly to your sentiment that it’s “not off to the start I was hoping for” . There are things, mostly the stuff you mentioned that I would have included or stayed more true to over cutting down and updating other aspects. But overall I’m glad it’s as good as it is given disney’s quality issue lately. Almost satisfied just a few critiques that felt like it didn’t have to be that way even with adapting from book to tv

[@xero6970]

I don’t know I kind of like the way Percy acts. It’s a lot more realistic way for a CHILD to act. It makes him a more full character that he isn’t just happy go lucky. His mom just supposedly died I would definitely be upset and wouldn’t wanna see grover for a while that’s realistic that he throws a fit he’s 12. Also if I was Percy I wouldn’t wanna go on a quest to save the world right after my mom died after I just got thrown into a world I didn’t want to be in. I would be overwhelmed and not immediately say yay I will save the world I need some time cause im a child that’s a lot of pressure especially if I have no perks to get out of this until they told me my mom is alive so that then give me a reason to go. In the end i personally like this new character I think he’s a more interesting and realistic kid.

[@damianwilliams6446]

I like the video, it's cool hearing your thoughts on so far for what the PJO shows has out. Been a while since I read the books, really gotta find my copies, and while I love the books, I don’t think I was excited for this show. Just based on what I have heard, I might give it a watch, I might not. And since you mentioned adaptations of the other books: if we got another show based on a Rick Riordan book series, I do hope it's animation.

[@chester148]

Congratulations on th million subscribers!

[@UrskogTrolle]

I haven't seen the show but I vaguely remember seeing the trailer for the first movie when it came out and I was not interested. But about a week ago or so I started watching your videos and I happened to see your review of the Percy Jackson movies and I thought to myself "I will not watch the movies but I will read the books" and I already read the first two. You my friend turned me on to the Percy Jackson books and you made me interested in Greek mythology. I wanted to thank you for that.

[@0axis771]

I went into this series knowing 100% full well that there were going to be certain pacing issues from the get-go. No matter how hard you try, there are always going to be certain problems with adapting a book series into a series, whether it is a movie or a TV series. Some things will not translate as well or will need some trimming. So I feel like judging how the story progresses as a whole. And thus far, I feel like the TV series is actually handling well for the most part.

[@lt3746]

Why didn't they approve more episodes? With ten, fifteen, even twenty episodes they could cover more. Why only eight?

[@0axis771]

@@lt3746 Oh, simple. 1) TV workers want less episodes because that means less work. 2) Higher ups realize they can make JUST as much money with even less of a cost this way. So one side doesn't want to be overworked, and the other side likes money.

[@UncleDude19]

My issues are with Grover as a character and when Annabeth pushed Percy in the water and no one bows down to Percy when it’s revealed that he is the son of Poseidon. I understand that Annabeth pushed him in to prove that he is the son of Poseidon because she already knew somehow but it didn’t feel that way when watching. It felt like she was being a jerk

[@QAIMIFplays]

Also , in the books (I know this is a phrase people seem to use a lot now but who cares) it was while percy was fighting and I quote this “in the water” not next to . If they wanted to show off his fighting skills they could have kept the scene where percy fought Luke and poured water on his head or just generally have more buildup to his claiming, yes I know it’s obvious since the trident is in the logo but add some mild suspense . And also, Annabeth was supposedly warming up to percy the tiniest bit but hated him after his claiming since their parents are rivals , but since the episode was rushed it just skipped from the moment her was claimed (with no aftermath) to Mr d and chiron giving percy his quest. They also skipped a large chunk of his backstory at the start. Yes they did have a small section of him staring at a Pegasus but I wanted to see sassy delinquent percy who accidentally fired a cannon at a school bus or dropped his class into a pit of sharks and got expelled , not this little nerdy boy who daydreams and draws pictures, (there was no real mention of percy getting kicked out of 6 schools in 6 years) They again missed out an important but of character development with Grover. Firstly, give us more screen time so they can flesh out the story , I would say to split the first episode into 2 , one 50-60 min episode for Percy’s entire backstory , so a baby then a kid getting kicked out of schools , skip a few years and show off percy sassing up teachers and make him actually adhd and dyslexic , I’m just gonna say but a few floaty letters when it’s convenient doesn’t cut it , I want leg bouncing and random outbursts at teachers. The episode would finish with percy killing Mrs Dodds and add a line ,” Percy , there is no Mrs Dodds at handy academy” and leave us on a cliffhanger. Second episode would be percy listening in on the conversation between chiron and Grover . Percy goes off by himself after realising Grover is just a another rich kid like the rest of them after his off handed comment about a summer cabin. Percy goes home and we see the full on abusive gabe and not the comical drunkard we got in the series . Sally doesn’t stand up to gabe since she needs him to keep percy safe . I know it’s a kids show but at the same time try and be realistic , gabe is a horrible and disgusting man , make us hate him so his death makes the audience feel relived and not slightly confused. The cabin at montauk is next up after the scheme where Percy accidentally punts Gabe up a flight of stairs with a car door. The scene would play out pretty much the same except Percy’s mum never gets to finish telling him about the gods so he is still clueless. They get in the car and drive along while percy is shocked , he takes a minute to realise it’s the Minotaur then they arrive at camp half blood. They fight off the Minotaur in a slightly longer fight scene yk add some funky vaults and maybe a walk up the hill while fighting it off. Percy is understandably distraught over his mother’s death so he kills the Minotaur then he *walks up the hill with Grover and collapses on the porch of the big house* rather than just getting found on the floor the next day. That is where we finish off the first 2 episodes. Next would be percy at camp half blood finally fitting in . I would separate this episode into 2 as well. We would begin with him waking up to the realisation of his mothers “death” . Percy would play pinochile with chiron and mr d while they explain what happened, eventually left realises after mr d tries to summon wine but forgets his probation. The scene would end with an awkward shot of Grover eating the ceramic plate .Percy would go on his tour with Annabeth then he meets Luke. Luke is obviously intimidating on first glance since the scar is supposed to take up most of his right eye instead in the show you can’t even notice it unless they mention it’s existence (search up endeavour scar and it should give you a rough idea of the kind of scar I’m thinking of) you can’t really tell it’s there. You would show his first night with Luke perhaps sneaking in through a window after stealing some sanity stuff for percy like a toothbrush and whatnot. He would go the through a similar montage of percy failing at everything but make it funny, show them all huddled in a pile trying to figure out Percy’s godly parent and Percy in the background zooming in a canoe and crashing into other boats. Give us back the scene of percy sword fighting Luke and pouring water on his head in which it comes back to bite ares at the end of the show. And then you finally get to Clarisse and her lackeys taking percy and trying to dunk Percy in the toilet but obviously he splashes then and Annabeth who is with him. We get a dinner and campfire as well as maybe a flashback to fill time , then we end with percy saying he feels like he belongs and leave us on a cliffhanger. Episode 4 would be another day but this time he feels at home , he waves at people helps with a prank , starts getting in the flow , maybe he talks to a horse on accident and goes mad because of it . Then they would announce the teams for capture the flag and show the lining up via the pecking order and we see Percy at the bottom of the group since he’s the most new . Start off the game with them explaining the plan with a montage but it’s not the the actual plan as we find out. Percy goes off with Luke and they find a spot for the flag. We get Percy ducking about in the woods same as the shoe but then Clarisse confronts him but this time since percy has only wielded a sword 2 twice , he loses horribly until they push him into the lake and he is suddenly powerful. He snaps Clarisse’s spear and she screams at him a bit and goes ballistic and you suddenly see his frail and petty she is because if her father’s expectations of her. The main group would arrive back and perhaps help percy while Annabeth reveals her true plan with a little montage sequence but she realises something is off so she drags Percy out if the water and we see him go weak again .but a growl comes from the woods and the hell’s hound rips open his chest while everyone panics Annabeth makes Percy go in the lake again and he heals but the campers are all shocked by the glowing trident above his head (stage this a night it just looks better when you have a glowing green trident come on).

[@isaacgleeth3609]

For these first episodes, my score was a 6/10 for many of the reasons you pointed out. And this is from a person in their 30s who only got into the series, outside of my love for Greek mythology, because I wanted to watch your EWW the Peter Johnson movies.

[@IronDragon-2143]

Congrats on the one million subscribers

[@BlazeDupree1525]

I can't believe Grover sold Percy out like that. Grover is a ride or die homie book Grover would NEVER. and I don't like that they didn't knock him out during the minotaur fight. Grover is supposed to be questioning his self worth and the cloven council was supposed to be pissed that he technically failed his second chance mission. And Annabeth...she's spent no time with Percy. In the books she's the one who nurses him back to health and spends the night time with Percy besides Luke. She was supposed to be WITH Percy in the swirly scene and get hit with the Ares kids. But in the show she hardly interacts with Percy aside from stalking him so we haven't really been able to build a bond with her.

[@maluslikescoffee3690]

I haven't seen the show, nor do I actually plan on seeing it, at this time, mostly because I'm occupied with work. I have read the books and enjoyed them. The changes don't bother me too much because it was mostly the author's decision, and sometimes changes are inevitable.

[@elisohrn8994]

these changes were not inevitable

[@maluslikescoffee3690]

@elisohrn8994 I mean, changes in a TV show/Movie based on a book are inevitable for the sake of timing or budget.

[@awadiop7548]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have a lot of the same frustrations as yours, but felt like maybe I was being unrealistic. I'm also holding out hope that the show will get better as the story progresses

[@connorryan7825]

I don't know if this works for anyone else but I just started picturing this as an alternate universe

[@ProfMeerkat]

I'm putting my trust in Rick.

[@jordanholloman5907]

I'm not. He lost it after his casting choices alone.

[@amandadillio8]

I loved the first 2 episodes. There were some nitpicks here and there.

[@PartheNOs0606]

I enjoyed the first two episodes, but also feel the same way about the rushed pace. One other instance I think was a shame to miss was the slow buildup to discovering that Percy was a demigod. In the books, Percy mentions his ADHD and dyslexia, and went to six different schools in six years - but it’s only when we get to camp that we realize what that means in the context of being a half-blood. And even then, it’s a slow buildup when Annabeth explains it. She mentions that most of the other kids also had the same conditions Percy had - and he’s surprised they have it in common with him. And once it’s really intense, that’s when they drop the bomb - explaining how ADHD is actually their enhanced battle reflexes, how their brains are hardwired to Ancient Greek instead of English, etc. I liked how the books kept it intense leading up to that revelation - whereas in the series they mention it but don’t elaborate on it the same way as the books executed it, so it hits less hard for me. I’m still hopeful for the series, of course - and I’m hoping the issues will be smoothed out/won’t be so severe, and that the series will really get to expand more as it goes on. 😊 Love your videos, by the way!

[@nicolaashamman6201]

Book Reader Card Activate! Being that I've already tried imagining the books in a more cinematic way, that's what's really wowed me. Like, the Minotaur scene for example, I always pictured that area as a really clean, smooth hill with all uniform grass (almost like the old Windows backdrop lol), and always forgot it was set at Night until the book would remind me. Also, I loved that the fight scene was scored with no music, and the minotaur sounds were really distinct. I definitely understand the rant, and the deep emotional connection is lovely. Those particular issues didn't end up jumping out at me, besides the episode 2 ending skipping near-essential scenes, so I was still very into the show. The first 2 episodes can definitely feel rushed overall, e.g. Mrs. Dodds probably also had just 2 scenes in the book before the reveal, but the book introduction had in-depth narration on her specifically, so felt like she was more present. I suspect Grover's betrayel is in there so it plays into one of the book's minor plot points, where, because the prophecy says that Percy will be betrayed by one of his friends, he starts suspecting Grover and Annabeth. No idea how exactly it'll connect yet, though. The show has kinda generally been, not exactly subtler, but less detailed with the explanations since a lot more is communicated visually. Still not exactly sure how well everything comes across to different people, since it's less explicit for people who do better with words, which would be the book-inclined folks, but as you mentioned, they have explicit "that's Dionysus. Thay's the Minotaur" to still help along. Helps keep the pace quick, but is it too quick to take in the visual details? It's definitely take-in-able when there's focus drawn, like to the minotaur's underwear, but did non-book viewers notice Mr. D's Diet Coke or Leopard-print shirt? So far I've watched some reaction videos and don't remember anyone pointing those bits out (but they might have been trimmed for the highlights). Little thing about the pen: technically, the reason (or the facade, he probably had a feeling something sinister was at play) that Chiron gave Percy the pen in that moment is because he broke his pen when he was jolted out of the flashback.

[@ksbfun]

Wow you said almost everything I was thinking. I also had issue with pacing and percy jackson character but cross our fingers for rest of show

[@demibeans]

I actually really feel that it was rushed which is something I was afraid of when it was announced to be airing December this year. I just felt like it was way too soon from when they finished filming to broadcasting. So much editing and post production stuff has to be done, and to make something good, you at least have to spend quite a bit of time on it. It is true that it is a lot more faithful to the books, but so much is cut out and feels paced incorrectly. I feel like a lot of this was because of Disney+ rushing post-production. They could have taken their time with it, really worked on pacing the information correctly because I’m sure they shot it. There could have been more time allotted in the run time of the episodes into building that human side of the world, so that the magic is slowly uncovered. The beginning narration was great, but it could have been cut down so that there is more show than tell. Idk, I’m a little sad about it. I feel like it could have been so much better than what it is if Disney didn’t try to just rush it out.

[@sakurap95]

In a way though, I’m glad everyone is cast differently. I agree the writing feels off, but this I think alleviates some pressure on everyone to be perfect to the books. Part of the beauty of the books is that anyone can be Percy. Or Annabeth. Or Grover, etc. I always related to Percy too, and I’m a blonde girl like Annabeth.

[@thelogicalcaveman9139]

I was waiting for this as a fan of yours and the books. A few weird spots with the stuff they added so far. I really really which they had got gabe and Mr. D from the movies

[@geekzone5685]

Great video Mythology Guy. I was wondering that sonce you will reviewimg the rest of the episodes, I wonder if you would react to Bryan Seeker's fan casting of the Percy Jackson books? That would be something I am really interested to see.