Warning! This article contains spoilers for Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 1.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians‘ season 1 finale ends the show’s first outing in suitably climactic fashion, though it continues one of the biggest criticisms of the Disney+ adaptation. Most would agree that Percy Jackson season 1 has been a success, improving on the problems and issues of the Percy Jackson movies starring Logan Lerman. Perhaps the biggest strength of Percy Jackson season 1 was that it exemplified a perfect modern adaptation, both in how the show was faithful to The Lightning Thief and also in how the Percy Jackson TV show made book changes when necessary.
For the most part, many would agree that the changes made to the original book benefited the story of the show as typified by Percy Jackson season 1’s ending. However, one very particular change to the source material was made at several points throughout the season that links to Percy Jackson‘s Greek mythological monsters, creatures, and threats. This was one of the few book alterations that was not as well-received as the others that, unfortunately, continued in Percy Jackson‘s season 1 finale.
Luke’s Villain Reveal Worsens The Complaint Of Percy Suddenly Figuring Everything Out On His Own
The complaint in question is that Percy Jackson‘s central trio – Percy, Annabeth, and Grover – continuously figured out the various threats of the show before they occurred. From Annabeth deducing that Aunty Em was Medusa and Grover being aware of the Lotus Eaters before entering their hotel in Las Vegas to the trio already knowing who Procrustes was, the dangers spread across Percy Jackson‘s world were rarely shrouded in any mystery. This continues in Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 1, episode 8 via the reveal of Luke Castellan’s treachery.
In Percy Jackson‘s season 1 finale, it is revealed that Luke was the Lightning Thief who stole Zeus’ Master Bolt as well as Hades’ Helm of Darkness in service of Kronos. In the original book, Percy is oblivious to this fact until Luke specifically tells him. However, in Percy Jackson‘s season 1 finale, Percy deduces that Luke was the Lightning Thief before he is told. This continues the trend of one of the central characters figuring everything out for themselves, somewhat removing the mystery and tension from several scenes in the season.
Why Luke Telling Percy About Being The Thief Was More Effective In The Book
As was the case with the reveal of the Lotus Eaters and Procrustes, Luke’s villainous reveal was much more effective in the original book. The reason for this was the mystery surrounding the reveal. In the book, Percy settles back into life at Camp Half-Blood after believing his quest to be over. He believes the prophecy has come true and that Ares was the friend who betrayed him as the god of war pretended to be helpful to Percy. The titular character’s life goes on and he is genuinely happy for a while with his new friends and new home.
However, this all comes burning down when Luke reveals he was the Lightning Thief. Percy’s stint of happiness is destroyed as Luke reveals his deceit and attempts to kill Percy. This is a more effective reveal than Percy figuring out Luke was the Lightning Thief in the show as Percy Jackson‘s season 1 finale does not necessarily present any new evidence before Percy deduces Luke’s treachery. This makes it seem as though Luke’s deceit could have been figured out at any point in Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 1, continuing the biggest criticism of the overall story on Disney+.
