The Percy Jackson series has been long awaited since its announcement, all our hopes of redemption after the bizarre film adaptations riding on its shoulders. However, again I think we have been let down. Although the series did follow the books fairly closely, some important details were omitted in favour of less important scenes, interrupting the fluidity and believability of the storyline as well as destabilising some of the characterisation. As a true book fan I hate to say it, but the films were arguably better in terms of viewership enjoyment.
One of the biggest issues was how they strung the story together. It felt more like a hodge-podge of scenes smashed together, presenting a disjointed storyline that could only be pieced together if you had read the book. At times it felt as though a whole episode had been skipped, the story’s continuity repeatedly broken - if you are having to rely on a book reader, a pre-made fan, to piece the plot together, how successful can this series really be?
If you are having to rely on a book reader, a pre-made fan, to piece the plot together, how successful can this series really be?
A TV adaptation needs to be able to stand on its own two-feet and bring new people to the franchise. Game of Thrones (before it went bad), The Witcher, Bridgerton are all series adapted from books, and all managed to create their own, new fanbase, bringing new people to the books. The Percy Jackson series needs to be able to do the same. Whilst it does offer nice nostalgia for us book fans, it should offer enjoyment to all viewers, regardless of their knowledge of Rick Riordan’s world.
The writing and characterisation also leaves something to be desired. Gods are meant to be slightly scary after all, not a cheap imitation of someone’s slightly eccentric uncle (please see Hades and Dionysus for reference). The writing of these characters often comes across as childish - unappealing to an older audience who read these books around ten years ago. Either commit to writing it as a kids show, or write it for the older book-fanbase - a series needs a target audience, otherwise it just gets lost in the mist inbetween.
Having said this though, I still have hope for this series. The bare basics are there to turn it around: the effects, music and, most importantly, the cast. It has been done immaculately, despite the original controversy around the actors not fitting the physical description of the characters. The series highlights how personality over-rules physical appearance in book-to-tv adaptations almost every time, proven by Percy’s, Annabeth’s and Grover’s on screen chemistry. The late Lance Reddick’s fantastic performance as Zeus deserves an honourable mention as well - and if they can get Zeus right, all hope is not lost!
The series highlights how personality over-rules physical appearance in book-to-tv adaptations almost every time
The show definitely has some kinks to iron out but one day there will be an undeniably good adaption of Percy Jackson on our screens - we are just not quite there yet.
