Netflix has taken the world by storm by releasing a live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The hit animated TV show has held a special place in fans’ hearts, and the previously released live-action movie failed to deliver what audiences hoped for. In today’s age of remakes and adaptations, critics are tougher than ever, but Netflix’s new show has seemed to tug on the heartstrings of avid fans, making it one of the best TV shows they’ve released this year.
After a first watch, the show has fulfilled my desire to have the Avatar series built upon. Not only does it follow a similar plot and contain familiar themes, but it also offers some differences that I found to be intriguing and create an enjoyable contrast from the original series.
Synopsis
The show follows the story of the fall of the Air Nation, overtaken by the Fire Benders. Aang, a member of the Air Nomads, is given the title of Avatar, which is essentially the master of all elements: air, water, fire, and earth. The Avatar holds an immense power and duty to establish balance, order, and harmony over the elemental kingdoms throughout the earth. Unfortunately, the fire nation’s thirst for power creates a power imbalance, destruction, and then, ultimately, the end of the air nation. Aang manages to flee from the invasion to preserve his title as Avatar, but the Fire Nation’s vengeance destroys his home and community.
Throughout the nations, various kingdoms are governed by the elemental powers they embody. The series has air, fire, water, and earth benders, all of which exist in their own communities as separate entities. Fire Lord Ozai, king of the Fire Nation, develops a need for power and greed, which kickstarts the wars between the nations, where the Fire Nation’s goal is to overtake the land and gain power and authority over the earth.
Characters
The plot follows four main characters: Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Zuko.
Aang is a young, spirited boy who’s struck with the tragedy of losing his community and developing into his own Avatar powers. He brings an innocent energy into the mix while simultaneously portraying some of the most powerful abilities anyone has seen. He’s wise beyond his years but still requires the help of his friends to remain afloat along his journey.
Katara and Sokka are siblings who are part of the Water Nation tribe. Throughout the series, they become Aang’s best friends, helping him along his journey. Their mother passed away while they were young, and they carry that trauma with them throughout the show. Katara is an empathetic friend and powerful confidant, while Sokka is a humorous yet unquestioningly brave brother, and together, they can take on anything the world throws their way.
Zuko
Zuko is the son of Fire Lord Ozai and is filled with his fiery spirit. While Zuko is his father’s son, he’s still somewhat of an outcast, and it’s clear he doesn’t quite walk in his father’s shoes. Likely due to his mother’s death, Zuko holds an inherent anger that can only be expressed through conflict, but a more human side of him still remains deep within.
Story and Plot
The air nation erects a festival in celebration of Sozin’s comet. Here, air nation leaders from across the land come together to celebrate and rejoin the event. The fire nation attacks the festival, as the air nation is one of the most powerful nations of all, and the celebration makes them an easy target. Aang flees to preserve himself, becoming frozen in time until he’s discovered by Katar and Sukko. They bring Aang to their water tribe, where Zuko eventually discovers his whereabouts, introducing the conflict between these four characters.
Throughout the series, Aang, Katara, and Sukko travel to different nations, while the fire nation continues to search for the Avatar and gain control over all kingdoms. The series ends with a battle between the water tribes and the fire nation, showing the destruction that the fire nation is capable of and the birth of Aang’s new powers.
The Netflix show perfectly balances the seriousness of the circumstances the characters find themselves in while also maintaining humor to help highlight each of their unique personalities. The show is deeply emotional, especially for anyone who’s experienced grief, and does a great job following the animation in those regards.
The show is a testament to the power of friendship, the importance of the journey of self-discovery, and the everlasting effects of the fight for peace against war.
World Building
The Avatar world is unlike any other series I’ve seen. It’s believed the series takes place around 99AG, and the show portrays the architecture, clothing, and landscape with historical accuracy. The nations all mimic their associated element and create an atmosphere that fully draws you into the experience.
The air tribe is intellectuals, almost monk-like, living in higher lands than the rest of the nations. The water tribes live near water, near ice, and Eskimo-like. They are community-based and exceptional healers. The earth benders are most human-like, as we know them today. They are physical people who base their lives around their connection with the earth. The Fire Nation is passionate, fierce, elevated, and isolated. They are more destructive and more intimidating than the other tribes.
Music & Sounds
The music of the TV show is emotional and atmospheric and perfectly expresses the ancient period that these civilizations existed in. The music creates a strong foundation for the underlying energy and tension between the characters throughout the show. It alleviates some of the pain and sorrow that can be felt as the characters reflect on their past hardships.
Legacy & Impact – Conclusion
The Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series has been critically acclaimed for its powerful story and well-developed characters. Netflix’s adaptation of the series has been met with mixed reviews, but critics have enjoyed it much more than the live-action movie that was released in 2010. So far, viewers have enjoyed the spin-off this series has taken and the subtle changes that have been made, and they are curious to see what Netflix continues to bring to the table.
If you love Aang, Katara, and Sokka but haven’t decided to watch this series yet, give it a try and watch Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix today. I believe you’ll enjoy the familiar plot points and characters while seeing the re-imagined humanization of the show while still maintaining the charm and magic of the original series.
Watch the trailer for Avatar: The Last Airbender here
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