“A line appears, the order weans, the family falls, and kaos reigns” is the prophecy told to Zeus (played by Jeff Goldblum) that sets off the story. This show is a modern retelling of the Greek gods and other Greek myths. The story is narrated by Prometheus (Stephen Dillane), a god who was punished for betraying Zeus and helping humans get fire and become technologically advanced. Throughout the show, we follow three humans who are destined to fulfill this prophecy given to Zeus, who is experiencing what could be called a midlife crisis. They go through trials and tribulations throughout the story that lead them together and eventually to their greater purpose. All the while Zeus is falling apart, becoming paranoid and power greedy as he descends into the chaos that consumes his life.
The story was all right; however, the cinematography was definitely a highlight of this show, using dramatic angles and lighting as well as color to portray meaning throughout the show. The pops of color and camera pan transitions invoke a lot of the mystique of the Greek gods. Furthermore, much of the show is even in grayscale to signify when the characters are in the underworld, which was a creative risk that paid off well. We are also treated to wonderful costuming for characters, such as the Furies, who dress in all black with lots of leather and ride motorcycles, as well as the Fates, who each have a unique look that sets them apart from their surrounding support characters.
The other thing to note in this drama is the diversity within the cast. Caeneus (Misia Butler) is transgender in the story and is actually portrayed by a trans man, something that is rare in media depicting trans individuals. There is also a myriad of POC, such as Poseidon (Cliff Curtis) portrayed by a Maori actor; Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan), a Pakistani man; Persephone (Rakie Ayola), a Sierra Leonean and Nigerian woman; and so many more! All this written by the fabulous writer/producer Charlie Covell, who is non-binary.
This show is good and a show I would definitely recommend. The story is nothing prominently unique or superbly special, but the art and the quality of the cast definitely stand out and make the show stand out, too.
