REVIEW: ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Episode 3 — “We Visit the Garden Gnome Emporium”

In Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 3, “We Visit the Garden Gnome Emporium,” directed by Anders Engström and written by Jonathan E. Steinberg and Monica Owusu-Breen, the story continues immediately after the two-episode premiere. Percy, thrust into the turmoil between the three most powerful gods—Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon—faces the dual challenge of retrieving Zeus’s master bolt to avert a divine war and rescuing his abducted mother from Hades.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 3 begins with Percy consulting the Oracle, affirming his quest through the underworld. Despite their mystical powers, Greek gods’ fickle nature adds humor to the brief scene, continuing the trend of updating the franchise to a more modern time. Percy enlists Annabeth, emphasizing her determination. Surprisingly, he chooses Grover, trusting him despite the Oracle‘s warning of betrayal from a friend. This decision is significant as Percy learns Grover’s earlier actions were to protect him. Despite Grover’s initial betrayal in the premiere, the understanding between him and Percy deepens, a common theme for the episode.

As the trio journeys to Los Angeles to confront Hades, Grover provides exposition, delving into the world’s lore. Overlaying this information on their travels maintains a brisk pace, intertwining character interactions with the laid-out exposition. Amidst the journey, the budding dynamics among the three heroes take shape. Much to Percy’s chagrin, Annabeth attempts a leadership role while Grover strives to mediate, establishing the initial tone for their dynamic and hinting at future conflicts. Crucially, the exposition lays the groundwork for Annabeth and Grover’s development alongside Percy throughout the series.

It’s in these moments between the trio where Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 3 excels. As the world expands, Percy’s purpose becomes clearer. The quest transcends mere familial pursuits; the pursuing foes exploit the trio’s vulnerabilities, compelling them to confront inadequacies or face dire consequences. Slowly, Percy realizes his place in a vast mythological world where even the harpies have fearsome adversaries. While dealing with various creatures in the episode, unveiled secrets add complexity, threatening to shake the trio as profoundly as the monsters they encounter.

Trust remains a central theme in the series. Percy grapples with whom to trust, especially as the Oracle’s prophecy challenges Percy’s trust in his friends. Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 3 foreshadows tough decisions ahead for Percy, navigating alliances and adversaries. Their journey introduces monsters, testing Percy’s commitment to not judge by appearances, calling into question Percy’s trust in his own values. Fortunately, with Grover’s support, Percy appears well-equipped to navigate challenges, even from those wronged by his father, who may harbor extra motivation to thwart the young demigods.

As Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 3 concludes, I’m torn about the latter half. The CGI in the first two episodes sets up enjoyable action, not as grand as the 2010 films but enough to anticipate future conflicts. However, despite Jessica Parker Kennedy’s excellent portrayal of a well-known mythological monster, the episode skips a potentially emotional battle, ending it abruptly.

Themes of avoiding parental sins and choosing destiny are introduced, heightened by Kennedy’s portrayal, yet the narrative doesn’t delve deep into these aspects. With that said, the swift battle allows for charming and authentic character development for the trio. Despite my desire for more action, the series seems inclined toward character focus over spectacle, which fits but leaves me curious about the potential of future action sequences with practical and CGI elements.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 3 continues the series’ engaging pace, seamlessly weaving together the quest for Zeus’s master bolt, familial concerns, and the complexities of trust in a world steeped in Greek mythology. While the latter half raises questions about the balance between character development and action, the series’ commitment to character-driven narratives remains evident as it stays true to its source material. As the series navigates the balance between character focus and spectacle, it leaves enough for viewers to be intrigued about the unfolding journey, with promising developments for Percy, Annabeth, and Grover on the horizon.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 3 is streaming now, exclusively on Disney+, with new episodes every Tuesday.