Percy Jackson and the Olympians has finally unveiled its Lotus scene, leaving many fans surprised by the different depiction compared to Rick Riordan's books and the original films. As a die-hard fan of the series, I'm here to defend this creative decision and explore what makes it unique.
The Original Scene: A Siren's Song
In both the Percy Jackson books and films, the Lotus scene unfolds differently. The characters are unaware that the lotus flower desserts being served at the casino are intoxicating. Eating these treats leads consumers to forget their identity, why they went to the casino in the first place, and eventually spend eternity there without realizing how fast time has passed.
The films portray the lotus-induced desserts as the "most delicious thing they have ever eaten," which likely led Percy, Annabeth, and Grover to eat more than they should have. This led the drug to take effect at a faster rate. The Lotus flowers are inspired by Greek mythology, where the tribe of Lotus-eaters were addicted to the fruit of a tree that grew out of nowhere.
The Disney+ Series: Raising the Stakes
Percy Jackson and the Olympians takes a different approach, raising the stakes to hinder Percy, Annabeth, and Grover from achieving their quest. Before entering the Lotus Casino, they are fully aware of what the lotus flower desserts do to visitors. As a result, they make a pact not to eat anything during their time there.
In fact, they don't consume anything at all. However, Grover suddenly starts showing signs of forgetting his friends and the quest to find Hermes. Meanwhile, Percy and Annabeth aren't aware that "time goes faster" in the casino. What they think is just a few minutes talking to Hermes turns out to have spent days.
The twist? They never consumed anything! It's only when Hermes knows they won't make it on time at the Summer Solstice that he lets them go. This clever plot device adds an extra layer of tension and urgency to their quest.
: A New Perspective
While some fans might be disappointed by the differences between the Disney+ series and Rick Riordan's original work, I believe this new approach offers a fresh perspective on the beloved characters. The raised stakes in the Lotus Casino scene add a sense of danger and unpredictability to Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
By exploring different creative avenues, the show can continue to surprise and delight audiences while staying true to the spirit of Rick Riordan's work.