REVIEW: ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Episode 2 — “I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom”

Directed by James Bobin and penned by Rick Riordan and Jonathan E. Steinberg, Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 2, titled “I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom,” continues the series two episode premiere on Disney+. After action packed introduction to the world of Greek mythology, Percy discovers his significance at Camp Half-Blood. Here, Percy’s true quest unfolds, and the world expands as viewers are introduced to the remaining cast members essential to the series.

Continuing immediately after Percy’s arrival at Camp Half-Blood, he discovers the minotaur attack was not a dream, and the premiere events were real. Grieving his mother’s loss, Percy begins his quest to find his father. In his initial steps, he encounters Mr. D (Jason Mantzoukas), a take on Dionysus, the Greek God of wine. In a playful exchange, the series establishes that’s akin to Greek mythology, the Gods in Percy Jackson and the Olympians are susceptible to human-like emotions. Jason Mantzoukas as a Greek God sipping a diet coke, humorously engages with Percy, bridging the divine and the mundane.

Further, viewers are reintroduced to Mr. Brunner (Glynn Turman) from the premiere, revealed as Chiron, a centaur responsible for training the next generation of heroes. Unstartled by these encounters, Percy serves to anchor the audience in his perspective, which is constantly evolving. The worldbuilding persists as Chiron imparts the history of Camp Half-Blood and details about the mystical objects Percy has encountered. The camp serves as a refuge for the children of the Gods, each belonging to a specific divine house. However, Percy remains unclaimed by any of the 12 gods, adding to his sense of otherness after the loss of his mother, even in a community of fellow demigods.

Assigned to the house overseen by Hermes, who claims both unclaimed individuals and his own offspring, Percy discovers that Hermes’s openness doesn’t extend universally. Confronted with familiar bullying dynamics reminiscent of the premiere, Percy grapples with the harsh realities of the gods’ fickle nature. Compounded with the sense of Percy’s perpetual alienation, Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 2 does much to connect to the view of Percy’s ongoing quest to discover where he fits in.

While character interactions in the series deviate from the book’s timeline, it doesn’t diminish the narrative or the pacing of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 2. Instead, it offers a more gradual introduction of characters, preventing overwhelming viewers and Percy. Moreover, the story goes a step further by providing glimpses into what other characters were experiencing while Percy dealt with his challenges. Grover, in particular, shines by offering viewers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the hidden aspects Mr. D and Mr. Brunner conceal from Percy. This exposition underscores the potent forces at play in this world. Furthermore, it introduces another layer of complexity to Grover’s struggles, presenting the potential for his development to be as intriguing as Percy’s journey throughout the series.

Percy’s journey to connect with his father is set, and he finds solace in not being alone. Discovering that proving himself through acts of glory may lead to his father, Percy’s quest for self-discovery truly commences. Unfortunately, his struggles intensify, fueling the heartbreaking notion that he might be destined for failure rather than the greatness his mother envisioned. Fortunately, Percy encounters Luke (Charlie Bushnell), son of Hermes, who becomes his guide through the camp and trials. Despite his scarred face, the Bushnell portrays a caring demeanor towards Percy in his early camp days. Later, viewers are introduced to Annabeth (Leah Jeffries), daughter of Athena, whose fierceness adds a powerful dynamic expected from the offspring of Greek gods. This marks Percy’s first circle of friends beyond Grover, bringing a sense of camaraderie and support to his tumultuous quest ahead.

Throughout Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 2, Walker Scobell‘s performance as Percy shines, revealing the layers that make his character truly compelling. Despite his amicable and caring nature, a fierce determination lurks within Percy, showcasing that, much like Luke and Athena, there’s more to him than initially meets the eye. Percy’s intense desire to connect with his father and make him acknowledge both him and his mother adds powerful tension to the impending meeting, conflicting with Percy’s typically accepting and forgiving disposition. Unlike other characters, Percy’s profound connection to his human parent raises the possibility that he may never truly feel at home in the realm of the Gods, especially when faced with rejection from his own father and the absence of his mother, the one person who truly understood him.

The majority of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 2 prominently feature the child actors, and their performances are commendable. The dialogue and delivery seamlessly align with the young adult motif, striking a balance between realism and a touch of overdramatic flair. It’s refreshing to witness a cast, mostly comprised of relatively unknown actors, carry the episode with such finesse. Considering the series’ overall popularity, these performances have the potential to propel the actors into promising careers. Each cast member holds their own, even in the decently choreographed combat and action sequences, demonstrating a level of skill that bodes well for their future sequences.

If the premiere aimed to acquaint viewers with all they needed to know about Percy, Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 2 serves as a brief introduction to the vibrant supporting cast. The deliberate pacing of these character introductions allows viewers to comprehend the breadth of their motivations and personalities intertwined with Percy’s fate. Furthermore, the commendable performances from the cast hint at a developing chemistry that suggests the potential for the series to extend beyond its initial Lightning Thief storyline.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 2 premieres on Disney+ on December 20, 2023, with new episodes every Wednesday.