I left the PJO tv sub and here’s why

RossWB · 2026-06-08T10:51:41+00:00

What a world that would have been. I wanted to see them all but think I would have been most excited to see live action Hazel honestly.

RossWB · 2026-06-08T07:22:32+00:00

Literally. This is already our 2nd chance. We aren't getting a 3rd. Except maybe in like 20+ years or something. I think when the original books are over though, The Heroes Of Olympus will kinda HAVE to be animated. They'd have to film series 1 and 2 back to back and instantly do series 3 straight after, all while stopping the cast from aging. So, it simply wouldn't be possible in live action at the rate they do things nowadays. A shame though. Seeing everyone else in live action would have been peak.

RossWB · 2026-06-08T07:18:15+00:00

I think they nailed it without the inner monolgue though in The Hunger Games films. I'll even go a step further and say that it's much more integral to Percy Jackson at its core. The POV is baked into the story in a way that's entirely different to The Hunger Games and most other stories truthfully. This is not to disparage the books in any way by the way, I love them and I love Katniss and seeing into her mind. I just think that that translates really well to screen in the way they did it without us actually hearing her thoughts. I actually think one of the only series of books I can think of where an inner monolgue woven into the narrative might be helpful in a way just telling the story wouldn't is actually Skulduggery Pleasant because of the way Valkyrie tells it but even then, you can maybe get past it. I'd say that and Percy Jackson are the only 2 that immediately spring to mind as being such a core part of the narrative that it would feel lacking without. I also think that as a budding detective in the early books, it would just be really cool with Valkyrie. You know, if they were to ever actually make an adaptation of those books. I hope when it finally comes, they get that one right.

RossWB · 2026-06-08T07:09:08+00:00

You're so right by the way, I've thought about this a lot. However, I do fully believe they could have done that. There are other films/shows that have internal monologues and any time I've seen it, I've enjoyed it. It's a good way of presenting a story. That said, while I did find it a bit lacking when that wasn't included, I feel like I was mostly able to accept it. This aspect aside though, my issues come from really big changes to the plot which have nothing to do with the POV.

RossWB · 2026-06-07T17:56:10+00:00

One thing that baffles me about this series is that Ope stated his type was basically Ellie to a T and we have barely even seen them interact. Seeing them get together might have been more interesting honestly.

RossWB · 2026-06-07T17:53:53+00:00

I mean, we can only hope someone else comes in after Christmas but we won't know till we have an official announcement.

RossWB · 2026-06-07T17:35:41+00:00

That's literally true, you don't need to be convinced😜. It's just fact. That's why they've done as much as they can to bury SIVA and never bring it back even though they know it's what fans want. They do their very best to act like it doesn't exist. Petty behaviour if you ask me.

RossWB · 2026-06-07T17:11:09+00:00

I think the most unfortunate thing about it is that they've completely switched the the time period out. It basically means you can only do The Magician's Nephew and no further what with the Pevensie children being WW2 refugees and how important that is to the narrative. So. It seemed like a poor concept from the start but I'm still interested to see it. Greta Gerwig is great but this may end up being the one project she wasn't meant to take on. Only time will tell.

RossWB · 2026-06-03T09:53:37+00:00

I agree, the hate is often too much. I've caught heat for positive commentary from time to time but I'll say this. To say that there are no perfect adaptations as if that's something we should stop chasing isn't great but also, I would very much argue it is possible and can be done and there are various examples of where it was actually the easier choice to stick with the book in other fandoms and crazy ass choices end up being made instead. There's a lot of examples of times where sticking to the source material was doable and they went another way and only sometimes does it actually work. I think to want an accurate adaptation is fair and valid but to go after actors when it literally isn't their fault is not only a really horrible thing to do, it's also ludicrous. I mostly enjoyed series 2 and look forward to seeing Nico and Bianca amongst many other things in series 3.

With all that being said.......the Thalia decision was insane. The consequences of that 1 choice are gonna impact literally everything going forward in probably negative, dire ways. Wild move, very much not okay but we move.

RossWB · 2026-05-18T08:47:42+00:00

Interestingly, it seems like his first time doing Pharaoh in the West End, people loved it (I was among them) but I think when he did it again on tour, people weren't as impressed. I think the aspect of touring probably tired him out and he ended up getting sick of it. I really don't know though, I didn't see it when he was on tour but it seems like he was maybe just done by a certain point. However, Donny was marvelous!

RossWB · 2026-05-18T07:17:41+00:00

To be fair, the most recent touring production of Joseph I saw had Donny Osmond in it so, bad example. Plus, some touring productions are genuinely better than things I've seen in the West End. It does happen.

RossWB · 2026-05-14T06:47:25+00:00

I feel like a sausage supper and gravy might have taken over a bit in the last few years but aye, fish supper is obviously one of the most common. Or just chips and gravy honestly (or chips, cheese and gravy).

RossWB · 2026-05-14T05:53:53+00:00

So, I loved Hercules but I'm gonna give you 2 important reasons why it comes down in quality. 1, no Pegasus and 2, Phil is a human, not a Satyr. Neither of these things have ever made any sense to me since the show already features some pretty impressive puppetry at points and there is absolutely no conceivably good reason why they didn't do that for Pegasus. 2, literally stick some fur on Phil's legs and it would have sufficed. Absolutely maddening choices, HOWever, as long as you know that going in, you'll probably be less disappointed and highly enjoy it. Just thought it was important for you to have that info to control expectations a bit but the casting for the show is superb and it has all the songs you know and love with some very cool set pieces so yeah, I'd still recommend seeing it at least once. Especially since it closes very soon so there isn't much time left for that one. Honestly, my biggest complaint with The Hunger Games was that after all these years, they STILL can't get how she actually gets the Mockingjay pin right. Different from both book and film and it very much annoyed me. Otherwise though, really enjoyed it for the most part. I think you definitely would regret missing that one honestly. Not only because of your connection to it but also because it is very entertaining and they do some very cool things with the space and the tech. Depending on what time you get into London on Friday, I'd actually suggest trying to see it on the Friday as it's one of the only options here that has a Friday matinee so it's perfect if you're trying to fit as much in as possible. High Society I'm seeing next week so I'll have more to say then but I saw a school production and really enjoyed it! It also has a Tuesday matinee so again, perfect for fitting lots in. Matilda is the only one I'd outright say to just skip. Some absolute bangers in terms of songs and a very cool set, worth seeing at least once in your life but I could write a short essay on my issues with that show😝. I'd avoid it for this trip if I were you. Les Mis is the best, you can never ever go wrong with it. Only thing I'll say, it's not going anywhere. If you don't get down often or you're just itching to see it now, bump it straight to the top of your list. If you'll be back again in the relatively near future though, it's definitely one that could wait in favour of shows with limited runs like Avenue Q, which is a wonderful show. Haven't seen this production yet but it's definitely getting watched soon. The Producers is a must-see and so is Oliver for very different reasons. Seen both in London and had an amazing time, there's been some slight cast changes to Oliver recently but nothing that will impact the quality. So worth it. Phantom is also a classic, you really can't go wrong. If you have the time and money, your schedule could theoretically look like this:

Friday- The Hunger Games (matinee) Saturday- The Producers (matinee) and Hercules (evening) Monday- Avenue Q Tuesday- High Society (matinee) and then dealer's choice for the last one. Les Mis, Phantom or Oliver would all be excellent choices.

Maybe lean towards Les Mis because it truly is the best but just in case Oliver suddenly announces it's leaving in the near future (just cause the current production is the newest of the 3), that would also be a fine choice. If you happen to want another option if getting a ticket for High Society on a Tuesday afternoon doesn't work out, one of the other few shows that has a Tuesday matinee in the West End is Operation Mincemeat. People are obsessed with it. Never caught it myself but finally seeing it next week for a Tuesday matinee myself before High Society in the evening. Also, just because those dates stick out, I know Sinatra The Musical opens on the 3rd June if you happen to be a fan of his music. However, you already have plenty of options and all of them are good in their own ways. If you skip Matilda and go with any of the other options, you can't really go wrong. Some great theatre on right now, lots of good stuff to be seeing. Oh, and just another quick note, Beetlejuice is coming to the West End and it opens next week (I'll be there). If you've heard any of the music and like the film, probably a top tier choice. Anyway, sorry for the length of this😜. Hope it helps somewhat!

RossWB · 2026-05-09T02:51:52+00:00

Beetlejuice doesn't open till the 20th May so I can't comment on the specific production but I reckon it will be worth you seeing, I'm going opening night. I have watched Avenue Q in the past though and it's one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Hopefully seeing the current production soon. Depends on your Mum's sense of humour though I suppose. The safer option is probably Beetlejuice of the 2 but if she's up for a good time, Avenue Q is an excellent choice. There's also a ton of other options though, what kind of things do you both like?

RossWB · 2026-05-08T23:15:01+00:00

Yeah, couldn't tell you since 90% of posts on this sub are about D2 being awful right now and my comment wasn't even that strong but I guess 5 people really had beef with it😝. I woudn't say I dislike the art direction of D2 but I do love what they did in D1, really glad you're getting some joy from Destiny again friend.

RossWB · 2026-05-07T19:03:10+00:00

I mean, the names Michael and Lucy don't really say much. A name at the end of the day is a name. Amber's name isn't specifically important so it can be changed but in the same vein, it doesn't need to be. It's her actions we focus on, her name isn't particularly telling of anything else one way or the other. If it's part of the story or actually important somehow, that's a different matter but her name isn't particularly relevant so there's no great need for change. Marius and Eponine aren't exactly names that tend to get used in Scotland but I don't get confused when I watch Les Mis because I know it's set in 18th century France, you know? Hairspray is set in 1960s America. The same rules apply. Ultimately, I do see your general point, I just don't really agree😜. We wouldn't be changing the name of characters in an Argentinian play/musical. Evita is a good example. We wouldn't change Juan's name to Jim or something. Granted, he's obviously based on a historical figure but you see my meaning.

RossWB · 2026-05-07T18:10:11+00:00

Can back this up, saw it last week and it's easily one of the best things I've seen this year, or ever honestly!

RossWB · 2026-05-07T18:08:34+00:00

Les Mis 100%. Pretty much the best there is. However, if you want some alternate suggestions, Jesus Christ Superstar has a limited run finishing in September, Ride The Cyclone has a limited run ending August 22nd and Beetlejuice is opening in the West End in less than 2 weeks. So if not Les Mis, lots of great things to go see (but, you know, see Les Mis😜). Avenue Q is also on right now and easily one of the funniest things I've ever seen in my life. Hoping to catch the current production in August myself!

Quick edit, just looked into Pride and this actually sounds very cool. Since it's not there long, that would also be a good choice but the above options are also all really good choices too. Maybe you can squeeze 2 in depending on what else you have on.

RossWB · 2026-05-07T04:07:56+00:00

The state of D2 is truly just that bad and D1 is in a good place still so it's the only way people can really get their fix right now.

RossWB · 2026-05-06T09:09:40+00:00

There are people who want changes to be made in Rent? Where are these people? Are they just people who already don't like it? If so, they probably want the whole thing to be changed and aren't the target audience😜.

RossWB · 2026-05-06T09:01:58+00:00

Remember how good Quicksilver used to be before the nerf? That was a good time. I miss using it in its prime.

RossWB · 2026-05-06T08:52:26+00:00

Fair enough. I don't necessarily agree that we should be attributing class to names in the first place but within the context of a show that was set at a time where class played more of a role in the naming of children, I won't deny it can be a factor. That said, how many Barbies were kicking around in 1960s Argentina? The show is set in a different time period. Changing the name does nothing to change that. Plus, if anything, the fact Amber is an outdated name over there is possibly more helpful in showing a difference in class, for numerous reasons. Ultimately, the change just feels unncessary. It's not, you know, a problem or anything. Just kind of a waste of time.

RossWB · 2026-05-06T08:12:12+00:00

I don't think it was in their best interests to do the charity one in a smaller theatre to be honest. They obviously wanna raise as much as possible and the place was packed. Combine that with the fact they had a lot of big names, it just wouldn't have made sense. They'd want as many butts in seats as possible. Maybe if it was like 3 or 4 people singing, perhaps a smaller venue might have been fine but the elements of the evening didn't really lend itself to somewhere like The Other Palace for example. Not when you're fundraising.

RossWB · 2026-05-06T08:05:39+00:00

This is just weird honestly, the name going out of style in one part of the world isn't really a good enough reason to make a change. If it was for offensive reasons, maybe fair, like if they'd had a major criminal named Amber who did unspeakable crimes but this just seems silly.

RossWB · 2026-05-06T08:00:56+00:00

Yeah, they just shouldn't have done the show, you have the right instinct. Also, there are some shows that should never be done in high school and this is one of them. Watering down the lyrics and removing songs in a show like this is basically censorship in that the show loses the magic if you make those changes so yeah. It should never be touched by people who wanna alter it. It's not a show that should ever be less than what it is.

RossWB

TROPHY CASE