The next evaluation incorporates spoilers for the fifth episode of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, “A God Buys Us Cheeseburgers”
As Percy Jackson and the Olympians enters its second leg, the stakes are greater, the gods are larger, and the dialogue is explain-ier than ever. One factor episode 5, “A God Buys Us Cheeseburgers,” stays true to is monster-of-the-week storytelling, which at this level is beginning to really feel impressed by the components of Disney+’s most up-to-date Dave Filoni-led Star Wars reveals. The collection suffers a number of extra rising pains – with every new god added to the roster, there are new relationships and layers of mythology to know – however the sheer likability of everybody on display and the distinctive look of the collection proceed to push it previous the edge of enjoyability.
Many of those rising pains are mirrored within the episode’s dialogue, which has the admittedly troublesome job of catching viewers up on Greek delusion fundamentals whereas additionally holding the plot shifting. It makes for an uneven episode that feels at occasions each sluggish and hurried. And it’s an issue that the younger actors aren’t in a position to sustain with, usually struggling to make their expositional monologues convincing. That is epitomized by the short second in the beginning of the episode with the Fates, the place Annabeth sees Atropos lower a life strand that (supposedly) belongs to one in all our heroes. To maintain issues rolling alongside, this second is glossed over, however not earlier than Annabeth and Grover clarify the Fates to Percy, who already is aware of these tales due to his mother. It’s a nook that’s laborious to jot down out of when the character who is meant to be the viewers surrogate is already aware of all of the lore.
The writers may even use Annabeth and her Daughter of Athena knowledge to maintain issues on tempo, and it turns right into a little bit of a crutch. She involves conclusions and solves Hephaestus’ puzzles virtually immediately (and infrequently) casually all through their time at Waterland, deflating the strain of their fast tour to retrieve Ares’ protect. Whilst Percy tries to sacrifice himself for the second time in 24 hours, it’s laborious to really feel apprehensive for him. Not simply because his identify is on the poster, however as a result of the youngsters are virtually at all times in a position to skirt the issues that get of their means with minimal effort. It’s attention-grabbing that Annabeth saves Percy ultimately not by her wit, however by way of an emotional plea to Hephaestus, however the scene is blocked and shot so awkwardly that it distracts from the load of the second. However the remainder of the episode contributes to the collection’ monitor report of high-class lighting, manufacturing design, and directing, which makes this one absence of craft much more perplexing.
The season continues its run of excellent casting with Timothy Omundson and Adam Copeland within the roles of Hephaestus and Ares, respectively. With what little time Omundson is given, he asserts himself because the quaint however to not be trifled with previous man who empathizes with Annabeth’s want to not observe in her household’s footsteps – he’s seen the worst of what they’re able to. Nevertheless it’s the ever-charismatic Copeland (the skilled wrestler higher often known as Edge) who’s the point of interest of “A God Buys Us Cheeseburgers.” Save for an ungainly introduction, he nails each scene, erratically shifting forwards and backwards from immature Twitter troll to severe and intimidating risk. It’s a enjoyable character who Copeland embodies properly each bodily and spiritually. He performs properly with the youngsters, too, notably when Grover (Aryan Simhadri) prods the God of Battle for info.
As Percy and associates chase the Grasp Bolt throughout the nation, the stakes will proceed to climb, leaving fewer scenes the place the youngsters will be youngsters. It’s an issue that the Harry Potter movies struggled with, and one which Percy Jackson and the Olympians will hopefully have the ability to keep away from. Up to now the present has stored it mild and balanced its various tones, often at Grover’s insistence.
