Every episode of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, ranked worst to best

Starting Strong: Episode  1 “I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher”

The series premiere could have set up the whole show for failure, but instead it builds a solid foundation for everything to follow. Words uttered in this episode will echo in our brains throughout the entire season, and I believe, the show.

In a matter of minutes, we meet Percy Jackson and understand his place in the world through the microcosmos of his boarding school. First episodes often run the risk of getting too carried away with world-building, but “I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher” is a perfect example of showing and not telling. The first episode of Percy Jackson and the Olympians somehow sets the tone and cleverly delivers exposition while jumping right into the action. We get to know who Percy Jackson and the other lead characters, what they stand for and what they believe in.

And any scene revolving around Percy's mother Sally Jackson is a scene I want to play in a loop forever. Actor Virginia Kull does an excellent job with this role throughout the series.

Following Suit: Episode 2 “I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom” 

Episode 2 is the aftermath. This marks the true beginning of the hero’s quest, once he becomes aware of the world around him. This episode has the difficult task of introducing Camp Half-Blood, a myriad of locations, characters, their histories and dynamics. It established and then upturned the order of things within 40 minutes. 

This episode finds room for comedy within tragedy and delivers constant stream of information without feeling like a lore dump. It’s the perfect second episode every fantasy show wishes it had. 

My favorite bit is Percy, already hero-worshipping his new friend Luke and hoping he will join Percy in disliking Annabeth, has the record set straight for him. “Whose side are you on, anyway?” Percy asks Luke. “Oh, hers. Always. She’s my little sister.”

We're climbing the ladder. These next episodes hail from the ISLES OF THE BLESSED: