The Last Airbender’ Finds the Balance

Warning: this evaluate accommodates spoilers for Avatar: The Final Airbender

In a world that’s affected by reboot fatigue it may be arduous to remake a beloved little bit of content material at the perfect of occasions. The duty is even more durable if you’re speaking about one thing that has a rabidly devoted fanbase, like Avatar: The Final Airbender.

The particular issues round remaking this franchise are manifold. Producers would have wished to seize the magic that made the unique so nice whereas additionally crafting a narrative that new audiences may fall in love with. The inherent variations between animation and live-action imply that beloved scenes and storylines must be shifted. Issues like character adjustments could be scrutinized greater than welfare funding in a conservative district. There was a big probability that this live-action remake would find yourself as traumatizing because the famously failed M. Evening Shyamalan film.

The opening sequence of Avatar: The Final Airbender instantly banishes these demons. We dive proper right into a battle between an unnamed earthbender and a few fireplace nation troopers, and the primary little bit of bending we see is earth, which many followers will see as a joking reference to the infamous scene within the Shyamalan movie. It’s as if the showrunners are telling followers to not fear. They usually’re proper to, as a result of it is a unbelievable watch that solely grows in stature over its eight-episode arc.

The collection is rejigged each when it comes to timelines and plot. We shortly study this riveting battle scene takes place through the time of Hearth Lord Sozin (Hiro Kanagawa), so viewers of this primary episode are given far more historic context for the ATLA world than is offered within the opening episodes of the unique collection. We then change to a younger Aang (Gordon Cormier), who learns that he’s the omnipotent Avatar, and is about to be taken away from these he is aware of and loves so he can start his coaching. There’s some exposition that’ll be outdated information to followers, however is important for newer watchers in the event that they wish to have a clue about what’s occurring. Not all of us have in-depth opinions in regards to the ethics of bloodbending, in spite of everything.

One other clear change is the general darkening of the present. Whereas the themes of the unique have been hardly lighthearted (the impression of genocide, the horrors of struggle, and the way abuse can seep via generations are simply among the enjoyable issues that the cartoon touches upon), the live-action collection stares at these points straight within the face. In a time the place there’s state-sanctioned slaughter being justified underneath the guise of bringing peace, that is sadly extra related than it ought to be.

Probably the most tangible instance of this newfound realism is the best way the present touches upon demise. The animated collection was well-known for brushing over it, however right here we see the true evil of firebenders as they soften flesh from bone, in addition to a extra in-depth exploration of how 100 years of struggle destroys the psyches of those that have suffered via it. The altered character of Bumi (Utkarsh Ambudkar) encapsulates this, typified by a harrowing speech he provides to Aang in regards to the arduous selections leaders need to make, like deciding whether or not the orphanage or the military will get the final scraps of meals.

Bumi isn’t the one character who’s developed in a different way, however the shifts are dealt with nicely by the writing crew. The truth that Sokka (Ian Ousley) is much less outwardly sexist than his character initially is within the animated collection was greeted with consternation among the many fandom, who felt a fantastic character arc was being ripped from them. Nevertheless, the showrunners have given him completely different motivations that work nicely. Plus, it’s not as if they’ve simply gotten rid of it to attraction to some “woke” agenda, as proven by the very fact Pakku (A Martinez) continues to be a sexist who overcomes his bigotry. Katara can be much less hotheaded than within the authentic collection, with extra consideration given to constructing her confidence as a waterbender. It may not be acquainted, but it surely feels pure.

One character who’s her acquainted dastardly self is Azula (Elizabeth Yu). Her introduction is without doubt one of the most riveting scenes within the season and completely conveys her relationship along with her abusive father Hearth Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim). The messed-up dynamics of that entire household come to the fore early right here, and can undoubtedly be a wealthy vein to faucet into in later seasons.

Typically, more room is given to backstories and interpersonal relationships on this collection, and the characterization is quite a bit subtler than the unique. It is a pure consequence of the very fact it’s live-action, and aimed toward a wider viewers than simply youngsters. Many characters profit from this, however none extra so than Zhao, who’s portrayed phenomenally by Ken Leung.

As a visible feast, the collection is astounding, particularly in relation to exhibiting bending. The battle scenes are splendidly choreographed all through, and other than a couple of moments when Aang’s light-footedness stretches the believability of the CGI, all of it feels actual. Costumes and make-up are all good, as is ready dressing. It is a collection that calls for to be watched on a giant display.

The showrunners handle to combine fan service moments too. Sure: meaning the cabbage vendor makes an look. There are additionally tidbits of knowledge from the broader Avatar universe slipped in, like Kyoshi’s poverty-stricken origin, in addition to an early point out of lion turtles to proper the deus ex machina wrongs of the unique collection. Issues are wanting good for individuals who are eager to see Zuko (Dallas James Liu) say “that’s tough, buddy,” in some unspecified time in the future in season 3.

My one main criticism is that in some scenes the performing feels a little bit picket, particularly within the early episodes. The banter between the Gaang is sometimes relatively compelled, at which level you bear in mind these are principally baby actors with little expertise. So, it’s simple to chop them some slack, particularly as all of them pull it out of the bag within the heavier scenes. Sokka’s one-liners additionally fall flat, however that could possibly be a results of their sharp distinction towards the extra viscerally darkish tone of the present.

Moreover, very like within the animated collection, the present takes a few episodes to search out its ft, which suggests some slower and fewer compelling moments. By the third episode, nonetheless, we’re within the full swing of issues. Episode 6 is a very sensible watch, and presumably the perfect of the season.

Watchers additionally could take problem with the less-than-subtle dialogue. Then once more, that is tailored from a present during which Zuko mentioned the phrase “honor” so usually it might as nicely have been tattooed on his face, so a little bit laziness as regards to exhibiting character motivation isn’t the top of the world. In a method, it’s to be anticipated, particularly with all of the lore to pack in.

At its coronary heart, Avatar: The Final Airbender is a narrative about discovering steadiness. The showrunners have managed to do this by crafting one thing new and thrilling, whereas maintaining maintain of the issues that made the supply materials so nice. Whether or not you’re a first-time watcher or somebody who may write an essay on why Zaheer is without doubt one of the biggest animated villains of all time, you will see that what you’re searching for on this reboot. I do know I can’t watch for season 2.