REVIEW: ‘Percy Jackson And The Olympians’ Episode 8 — “The Prophecy Comes True”

Closing a season, especially within a well-established franchise like Percy Jackson with its extensive universe, presents a daunting task. While viewers anticipate a cliffhanger, it must feel earned. Unfortunately, Percy Jackson And The Olympians Episode 8 misses the mark. “The Prophecy Comes True” falls short on delivering emotional moments.  Strong performances from guest stars attempt to pull the weight, but relying on exposition over character-driven storytelling is disappointing.

The Percy Jackson finale kicks off with the much-anticipated Ares (Adam Copeland) showdown. This moment was built up in the penultimate episode. Ares’s involvement with the lightning thief and Hades’ (Jay Duplass) desire for Ares’ helmet in exchange for Percy’s (Walker Scobell) mother promised a thrilling confrontation. However, Percy Jackson Episode 8 mainly delivers exposition on the thoughts and actions of other characters, a recurring issue throughout the series. The fight with Ares underscores Percy’s strength but reveals a weakness in the writing, relying on exposition rather than immersive storytelling.

Percy becomes a conduit for the plot, explaining intricate master plans and character interactions that he has little reason to understand, given his recent acquaintance with these characters. The pacing suffers as scenes transition abruptly without adequate transitions, making it challenging for viewers to follow and engage with the storyline after such big revelations.

The series often shines in moments where it avoids exposition, as seen in the well-executed flashbacks. The Percy Jackson finale attempts a significant reveal with Luke (Charlie Bushnell), son of Hermes, as the linchpin behind the oracle’s prophecy. Luke’s training scenes hint at his betrayal, showcasing the actor’s talent and leaving viewers wishing for more inclusion of such character-driven elements throughout the season.

While a twist involving an unexpected character can be compelling, the lack of proper build-up for Luke diminishes the impact.  The villains, representing gods as evil and their family drama as the central conflict, lack depth and motivation. Throughout the series, we learn that the gods are the primary source of conflict in our world, stemming from their vanity and infighting. However, we never see these situations play out on screen. The series consistently operates at a surface-level plot delivery by telling us character motivations instead of showing them. It ultimately leaves audiences yearning for more substance, especially compared to the captivating exposition-free moments in the initial episodes.

A standout moment in the Percy Jackson Episode 8 is Lance Riddick’s portrayal of Zeus. Riddick brings menace and power to the character. The budget for the series went into depicting the Underworld and Olympus as the set piece brings these fantastical settings to life. As Zeus is portrayed as just a normal man in a suit, Riddick’s portrayal finds its mark. It reminds the viewer that these gods are not to be trifled with as Percy attempts to reason with the God of Gods to prevent another war.

Like most interactions in the season, the meeting between Zeus and Percy is brief despite the season-long build-up. Like many of the guest stars, Riddick is a powerhouse of an actor. Sadly, Percy Jackson Episode 8 is another example of the series wasting the ability of their talent by having them stand there and hurriedly talk about the plot to that point in the series. Unfortunately, this extends even to the long-anticipated meeting between Percy and Poseidon (Toby Stephens). There is a moment when the scenes the father and son share can be heartwarming but ultimately fall flat. The rushed execution highlights the series’ prioritization of moving the plot forward over allowing impactful moments the time they deserve.

The Percy Jackson finale ties up loose ends, attempting a rushed finish to set the stage for the next series of books. The trio’s separation raises uncertainty about their individual character arcs. Events happen upon them rather than events being driven by their actions. Annabeth’s (Leah Jeffries) sudden appearances and limited exploration of her motives make it challenging to connect with her journey. The same is true for Grover (Aryan Simhadri). Once again he shows up for a few lines but never reaches the same level of importance to the trio as Annabeth or Percy.

As Percy Jackson Episode 8 concludes, there’s uncertainty about the series’ future. Despite some engaging moments, there’s an overall lack of emotional buildup and payoff. This, coupled with the persistent reliance on exposition, leaves viewers questioning whether future seasons will offer a different approach. The potential for a captivating story is evident. However, the series must evolve beyond its current formula to truly capture the essence of the beloved Percy Jackson universe.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Finale is streaming now, exclusively on Disney+.