A gale whipped the water into white fury, as the unmerciful waves clawed at the horizon. Fog rolled in like a curling fist, hinting at the intervention of one who commanded the condensation to do so. A sly unnatural tentacle pierced the swell-torn sea; this was no ordinary ocean…

In a land where the Greek gods reign sovereign, and the Sea of Monsters holds tangible coordinates on a map, Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, must quest to save Camp Half-Blood.

Little more than twenty years ago, Rick Riordan published his first children’s book on a whim. Unbeknownst to him, the bedtime story he made up for his son would go on to become a multi-million dollar franchise, adapted into a book series with over 20 novels, two movies, a Broadway musical and now top charting television series produced by Disney. The name Percy Jackson has cultivated a faithful fandom following, ranging from enamored children to die-hard adults. 

The first attempt of bringing the beloved world of Camp Half-Blood to life was the definition of a cinematic disaster. The movies disregarded the base material, evoking a strong disapproval from fans and even the author himself. When Disney pitched a redemption adaptation in the form of a TV series, Riordan was adamant that it be done right and joined the project in hopes of ensuring a commendable result. 

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Season One Recap

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” follows the story of a 12-year-old troubled boy, who struggles with dyslexia, ADHD and an unhealthy obsession with the color blue. Percy’s life is completely turned upside down when his mother drops the bomb that his father is a Greek God… oh, and mythical monsters want him dead. 

Enter Camp Half-Blood, a safe haven for demigods, where Percy meets kids just like him and cultivates what he once thought were weaknesses into indispensable strengths. But Percy’s time there is cut short as he embarks on a quest with Annabeth and Grover to prevent a celestial war, but more importantly, save his mother from the underworld. The three of them ultimately fulfill their prophecy but with an ambiguous conclusion hinting that a revolution is afoot, one that they may find themselves at the heart of in the near future. 

Storyline/Plot 

“Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters” (Season 2) picks up exactly one summer after the first. Percy returns to camp to find the magical barrier protecting CHB is failing and his best friend, Grover, is in danger. So despite disapproval from the new camp director, Percy, Annabeth and Tyson (Percy’s newly discovered cyclops half-brother) quest to find the magical Golden Fleece, the only thing that can save camp. 

The fleece just so happens to be in the possession of Grover’s capturer, a monstrous cyclops named Polyphemus, who lives in the heart of the Sea of Monsters (aka the Bermuda Triangle). The race begins between the three of them, a crew of undead soldiers led by Clarisse La Rue and Luke’s cruise ship full of rebellious half-bloods to see who can get the Golden Fleece first. 

From the beginning it was completely noticeable that this season deviated from the original material far more than season one did. The producers did so strategically, in order to further develop characters. Most changes were necessary to translate the plot as a whole onto the screen better. 

I liked the portions that slightly strayed from the original book, specifically Annabeth’s unlikely partnership with Clarisse at the beginning. It foreshadowed Percy’s fatal flaw, loyalty, and added tension between our main characters to up the stakes right away. 

I would be remiss not to mention the subplot brewing in the past, revealing the truth behind what really happened the night Luke, Annabeth and Thalia arrived at camp. The pacing of this flashback was strategic, and the plot twist is one I will obsess until the next season drops!

Keeping in mind the changes, which further the ultimate flow of the storyline, I rate it 4.5 stars.

Visual/Special effects 

The visuals of this season were on point! Specifically, the special effects used to turn actors into believable mythical creatures were improved upon from the previous season, reflecting the higher budget the show received for the second season. 

Magic is always a difficult thing to make look natural due to its fictitious nature, yet the visuals were intricate and immersed you into the visually tangible illusion. The transformation of Percy’s pen-turned-sword Riptide was immaculate which had me uncapping writing utensils in the hopes of discovering my own celestial bronze weapon. I give visuals 4 stars.

Casting 

Casting was definitely a hot topic in the past, mostly due to the fact that fans were disappointed with cast members not matching the book description of their characters. I cannot deny that, for a brief time, as a die-hard fan, I too had my reservations, some still stayed through the end of season one. However, whatever misgivings I had were swiftly put to rest as I watched the cast bring new life to the characters in a way that honored the books. 

Annabeth (Leah Sava’ Jeffries), Percy (Walker Scobell) and Grover(Aryan Simhadri), blew my blue socks off this season. The three young actors matured into their roles splendidly. We witnessed an elevation in their acting skills. Jeffries, Scobell and Simhadri prove to be cultivating their craft as they grow up in front of the camera; I foresee their portrayals only strengthening in the seasons to come. 

Clarisee La Rue serves a major role in SoM, which had all eyes looking at Dior Goodjohn, who gave an exceptional performance. Goodjohn executed the tough exterior expected from the daughter of Ares, yet her vulnerable side shone through when necessary, the two molding together to depict Clarisee as a dynamic character.

Tyson, Percy’s precious cyclops half-brother (Daniel Diemer), stole the show. His naive nature and gentle demeanor tugged on the heartstrings of the audience. Diemer’s performance peaked when he delivered the heartfelt line, “I prayed for a friend, and I was sent a brother.” 

The actors portrayed the characters seamlessly, I give casting 5 stars.

 

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Action

This season turned up the dial when it came to cinematic action. They successfully upped the stakes through tension-filled confrontations between our questing heroes and Kronos’ half-blood lappies. 

There was so much intense incline leading up to the last episode, yet the fight scene we got was simply lacking. I expected a more impactful climax; there was so much momentum and it seemed to have been snuffed out prematurely. However, this potentially could be seen as a strategic decision as it leaves the audience anticipating the true showdown in approaching seasons. I give action 4 stars.

Entertainment

Seeing as I have so much to say about the show, I can confidently report that I was thoroughly entertained throughout season two. I personally recommend watching the series as one unit, rather than waiting for each episode to drop once a week. Some of the episodes that include less action and more world building seem to lack enough substance to stand on their own. Now pair that with the fact that I am just a certified binger and it makes sense for me to watch all at once. 

I, along with all of “Book-Tok,” was enraptured by the chemistry between Percy and Annabeth  the eight episodes. It’s easy to read into Percy’s naive loyalty to his close friend as a blossoming romance due to knowing the nature of their relationship in future books. The dialogue may not have leaped off the pages of the book as romantic per-say, but the emotions the actors implemented in their deliveries produced swoon worthy moments that were still innocent. Overall entertainment, I give 4 stars.

Conclusion 

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” season two blew expectations straight out of the water and into the Sea of Monsters! At the end of the season finale there was a teaser revealing season three will be released this year, which is a bonus considering we waited nearly three years between one and two.

To read a review on last season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, read New ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ show excites fans.

For more from The Feather’s Arts and Entertainment page consider Book Review: Westover rediscovers identity in ‘Educated’ or Theater Review: MJ musical exhibits ‘Dangerous’ talent and showmanship.

For more from The Feather, read EDITORIAL: Comparison extinguishes youthful contentment or Alumni reflects on his journey at Valley Leadership Academy.