Posted 16 December 2018
As stated in a previous post, I had low hopes for liking Avatar: The Last Airbender (Nickelodeon, 2005-2008) before actually watching it back in early 2005. Back then, I started watching the series but I started getting behind on the episodes due to inconsistent time slots and a rapid progression in the storyline I could not take at that time. Fast forward to 13 years later, the opportunity arrived to start the series over and watch from start to finish (watched from September 3 to October 11, 2018).
Why I chose
I had such a great time watching Samurai Jack that I wanted to continue on the theme of Asianic-themed cartoons but I wasn’t quite ready for a full Japanese anime yet. After some searching, Avatar was suggested. While being pleased with what I watched years ago and many internet reviews backing the excellence, I became interested in continuing what I started. This was also to gain a deeper understanding of the show’s elements such as the characters and storyline. I remember the feel of the show was quite pleasant. I wanted to relive those memories and make new ones as well.
My Thoughts
The show starts with three main characters and we get to know the basics about them. As the show progresses, they meet various characters and more depth is added to the show as more ideas are introduced. In addition to Aang’s airbending skills, he eventually learns to bend the other four elements; water, earth, and fire.
When this show was still in production and still airing, as the story progressed and more ideas were introduced, being younger than I am now, I couldn’t take all the changes. It was all going too fast for me. Now ten years after the last episodes aired, I found every episode again, watched all of them, and found much more interest and appreciation in each episode (especially the filler episodes. They serve a purpose as well). I understand the ideas a little better now yet I still have much to learn and clarify. The show started in a basic way, three characters on a journey. As the show progressed, the show got even better and more interesting when we are introduced to new characters and we learn more about the four elements and tribes. I feel this show ended properly and ended beautifully.
There’s a Match Game joke in Sokka’s Master (season 3 episode 4) for those interested.
Toph: “Plus, it’s so hot today.”
Aang: “How hot is it?
Toph: “I don’t know. Real hot?”
Katara: “It’s so hot…It’s so hot…Momo is shedding like Appa”
The Bottom Line
I’m glad I took a chance on this show. If you take a chance on this show, you will see how much this show is quite an adventure. It will take you to places you’ll never visit in your life (such as Ba Sing Se (“the impenetrable city”) and Wan Shi Tong’s Spirit Library) and help you see things you will never see in real life (flying bison, bending).
I definitely give this show 5 stars. A definite must for those who enjoy an adventure with some peril and self-realization in the mix.
I’ve been watching some great shows lately that are all worthy of 5 stars. In a review, if I don’t give a show a rating but a recommendation (To whom would I recommend this?), it is implied this show has the fabulous 5 stars. Anything less than that will have a rating and probably a recommendation. I will do this practice unless specified otherwise.