By now, most viewers have seen Netflix’s Avatar The Last Airbender. It’s not completely perfect when considering the high expectations many fans of the cartoon have. Whether that’s in a passing similiarity with Star Wars or something else, there’s plenty to notice.
One scene that I couldn’t help shake concerns how Brother Gyatso is defending Aang. He dotes upon him like a father, arguing he’s not ready much like how Qui-Gon Jinn argued against the council regarding young Anakin. Both aren’t ready for the heavy responsibility that’s expected for a prodigy.
There’s also in getting the characterizations right or hoping that favourite episode gets realised. In regards to the latter, this series is rather sneaky in referring to those “deleted episodes.” When rewatching the series, the references to them without having to tell that tale are rather smart. Not everyone will see it, as a fan would need to know the series by heart to catch them. For example, those canyon crawlers from “The Great Divide” made an appearance, and there’s a vague reference to “The Fortuneteller” to show that the writers of the series is not above inserting Easter Eggs into the series.
Also, aspects from the second season are squeezed in. Whether they are needed, that’s subject to debate. I forgot the episode “The Cave of Two Lovers” was from book two rather than one. And as for the fall of Omashu, we’re seeing that happen now rather than later! After the finale showed King Bumi being taken away from the throne, I gasped! So who’s sitting in the stone chair? In the animated series, a lower ranking general Ukano gets installed. Usually, it’s the one who layed seige who would get the honour. Azula led the forces and I thought she would be hunting for Team Avatar. I’m guessing King Ozai told her off camera to gather the forces to march on over to the Earth Kingdom instead.
As for Jet’s story, a lot of viewers will agree his role deserves more screen time. What’s shown so far felt rushed, and it made me think of Star Wars: Rogue One. I want to see if he’ll continue playing Robin Hood or not!
On another level, I’m sad about the season’s finale. Albert Kim is taking a cue from the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s playbook, with post credit moments ripped from Peter Jackson’s playbook. All these epilogues are unneeded when there’s a bit of uncertainty if the series will continue. It’s safe to say a season two will get made, but there’s going to be a two-year wait.
In a recent Forbes Interview, Kim acknowledges the story will have to explain why the talents have aged. My suggestion for this showrunner is to offer a new perspective. After continuing with these performers with another season, let’s make season three all about The Legend of Korra! I’ve noticed that the story is very concerned with maintaining the status quo with the Spirit World, and that’s very much the sequel’s storyline. To have a tale about how Korra has to live up to Aang’s legacy can give breathing room for the actors to grow into their respective roles without having to worry about them ageing fast on screen.
And as for other little details, I’m still wondering why Momo and Appa got massively sidelined? The first episode reveals the closeness Aang has with the sky bison. I found it strange that there are not enough rare moments with the two together. Also, Momo is largely ignored; perhaps director Albert Kim feared making him like an attachment like Jar Jar Binks. As long as the lemur isn’t speaking, it’s all good.
Avatar The Last Airbender Final Trailer
