In Season 1, Episode 2 of the Disney Plus series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, titled “I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom,” the story unfolds with Percy (Walker Scobell) waking up and seeing his friend and protector Grover (Aryan Simhadri). Percy shares his goal of finding his father, the reason his mother took him to Camp Half-Blood. Leaving his room, Percy encounters Camp Director Dionysus (Jason Matzoukas), who attempts to trick him into getting a wine bottle. Camp Activities Director Chiron (Glynn Turman) arrives, greets Percy, and personally tours him around Camp Half-Blood.
Chiron introduces Percy to the camp’s twelve cabins, each dedicated to one of the twelve Olympian Gods, housing the claimed children of each god. Percy is taken to the Hermes Cabin, where he meets Luke Castellan (Charlie Bushnell), one of Hermes’ sons, who warmly welcomes him.
Grover, meanwhile, enters a forest and encounters a dryad, serving as his mentor. She advises Grover to be brave when meeting the Council of Cloven Elders, a group of honorary satyr members. Grover shares with Chiron and Dionysus what the council revealed: when a mortal is close to death, Hades can reach out and take them. This means Percy’s mother, Sally Jackson, was taken captive by Hades in the Underworld.
In another dream, Percy is confronted by a mysterious voice, secretly Kronos, who offers him justice for being abandoned by his father. Luke reassures Percy, explaining that demigod campers often experience daydreams, ADHD, and dyslexia due to processing reality differently. Luke takes Percy around the camp to showcase his skills, hoping to determine Percy’s Olympian parentage.
Percy attempts archery and smithing but faces failure. Feeling inferior, Percy attributes it to his parentage, but Luke assures him that only Oizys, the Goddess of Misery, personifies failure among the Greek Gods. Percy and the campers perform burnt offerings for the Olympian gods, with Percy making a special offering for his mother using blue jelly beans. Afterward, Percy is ambushed by Clarisse La Rue and two demigods from the Ares cabin, but he inadvertently defends himself using toilet water, resulting in a flooded bathroom.
Following the confrontation, Percy meets Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries), head counselor of the Athena cabin. She witnesses Percy’s hydrokinesis and believes his abilities can help her team win Capture the Flag. Luke later explains Annabeth’s backstory and the significance of forbidden children like Thalia.
During Capture the Flag, Percy duels Clarisse, and the blue team, led by Annabeth, wins. Annabeth used Percy as bait to distract Clarisse, ensuring their victory. Percy’s abilities draw attention, and he is claimed as the son of Poseidon, making him a forbidden child.
Percy moves to the Poseidon Cabin, the only child of Poseidon in Camp Half-Blood, and learns from Chiron and Dionysus about the stolen Master Bolt and the impending war between Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. Percy is given a quest to retrieve the bolt from the Underworld. Reluctantly accepting, Percy embarks on a journey to save his mother and prevent a war between the gods.
Percy Jackson: Son of Poseidon
In Season 1, Episode 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, titled “I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom,” the collaborative efforts of Director James Bobin, Writer Jonathan E. Steinberg, and the original author Rick Riordan created another perfect episode that captures the essence of Riordan’s storytelling while infusing visual elements and nuances that contribute to the overall thematic coherence of the series.
The episode begins with Percy Jackson’s awakening, a pivotal moment mirroring the source material’s opening scenes. The fidelity to Riordan’s narrative allows the viewer to seamlessly transition into the fantastical world of Camp Half-Blood. Director James Bobin’s visual interpretation, coupled with Jonathan E. Steinberg and Riordan’s screenplay, successfully retains the novel’s charm while introducing a visual flair that enhances the storytelling experience. The vivid portrayal of Percy’s encounter with Grover and the subsequent introduction to Camp Half-Blood vividly brings to life the whimsical and magical atmosphere inherent in Riordan’s novel.
The exploration of Percy’s journey to discover his divine parentage is a central theme in both the episode and the novel. Writer Jonathan E. Steinberg and Riordan carefully adapt and expand upon Riordan’s narrative, ensuring that Percy’s encounters with iconic characters like Grover, Luke, and Annabeth stay true to the spirit of the original work. The episode delves into the complexities of Percy’s identity, showcasing his struggles and self-discovery, aligning with the thematic undercurrents of Riordan’s novel.
The incorporation of key plot points, such as Percy’s interaction with the Council of Cloven Elders and the revelation of his mother’s fate in the Underworld, mirrors the novel’s exploration of Greek mythology. The episode seamlessly weaves these mythological elements into the narrative, offering a rich and immersive experience for viewers familiar with Riordan’s work and newcomers alike. The attention to detail in capturing the nuances of the source material showcases the collaborative effort to maintain the integrity of Riordan’s world-building.
Moreover, the episode skillfully balances humor, character development, and the overarching plot, much like the novel. The inclusion of light-hearted moments, such as Percy’s failed attempts at archery and smithing, not only serves as comedic relief but also underscores the challenges faced by demigod characters. The careful pacing of the narrative allows for character dynamics to unfold organically, reflecting Riordan’s emphasis on relationships and camaraderie in the face of mythical challenges.
In conclusion, Season 1, Episode 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, titled “I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom,” stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of director James Bobin, writer Jonathan E. Steinberg, and the original author Rick Riordan. By adhering to the core themes and narrative elements of Riordan’s novel while introducing visual elements unique to the medium, the episode successfully captures the magic, humor, and mythological depth that define the world of Percy Jackson. This faithful adaptation not only pays homage to the source material but sets the stage for a compelling and immersive television series for fans of the novels and newcomers alike.
Rating: 9/10