Avatar: The Last Airbender
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Netflix just debuted the live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series. And yes, there’s a sky bison!
In the beginning:
Way back in early 2005, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” graced our TV screens. This epic cartoon, inspired by anime and aired on Nickelodeon, quickly captured the hearts of fans spanning generations. Now, it’s back – not for the first time, but more on that later – in a sleek live-action version on Netflix. Millennials and Gen Z fans are buzzing with excitement, while others might have some questions. (The trailer, below, probably adds to the confusion.)
Let’s start with the basics:
During its original three-year run, the series snagged an Emmy and a Peabody, garnered praise from critics and young viewers. It transitioned from must-see weekly TV to a nostalgic gem in the age of streaming. (And guess what? It still holds up.)
Fast forward to 2018, when Netflix seized an opportunity and announced plans for a live-action adaptation. Six years later, here we are, with the first season of eight episodes dropping on Thursday. What’s all the hype about? What sets this Avatar apart from the others? And did I hear something about a “sky bison”? Keep reading.
‘Avatar’… but Not the One You’re Thinking Of
You might be confusing it with James Cameron’s “Avatar” movies. The next one hits theaters in 2025. But there’s no connection between the two.
This Avatar – the superior one, some fans argue! – unfolds in a fantasy realm where certain individuals can manipulate, or “bend,” one of the four elements (air, water, earth, or fire).
Then there’s the Avatar, a special being who can bend all four elements and is occasionally reincarnated. Enter Aang, the protagonist recognizable by the big blue arrow on his forehead. When we meet him, he’s a 12-year-old who fled his home and ended up frozen for a century. Meanwhile, the fire nation wiped out the airbenders and began a war with the remaining elemental nations.
At the series’ outset, Aang is discovered by Katara and Sokka, siblings from the Southern Water Tribe. Katara is a waterbender, while Sokka, though not a bender himself, wields a pretty impressive boomerang.
Together, they embark on a journey across nations atop a sky bison named Appa, helping Aang learn to bend all elements and fulfil his destiny of saving the world. The catch? They’re being pursued by Zuko, the exiled prince of the fire nation, who needs to capture the Avatar to regain favour from his tyrannical father.
Trust me, it’s a blast!
Wasn’t There Already a Movie?
Ah, that movie. Fans prefer not to dwell on it.
In 2010, M. Night Shyamalan directed a film adaptation that faced criticism for whitewashing the story’s Asian-inspired roots. Names were butchered, a white actor portrayed Sokka, and various characterizations missed the mark. To be fair, it did introduce us to a young Dev Patel. Nevertheless, fans felt the movie failed to capture the essence of the series and muddled its sprawling narrative. Hence the excitement for a live-action adaptation that stays true to the source material.
Why Should Adults Care About This?
Since its original run, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” has stood out as a cultural phenomenon, surpassing other mid-2000s cartoons in both quality and enduring appeal. When was the last time anyoneclamoured for a live-action series of “Krypto the Superdog”?
While Avatar fandom has always burned bright, interest skyrocketed during the pandemic when Netflix acquired streaming rights to the show. According to Circana, “Avatar” was the most-watched children’s show on Netflix in 2020 and ranked 11th overall on the platform.
What makes it resonate? It’s a tale of found family intertwined with rich lore, humour, and a cast of deeply human characters. Each character wears their flaws and vulnerabilities on their sleeve, adding depth to their journey. And while it’s a kids’ show, its exploration of weighty themes like war feels poignant and even hopeful. As Kirk Hamilton of Kotaku put it, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is a timeless masterpiece.
And It’s Not Just the Original Series…
There’s also a spinoff series, some comics, and a slew of new Nickelodeon animated projects in the works. “The Legend of Korra,” which aired from 2012 to 2014, takes place 70 years after the original and follows the next Avatar, Korra, as she navigates a changing world. The upcoming animated series set for 2025 will focus on an earth-bending avatar, continuing the saga.
What About the Live-Action Series?
Initial reviews haven’t been glowing. Variety, for instance, noted that while it’s a step up from Shyamalan’s adaptation, it falls short of capturing the magic of the original series.
There were warning signs from the beginning. The original series creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, who were initially on board as executive producers and showrunners, departed in 2020 due to creative differences with Netflix. Konietzko cited a “negative and unsupportive” environment as part of the reason for their exit.
Can I Watch It with My Kids?
Absolutely, but be prepared for some deep discussions. While the series celebrates love, friendship, and humanity, it doesn’t shy away from tackling heavier themes like loss, trauma, and war. On the plus side, that boomerang does look pretty cool, doesn’t it?”
Diving In:
So, is this live-action version worth watching?
Perhaps, but approach it with open eyes and manage expectations. If you want the true “Avatar” experience, start with the original animated series. With its timeless story and engaging characters, it’s sure to captivate you, whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a curious newcomer.
And remember, whether you prefer the graceful dance of waterbending or the raw power of firebending, there’s an element and a story waiting to be discovered in the world of “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”
