Percy Jackson and the Olympians episode 3 preview: Medusa enters the scene

Percy Jackson and the Olympians episode 3, "We Visit the Garden Gnome Emporium," premieres Wednesday, Dec. 27 on Disney+. The episode marks the start of Percy, Grover, and Annabeth's quest to enter the Underworld, retrieve the master bolt, and (hopefully) bring Percy's mother, Sally Jackson, back to the realm of the living.

The only reason Percy is on this mission is because of his mother. Last episode, "I Become Lord of the Bathroom," he refused to help Poseidon, his father, even though the fate of the world hangs in the balance. It wasn't until Grover informed him that Sally didn't die in the traditional sense, she was taken by Hades, that he agreed to go.

In the preview shown after episode 2, before Percy goes on his journey he acquires winged shoes from Luke. Considering the trio are going to a skyscraper in the city that has 600 floors, something tells me he's going to need them. Also, Ms. Dodd is back! Remember, in "I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher," Percy stabbed her and she crumbled to dust. Apparently, the death didn't take because she's retur and that means trouble for our heroes.

The most exciting appearance in episode 3 is Medusa. She's played by Jessica Parker Kennedy. The Flash fans will recognize her as XS otherwise known as Nora Allen, Barry and Iris' daughter from the year 2049. In her role on Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Kennedy stars as the most well known gorgon. She has snakes for hair and if you look her in the eye she'll turn you to stone, hence why she wears a hat with a veil.

The official synopsis for "We Visit the Garden Gnome Emporium" is as follows:

Percy is tasked with the quest to return Zeus’ stolen Master Bolt, to stop a war between the gods. Choosing Annabeth and Grover as his quest mates, they set off to retrieve it from the Underworld. Enemies derail their journey before it’s barely begun, and the three seek refuge from a stranger that could pose even more of a dangerous threat…

Could Medusa be the stranger that poses a threat? Or will Sally Jackson's lesson to her son she imparted to him in front of the statue of Perseus holding the gorgon's head come into play. She told him, "Not everyone who looks like a hero is a hero and not everyone who looks like a monster is a monster," perhaps that's a lesson he'll need to relearn.

There's also a mysterious staircase with a fiery railing shown in the preview. It's unclear where it leads to but it has me both intrigued and concerned for this brave trio! See y'all on Dec. 27 for our episode 3 recap. Stay tuned to Hidden Remote.