REVIEW: ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Season 2 Episode 4 – “Clarisse Blows Up Everything”

Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4 is directed by Jason Ensler and Shae Worthy. The show stars Walker Scobell, Leah Sava’ Jeffries, Daniel Diemer and Dior Goodjohn. Percy’s team have to align with Clarisse to find the Golden Fleece and Grover, but that means crossing the Sea of Monsters. There is a split narrative in Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4, but it’s slightly different from the previous episode. Clarisse (Goodjohn) and Percy (Scobell) have collided, and their stories unite.

There’s another reference to the first season when Percy and Clarisse clash in a duel. Not only is it an exciting, action-packed start to Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4, but it also shows how much the hero has grown and trained since first joining the camp. It ends with Annabeth’s interference, a jarring, sudden stop that forces an uncontrollable allegiance. There isn’t always a penchant to go for the easiest option in this series, and it leads to inventive conclusions.

An uneasy allegiance is made, and Percy, Tyson (Diemer) and Annabeth board Clarisse’s risen warship and her crew of undead sailors. A journey begins with the protagonists grouped together. The second story is a flashback that finally explores a tale told only through tears and tragedy. It reveals the journey of Thalia, Luke, and Annabeth (Jeffries) to reach the camp.

Two stories in Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4 flesh out the characters’ journeys further.

The second story reveals so many truths and explains why the journey was so painful. However, the plot moves right up to just before Thalia’s sacrifice, but we don’t get any more details about the actual event. This is partly due to Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4‘s runtime, but also because something even bigger is coming.

The second act of Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4 is slow, with an ominous feeling towards their destination. Annabeth and Clarisse lay out a choice of monsters they can face to enter the sea. Once down, there’s a suspenseful journey, given volume and energy by a subplot. And what follows is simply the best action sequence of the site so far. It’s breathtaking in its scale, majesty and ferocity, filled with sacrifice, horror and maritime mayhem. The ending is really unexpected, with a haunting, silent finish amid a cacophony of noise.

The performances continue to get better and better. The duel at the start of Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4 is a terrific barometer of where the characters are and how they’ve grown. Percy is a real leader now, confident and able to stand up to anyone. Before, Clarisse was levels ahead of his ability, and now they’re evenly matched. Clarisse is cocky and dangerous, desperate for glory. But as the episode progresses, she reveals many more facets.

Annabeth’s and Thalia’s storyline, in particular, is held up by the strength of the actors’ performances.

Clarisse is facing the weight of her decisions, which are extremely difficult and tough on the heart. She promised Elysium to her men, and she intends to stick to that promise. The idea of that not happening and breaking her world threatens to shatter her. She is starting to care about more than just herself. And whilst she shows vulnerability, she is not weak. Her actions in the final battle are as epic as anything anyone has done in this show so far.

Annabeth is a fascinating figure in Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4 because she’s the only character in both storylines. In the flashback, you get to witness who inspired her to be the ruthless, cunning warrior she is today.  Separately, Thalia is battle-ready with her staff, deviant, protective and intelligent, and brilliantly played by Tamara Smart. She is an example of what the demigods can be at their best.

Reminiscing about Thalia, alongside some disturbing concerns and referrals, destabilizes Annabeth. Feelings of guilt and remorse resurface, and it’s alarming to see her shrink a little. But it’s amazing to see direct influences. The way Annabeth attacks foes and addresses problems is just how Thalia would do it, demonstrating who taught her. 

The production design continues to flourish, and Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4 shows how.

The production is absolutely incredible. The ship’s set is fantastic, and a special word has to be said about the undead ship crew as characters and their design. Still, much time had been spent crafting them. Each sailor is unique, with their own costume that alludes to the era and war in which they died. They had felt like literal cannon fodder, just walking around and making the ship seem busier. However, by the end, there is a genuine feeling of care and concern for them.

The scene at the end is really spectacular, and the creation is superb. As the ship rolls into battle, a heavy fog falls. It makes the sound insidious and haunting, especially when the screams start. At first, it felt like the fog was to obscure the monster, aiding their budget. However, much more of the creature is visible than expected. It’s nice, sending shivers down the spine. Every element of the final scene is perfect, from the effects and sound effects to the music.

Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4 is an example of a show that gets better with every single episode. Every part of this show grows. The dialogue improves, the performances get more impressive, and the drama feels more engrossing. Dior, as Clarisse, has been the shining light of the last two episodes.

Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4 has minor foibles, but none of them matter when you have a conclusion of this caliber. It’s heartpounding and heartbreaking at the same time, with a real sense of cheering into a phenomenal battle. Once you’ve seen that, you won’t remember any minor gripes because the final battle is all you’ll remember.

Percy Jackson Season 2 Episode 4 is streaming exclusively on Disney+ and Hulu, with new episodes releasing every Wednesday.

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