WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 1, episode 3, as well as Rick Riordan’s book, The Lightning Thief!
Despite not appearing in the first book, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hermes makes a story-changing grand entrance in Percy Jackson and the Olympians episode 3. While far more accurate than the 2010 and 2013 movie adaptations starring Logan Lerman, Disney’s hit Percy Jackson show has made some notable book changes, including the circumstances of the appearances of certain Greek gods and mythical figures. In addition to some adjustments to Medusa’s interactions with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover in Percy Jackson episode 3, the outing’s introduction of Luke’s father Hermes in the final scene has new implications for his future characterization.
Hermes isn’t present and interacting with Percy in Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief book, but the Greek god of messengers and his relationship with his demigod son, Luke, are integral to the story. Consequently, it’s not surprising that Disney’s Percy Jackson show decided to physically bring him into the fold with Hamilton creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda in the role. At the very end of Percy Jackson season 1, episode 3, Hermes delivers the box containing Medusa’s head to the other Olympians, dressed in a mailman uniform while humming along to “Arthur’s Theme” on his ride up the Empire State Building’s elevator. His entry may be brief, but it’s incredibly memorable.
Percy Jackson And The Olympians Cast & Character Guide
The cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians for Disney+ includes a mix of rising talent and veteran actors to bring Rick Riordan’s books to life.
Hermes’ Early Percy Jackson Debut Makes Him More Likeable Before Luke’s Villain Twist
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Percy Jackson debut marks a hilarious first scene for his Greek god character, which is a fun surprise given the short appearance. Hermes being depicted as the glorified mailman of the gods who essentially goes around happily performing typical human tasks – but with the speed and powers of a mythical deity – while singing along to an ‘80s elevator song makes him instantly likeable. Right when he walks into Olympus, he jokes to his fellow gods and appears to be a very well-liked deity. Depicting Hermes as a friendly joker is true to his later characterization in Percy Jackson and the Olympians books, but it also makes the audience’s perception of Luke’s upcoming season 1 twists more complex.
With Hermes being absent in The Lightning Thief, it’s easier to sympathize with Luke and his resentment of his father as someone who abandoned him. While Luke’s perils still earn him sympathy in Percy Jackson’s show, it’s more difficult to buy into his villainous anger with a bias against Miranda’s character after such a positive introduction. The scarred Luke Castellan comes off as just as likable as the TV show’s Hermes in the books, which is what makes his reveal as the villain seeking revenge on the gods by terrible means more shocking. Luke’s book villainy thus implicated the unseen Hermes as one of the more subtly antagonistic deities before his appearance, but Hermes already being so engaging before the show’s twist complicates this view.
Why Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hermes Changing The Books Is So Important For Percy Jackson Season 1
In the books, the gods remain very distant from Percy’s quest, with the exceptions of Ares and Hades, who come into close contact with the young demigod. Percy Jackson’s other Greek gods, including Poseidon and Zeus up until The Lightning Thief’s ending, are in Olympus and play more indirect and removed roles, giving them fewer personal stakes. However, bringing Hermes into the fold in Percy Jackson’s TV show alleviates some of this disconnect, especially with the villain turning out to be his own son. Turning Hermes into both a visible, connective person and a faraway god who neglects his children makes Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 1’s conflict and anti-Greek god themes simultaneously more engaging and complex.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Based on the novel series by Rick Riordan Percy Jackson & the Olympians is an action-adventure fantasy television series created for Disney+. When Percy Jackson is framed for the theft of Zeus’ almighty thunderbolt, Percy must clear his name, all while harnessing the powers inherited by his father, Poseidon, at a camp created for demi-gods.
- Release Date
- December 20, 2023
- Cast
- Walker Scobell , Leah Sava Jeffries , Aryan Simhadri , Jason Mantzoukas , Megan Mullally , Glynn Turman , Adam Copeland , Virginia Kull , Lance Reddick
- Rating
- TV-PG
- Seasons
- 1
- Story By
- Rick Riordan
- Streaming Service(s)
- Disney Plus
