Disclaimer: This is NOT spoiler-free.
I would like to preface this by apologizing to our dear Layout Editor, Masi. This is probably gonna be a long one…love ya <3.
A common complaint about live-action adaptations is about how far they stray from the source material. But I think that a one-by-one adaptation could potentially be boring, we already have the original. I like to think of these adaptations as an alternate universe. That being said, while they have the chance to potentially improve the story, there are just some things you should never touch.
A major thing I’ve noticed in these adaptations is that they try and make everything more “mature.” The problem with that is the notion of being “mature” has been narrowed to “Look!! We’re showing blood!! We’re using mature language!! This is not like a cartoon!!” The medium of animation has always been looked down upon, people assume it is only for children and therefore childish. What they don’t understand is that “maturity” is so much more than that. What the writers of this new ATLA have failed to understand is that the original was already mature. Avatar has already been continuously hailed as a masterpiece of a cartoon: phenomenal story, strong well-rounded characters, and one of the most well-done redemption arcs in the history of writing (go watch The Brilliance of Zuko’s Story | The Element that Truly Elevated Avatar: The Last Airbender by Cardinal West on Youtube.) Yet they treat their audience like children more than the cartoon did by dumping exposition constantly and not allowing the viewer to critically think.
Now, I’ve said that I don’t mind the overall story direction that they chose. So what exactly is making my eye twitch? The way they handled the characters. Don’t get me wrong there are some questionable plot choices (which I will hopefully get into in part 2 if I can) for now I want to focus on characterization. This is in no way a criticism of the actors, but the writers. I’ve seen the cast interviews and they had the potential to properly embody the characters. Especially Kiawentiio Tarbell as Katara. Despite what you may think of the show, it’s clear that this was a big deal for the actors and they enjoyed their experience, so it really shouldn’t be taken out on them.
An excerpt from my original draft to connect some things: “It was just [Pakku’s] character, his FLAW, which is an okay thing to give your characters, 2024 ATLA writers please understand this.” This will be revisited in a bit.
My biggest disappointment was how Katara was portrayed. They took away her spark, her fierceness. She felt mellow and reserved. By having Aang never waterbend they took away her jealousy of him when he starts to master it quicker than her. By removing Sokka’s sexism they took away her inner fire, the strong emotions she works up by having to be the oldest despite being the younger sibling. Yes, she’s kind and sweet and full of hope but there’s a healthy bit of rage underlying everything. Not to mention they tied her waterbending to a man? What happened to diligently studying and practicing the waterbending scroll (which she stole from pirates mind you) with Aang? She was always a quick learner and was powerful in her own right, she just needed a master to hone those skills. Not Jet of all people telling her to think happy memories of her mother instead of bad ones to be able to waterbend. It genuinely boggles my mind thinking what was going through their heads writing that in. Also, they tried to make Katara’s “growth” centered around the fact that she was being “childish” which completely contradicts her original character. Katara was the one who had to grow up too quickly to be able to fill the role that their mother left behind. She never got to be a proper child, this is supported by a seemingly mundane exchange between Aang and Katara: “I haven’t done this since I was a kid!” “But you still are a kid?” I’m ending this particular rant here because otherwise, this is going to be longer than it can be.
I don’t have many thoughts about Sokka’s character and I’m not going to touch upon the whole controversy with his actor because I don’t know much about what is or isn’t true. He was funny enough but still lacked a certain something. But, I will use his character as an opportunity to discuss the matter of flaws. Flaws are an important thing to give your characters, especially at the beginning of their journey. It gives them depth and something to grow from. An issue I noticed with these characters is that their flaws were taken away to make them more likable to the audience. Of course, Sokka’s sexism was never his main character development, but it was a way for him to grow and the catalyst that unleashed Katara’s anger which broke Aang from the iceberg. His time with Suki on Kyoshi Island helped him see that girls can be warriors too.
Speaking of Suki, the casting was once again well done. However, they made her act like she’d never seen a man before. The original Suki was unimpressed with Sokka, she remained focused on her duties and was overall aloof about him until he kept worming his way into Kyoshi Warrior training sessions. This Suki is bashful and blushy around him. They tried too hard to show that she was “just a girl” while also being a warrior when the original did it so much better. Again here is another exchange: “I’m sorry.” “For what?” “I treated you like a girl when I should have treated you like a warrior.” “I am a warrior” she then kisses him on the cheek “But I’m a girl too.” Writing strong female characters doesn’t mean having to make them overly girly or emotionless, you just write them as people.
Is it just me or would Azula have never talked to her father like that in the show during the last episode? Compared to the original Azula, they made her more vulnerable. The writers are treating her a bit like Zuko. Azula is supposed to uphold herself like she is perfect, no hesitation or insecurity is supposed to slip through the cracks, at least not yet.
They made Aang way too depressed way too fast. I get they were trying to be “realistic” but he’s still a twelve-year-old child who had a great responsibility thrust upon him and is trying to hold onto that youth. At least wait until season three when he really starts to feel it.
I don’t know what they were doing with Bumi either. Again, they are trying to be “realistic” by having Bumi be bitter about Aang disappearing, but realistically, for all he knew his friend had died. He was also just eccentric and went with the flow, he was a fun silly character and there was no reason to change that.
Zuko and Iroh were perfection. I’ve seen some people complain about Zuko but that is literally how he acted in season one, like a spoiled brat. It was great. Everyone loves season 2/3 Zuko but forget the mess he was in season one.
Alas, this is all I can fit for now. Hopefully, I can get part 2 to talk about some of the story directions but it is doubtful. All this criticism to say: I genuinely can’t wait for season two.
