Photo: Disney+
After its previous episode left so much unresolved, Episode 8 of the Percy Jackson TV series, “The Prophecy Comes True,” is faced with the daunting responsibility of wrapping things up in a clean, satisfying way, while also laying the foundation for a potential second season. Fortunately, the high-stakes season finale largely succeeds in both areas, providing viewers with not only a pleasing conclusion to Percy’s quest, but also a promise for more adventures to come.
The episode picks up right where its predecessor left off, with Percy and the god of war Ares, rushing towards each other, swords drawn and prepared for battle. While most battles throughout the season have been severely lacking in action, this one makes it impossible for viewers to tear their eyes away from the screen. This battle is possibly the most intense one so far—viewers get to see the true extent of Percy’s half-blood powers when he summons a massive tsunami, powerful enough to crush and defeat Ares. In addition to being so action-packed and thrilling, this scene is also visually stunning. Everything from the camerawork, to the dramatic beach setting, to the intense background orchestration makes it a spectacular moment to watch.
When Percy, Annabeth and Grover return to Camp Half-Blood, they are met with celebration and congratulations for having made it out of their quest alive. The celebration sours quickly, however, when Percy pieces together that Luke, the son of Hermes he saw as a friend, is the lightning thief—not Clarisse. In yet another visually impressive scene, Luke and Percy engage in an intense sword fight deep in the forest, with the fireworks from camp reflecting ethereal purple and blue light onto their faces. Charlie Bushnell (Luke) truly gives this scene his all, bringing the true motives of his character to light. It’s interesting how Percy’s mention of Hermes is what really triggers Luke and sets him off, making him out to be not just Kronos’s mindless half-blood henchman, but a hurt, angry boy who feels wronged and betrayed by his powerful father.
Fortunately, the high-stakes season finale largely succeeds in both areas, providing viewers with not only a pleasing conclusion to Percy’s quest, but also a promise for more adventures to come
After Percy defeats Luke in battle and reveals the truth to his friends, he finally sets off for Mount Olympus, where he plans to warn Zeus, the king of the gods himself, of Kronos’s catastrophic plan. The sprawling kingdom of the gods is beautifully brought to life, with towering ancient Greek towers and pillars as far as the eye can see.
Percy’s interaction with Zeus, however, is slightly disappointing. Throughout the entire season, the god has been hyped up to be terrifying and ruthless, but his bland portrayal fails to evoke even the slightest bit of fear. Clad in a simple black suit rather than ancient Greek armor or robes, Zeus looks like he’s about to enter a business meeting, not unleash a war upon the gods. Furthermore, Percy and Zeus’s conversation feels disconnected and stiff, perhaps due to the overwhelming amount of CGI surrounding them.
Percy, to his surprise, meets another god on Mount Olympus: his father, Poseidon. Their meeting feels both emotional and uncertain, and realistically, that’s exactly how it should be. Percy barely knows his father, let alone trusts him. But the ice has finally been broken, and the bond between Percy and Poseidon has the potential to be developed into a complex, riveting relationship in seasons to come.
Percy and Zeus’s conversation feels disconnected and stiff, perhaps due to the overwhelming amount of CGI surrounding them
The episode ends back at Camp Half-Blood, with Percy, Annabeth and Grover saying goodbye before heading their separate ways. The trio embraces in a heartwarming group hug, promising to reunite back at camp next year. It’s a sweet, joyful moment, and a perfect way to end the season.
While the season as a whole has had its ups and down, its season finale does an excellent job of wrapping everything up. All of the actors pour their best performances into this episode, proving once again how fantastically casted these beloved characters were. On top of that, mesmerizing visuals, the introduction of new relationships and an intense climax make this one of the series’ strongest episodes.
With the first season of the Percy Jackson TV show finally coming to an end, fans can look forward to what will hopefully be many more thrilling adventures to come.
