The Ultimate Guide to Fixing Percy Jackson's Most Controversial Storylines

Summary

The Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series had controversial elements that should be changed in the upcoming Disney+ television show.

The TV series should tackle the mistreatment of characters with ADHD and dyslexia, offering them adequate support and understanding.

The TV series should address and transform the toxic and unhealthy relationship depicted between Annabeth and Luke.

The Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series had its flaws, with all five novels (The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian) containing controversial elements that should hopefully be rectified in the upcoming Disney+ television show. Set to premiere on December 20, 2023, the highly anticipated series, with author Rick Riordan's extensive involvement as an executive producer and writer, is expected to stay truer to the source material compared to the previous film series by 20th Century Fox. However, there are still necessary modifications to be made during the adaptation process.

Featuring Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson, Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase, and Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood, the Disney+ television show will encompass eight episodes in its first season, focusing on the events of the initial novel in the series, The Lightning Thief. Given the disappointment of the previous movies (which we won't name), there are high expectations for Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and one way the show can win over viewers is by addressing and amending these ten mistakes from the books.

10 Luke's Father Is Neglectful Despite How Much It Hurts Him

Luke Castellan, portrayed as the son of Hermes, emerges as a surprising antagonist in The Lightning Thief, adding a twist to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians books. Battling with a difficult upbringing and feeling neglected by the Greek gods, Luke succumbs to the manipulation of Kronos, ultimately aligning himself against the Olympians. While Hermes' rejection plays a pivotal role in Luke's descent into darkness, it also sheds light on the flawed nature of the gods. The forthcoming Disney+ series should not shy away from showcasing the gods' mistreatment of demigods but should strive to portray them with some redeeming qualities and a sense of self-awareness.

9 Percy's Teachers Seem Totally Unaware Of His ADHD And Dyslexia

As a demigod, Percy Jackson experiences the challenges of both ADHD and dyslexia. Sadly, his learning disorders were constantly overlooked by teachers as he constantly moved from one school to another due to his frequent "accidents." Consequently, he never received the necessary support and consequently felt like an outcast. It is my hope that in the upcoming television series of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, there will be at least one compassionate teacher who understands Percy's difficulties and offers him the assistance he deserves (apart from "Mr. Brunner").

8 The Percy Jackson Characters Treat Tyson Horribly

Percy encountered Tyson during his time at Meriwether College Prep in between The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters. The two formed a strong bond of friendship. It wasn't until later, following an attack by Laistrygonian Giants and their subsequent journey to Camp Half-Blood, that Percy discovered Tyson's true nature as a cyclops, revealing them to be half-brothers. Sadly, Tyson was subject to constant ridicule and mistreatment by the other campers. However, if (and when) Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2 comes into fruition, it is essential that the unnecessary bullying is eliminated from the show.

7 The Toxic Relationship Between Annabeth & Luke

The relationship between Annabeth and Luke in the books was toxic. Despite Annabeth's crush and idealization of him, Luke continuously lied and manipulated her. Even after Luke's allegiance to Kronos was revealed, Annabeth still believed he could be redeemed and held a soft spot for him. Although Luke ultimately made the heroic choice and died in The Last Olympian, the damaging dynamic between him and Annabeth remained unresolved throughout the series.

6 Sally Letting An Abusive Man Into Her Home (& Then Kills Him)

When Percy was a toddler, his mother Sally Jackson made the unfortunate choice of marrying Gabe Ugliano, a man who proved to be truly despicable. Gabe subjected Sally and Percy to relentless abuse, both verbally and physically, leaving Percy in a perpetual state of bewilderment as to why his mother endured such torment. It was only later that Percy discovered the reason behind Sally's decision: Gabe's repugnant stench served as a deterrent to monstrous creatures, effectively safeguarding her son. Yet, surely there had to be a more humane approach to protecting Percy, one that didn't involve the drastic storyline alteration proposed for Percy Jackson and the Olympians. This particular subplot veers towards the excessively dark, particularly when it entails Sally employing the severed head of Medusa to eliminate Gabe.

5 The Gods Using Their Children To Fight Their Battles

Contrary to their omnipotence, the Olympians prove to be lackluster parents. Rather than providing direct support, the Greek gods assign quests and delegate tasks to their offspring. Unless the gods play a more prominent role in the battle sequences in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, or possess a valid justification for their abysmal behavior, their status as deplorable entities appears unquestionable.

4 Percy Leaving Calypso On Ogygia

During the Battle of the Labyrinth, Percy triggered an eruption at Mount Saint Helens, leading Hera to send him to Ogygia for healing. However, Hera had her own hidden agenda as she knew Calypso was trapped on the island for eternity. On Ogygia, numerous heroes washed up on the shore, and Calypso was doomed to fall in love with each of them.

Eventually, Percy made the decision to leave Ogygia in order to fulfill his responsibilities and be with Annabeth. Yet, he made a heartfelt promise to break Calypso's curse. In "The Last Olympian," Percy convinced the gods to grant her freedom. Unfortunately, they failed to keep their word, but Percy chose not to hold them accountable for their broken promise.

3 Percy Besting Ares With Little To None Training

Ares's unexpected villainous role in The Lightning Thief involved him scheming to frame Percy by planting Zeus's Master Bolt on him, in an attempt to ignite a war among the Olympians. Delighting in this prospect, Ares, however, was under the control of Kronos. In a climactic encounter on a beach, Percy, together with Annabeth and Grover, managed to escape the Underworld and engaged in a battle against Zeus with unexpected success. Despite being just a 12-year-old who recently discovered his divine lineage as Poseidon's son, Percy astonishingly defeated Ares. While it would be unrealistic for the Disney+ series to portray Ares overpowering Percy, it is crucial to provide a more comprehensive explanation for Percy's victory against a god.

2 All Demigods Are Related

Addressing this contentious aspect within the Percy Jackson books presents a challenging dilemma that cannot be easily resolved or disregarded. Given the intertwined connections among the Greek gods, it follows that the demigods are inherently interconnected as well. Though Percy clarifies in the novels that half-bloods can engage in relationships without it being considered peculiar, since divine DNA differs from that of humans, there is an imperative for Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the television show, to devise a more nuanced explanation.

1 Hades Kidnaps Persephone For 6 Months Every Year

The story of Hades and Persephone in The Lightning Thief is undeniably disturbing. Hades, driven by desire, forcefully took Persephone, Demeter's daughter, as his wife against her will. He deceitfully condemned her to an eternity in the Underworld, causing her immense misery. Despite Zeus intervening and allowing Persephone to spend six months with her mother on Earth, her destiny remains incredibly poignant.

This Greek mythological tale, although adapted by author Rick Riordan, still presents unnecessary suffering endured by a woman at the hands of a man. In order to enhance the Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, it is essential to rectify Persephone's tragic fate.