Avatar: The Last Airbender Netflix version is a bit of a mixed bag; on one hand it fails to capture the magic of the original series, on the other hand it seems to stay very loyal to the source material from first watch. The best way to look at this show is from an open mind, there is no other way.
Let's dive into the world of Avatar by examining pros and cons, we'll focus on the pros first: The visual effects are stunning and look most impressive, same for the entire world and locations created from story board to screen. In general everything that has to do with the surroundings is at a most high level and I appreciate the care for detail.
In terms of story, it seems the creators decided to go with a 'Game of Thrones' approach: political games, schemes and backstabbing, wars and careful planning. I for once am in favor of this approach and believe it fits well the world of Avatar (after all, there is war in the show, people die).
Zuko's arc is very well crafted, mostly because it is the most interesting of the show (both original and Netflix). From being a banished prince to a man and leader of his own destiny. Dallas Liu portrays him very well and overall it seems he's the only character amongst the others who wasn't harmed by the script.
There are other good things to say about the show but for now we'll move to the cons: The biggest problem the show suffers from is that the creators focus mainly on the story and not the characters. In the original series, you had many filler episodes that focused on the dynamics: the episode Tales of Ba Sing Se, when the Gaang get lost in the caves with the group of hippies; Zuko and Azula going on a summer vacation with their friends.
You have many examples of character dynamics; Katara and Toph arguing, Zuko and uncle Iroh on the run throughout Book 2. There are Also moments when the characters are just acting silly. I feel all those little dynamics were absent throughout the show it could have added much more depth.
Because there were no filler episodes, there was no real chance at diving into the characters, after all Aang, Katara and Sokka are basically kids, so why not show them as kids having fun? ATLA is a show about kids on a journey, about friendship. Imagine the movie 'Stand by me' only at war times.
Another big problem the show suffers from is the pacing, this season alone is only 8 episodes, for a show like Avatar it is way too rushed. In one episode alone we were introduced to King Bumi, Jet and The Mechanist. I know Netflix couldn't make a full season of 20 episodes of live action ATLA. It's like demanding a live action version of One Piece with 100 episodes each season - in terms of budget and production it is impossible. Even a 10- or 12- part season would have been fine. I really don't see the reason to rush the story and cut corners.
In conclusion, I feel this show overall is a fair adaptation and possibly the best version of ATLA we could have got in live action. If Netflix wants this show to really succeed, they are going to have to put more effort in the script and characters, as of now this series is far from reaching the same level of magic the original show possessed.
Let's dive into the world of Avatar by examining pros and cons, we'll focus on the pros first: The visual effects are stunning and look most impressive, same for the entire world and locations created from story board to screen. In general everything that has to do with the surroundings is at a most high level and I appreciate the care for detail.
In terms of story, it seems the creators decided to go with a 'Game of Thrones' approach: political games, schemes and backstabbing, wars and careful planning. I for once am in favor of this approach and believe it fits well the world of Avatar (after all, there is war in the show, people die).
Zuko's arc is very well crafted, mostly because it is the most interesting of the show (both original and Netflix). From being a banished prince to a man and leader of his own destiny. Dallas Liu portrays him very well and overall it seems he's the only character amongst the others who wasn't harmed by the script.
There are other good things to say about the show but for now we'll move to the cons: The biggest problem the show suffers from is that the creators focus mainly on the story and not the characters. In the original series, you had many filler episodes that focused on the dynamics: the episode Tales of Ba Sing Se, when the Gaang get lost in the caves with the group of hippies; Zuko and Azula going on a summer vacation with their friends.
You have many examples of character dynamics; Katara and Toph arguing, Zuko and uncle Iroh on the run throughout Book 2. There are Also moments when the characters are just acting silly. I feel all those little dynamics were absent throughout the show it could have added much more depth.
Because there were no filler episodes, there was no real chance at diving into the characters, after all Aang, Katara and Sokka are basically kids, so why not show them as kids having fun? ATLA is a show about kids on a journey, about friendship. Imagine the movie 'Stand by me' only at war times.
Another big problem the show suffers from is the pacing, this season alone is only 8 episodes, for a show like Avatar it is way too rushed. In one episode alone we were introduced to King Bumi, Jet and The Mechanist. I know Netflix couldn't make a full season of 20 episodes of live action ATLA. It's like demanding a live action version of One Piece with 100 episodes each season - in terms of budget and production it is impossible. Even a 10- or 12- part season would have been fine. I really don't see the reason to rush the story and cut corners.
In conclusion, I feel this show overall is a fair adaptation and possibly the best version of ATLA we could have got in live action. If Netflix wants this show to really succeed, they are going to have to put more effort in the script and characters, as of now this series is far from reaching the same level of magic the original show possessed.