Olympus: Season 1

Watching Olympus is much like reading a Greek Myth - the twists, gods, sensuality and all. This is NOT suppose to be realistic in any way - it's suppose to be mythological, holding a unique and yet authentic taste. The first thing viewers see that seems over-the-top is the scenery, however, the story explains that the numerous and insanely large statues and buildings were creating as a result of a event with the gods and thus were not made by human hands (in other words, purely fiction - no real monuments). Viewers will learn to appreciate each odd forest and gigantic monument because each has a part of the story line. The writers did very well silently embedding the scenery into the plot.The main plot, which is developed within each character's motive, is unveiled slowly and can get irritating. However, this is because the first 10 episodes focus on the development of each character. Each character is completely and fully three dimensional. No character is perfect or static, but fluid and growing. Therefore, it isn't until episode 10/13 that the plot of Season 1 and possible the entire series is realized. Note: the plot is so well written that it leaves viewers at the end of their seats mentally and through suspense.The acting and directing are nothing short of amazing. It's been a very long time since people with this level of experience have out-preformed long-term professionals in such a well done performance with each episode. They maintain character with each episode, while letting the audience experience the character's progression mentally, physically, and emotionally.The only negative comment I have is the sexuality, which is an oxymoron considering it fits so well with well-known Greek myths. This is not family friendly like a dumb-down mythology book for kids. This is much like the full, mature, and original Greek myths with high and sometimes comical and confusing sexuality with a large amount of nudity, especially in the beginning episodes.Even with that negative part (not family friendly), I rate this five stars for the obvious hard work and time-consuming polishing that every single staff member has so heartily put in. A true masterpiece.

Okay, I don't pretend to be a master critic but I have binge watched a LOT of shows and I love Greek Mythology (as all of you must be to have chosen this show), but this was so mixed in all things. Here are my thoughts: (WARNING, VAGUE SPOILERS - mostly because even the writers didn't know what they were saying so how can I)1. First, I'm not expecting the sun and the moon here, I mean it's a free show on Amazon that I've never heard of, so I'm realistic in not expecting great effects and what not. I binged it all in 2 days, so obviously it had enough substance to keep me going, so there's that, but not much else.2. It was binge-worthy for sure. Kept you going and interested... then it never went anywhere. Seriously, the ending leaves you more confused than anything else, and not in a good way.3. Most episodes ended in a huge cliff hanger, but then the next episode pops up and somehow it's skipped a day and SURPRISE! they're in a totally different place, so I Guess they survived somehow?? Okay... Makes it hard to follow, especially since the main character doesn't have a name at all and the rest of the characters just go by their titles...4. The theme goes all over the place. Is it a political/tactics theme? Is is a gay rights theme? Is it showing men have their own destiny/Gods control us theme? Is it defending Greek mythology or is it welcoming in the BLARING Christian themes? It's like they had 5 writers all doing their own thing.5. I'm no major in Greek myths, but I'm pretty sure most of the references are wrong. They have the basics down, but then they throw in new details that don't make since and never explain themselves.6. Is the main character (I HATE that he has no name; even when they give him one it's Hero? Really?) a good guy or a bad guy? This question appears in a lot of shows and movies and tries to bring in real life, but this one failed at it. He's named hero, but then abuses every woman on the show. He kills most of those that helped him. Seriously, what are you doing dude? Even at the last minute he just randomly chooses what he's going with; it felt like a coin toss, not much of a reason to it...7. Were the sex scenes really necessary? I understand you've heard "Sex sells", but it had nothing to do with the show. It's like they ran out of ideas so they threw it in. They can't even decide who with who. Love triangles can be fun, but this show just botched it.8. The princess is basically Juliette. She's a whiny little brat who had the world at her finger tips but still wanted the one guy she can't have. Way to be original. But really, she is just annoying. She was just there for the useless sex scenes, yet somehow she is the love of his life? Is she? They avoid that answer like a plague.Overall, It was interesting and at least kept me busy for a while, which was all I was really demanding of it. However, it lacked a definition. No point. It was confused. The end sucked, and that's putting it nicely, so the whole series was kinda useless. If the ending was better, the show might have come together... maybe.

If you were raised with the low budget green screen dependent miniseries of the early 2000s this show will definitely strike a nostalgic chord within you. It reminded me of Jason and the Argonauts(2000), The Odyssey(1997) and Merlin(1998). Just like with those you have to overlook a lot of melodramatic acting and rather bad computer-generated scenery and special effects, but if you can approach it with no expectations it's a very interesting take on classical Greek mythology. As a major fantasy/adventure/historical fiction fan and having loved and studied mythology and its historical sources and cultural effects, this type of story really appeals to me. It also alludes to theories about space and time relativity which are a bit beyond my personal knowledge but none the less very interesting and very thought provoking. It almost goes so far as to mix Science Fiction with classical mythology and fantasy. I know that other reviews have bashed it and I admit it's not for everyone, but if you have a love of fantasy and adventure stories and especially if you are interested in Greek mythology (and how the stories of some forgotten characters in mythology may have continued after the playwrights and potters left them behind...) then this may very well be a show to spend your time on. I particularly loved the character of Daedalus and felt like the actor who portrayed him did the character justice without over-acting, I'd love to see him in more things.

This one-season, 13 episode TV series is a retelling of Greek mythical events, with lead character (named 'Hero') discovering the truth about himself and his past.This is a budget TV series shot mainly on green-screen sets. And while it's obvious the filmmakers had high expectations, there just wasn't enough budget to bring it to the screen convincingly. So the actors, much of the time, seem to be standing in the middle of an animated set instead of an actual location. Having said this, once you get used to it, it's actually quite fun, adding a fairy tale-style feeling to the production. And adding to this is the campy acting of much of the cast, who most of the time seem to be having fun with the production instead of taking it all too seriously.Tom York does pretty well as the lead character 'Hero' and balances out one of the other main characters, The Oracle, who goes way over-the-top in pretty much every scene.The series plays quite well on Blu-ray, with the digital effects being a bit soft but the general detail elsewhere being quite high. And the dts HD MA soundtrack is clear and has enough bass effect and use of surround channels to keep things interesting.Pretty good pacing and lots of fun. 3.5 stars.

Fantastic series, I got hooked on this series plenty of gore and violence set in Ancient Athens.Great sword and sandal epic with witchcraft thrown in.

Good well made series

I was looking forward to this....but no subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Very disappointed.

I didn't watch it till the end. Lost interest very quickly. Dull.