On Feb 22. Netflix released the long-awaited live-action adaptation of the beloved Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA) series, featuring the beloved Avatar Aang (Gordon Cormier) and his journey to master the four elements and save the world with his friends Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley). It didn’t take long for the series to top the list of most-viewed shows on the platform, and it was quickly renewed for second and third seasons.
I was hesitant to watch the new series due to a very flawed adaptation of the series in 2010. However, I was a fan of the original animated series when I was younger, so I decided to watch it regardless. By the time I had gotten through episode one, I was fully hooked. The live adaptation is one of the most accurate and lifelike adaptations I have seen in a very long time.
The new series is realistic in the visual department. Of course, no human can wield the powers of the elements like the benders in ATLA, but if we could, this is how it would look. The natural events, such as the moon dying, left me in awe of the scenes depicted, due to the phenomenal lighting choices and the skills each actor portrayed. The elements flowed flawlessly in fights and the lands of each nation resembled the original.
The series itself strictly follows the plot of the animated original, besides the quick-paced nature needed to fit everything in eight episodes. Iconic moments (such as the cabbage man’s notorious line, “My cabbages!” alongside the secret tunnel song, and Sokka’s girlfriend turning into the moon) made their way into the episodes. These little references to the original series made me so happy and provided the audience with iconic tidbits treasured within the fanbase.
All of the actors were phenomenal and were cast in a very accurate way. I loved seeing Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu) and Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim) playing family games with each other, and Zuko’s character development unfolded in such a human way. Katara was my favorite throughout the season, as she perfectly embodied the strong original character, and Aang was played in an almost identical way to the original series.
In short, I am fully ready for season two of this amazing series, and I cannot wait to be transported back to this magical world. I have very high expectations for the next season, with season one of ATLA going so above and beyond the first time around. The beautiful acting and depiction will continue to draw me back, and I do not have any doubts that I will be watching this a second time around. But as they say, until we meet again, “Appa, yip yip!”
Ben • Mar 12, 2024 at 8:54 am
Awesome job