The Disney+ show does a far better job capturing the magic of Riordan's story, but it does make some changes — and one of its biggest character alterations improves upon the source material. Percy Jackson's most problematic storyline is introduced within the first few chapters of The Lightning Thief. While the movies keep his tumultuous home life, the TV series changes it for the better. It also fixes one of the most important characters to Percy's journey in the process.

Disney's Percy Jackson Show Makes Sally Jackson Even Better Than In The Books & Movies

Although Percy describes his mother as "the best person in the world" in the first Percy Jackson book, Sally Jackson's characterization throughout the series doesn't always match his words. Sally is undoubtedly a loving mom, sacrificing her own happiness and safety to protect her son. However, one could argue that Riordan's books don't establish her personality all that well. She serves more as a plot device than anything else, and that translates over to the movies. The Disney+ series does a better job with Sally's character, and Virginia Kull's performance leaves a strong impression from the start.

Thanks to Kull, the Percy Jackson show captures Sally's bravery, strength, and comion in the course of a single episode. However, the Disney+ series also does a better job depicting the intimate moments between Sally and Percy, laying a solid foundation for what comes later. Seeing their closeness on-screen, it's no wonder Percy risks everything to find his mother. Their sweet moments together also make Sally's sacrifice at the end of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians premiere that much more heart-wrenching. It's more effective than even Riordan's books, and it's certainly better than the movies.

Disney Changes Sally Jackson For The Better In Episodes 1 & 2

Part of Disney's Sally Jackson change can be attributed to how the show alters Percy's home life in general. Sally and Percy live in an abusive situation in the Percy Jackson books, one that doesn't get enough attention throughout the source material. Sally stays with Gabe to protect Percy, but she doesn't defend herself or her son from the man they live with. While Riordan explains her reasoning, the Disney+ show removes this problematic storyline, making Gabe less toxic and Sally more strong-willed.

She also takes more of an active role in protecting Percy in the show, especially during the scene with the Minotaur, which underscores where Percy gets his own courage from. Overall, Sally is a much more compelling character in Percy Jackson & the Olympians. The Disney+ show drives this home during the first 30 minutes, doing what both the books and movies failed to in this short amount of time.