The movies are touchy subjects, but if there’s one thing The Lightning Thief is praised for, it’s the Lotus Casino scene. From the iconic “Poker Face” montage, enticing flower cookies, and luxurious hotel services, that scene still holds our attention years later.

Instead of coming off as a tedious filler, Movie Percy’s time in the casino was a fun reprieve from the quest with devastating consequences. We needed the TV show to embrace the lure of the casino rather than condemn it altogether.

A Child Menace

Percy Jackson and the Olympians — Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson in Episode 106 (Photo courtesy of Disney+)

There might be a more significant issue surfacing with the Percy Jackson TV show — these demi-gods are too clever sometimes. I love Percy, but this child walked straight into Medusa’s lair without a second thought in the books. He is phenomenal at getting himself out of deadly situations. However, they are typically situations he gets himself into because he is still a child.

Percy, presuming driving is easy, followed by Annabeth silently screaming when he proceeds to ask how to “go backward,” is peak comedy. It is also a moment for Percy to tap into that innocence and immaturity as he destroys a parking garage. Kids must be gullible and naive at times to learn from their mistakes. Unfortunately, this episode doesn’t allow Percy to get in his own way enough.

Seaweed Brain & Wise Girl

Percy Jackson and the Olympians — Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson, Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase in Episode 106 (Photo courtesy of Disney+)

That’s not to say this episode isn’t chock full of that effortlessly loveable energy Percy Jackson has cultivated all season. We see Annabeth and Percy reach old-married couple status, much to Luke’s delight. Their heated discussion about what day of the week they fought Medusa, followed by a trade-off of their term of endearments, Seaweed Brain and Wise Girl, is just adorable. Feet kicking, hair twirling, adorable.

To think, 2-3 episodes ago, this chemistry didn’t exist. Yet Scobell and Jeffries are so comfortable in their on-screen chemistry that you would swear this flirtatious dynamic has been developing for seasons.

Additionally, Grover calling the animals in the truck elegant artists, only for it to cut to them descending into chaos, is hilarious.

And although the resurgence of “Poker Face” was a long shot, it is great to see the show ponder what modern-day song gives off the same Gaga energy. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa is a pretty good answer.

Hermes Meets Hamilton

Percy Jackson and the Olympians — Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hermes in Episode 106 (Photo courtesy of Disney+)

Listen, it seems wild to worry about triple-threat Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Yet, there was concern his Alexander Hamilton fame would overpower Hermes. Thankfully, this casting succeeds with an unexpectedly nuanced and emotionally charged performance that distracts us from Miranda’s recognizable face. By rooting Hermes less in over-the-top cunning and humourous, the show turns his sorrow into a powerful cautionary ballad.

Seeing a god talk about their kid with such affection and longing is a nice change of pace. Part of Hermes wishes he could have lived a human life with Luke and his mother, making his neglect a little more digestible than Ares. It also helps develop Luke’s character and motives without bringing him physically into the episode.

With this skilled actor laying on the angst and heartbreak thick, Hermes does not throw away his shot to establish crucial emotional stakes for a particular demi-god ahead of the penultimate episode.

What did you think of this episode of Percy Jackson and the Olympians? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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New episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians stream Tuesdays at 9/8c on Disney+.

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Alicia is a writer from Canada. She credits her passion for TV and film to superheroes, workplace comedies, cheesy holiday movies, and coming-of-age stories.

Keep a lookout for her coverage of Ghosts.