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

At the top of Olympus: Episode 8, “The Prophecy Comes True”

What can be said about utter perfection? The season finale comes full circle by opening with the same line that the premiere did, this time spoken by Luke, who has been exactly where Percy is. Luke, casting a long shadow, is his dark mirror, representing what Percy might become.

Everything in the last episode is balanced and counter-weighed, thematically, narratively, emotionally, even visually and chromatically. All scenes act as a mirror and foil to each other. Percy fights Ares with swords and Zeus with words; he wins against the former and loses with the latter, and he is aided by his father finally manifesting as the literal deus ex machina he is, who appeals to Zeus’ pride. In the woods, Percy gets the best of Luke during a training session in daylight but loses in nighttime when his life is on the line. He is saved by Annabeth, who appeals to Luke’s conscience. I could go on listing the perfect symmetry of all the scenes in the finale.

The world is headed toward doom, but there is a sense of hope in the air, of spring even on the last day of summer. Our heroes know who they’re up against now, and they’ve discovered who they want to be and what role they want to play in the world. The final hug the trio share right in front of Thalia’s tree symbolizes a promise far more significant than they can imagine.

Episode 8 is a tough act to follow. Season 2 will need to step up its game to stay on par. We can’t do anything but congratulate and thank the cast and crew for such a wonderful first season, and hope there are many more in store for us to enjoy.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels