Will get out a video with my thoughts on episode 3 and 4 later on. Then tackle the second half of the series in videos tomorrow. So far pretty good, but I am fascinated to see how they tackle the next 4 episodes where most of the changes will be happening.
First day of watching for me is done, tomorrow the last 3 episodes. But I really enjoyed it so far! It’s a remixed version of the OG show but I think all the changes in the first 5 episodes so far work for this version. They put in as much from the OG show as they can sometimes mixing episodes and even including some book 2 stuff. So far I think it’s a really solid adaptation in any case! remixed but good with the spirit of the OG show.
Just finished watching the first three episodes. Going to bed for work now though, going to listen to this as I fall asleep.
My thoughts so far? It's definitely got a different feel to it, there are things about it I definitely have to comment on, but overall I'm liking it and look forward to watching more when I get home from work tomorrow.
Finished the series (won’t spoil anything) about 6.5 hours after it released. Great adaption. Changes were big but never took away from the grand story. I’d be absolutely shocked if they don’t adapt Season 2.
I‘ve watched 6 out of 8 Episodes so far and I think, overall it is a solid start to the whole world of Avatar from a Live Action perspective. I still have to be honest: I defended the show from any harsh and prejudiced comments that were made in the beginning because I thought it‘d be great. All the pre-release stuff was becoming better and better and I was really convinced that it‘d be a 9 or 10 out of 10 and probably the best Live Action Netflix has pulled off. However, I don‘t think that they were able to do that with this first Season. As of now I‘d give it a 7 out of 10. Hence, if I compare my anticipations to what I‘ve seen so far it was a little bit of a letdown, not gonna lie here. I didn‘t feel as intrigued or captivated as I wished to be.
At the same time: It is commonly known and acknowledged within the fandom that Season 1 of the OG was also the weakest out of the 3 seasons, although it certainly had its very strong moments as well. Because of its nature (A lot of stand-alone Episodes instead of a coherent and linked storyline) I always imagined that it‘d be hard to translate that into a live action adaptation.
It went a little slow but good visuals didn’t really like the bending. I love Appa and Momo design. Sokka was a bit of a douche. Aang and Katara were perfect. Iroh and Zuko acting was a little cosplaying and weird to me.
I was disappointed with the sozin and gyatso fight not long enough.
I liked the decision to show the fire nation attacks on the air nation.
I think my biggest issue with the show so far is Aang’s age. Since this show is much darker than the original, him being a kid doesn’t really add anything. There’s no childhood charm or desire for adventure and curiosity like in the cartoon. Him being a kid just feels like a big hurdle they have to write around. They should’ve aged him up.
The amount of passive aggression from Kyoshi, Gyatso, and Bumi towards Aang is overwhelming. The exposition throughout the series is excessive. The acting seems poor when the actors are pushing exposition. My eyes roll every time Aang talks about responsibility and how the whole world needs him.
At episode 6 now, I agree with idroppler, not as good as I hoped. But still good! Really hope netflix decides to pull through with season 2 and 3 to make it even better
Aang shouldn’t have been able to contact kyoshi before Roku just like kyoshi wanted to contact Avatar Szeto but then kuruk told her he needed to see him first. We we need a sexism character arc for Sokka. Suki taught sokka power of non benders instead of women power.
But btw love it fr, production and cgi are great. The modifications to the story work so well, entertaining and still keeping it consistent. It’s an adaptation after all.
I wonder what a true first time viewer of the show thinks about what you said. Them not going into Aangs decision to leave but rather being vague about it. Does it maybe feel a little exaggerated for him to feel that much guilt about bad timing essentially? Or maybe did they want to show the kind of unfairness angle toward the Avatar more? I personally feel backing away from the clearcut choice takes a little of that guilt away. Depends on where they want to go with this.
Yes, they kind of removed the main trio's hamartia/main flaws almost completely. And even though I didn't like that they did that, I must say it was still very emotional for me. I just wish they had kept themmmmm
But all things considered, even removing Sokka's sexism (which I didn't like) they managed to keep Sokka very Sokka-y. Katara, on the other hand, that's not her. The actress is good, but the writing and maybe direction created this version of her that is way less emotional and more passive and sweeter that doesn't not really belong, I think. I like my Katara with strong emotions and outbursts and who actually intimidates her brother and who looks more mature and commanding than him.
I’ve watched the first two episodes and so far it’s a serviceable adaptation, but it’s not doing much for me. It’s lacking the oomph and spirit that makes the original so great.
The bending and cinematography do not look good to me. The bending feels too slow and clunky. And even the action sequences without bending just don’t feel dynamic enough to me.
Things I Liked:
Suki and Kyoshi Island. Seeing it be more isolationist even moreso than in canon was a nice touch. I liked throwing in some of Kyoshi’s backstory, though interesting they didn’t bring up Chin. And Suki’s drive to see the world was great. Suki’s the standout to me so far.
Changes I’m Not Digging:
Aang not running away. That takes away a lot of his agency. Especially since so many characters are tearing a strip out of him for being gone, it rings a bit hollow because he didn’t make that choice. It’d be like if people raged at him for dying during Sozin’s Comet. That wasn’t his choice, just bad timing.
Katara I honestly feel has been very shortchanged so far, particularly in the first episode. We don’t get the big emotional outburst to break the iceberg. We don’t get Aang falling into her arms, the look and the hope that starts their journeys. The fact that Aang just slides out and Katara and Sokka just stare at him had me like “Seriously? Katara’s not even going to touch him to see if he’s ok?”
Similarly, Sokka being the one to suggest they go after Aang rather than Katara I didn’t like. It just felt like stuff was getting taken from her and put onto Sokka. Even Aang’s dynamic with Sokka feels stronger than his connection with Katara by the end whereas their connection is so palpable from jump in the original.
For that reason it made sense we didn’t get Katara’s “We’re your family now” speech because yeah you guys don’t feel connected at all yet, but I still really miss it and it’s another moment gone for Katara.
Sokka’s sexism being gone was disappointing. I like the flaws and the growth and it felt like it left Sokka with less to learn. The Suki/Sokka connection was very good though.
Kyoshi’s characterization I did not like. I think they fell into the mistake that Kyoshi is always raging and merciless. Past Life Kyoshi is blunt, but she’s wise and she has kindness to her. Her just railing into Aang was way too harsh and mean for her character in my opinion. Especially since, again, Aang didn’t choose to run away! I think they lost a lot of the nuance of Kyoshi there.
I also am confused about Kyoshi saying “Hope brings consequences” and Iroh telling Zuko that hope can be bad/painful. I don’t know if they’re planning to prove that wrong, but it feels super antithetical to the original with the idea that the Avatar gives people hope. Especially since Iroh says “The important thing is that the Avatar gives Zuko hope.” in the original.
Zhao’s introduction was pretty forgettable. He loses a lot of character without the Agni Kai. He’s playing things very innocently right now rather than smug and arrogant, so we’ll see if that changes.
As much as I loved Kyoshi going "Full Kyoshi" as the fandom refers to it, I felt like the conversation between herself and Aang specifically when Aang mentions "what if I hurt someone along the way" would have worked much better with a more stoic / neutral tone from Kyoshi instead of coming off as a scolding from a teacher, especially considering Aang didn't technically "run away" in this version of the story.
Didn't like the Kyoshi portrail, very aggressive in that Aang conversation, like they only know her by the memes of Kyoshi being a merciless, tyrant, bloodthirsty Avatar. Although her Avatar State scene was very cool and the little tidbits on her backstory super nice to see included.
Didn't mind Gran Gran doing the intro speech, I think it was actually nice since in the very first episode Katara says in the intro "My grandmother used to tell me stories about the old days".
I think the cast are doing a good job, but I feel the scenes in general aren't organic, because we know what the characters are gonna say or do.
That's what is hard about adaptations, you are afraid of changing too much, but then you are in very thin line of being faithful and appearing as "lazy writing" because you get a bunch of lines straight from the original and it doesn't feel natural.
Watched all 8 in one sitting. Really liked it. Not perfect. The biggest issue i have is no Jeong Jeong. I feel his character is vital to Ang and his fear of firebending. Maybe he will be in the second season but obviously it means the connection to Zhao is kind of wasted if they do.
Will get out a video with my thoughts on episode 3 and 4 later on. Then tackle the second half of the series in videos tomorrow. So far pretty good, but I am fascinated to see how they tackle the next 4 episodes where most of the changes will be happening.
First day of watching for me is done, tomorrow the last 3 episodes. But I really enjoyed it so far! It’s a remixed version of the OG show but I think all the changes in the first 5 episodes so far work for this version. They put in as much from the OG show as they can sometimes mixing episodes and even including some book 2 stuff. So far I think it’s a really solid adaptation in any case! remixed but good with the spirit of the OG show.
Just finished watching the first three episodes. Going to bed for work now though, going to listen to this as I fall asleep.
My thoughts so far? It's definitely got a different feel to it, there are things about it I definitely have to comment on, but overall I'm liking it and look forward to watching more when I get home from work tomorrow.
Finished the series (won’t spoil anything) about 6.5 hours after it released. Great adaption. Changes were big but never took away from the grand story. I’d be absolutely shocked if they don’t adapt Season 2.
I‘ve watched 6 out of 8 Episodes so far and I think, overall it is a solid start to the whole world of Avatar from a Live Action perspective. I still have to be honest: I defended the show from any harsh and prejudiced comments that were made in the beginning because I thought it‘d be great. All the pre-release stuff was becoming better and better and I was really convinced that it‘d be a 9 or 10 out of 10 and probably the best Live Action Netflix has pulled off. However, I don‘t think that they were able to do that with this first Season. As of now I‘d give it a 7 out of 10. Hence, if I compare my anticipations to what I‘ve seen so far it was a little bit of a letdown, not gonna lie here. I didn‘t feel as intrigued or captivated as I wished to be.
At the same time: It is commonly known and acknowledged within the fandom that Season 1 of the OG was also the weakest out of the 3 seasons, although it certainly had its very strong moments as well. Because of its nature (A lot of stand-alone Episodes instead of a coherent and linked storyline) I always imagined that it‘d be hard to translate that into a live action adaptation.
Looking forward to the final 2 Episodes tho ?
It went a little slow but good visuals didn’t really like the bending. I love Appa and Momo design. Sokka was a bit of a douche. Aang and Katara were perfect. Iroh and Zuko acting was a little cosplaying and weird to me.
I was disappointed with the sozin and gyatso fight not long enough.
But I liked the flashback part of it.
Overall 8/10
I liked the decision to show the fire nation attacks on the air nation.
I think my biggest issue with the show so far is Aang’s age. Since this show is much darker than the original, him being a kid doesn’t really add anything. There’s no childhood charm or desire for adventure and curiosity like in the cartoon. Him being a kid just feels like a big hurdle they have to write around. They should’ve aged him up.
The amount of passive aggression from Kyoshi, Gyatso, and Bumi towards Aang is overwhelming. The exposition throughout the series is excessive. The acting seems poor when the actors are pushing exposition. My eyes roll every time Aang talks about responsibility and how the whole world needs him.
At episode 6 now, I agree with idroppler, not as good as I hoped. But still good! Really hope netflix decides to pull through with season 2 and 3 to make it even better
Watched from 330am to about 1030. I did cry twice. You’re right, Gyatso could have had more to his story. Going to rewatch after I recharge ??
Aang shouldn’t have been able to contact kyoshi before Roku just like kyoshi wanted to contact Avatar Szeto but then kuruk told her he needed to see him first. We we need a sexism character arc for Sokka. Suki taught sokka power of non benders instead of women power.
But btw love it fr, production and cgi are great. The modifications to the story work so well, entertaining and still keeping it consistent. It’s an adaptation after all.
Kyoshi is not good omg ? they should of read the novel to know she isn’t this bloodthirsty ruthless tyrant she is unlikable
I prefer the sweet Novels Kyoshi
I wonder what a true first time viewer of the show thinks about what you said. Them not going into Aangs decision to leave but rather being vague about it. Does it maybe feel a little exaggerated for him to feel that much guilt about bad timing essentially? Or maybe did they want to show the kind of unfairness angle toward the Avatar more?
I personally feel backing away from the clearcut choice takes a little of that guilt away. Depends on where they want to go with this.
This is a pretty bad adaptation so far?
horrible adaptation so far!
Yes, they kind of removed the main trio's hamartia/main flaws almost completely. And even though I didn't like that they did that, I must say it was still very emotional for me. I just wish they had kept themmmmm
But all things considered, even removing Sokka's sexism (which I didn't like) they managed to keep Sokka very Sokka-y. Katara, on the other hand, that's not her. The actress is good, but the writing and maybe direction created this version of her that is way less emotional and more passive and sweeter that doesn't not really belong, I think. I like my Katara with strong emotions and outbursts and who actually intimidates her brother and who looks more mature and commanding than him.
I’ve watched the first two episodes and so far it’s a serviceable adaptation, but it’s not doing much for me. It’s lacking the oomph and spirit that makes the original so great.
The bending and cinematography do not look good to me. The bending feels too slow and clunky. And even the action sequences without bending just don’t feel dynamic enough to me.
Things I Liked:
Suki and Kyoshi Island. Seeing it be more isolationist even moreso than in canon was a nice touch. I liked throwing in some of Kyoshi’s backstory, though interesting they didn’t bring up Chin. And Suki’s drive to see the world was great. Suki’s the standout to me so far.
Changes I’m Not Digging:
Aang not running away. That takes away a lot of his agency. Especially since so many characters are tearing a strip out of him for being gone, it rings a bit hollow because he didn’t make that choice. It’d be like if people raged at him for dying during Sozin’s Comet. That wasn’t his choice, just bad timing.
Katara I honestly feel has been very shortchanged so far, particularly in the first episode. We don’t get the big emotional outburst to break the iceberg. We don’t get Aang falling into her arms, the look and the hope that starts their journeys. The fact that Aang just slides out and Katara and Sokka just stare at him had me like “Seriously? Katara’s not even going to touch him to see if he’s ok?”
Similarly, Sokka being the one to suggest they go after Aang rather than Katara I didn’t like. It just felt like stuff was getting taken from her and put onto Sokka. Even Aang’s dynamic with Sokka feels stronger than his connection with Katara by the end whereas their connection is so palpable from jump in the original.
For that reason it made sense we didn’t get Katara’s “We’re your family now” speech because yeah you guys don’t feel connected at all yet, but I still really miss it and it’s another moment gone for Katara.
Sokka’s sexism being gone was disappointing. I like the flaws and the growth and it felt like it left Sokka with less to learn. The Suki/Sokka connection was very good though.
Kyoshi’s characterization I did not like. I think they fell into the mistake that Kyoshi is always raging and merciless. Past Life Kyoshi is blunt, but she’s wise and she has kindness to her. Her just railing into Aang was way too harsh and mean for her character in my opinion. Especially since, again, Aang didn’t choose to run away! I think they lost a lot of the nuance of Kyoshi there.
I also am confused about Kyoshi saying “Hope brings consequences” and Iroh telling Zuko that hope can be bad/painful. I don’t know if they’re planning to prove that wrong, but it feels super antithetical to the original with the idea that the Avatar gives people hope. Especially since Iroh says “The important thing is that the Avatar gives Zuko hope.” in the original.
Zhao’s introduction was pretty forgettable. He loses a lot of character without the Agni Kai. He’s playing things very innocently right now rather than smug and arrogant, so we’ll see if that changes.
As much as I loved Kyoshi going "Full Kyoshi" as the fandom refers to it, I felt like the conversation between herself and Aang specifically when Aang mentions "what if I hurt someone along the way" would have worked much better with a more stoic / neutral tone from Kyoshi instead of coming off as a scolding from a teacher, especially considering Aang didn't technically "run away" in this version of the story.
A few thoughts for now:
Didn't like the Kyoshi portrail, very aggressive in that Aang conversation, like they only know her by the memes of Kyoshi being a merciless, tyrant, bloodthirsty Avatar. Although her Avatar State scene was very cool and the little tidbits on her backstory super nice to see included.
Didn't mind Gran Gran doing the intro speech, I think it was actually nice since in the very first episode Katara says in the intro "My grandmother used to tell me stories about the old days".
I think the cast are doing a good job, but I feel the scenes in general aren't organic, because we know what the characters are gonna say or do.
That's what is hard about adaptations, you are afraid of changing too much, but then you are in very thin line of being faithful and appearing as "lazy writing" because you get a bunch of lines straight from the original and it doesn't feel natural.
Watched all 8 in one sitting. Really liked it. Not perfect. The biggest issue i have is no Jeong Jeong. I feel his character is vital to Ang and his fear of firebending. Maybe he will be in the second season but obviously it means the connection to Zhao is kind of wasted if they do.
I’m definitely not binging this show. I’m going to watch each episode (one by one) and savor it throughout the next couple of days.