Netflix is back with another bold attempt at the live-action adaption of animated properties. After doing the adaption of the One Piece anime, Netflix has set its eyes on the western animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. Dropping today, the series will have 8 episodes with an average length that is over 45 min. The question is, with only 8 episodes, how will the series handle the pacing and story that takes us through the events of Book One: Water?
Review
The Netflix adaption of Avatar brings in a relatively new young cast to play all of the lead characters. For Aang we have Gordon Cormier, Zuko played by Dallas James Liu, Katara played by Kiawentiio Tarbell and Sokka played by Ian Ousley. Each of them embodies the characters very well, and I have to say the casting is nearly perfect. Of course, there are some very big names among the cast playing other important characters. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee comes in to play General/Uncle Iroh. Here I feel some of Iroh’s more endearing characteristics are missing but still a solid choice overall. Ken Leung comes in as Commander Zhao, and Fire Lord Ozai is played by Daniel Dae Kim.
With just 8 episodes, the pacing required removing one element of Aang’s development that takes away a part of what made him so likable in the original animated series, his goofy side. While some of that was still peppered into the series, the Netflix adaption took a more mature, streamlined approach. The core and spirit of Aang and his journey and growth as the Avatar are still fully intact. In that respect, the pacing was solid, without filler, and kept moving forward smoothly. The first season came to the natural and expected conclusion story-wise and set up things perfectly for a second season (which I fully expect the series to get).
I found myself marathoning through all 8 episodes back to back, which was a full 8+ hour endeavor but I enjoyed every minute of it. Aang struggles to come to terms with what he must do and how to let go of the past. This is very much in line with his journey in the first book of the animated series. Alongside him Sokka and Katara, even Zuko grow as well. Seeing all of it come to life live-action with solid visuals and costume design is rare for an animated adaptation. The film attempt left many upset and shy about another attempt at taking this series live-action.
When word got out that the original creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino exited the series after being involved for 2 years, many fans were concerned about where the series would go and why they left. I can honestly say those fears are mostly unwarranted based on what the end product has brought about. While the series made a few adjustments to the way certain story elements came together and timelines, most of it fits well in the pacing and opens the door for them to grow into the characters in future seasons. In the end, if I had 1 thing that was a disappointment, the lack of the comedic side of Sokka and Aang was the most glaring part for me. Again, they went with a more mature tone which is fine, and I still greatly enjoyed the overall adaption. And overall it ended up exactly where it needed to go and set itself up for a solid franchise for Netflix.
Perhaps if it is renewed, we will get a more relaxed and comedic view of Sokka in the second season.
2024. Courtesy of Netflix.
