Thomas Storai 
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians‘ penultimate episode is its best one yet. This is a thrilling episode as the heroes journey into the Underworld. It’s also a visually impressive episode.”
We are almost at the end of the quest. Today is the penultimate episode of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Are you ready for some thrills?
JOURNEY TO THE UNDERWORLD
Percy’s destination for his quest was the Underworld. Last week’s episode ended with the heroes heading there. And today’s episode is the moment they reach Hades’ realm. Right from the start of the episode, the opening scene sets the tone – we are in for a thrilling ride and it is going to be a grim and tense atmosphere. We are in the Underworld, it is not a joyful place. This is a serious episode. In my opinion, it is definitely the best one yet. It is the first part of the culmination of what this season has been building up to. It doesn’t disappoint.
Throughout the episode, the tension is there and it is full of danger. This episode is also a moment for important revelations. If you have read the original novel, you already know what is going on but it is still so exciting to finally see it on screen. Furthermore, to break with the grim and tense atmosphere, there is also a touching aspect to the story. This episode has the right balance of everything.
When Jay Duplass was announced as Hades, I wasn’t sure about that casting choice. I didn’t really picture him in this role. Nevertheless, seeing that both Adam Copeland and Lin-Manuel Miranda were perfect casting respectively as Ares and Hermes, it gave me hope that Duplass would likely turn out to be a good choice. And, after all yes he is a good choice as Hades. The way Duplass acts as Hades is exactly how I pictured him reading the book. I said it in my review last week but I will say it again today, they nailed it with the casting of the Gods. So far, no one has disappointed me. I have even been surprised with Duplass as Hades.
WORLDBUILDING
Moreover, the Underworld is not your all in flame place like in the 2010 film, it is actually very different. The production design team has done something that is not what you usually see when you think of the representation of the Underworld on screen. This place is visually striking and a richly developed world. I was really impressed when watching the episode. The Underworld is at the same time an immense frightening place and a beautiful place. Hades’ palace is quite majestic but with that dangerous vibe to it. You know it is probably not a good idea to stay there for too long. The creatures we see there are so realistic too. It is great CG. I am glad that Disney treated this series with the same care they treat Star Wars and Marvel.
I especially love that this episode takes its time to do some worldbuilding. It is not just about the heroes coming in for their quest but it is also about telling the audience what this place is about. I think worldbuilding is essential when you tell a story about a fantasy/scifi world. You need the audience to understand and see what your world is. Percy Jackson and the Olympians has done that brilliantly. This episode has a lot to tell. The worldbuilding is done through dialogue between the characters and what you see on screen.
VERDICT
Percy Jackson and the Olympians‘ penultimate episode is its best one yet. This is a thrilling episode as the heroes journey into the Underworld. It’s also a visually impressive episode.
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.
