Thomas Storai 
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians delivers a compelling fifth episode that is character-driven.”
We are already halfway through season 1 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. And so far, it hasn’t disappointed. Indeed, it’s been the adaptation that fans deserved. So get ready as the fifth episode releases tomorrow on Disney Plus!
PACING
This week’s episode picks up exactly where we left off with episode 4. In fact, the first few minutes of episode 5 are the conclusion of what was going on in episode 4. Although, I understand why they ended that episode the way they did (it ended on a high note, making the audience wait for what comes next), I can’t help but think the opening scene of episode 5 should have been part of episode 4. This episode has its own self contained quest so it feels like it should have been just that and not a conclusion of something else too. That being said, it doesn’t take away that this is a really good episode.
ENTERS ARES
Each week, Percy and his friends encounter a new opponent on their quest. With episode 5, they face Ares. In the series, he is played by former wrestler Adam Copeland. To be honest, this casting choice just works so well. Copeland feels just right for the role. He delivers an energetic performance. Through the way he acts, the way he delivers his lines, you can feel the arrogance of his character. That’s Ares right there. And the costume, it’s simple but that’s how he should look. That leather coat suits him.
Moreover, Ares poses a different kind of challenge for Percy. You may think that with the god of war, this episode would be action-driven but no, it isn’t. It is actually dialogue-driven. But it’s through dialogue, that we learn a lot about the situation and the characters. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded if the episode had lasted half an hour more. Ares has some really fun lines. This is a compelling episode.
STRENGTHENING THE BONDS
On top of that, this episode further delves into the bonds of the characters especially Percy and Annabeth. This series really takes its time to develop the characters like a book would do. It has found the right balance between having episodes like last week that is tense with a monster hunting the heroes and episodes like this one that explore the characters. I am not someone who believes in filler episodes. For me, episodes either move the plot further or explore the characters and both are important for the overall story. And I would say this one is mostly about exploring the characters, while still moving the plot a bit further. This episode sets things up for what comes next.
Besides, the dynamic between Percy and Annabeth is so interesting. They come from different worlds and have different experiences. So them learning more about each other also influences their perspective on the world of Gods. The conversations that they have are the heart of this episode with the Ares scenes as well.
VERDICT
Percy Jackson and the Olympians delivers a compelling fifth episode that is character-driven.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians continues every week on Disney Plus.
Collectables and Anime Editor for Future Of The Force.
Star Wars expert and Japan connoisseur.
