On Sunday, I watched the Avatar: The Last Airbender live action Netflix TV series. And you know what, it turned out to be a pretty good adaptation of the original series. The first season only has eight episodes, so they couldn't show everything such as not including a moment from one of my favorite episodes The Waterbending Scroll (season 1 episode 9). But I can watch that episode anytime. (Edit to add: For some reason, I totally overlooked Katara waterbending with the scroll. I guess next time I won't watch a show so early in the morning. Yes, I am currently re-watching this.)
All that aside, what they did show was a story that's still fun, fast-paced, interesting and action-packed. It totally drew me in as if I hadn't already watched the original series. The actors had an impossible task of making these characters their own. And they did a good job of bringing these characters to life. You experience Aang's joy, sorrow, anger and determination as he tries to understand the importance of being The Avatar. After being frozen in the ice for 100 years, he saw how his disappearance changed the world. As much as he would want to be a regular kid, he's not. He's The Avatar which is a lot of responsibility especially for a kid to take on. Thankfully he's not alone.
You also see Katara's passion and fight as she forges her own way in becoming a Waterbender. Unfortunately, she's the last and only Waterbender of the Southern Water Tribe and she's determined to learn as much as can to honor her abilities. As for her older brother Sokka, he gained a new perspective as he saw more of the world. Prior to leaving their home, Sokka's main goals were to protect his sister and village. Which sort of left him with a limited point of view.
Meanwhile, banished Prince Zuko was in a no-win situation of trying to find and capture The Avatar so he can go back home to the Fire Nation. Only to have nearly every effort thwarted. His Uncle Iroh tried his best to guide him but Zukko is so determined to accomplish this task, he doesn't see his effort were futile. Especially with behind the scenes manipulation unknowingly happening. I was surprised that Princess Azula and her friends Mai and Ty Lee were introduced so soon but this is an adaptation so there are bound to be changes. And it wasn't a bad change because it reminds me of when Smallville introduced Lois Lane early in the show for the fourth season. And that ended up being a really good thing because Lois brought in this fresh energy to the series. Anyway, with Azula's introduction, you still see how her father Fire Lord Ozai favors her over his son Zukko. And you can see how his attempt at encouraging (more like manipulating) her into being the best (or the terror) that she is.
The only issue I had with the series is what happened with Momo. All I can ask is why was it necessary to get rid of this adorable little character? Momo might be an adorable little flying lemur but he is a full member of Team Avatar. I know with adaptations there are changes, I just wasn't happy with this one. Well at least there's still Appa, the flying bison but I wish Momo was still there.
Anyway, this is just a quick or mini overview of my thoughts, because I will be writing more about this series. I'm also going to rewatch it, it really turned out to be a good series. I do hope it will get renewed for a second season.
No comments:
Post a Comment