I can't believe how lenient you're being towards this show.
Also, dude, saying that the 100 year war was aangs fault because he ran away in the animated show is plain wrong. It's kinda the whole point that aang being there wouldn't have changed anything and he'd have only been killed himself. Aang has survivors guilt, not genuine blame for the genocide.
I'll give you some benefit of the doubt and assume you simply misspoke, but if not, you gotta rewatch the series again man.
Removing sokkas sexism arc only to ironically make suki a creep towards him (when he has no shirt) taking away kataras emotions, jealousy, motherly qualities and her bossiness, Aang not being playful enough and too determined to fulfill his responsibilities when that’s supposed to be the whole arc of his throughout the show. Zuko not being as hotheaded and self loathing as he should’ve been. The worst part is the unbelievable amount of EXPOSITION. This show is all tell and no show. Although episode 6 is what I can call a genuinely good episode. Yes there were some “good” changes, but they weren’t as impactful, you’re spot on about that. The most impactful was the additions.
But Sokkas removal of his attitude is the worst about his character. The original show constantly shows it to be something sokka needs to grow out of, and it keeps challenging him to do so. His assumptions of there being “natural” assignment of mens and womens roles ultimately gets him humbled, and it’s his misguided result of him having to step up when his father left him in charge when the men left. His assumptions of the kyoshi warriors having to have been men, calling their practice “dance lessons” only for them to beat him every time. Even though he’s emasculated by putting on the “dress” and makeup, it’s something he consciously chooses to still do in order to learn to fight from them. This completely underscores his jaded concept of there being masculine and feminine roles and changes his worldview by showing that they’re not opposing or paradoxical. You can be both. Which is why suki says “I’m a warrior, but I’m a girl too” after she kisses him.
The fact that he gets on his knees and asks suki to teach him, and suki says “even if im a girl?” just shows the importance of his arc. If someone doesn’t think that’s great story telling and an interesting story, I don’t know what is.
In the beginning it seemed they ignored the aspect of aang's insecurities of running away which was a big moment for his character growth. I also didn't like how Aang seeing Gyatso's death was more motivational unlike in the animation where it was more grieving instead. In the animation, it reminded us that he's still a child and we're introduced to his powers as the avatar and how he still has a long way ahead of him as the avatar. We're also foreshadowed to the tone of the show in the future and what our main cast will eventually experience. I do think Netflix was aware of the changes they've made so all the minor changes they made surrounding aang did work but compared to the animation I don't think it was an improvement or better.
Comparing the Netflix adaptation to the animated series seems as fair as comparing it to that movie adaptation that NEVER happened and DOES NOT EXIST. I kind of liked the Netflix version but I would not have minded a more adult remake of the original. No live action. No star actors. Just the (mostly) same show with e licence to unalive ?
I fuck w yo content so I don’t mind leaving this here lately I been confused cause people get on this show for being a adaptation of something better but I’m like dudes and girls most good stuff most of the stuff I liked throughout my life time have been adaptions I’m talking about lord of the rings game of thrones the walking dead any fucking marvel and anime most and shows are movie is technically a adaptation to a previous source comics, books, cartoons, anime, manga so when someone say why does this exist im like ok why does anything exist for the first season w all these young actor’s adapting a big project like this think they did decent and depending on how long and how what kinda support it get think the show by itself has potential I love the original snd that avatar seems to have a resurgence from developers and fans it’d be smart to support it and see where it goes instead of comparing it to the original which is timeless tru but we wouldn’t be talking about it now and how timeless it is if the show wasn’t out
I've never really watched the original show, just an episode here or there, I honestly liked this show more than I expected, my biggerst issue is some of the acting (mostly Katara and Ang) and the clunky dialogue. 7/10 for me and my wife.
I’m satisfied with the series, even though they changed a lot of things not to my liking. We are not getting anything better, so I don’t compare this adaptation to the original series and just enjoy it for what it is. They can’t make it exactly the same, because it would be predictable and boring. The bending and world itself look amazing, Zuko and Sokka are amazing. Zhao was done well imo, a nobody climbing up the ranks with Azula pulling the strings was great storytelling. A more logical reason why he got promoted so fast and why it seemed like he always was one step ahead of Zuko and Iroh.
Starting the series in the past and showing the Air Nomads getting wiped out in the 1st episode does not work because it destroys a lot of the mystery on why Aang is the Last Airbender, terrible decision by the Netflix writers. The show is a 5/10 at best.
This may not be a popular opinion, but the only character I thought they did a good job showcasing was Zuko, but they did it in a way that takes away from the overall story. If you are a Zuko fan then you had a lot to love about how he was portrayed in the live action series. He was featured a lot, got a lot of backstory, and a lot of flashbacks. You even got a random, out of nowhere Zutara nod. My problem is that they made him too sympathetic of a character too soon. The original series did a good job leaving bread crumbs to Zuko being a sympathetic character but this show was too ham fisted with it. Alot of his rougher edges such as how he treats Uncle is sanded down and his kindness is focused on His eventual transition is too obvious now. My wife who's never saw the series called it after like the second or third episode. They also hurt other characters to prop him up. Look at iroh telling the 41st fleet that they are only alive because of Zuko as a way to pretty much day, it doesn't matter how bad Zuko treats y'all, you owe him forever. Uncle would never justify Zuko being a jerk. He would apologize for him and explain why but never excuse it.
I agree with many of the things that you said in this video. Overall, I liked the first half of the show and the second half had me angry all the time, because after bumi I just didn't see the show with the same lense and I couldn't go back to how I felt about the show before it (before it, I was embracing the changes. However big or small, they still held the soul of the show and the characters). But I will admit that I loved the 41st division (this should've been part of the animated show. It is such a small detail that doesn't need more than a single line in the show, but it adds so much to who Zuko is as a person and as a prince, as well as how abusive his father is), I cried my eyes out with Iroh's flashback, and I also liked Yue better here and her changes make sense.
Wall of text incoming. With majour spoilers.
I shall now explain my take on the things that I disagree with you on and the things that I really disliked about the Netflix show:
The intro: I actually thought it was better that Aang just went to clear his head. So. In the animated show, Aang didn't know there was a war brewing. He is a good person so if he had known he might've not run away from his responsibilities. I know he is a child and he did try to evade responsibility in the animated show, but ultimately he never did. He never ran away far enough to miss the chance to help people, even if he did try to run away. He always changed his mind when there was still time time to help. Knowing how so many people would die, he wouldn't have ran away. In the Netflix show he knew there was a war and that lives were gonna be lost if the avatar didn't do anything (remember the monks taught him all lives are sacred and all that). So it would've been very uncharacteristic of him to run away so far off. That is why I appreciated they changed his motives flying that night. They had to change them since they also changed what people knew about the fire nation at the time. The way he ran away in the animated show was good for how things were happening in that show. The way he ran away here is good for how things were happening in Netflix. As for the guilt, in the animated show it didn't hit as hard in my opinion either, because of what I already explained of him not knowing there was a war. There was not gonna be any immediate danger that he was turning his back from and he would eventually realize that he needs to be responsible (and he did. The fact that it was 100 years later is not his fault). So yes, obviously he feels bad in the animated show, but anything that transpired is not his fault…same in Netflix because he didn't run away, he just went for a midnight flight. Not his fault either way. But he feels guilty either way.
Zuko: Indeed…but they kinda showed his honour in agni kai. Not with zhao, but with his father. Which I thought "hey, they did show the honor!" but also "this 13 year old kid wouldn't have been able to land a single hit against the fire lord let alone win. wtf" So for this. I got upset. I agree that Netflix showed the most love to Zuko, but at the expense of other characters, and that is not okay.
The tunnels: I found it really dumb that the badger responding to feelings. There was no reason for it to be aggressive and then turn nice because of the feelings. Ijust rolled my eyes at this change.
Aang and Katara: After seeing the tunnels I just made peace with the fact that they won't be in love ever. They have missed every opportunity to show their crushes on each other so anything they show later will likely be rushed.
Bumi: This was the first change that almost made me lose my mind. Up until that point, I had noticed the changes and I was fine with them. The show was enjoyable and I was genuinely entertained…but they did Bumi so dirty. He is part of the white lotus, which proves that he is not just physically strong and skilled, but also a wise man. And he showed that in the animated show. I disagree that his teachings were not worthy. I think he taught or at least reminded Aang of perseverance, thinking outside the box, reminded him that the path ahead is difficult, etc. On top of that, he is Aang's childhood friend from a time where the world was nice and peaceful, so it obviously means a great deal to aang to have his support and help. So much that he wants to return to Omashu to have him be his earth bender teacher. But in Netflix he only felt like a moppy crazy old man and he shunned Aang for something that wasn't his fault, and he knew it wasn't his fault. I understand being angry at him before knowing the full story, but once Aang told him, he, being the wise and good man that he is, he wouldn't have shunned Aang for it. He can acknowledge that the war is a consequence of the avatar disappearing yes, but acknowledgement and shunning are two different things…idk. My crazy bumi was destroyed. I was so pissed after watching this episode.
The spirit world: If bumi almost made me lose my mind. This episode finally drove me over the edge. I feel like they trivialized Koh so much. He didn't feel as threatening as he truly was. I was scared of him and still am in the animated show. Here it was just…meh. Let's negotiate, and it was unnecessary to have him there to begin with. Then they trivialized going to Roku's temple. Aang could do it with minimum help. He even flew there in his glider instead of rushing Appa. Just like that. Easy. As well as Roku failing to mention the comet even thought they do plan to include the comet in the show (I thought they were not gonna include it because Roku failed to mention it). So. Since Roku didn't mention the imminent danger, no one knows about it!!! He endangered the whole world!!! With Aang already not even touching water bending for…reasons? It is even more dangerous! They have no urgency to have him learn the elements and he has no interest in learning them!!! Sokka's father is supposed to be supportive, instead of…letting him win just because? If he didn't deserve the mark like they said, then his father wouldn't have given it and would told him instead that he must continue trying. That way Sokka can become the best he can be without anyone giving him anything in silver platter. A supportive father tells him what he needs to hear without shunning him, and that is how his father in the animated show feels like. But in netflix just talking behind his back like that and letting him win for no reason…it really annoyed me. They also reduced to the owl knowledge spirit to an exposition character. Hei Bai was barely mentioned and barely dealt with. I just felt like these episodes did dirty on so many people and so many spirits and so many plot points.
The norther water tribe: Momo shouldn't be able to push a person like that. But I'm being nitpicky at that point xD Jokes aside, Aang not doing waterbending is,like you said, jarring. And like I said earlier, right now, he seems not to have an interest in learning any elements. Roku could've given the urgency with the comet information…but he decided to keep quiet about that. Good job Roku. Good job. I was also very annoyed that they said they were going to remove Sokka's sexism because sexim bad…and then they decided that Paku's sexim was okay to keep?? Why? The inconsistency drove me mad. If they were going to be inconsisten they could've at least remove Paku's sexim instead of Sokka's. Paku is 200% more annoying and more damaging than Sokka's. I absolutely hated how Aang was so demanding of Koruk. Aang has never been one to delegate responsability in such a harsh way. He has a duty and he does his best to fulfil it himself. But in netflix he just begged and whined to Koruk to show up and save the northern tribe in his behalf…c'mon. C'mon Aang. And Iroh! In the animated show he had no time to stop Zhao because zhao tricked everyone. Here? In Netflix Iroh had plenty of chances to stop Zhao but he still somehow allowed him to kill the fish. añdfjañlfjadlkfj Does Netflix have something against the white lotus members? Then Iroh killed Zhao instead of Koizilla doing it and…idk. I don't think Iroh redemed himself with that. He allowed something terrible to happen and a young woman had to give up her life to fix his mistake. In the animated show at least he was tricked and there was no way to stop Zhao unless he were to attack first and seemingly unprovoked. Zhao WAS giving up to everyone's eyes. Here Iroh just stood and watch…I can't take this!!! Justice to the White Lotus!
As someone who loved the show, it’s nice to hear someone who may not have loved it, not go out of their way to just trash on the show at every moment they get.
Aang didn't run away in the Netflix show he went to clear his head. Taking away a major character arc from Aang later in the show. From his perspective, he accepted he was the Avatar in 72hrs, and I find ridiculous. Also robs Korra, the next Avatar, of what made her stand out compared to Aang.
Do i enjoy the live-action netflix version. Give it a 7/10 overall on its own. But as a huge fan of the orginal series im a little let down. I cant wait for the rest to be made. Hoping the negitive critism dosnt end the show on 1 season
It still REALLY bothers me that they removed Katara's motherly aspects because its too "misogynistic." Why is being motherly a bad thing? Women aren't allowed to show one of the best traits any human being can have???
I quite liked the show. Changes have been made. I went into this believing in not comparing this to the original and at some points I failed. There are so many unrealistic expectations for this show. I love the cartoon but this was never going to be a one for one adaptation and it shouldn’t be. Yeah they’re mixing together arcs and stories but they only get 8 episodes. Stuff is moved around like adding Jet and the Mechanist to Omashu. There even the addition of some The Legend Of Korra lore like the Fog Of Lost Souls. Their are plenty of things I like about the season. I think the show is very well cast. Zuko, Suki, Iroh and Aang are the stand out perfect adaptations for me. They feel like they truly built on what was already there and in a more mature way such as the deeper look into Iroh’s past. Using Leaves From The Vine as the theme for Iroh’s flashbacks is a beautiful gut punch. Sokka has a different arc than the sexist one which is fine, they chose to focus on him learning to be a leader and inventor instead of a warrior. I like that. I also like that Pakku didn’t become not sexist because of a random connection to Katara. That always felt like a cop out to me in the cartoon. Katara is a little annoying but she also was in the show. There is a strange thing online where people are comparing these characters to their cartoon book 3 counterparts. Don’t forget what these characters are like before their development. I’m sorry but Aang and Kitara are children. Their romance felt weird in the cartoon and I’m glad they basically removed it. They did start building a deeper friendship between Zuko and Aang much earlier which I appreciated. Their scenes together are always peak. Aang never practices water bending but that’s not the point of the season. This driving point of the season is stopping the extinction of the waterbenders. The color of the intro changed based on what nation they’re in and that is really cool to me for some reason. I love how the bending looks and the fights range from comedic (in a fun way) to epic. Some things are not great though. The water bending doesn’t always look was powerful. There is plenty of clunky dialogue. At times it feels like they’re putting too much into the show and it becomes over crowded. They can flush out stories I wish they could have. The music in the show is fire and the cinematography is glorious at times. Over all though, I find the show is very charming. This is a worthy and respectful adaptation.
Un cambio que creo que pueden hacer cuando Zuko se una a ellos es que en vez de ser Katara quien mas tarde en aceptar a Zuko, sea Aang por ser el primero en confiar en el y en ver su lado bueno, creo que sería un cambio coherente con esta nueva versión.
The Netflix version of Avatar and the Last Airbender. Can and could be a decent first introduction to the series story. However despite it best efforts is still unable to reach the highs of the original show. That being said, despite cramming several episodes in one episode. Then repeat it eight episodes over and over again. Making a few bad changes to the original’s story, and having a few moments here and there. That just a bland recreation of the original story. It has great acting, really good effects, had new interesting/good new scenes, and had great action that had far more grit than the original. That being said the storytelling of the Netflix series could use a rewrite so it could be more than good enough. Plus it could use more episodes to fully flesh out their own story. There are plenty of other minor problems, yet the overall picture is goodish. With a few critical flaws that keeps it from being as great as the original series. I would argue that The Legend of Korra is better than the Netflix Avatar series.
Even though I like and enjoy Netflix avatar the last airbender I think the writing and some of acting could’ve been way better that said I hope this show gets to redeem itself with season 2 and make even better seasons I hope the writers get the shit get together
A big thing with Katara, in the og show she doesn't become a master after the fight with Pakku. There's a notable time jump where it shows they were being taught, and then again at the start of season 2, when they leave she's named a master, because she trained harder than any of his other students, whereas Aang was slackin a bit. It's just weird for them to forego that opportunity for them to justify the time skips we know they need to implement since the series will take place over a longer span of time.
What does say when the show's writers/directors are also made of executive producers?
Maybe it's not a big deal but it feels like there no oversight in the script dialogue.
No actor, unless they're multi-million dollar star, is going to be brave enough to tell the writers that their script sucks when the writers themselves are the ones that paying for everything that a studio needs.
i hate when it's accepted that tv shows have only 8 episodes and some viewers makes excuses/coping that story is cramped because it's only 8 episodes and say it's better than the movie. of course it's better than the movie.
the lu ten's scene is not really effective for me and for my normie friend because the relationship between zuko and uncle iroh isn't that developed.that's why the backstory isn't in book 1. i think it's heartfelt for fans because they know already the story.
Avatar Roku became a mcguffin Ozai is weaker than Zuko Azula is no where near the same character as the original. she's no where confident, bully or anything like crazy. is she a secret child? because those rebels didn't know her. Avatar Kyoshi is a fan service Sokka sexism is removed but Northern water tribe is sexist. I'm somehow confused on why the female water benders immediately went to fight in the frontline. they're medic, what are they going to do if the medics are dead? there's a reason why medics don't fight.
overall it's amazing visually but it failed because of poor script, dialogue, plot and basically no character development.
at the end i asked my normie friends which episodes they like, they picked 1,2 and 8. so just the action.
My wife and I havent finished the show yet, it's ok, not great not bad, kinda good kinda bad.
I will say, i wasn't a fan of changes to azula or bumi, and I thought aangs relationship with gyatso was lacking. Presenting azula with insecurities so early on will undermine or make her accomplishments in the 2nd season seem unbelievable. Also, her and zuko are supposed to be villains and they are making them too sympathetic to the viewer imo.
Bumi acting the way he did against aang was a bit too harsh for a former friend and 12yo kid. I thought instead of being vengeful against aang, he should've been more of a mentor to him. I do agree the ep with bumi in the original didn't show lasting effects, I disagree that it wasn't important to the overall impact to aang in general. He needed to see a familiar face in this new world he was in.
I also feel like gyatso showed more care and concern for aang in the original.
Aang's characeter arc in the Netflix adaption was coming to terms with his place in the world, not only as the Avatar, but as someone outside of their own time. He had to accept that he must replace his old friends with his new friends. That he is meant to exist over 100 years after he was born. It took actually saving the northern water tribe and Kataras words to convince him of that. I love your videos, btw they're excellent.
One of the biggest problems is, like in Ahsoka, the use of stagecraft. Every single location looks totally fake, colours look wrong, the out of focus thing is out of control, and everything looks as lifeless like Thor 4. Also, this version of Azula SUCKS. Azula is a scary creepy teen, not that whiny girl
Why didn't you didn't you talk about how they had Koh in the spirited away episode? I think it was weird they put him in early not saying it was a bad thing but they also took away the fact that Aang found out about the comet in season 1. Katara was just bleh to the point where I'd rather have Yue, Sokka was pretty good, and Aang was just okay i feel like he wasn't driven in the right direction and i believe it's because they changed when he's supposed to learn waterbending. I really want this show to be good, but the first words to come out of my mouth after i finished with the season was " WOW That was incredibly mid" which is something i never would've thought I'd say.
I can't believe how lenient you're being towards this show.
Also, dude, saying that the 100 year war was aangs fault because he ran away in the animated show is plain wrong. It's kinda the whole point that aang being there wouldn't have changed anything and he'd have only been killed himself. Aang has survivors guilt, not genuine blame for the genocide.
I'll give you some benefit of the doubt and assume you simply misspoke, but if not, you gotta rewatch the series again man.
Removing sokkas sexism arc only to ironically make suki a creep towards him (when he has no shirt) taking away kataras emotions, jealousy, motherly qualities and her bossiness, Aang not being playful enough and too determined to fulfill his responsibilities when that’s supposed to be the whole arc of his throughout the show. Zuko not being as hotheaded and self loathing as he should’ve been. The worst part is the unbelievable amount of EXPOSITION. This show is all tell and no show. Although episode 6 is what I can call a genuinely good episode. Yes there were some “good” changes, but they weren’t as impactful, you’re spot on about that. The most impactful was the additions.
But Sokkas removal of his attitude is the worst about his character. The original show constantly shows it to be something sokka needs to grow out of, and it keeps challenging him to do so. His assumptions of there being “natural” assignment of mens and womens roles ultimately gets him humbled, and it’s his misguided result of him having to step up when his father left him in charge when the men left. His assumptions of the kyoshi warriors having to have been men, calling their practice “dance lessons” only for them to beat him every time. Even though he’s emasculated by putting on the “dress” and makeup, it’s something he consciously chooses to still do in order to learn to fight from them. This completely underscores his jaded concept of there being masculine and feminine roles and changes his worldview by showing that they’re not opposing or paradoxical. You can be both. Which is why suki says “I’m a warrior, but I’m a girl too” after she kisses him.
The fact that he gets on his knees and asks suki to teach him, and suki says “even if im a girl?” just shows the importance of his arc. If someone doesn’t think that’s great story telling and an interesting story, I don’t know what is.
In the beginning it seemed they ignored the aspect of aang's insecurities of running away which was a big moment for his character growth. I also didn't like how Aang seeing Gyatso's death was more motivational unlike in the animation where it was more grieving instead. In the animation, it reminded us that he's still a child and we're introduced to his powers as the avatar and how he still has a long way ahead of him as the avatar. We're also foreshadowed to the tone of the show in the future and what our main cast will eventually experience.
I do think Netflix was aware of the changes they've made so all the minor changes they made surrounding aang did work but compared to the animation I don't think it was an improvement or better.
Comparing the Netflix adaptation to the animated series seems as fair as comparing it to that movie adaptation that NEVER happened and DOES NOT EXIST. I kind of liked the Netflix version but I would not have minded a more adult remake of the original. No live action. No star actors. Just the (mostly) same show with e licence to unalive ?
I fuck w yo content so I don’t mind leaving this here lately I been confused cause people get on this show for being a adaptation of something better but I’m like dudes and girls most good stuff most of the stuff I liked throughout my life time have been adaptions I’m talking about lord of the rings game of thrones the walking dead any fucking marvel and anime most and shows are movie is technically a adaptation to a previous source comics, books, cartoons, anime, manga so when someone say why does this exist im like ok why does anything exist for the first season w all these young actor’s adapting a big project like this think they did decent and depending on how long and how what kinda support it get think the show by itself has potential I love the original snd that avatar seems to have a resurgence from developers and fans it’d be smart to support it and see where it goes instead of comparing it to the original which is timeless tru but we wouldn’t be talking about it now and how timeless it is if the show wasn’t out
I've never really watched the original show, just an episode here or there, I honestly liked this show more than I expected, my biggerst issue is some of the acting (mostly Katara and Ang) and the clunky dialogue. 7/10 for me and my wife.
Show is a hot mess. 4/10
I’m satisfied with the series, even though they changed a lot of things not to my liking. We are not getting anything better, so I don’t compare this adaptation to the original series and just enjoy it for what it is. They can’t make it exactly the same, because it would be predictable and boring. The bending and world itself look amazing, Zuko and Sokka are amazing. Zhao was done well imo, a nobody climbing up the ranks with Azula pulling the strings was great storytelling. A more logical reason why he got promoted so fast and why it seemed like he always was one step ahead of Zuko and Iroh.
Its a good show – not perfect, but good. Im looking forward to season 2 and 3
Starting the series in the past and showing the Air Nomads getting wiped out in the 1st episode does not work because it destroys a lot of the mystery on why Aang is the Last Airbender, terrible decision by the Netflix writers. The show is a 5/10 at best.
This may not be a popular opinion, but the only character I thought they did a good job showcasing was Zuko, but they did it in a way that takes away from the overall story. If you are a Zuko fan then you had a lot to love about how he was portrayed in the live action series. He was featured a lot, got a lot of backstory, and a lot of flashbacks. You even got a random, out of nowhere Zutara nod. My problem is that they made him too sympathetic of a character too soon. The original series did a good job leaving bread crumbs to Zuko being a sympathetic character but this show was too ham fisted with it. Alot of his rougher edges such as how he treats Uncle is sanded down and his kindness is focused on His eventual transition is too obvious now. My wife who's never saw the series called it after like the second or third episode. They also hurt other characters to prop him up. Look at iroh telling the 41st fleet that they are only alive because of Zuko as a way to pretty much day, it doesn't matter how bad Zuko treats y'all, you owe him forever. Uncle would never justify Zuko being a jerk. He would apologize for him and explain why but never excuse it.
I agree with many of the things that you said in this video. Overall, I liked the first half of the show and the second half had me angry all the time, because after bumi I just didn't see the show with the same lense and I couldn't go back to how I felt about the show before it (before it, I was embracing the changes. However big or small, they still held the soul of the show and the characters). But I will admit that I loved the 41st division (this should've been part of the animated show. It is such a small detail that doesn't need more than a single line in the show, but it adds so much to who Zuko is as a person and as a prince, as well as how abusive his father is), I cried my eyes out with Iroh's flashback, and I also liked Yue better here and her changes make sense.
Wall of text incoming. With majour spoilers.
I shall now explain my take on the things that I disagree with you on and the things that I really disliked about the Netflix show:
The intro: I actually thought it was better that Aang just went to clear his head. So. In the animated show, Aang didn't know there was a war brewing. He is a good person so if he had known he might've not run away from his responsibilities. I know he is a child and he did try to evade responsibility in the animated show, but ultimately he never did. He never ran away far enough to miss the chance to help people, even if he did try to run away. He always changed his mind when there was still time time to help. Knowing how so many people would die, he wouldn't have ran away. In the Netflix show he knew there was a war and that lives were gonna be lost if the avatar didn't do anything (remember the monks taught him all lives are sacred and all that). So it would've been very uncharacteristic of him to run away so far off. That is why I appreciated they changed his motives flying that night. They had to change them since they also changed what people knew about the fire nation at the time. The way he ran away in the animated show was good for how things were happening in that show. The way he ran away here is good for how things were happening in Netflix.
As for the guilt, in the animated show it didn't hit as hard in my opinion either, because of what I already explained of him not knowing there was a war. There was not gonna be any immediate danger that he was turning his back from and he would eventually realize that he needs to be responsible (and he did. The fact that it was 100 years later is not his fault). So yes, obviously he feels bad in the animated show, but anything that transpired is not his fault…same in Netflix because he didn't run away, he just went for a midnight flight. Not his fault either way. But he feels guilty either way.
Zuko: Indeed…but they kinda showed his honour in agni kai. Not with zhao, but with his father. Which I thought "hey, they did show the honor!" but also "this 13 year old kid wouldn't have been able to land a single hit against the fire lord let alone win. wtf" So for this. I got upset. I agree that Netflix showed the most love to Zuko, but at the expense of other characters, and that is not okay.
The tunnels: I found it really dumb that the badger responding to feelings. There was no reason for it to be aggressive and then turn nice because of the feelings. Ijust rolled my eyes at this change.
Aang and Katara: After seeing the tunnels I just made peace with the fact that they won't be in love ever. They have missed every opportunity to show their crushes on each other so anything they show later will likely be rushed.
Bumi: This was the first change that almost made me lose my mind. Up until that point, I had noticed the changes and I was fine with them. The show was enjoyable and I was genuinely entertained…but they did Bumi so dirty. He is part of the white lotus, which proves that he is not just physically strong and skilled, but also a wise man. And he showed that in the animated show. I disagree that his teachings were not worthy. I think he taught or at least reminded Aang of perseverance, thinking outside the box, reminded him that the path ahead is difficult, etc. On top of that, he is Aang's childhood friend from a time where the world was nice and peaceful, so it obviously means a great deal to aang to have his support and help. So much that he wants to return to Omashu to have him be his earth bender teacher. But in Netflix he only felt like a moppy crazy old man and he shunned Aang for something that wasn't his fault, and he knew it wasn't his fault. I understand being angry at him before knowing the full story, but once Aang told him, he, being the wise and good man that he is, he wouldn't have shunned Aang for it. He can acknowledge that the war is a consequence of the avatar disappearing yes, but acknowledgement and shunning are two different things…idk. My crazy bumi was destroyed. I was so pissed after watching this episode.
The spirit world: If bumi almost made me lose my mind. This episode finally drove me over the edge. I feel like they trivialized Koh so much. He didn't feel as threatening as he truly was. I was scared of him and still am in the animated show. Here it was just…meh. Let's negotiate, and it was unnecessary to have him there to begin with. Then they trivialized going to Roku's temple. Aang could do it with minimum help. He even flew there in his glider instead of rushing Appa. Just like that. Easy. As well as Roku failing to mention the comet even thought they do plan to include the comet in the show (I thought they were not gonna include it because Roku failed to mention it). So. Since Roku didn't mention the imminent danger, no one knows about it!!! He endangered the whole world!!! With Aang already not even touching water bending for…reasons? It is even more dangerous! They have no urgency to have him learn the elements and he has no interest in learning them!!!
Sokka's father is supposed to be supportive, instead of…letting him win just because? If he didn't deserve the mark like they said, then his father wouldn't have given it and would told him instead that he must continue trying. That way Sokka can become the best he can be without anyone giving him anything in silver platter. A supportive father tells him what he needs to hear without shunning him, and that is how his father in the animated show feels like. But in netflix just talking behind his back like that and letting him win for no reason…it really annoyed me. They also reduced to the owl knowledge spirit to an exposition character. Hei Bai was barely mentioned and barely dealt with. I just felt like these episodes did dirty on so many people and so many spirits and so many plot points.
The norther water tribe: Momo shouldn't be able to push a person like that. But I'm being nitpicky at that point xD Jokes aside, Aang not doing waterbending is,like you said, jarring. And like I said earlier, right now, he seems not to have an interest in learning any elements. Roku could've given the urgency with the comet information…but he decided to keep quiet about that. Good job Roku. Good job. I was also very annoyed that they said they were going to remove Sokka's sexism because sexim bad…and then they decided that Paku's sexim was okay to keep?? Why? The inconsistency drove me mad. If they were going to be inconsisten they could've at least remove Paku's sexim instead of Sokka's. Paku is 200% more annoying and more damaging than Sokka's.
I absolutely hated how Aang was so demanding of Koruk. Aang has never been one to delegate responsability in such a harsh way. He has a duty and he does his best to fulfil it himself. But in netflix he just begged and whined to Koruk to show up and save the northern tribe in his behalf…c'mon. C'mon Aang. And Iroh! In the animated show he had no time to stop Zhao because zhao tricked everyone. Here? In Netflix Iroh had plenty of chances to stop Zhao but he still somehow allowed him to kill the fish. añdfjañlfjadlkfj Does Netflix have something against the white lotus members? Then Iroh killed Zhao instead of Koizilla doing it and…idk. I don't think Iroh redemed himself with that. He allowed something terrible to happen and a young woman had to give up her life to fix his mistake. In the animated show at least he was tricked and there was no way to stop Zhao unless he were to attack first and seemingly unprovoked. Zhao WAS giving up to everyone's eyes. Here Iroh just stood and watch…I can't take this!!! Justice to the White Lotus!
Really great analysis, Thanks for your work on this!
Does anyone else feel like Suki's representation was a huge insult?
As someone who loved the show, it’s nice to hear someone who may not have loved it, not go out of their way to just trash on the show at every moment they get.
Aang didn't run away in the Netflix show he went to clear his head. Taking away a major character arc from Aang later in the show. From his perspective, he accepted he was the Avatar in 72hrs, and I find ridiculous. Also robs Korra, the next Avatar, of what made her stand out compared to Aang.
Do i enjoy the live-action netflix version. Give it a 7/10 overall on its own. But as a huge fan of the orginal series im a little let down. I cant wait for the rest to be made. Hoping the negitive critism dosnt end the show on 1 season
Aang is completely different from his og characterization
It still REALLY bothers me that they removed Katara's motherly aspects because its too "misogynistic." Why is being motherly a bad thing? Women aren't allowed to show one of the best traits any human being can have???
@10:45 first video I have watched that made me understand this version of Suki
i hated that fire nation spy was wearing RED coat. Like wtf, can you be more obivus?
I hate the bumi arc and zhao. Both are adapted poorly at best
I hate the gran gran casting. She is not good. I do love the bending scenes. It seems natural.
I hate the gran gran casting. She is not good. I do love the bending scenes. It seems natural.
I quite liked the show. Changes have been made. I went into this believing in not comparing this to the original and at some points I failed. There are so many unrealistic expectations for this show. I love the cartoon but this was never going to be a one for one adaptation and it shouldn’t be. Yeah they’re mixing together arcs and stories but they only get 8 episodes. Stuff is moved around like adding Jet and the Mechanist to Omashu. There even the addition of some The Legend Of Korra lore like the Fog Of Lost Souls. Their are plenty of things I like about the season. I think the show is very well cast. Zuko, Suki, Iroh and Aang are the stand out perfect adaptations for me. They feel like they truly built on what was already there and in a more mature way such as the deeper look into Iroh’s past. Using Leaves From The Vine as the theme for Iroh’s flashbacks is a beautiful gut punch. Sokka has a different arc than the sexist one which is fine, they chose to focus on him learning to be a leader and inventor instead of a warrior. I like that. I also like that Pakku didn’t become not sexist because of a random connection to Katara. That always felt like a cop out to me in the cartoon. Katara is a little annoying but she also was in the show. There is a strange thing online where people are comparing these characters to their cartoon book 3 counterparts. Don’t forget what these characters are like before their development. I’m sorry but Aang and Kitara are children. Their romance felt weird in the cartoon and I’m glad they basically removed it. They did start building a deeper friendship between Zuko and Aang much earlier which I appreciated. Their scenes together are always peak. Aang never practices water bending but that’s not the point of the season. This driving point of the season is stopping the extinction of the waterbenders. The color of the intro changed based on what nation they’re in and that is really cool to me for some reason. I love how the bending looks and the fights range from comedic (in a fun way) to epic. Some things are not great though. The water bending doesn’t always look was powerful. There is plenty of clunky dialogue. At times it feels like they’re putting too much into the show and it becomes over crowded. They can flush out stories I wish they could have. The music in the show is fire and the cinematography is glorious at times. Over all though, I find the show is very charming. This is a worthy and respectful adaptation.
Un cambio que creo que pueden hacer cuando Zuko se una a ellos es que en vez de ser Katara quien mas tarde en aceptar a Zuko, sea Aang por ser el primero en confiar en el y en ver su lado bueno, creo que sería un cambio coherente con esta nueva versión.
The Netflix version of Avatar and the Last Airbender. Can and could be a decent first introduction to the series story. However despite it best efforts is still unable to reach the highs of the original show. That being said, despite cramming several episodes in one episode. Then repeat it eight episodes over and over again. Making a few bad changes to the original’s story, and having a few moments here and there. That just a bland recreation of the original story. It has great acting, really good effects, had new interesting/good new scenes, and had great action that had far more grit than the original. That being said the storytelling of the Netflix series could use a rewrite so it could be more than good enough. Plus it could use more episodes to fully flesh out their own story. There are plenty of other minor problems, yet the overall picture is goodish. With a few critical flaws that keeps it from being as great as the original series. I would argue that The Legend of Korra is better than the Netflix Avatar series.
I don’t think the name Monk GYATso really fits him
Even though I like and enjoy Netflix avatar the last airbender I think the writing and some of acting could’ve been way better that said I hope this show gets to redeem itself with season 2 and make even better seasons I hope the writers get the shit get together
A big thing with Katara, in the og show she doesn't become a master after the fight with Pakku. There's a notable time jump where it shows they were being taught, and then again at the start of season 2, when they leave she's named a master, because she trained harder than any of his other students, whereas Aang was slackin a bit.
It's just weird for them to forego that opportunity for them to justify the time skips we know they need to implement since the series will take place over a longer span of time.
What does say when the show's writers/directors are also made of executive producers?
Maybe it's not a big deal but it feels like there no oversight in the script dialogue.
No actor, unless they're multi-million dollar star, is going to be brave enough to tell the writers that their script sucks when the writers themselves are the ones that paying for everything that a studio needs.
I felt the same about one piece. Considering they are kids shows then I guess they did ok
i hate when it's accepted that tv shows have only 8 episodes and some viewers makes excuses/coping that story is cramped because it's only 8 episodes and say it's better than the movie. of course it's better than the movie.
the lu ten's scene is not really effective for me and for my normie friend because the relationship between zuko and uncle iroh isn't that developed.that's why the backstory isn't in book 1.
i think it's heartfelt for fans because they know already the story.
Avatar Roku became a mcguffin
Ozai is weaker than Zuko
Azula is no where near the same character as the original. she's no where confident, bully or anything like crazy. is she a secret child? because those rebels didn't know her.
Avatar Kyoshi is a fan service
Sokka sexism is removed but Northern water tribe is sexist.
I'm somehow confused on why the female water benders immediately went to fight in the frontline. they're medic, what are they going to do if the medics are dead? there's a reason why medics don't fight.
overall it's amazing visually but it failed because of poor script, dialogue, plot and basically no character development.
at the end i asked my normie friends which episodes they like, they picked 1,2 and 8. so just the action.
5/10 ⭐
No its trash
My wife and I havent finished the show yet, it's ok, not great not bad, kinda good kinda bad.
I will say, i wasn't a fan of changes to azula or bumi, and I thought aangs relationship with gyatso was lacking. Presenting azula with insecurities so early on will undermine or make her accomplishments in the 2nd season seem unbelievable. Also, her and zuko are supposed to be villains and they are making them too sympathetic to the viewer imo.
Bumi acting the way he did against aang was a bit too harsh for a former friend and 12yo kid. I thought instead of being vengeful against aang, he should've been more of a mentor to him. I do agree the ep with bumi in the original didn't show lasting effects, I disagree that it wasn't important to the overall impact to aang in general. He needed to see a familiar face in this new world he was in.
I also feel like gyatso showed more care and concern for aang in the original.
Aang's characeter arc in the Netflix adaption was coming to terms with his place in the world, not only as the Avatar, but as someone outside of their own time. He had to accept that he must replace his old friends with his new friends. That he is meant to exist over 100 years after he was born.
It took actually saving the northern water tribe and Kataras words to convince him of that.
I love your videos, btw they're excellent.
One of the biggest problems is, like in Ahsoka, the use of stagecraft. Every single location looks totally fake, colours look wrong, the out of focus thing is out of control, and everything looks as lifeless like Thor 4. Also, this version of Azula SUCKS. Azula is a scary creepy teen, not that whiny girl
You lost me at your bumi take.
Why didn't you didn't you talk about how they had Koh in the spirited away episode? I think it was weird they put him in early not saying it was a bad thing but they also took away the fact that Aang found out about the comet in season 1. Katara was just bleh to the point where I'd rather have Yue, Sokka was pretty good, and Aang was just okay i feel like he wasn't driven in the right direction and i believe it's because they changed when he's supposed to learn waterbending. I really want this show to be good, but the first words to come out of my mouth after i finished with the season was " WOW That was incredibly mid" which is something i never would've thought I'd say.
00:05 "After watching the entire season twice"… You are such a brave soul lol. I couldn't even finish it once, i hated it 🙂