Finished the Rewatch.
Avatar: The Last Airbender has a startling aptitude for building a strong balance of lore-building, character development, and keeping the storyline a surprise for audiences with ingenious(or at least sokka-level ingenious) solutions to very crucial dilemmas. Many of the episodes carry potent and universal themes that help build Aang from a 12-Year old with a lot on his dinner plate to a legend worthy of note. It reminds me a bit of Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, where the goal revolves less around success through extermination and more of self-improvement/enlightenment.
Theming. Theming everywhere.
Not to mention the fact that quite a few story arcs are being juggled at the same time; While Aang’s story is of Pilgrimage and a certain level of empowerment to defeat a malevolent foe, Zuko’s Quest becomes one of redemption more than anything else. And as the story goes on, his reason for seeking redemption ebbs and flows over time, which is impressive to watch.
The original pilot does a great job of introducing the characters while sprinkling bits of the main story. And to think that without Sokka’s unsavory comments, Aang may have remained a floating meat popsicle ad infinitum..making it apt timing for The Warriors of Kyoshi to give Sokka a few lessons in appropriate propriety.
It’s a wonder looking back that a seemingly minute character group like the Warriors of Kyoshi(or just characters *in* the group) can get callbacks as late as the boiling rock episode, or receive their own impostors during the retaking of Ba Sing Se. The threads of this tale hardly begin and end when the credits roll - it feels like a web of intrigue spread over a vast kingdom. The King of Omashu episode is also a strong example of astute resolutions to the main characters’ plights while building off of Aang’s history and AtlA’s lore in general; One of many episodes that play off Aang’s protracted departure from his home. I suppose the off-kilter trials King Bumi provides are a reflection of his own wild form of intellect.
Aang’s first journey into the spirit world was a grim reminder than the effects of the fire nation went beyond the mortal realm - something for those who’ve finished Book One are far too aware of.
The Storm’s damned good. Origin Stories, bro.
The Fortuneteller episode was kinda *eh* for me. The theme of focusing on human will over the whims of speculative fate was prevalent, but wobbled a bit more into lovey-dovey territory. Got a few laughs out of it, though. Really enjoyed the Deserter. The way AtlA’s team managed to build a theme of restraint through its storyline both for waking Aang up to potential shortcomings and reminding him what recklessness in fire bending(or just philosophy in general) looks like. If you look as far as Sozin’s comet from In The Inferno, Super-Crazy-Ultra-Bitch Azula is a not-so-shining example of losing humanity, replaced by savagery. It’s a testament to the series that the way people percieve past or future episodes can be either reinforced or reshaped entirely as Aang’s expedition progresses.
Northern Water Palace is freakin’ gorgeous, and the 2-Parter is just as impressive. Not unlike the water bending master episode, the theme of being chained to the shackles of tradition also comes into play. However, it seems the decision from the woman in play was flip-flopped instead. Xiao had certainly been ambitious up to this point, but the extent he aims for is rather abominable. Giant Fish Moon Godzilla is best Godzilla.
Dressed in Red Garb, Wields Lightning, and values the needs of herself over others? Azula is strong in the dark side, it seems. If people weren’t sure enough that Ozai had little interest in Zuko outside of using him to gain the avatar, Book 2 certainly clears that up. For Zuko, this section of AtlA is likely the most tumultuous - A Fugitive being hunted by his own family, and Zuko Alone is brutal as ever. Between his Uncle’s wise influence and memories flooding from the past, it’s emotionally-charged and one of the highlights of Book Two.
The Avatar Day episode makes me wonder a bit due to the Kyoshi/Chin backstory. We know Kuvira was meant to parallel Korra herself in personality - were her actions meant to parallel past actions of the Earth Kingdom as well? I suppose Ozai/Sozin have the same intent, just a thought.
Toph, Toph, Toph. Toph.
ph.
The most unique form of bending and an absolute madwoman in the fighting ring. Almost seemed like she had a bit of Yukiko Syndrome in the beginning. Cool girl.
The Guru episode is probably one of my favorites. Tapping into Eastern Philosophy, opening the 7 Chakras is something that audiences young, old, and in-between can associate with in meaningful ways. The illusion of separation in particular is bridged with perfect timing to Toph’s own insight, sparked by her own entrapment. Episodes like these are why people are still talking about Avatar: The Last Airbender 10 years after its release.
Considering what Aang managed to survive, it was a breath of dragon’s air to step into to a normal life…or something close to it. Dancing in a Secret Tunn….Cave? Huh. Much like with their legendary fight scenes, the AtlA team certainly know how to present inspiring choreography. Episodes like this feel more robust in establishing a bond between Aang and Katara, instead of teasing with Tale of Two Lovers or The Fortuneteller. Avatar and the Firelord Episode has some serious lore to go with it. A bit like the early Book 3 episodes, it helped cement in that the big bad fire nation isn’t necessarily one big army of evildoers. People aren’t born evil, though our environments can certainly effect our perceptions as human beings. Sozin was certainly ambitious and determined, if a bit carried away with his plan. It’s far harder to empathize with Ozai, who seems a little more mwahaha in comparison.
The Runaway episode hit me harder than I was expecting. 10 Years ago, my mom passed away and it had a strong effect on my family. My sister’s occasional bossiness and invasive nature to my problems weren’t ever for the sake of annoyance- it’s because she actually cares about the people around her and compassion stems from her actions, which isn’t that common in the real world. It’s hard not to see that in Katara, either. This show, man. >_< Pls Stahp
The Black Sun Invasion is a well-animated culmination of the adventures they’ve had and the people they’ve met over the adventure fighting for a single goal. Unfortunate for them, Azula’s known of the Black Sun Strategem for some time as was hinted way earlier. In a last hail mary move, Team Discovery Channel race against the clock - 10 minutes to go, 8 minutes to win with an educated guess of their new hiding spot. Zuko finally gets time to resolve on what’s been built up for two and a half books in something reminiscent of a Luke & Vader scene. Was hoping for a bigger fight between Rufio and the Joker, but whaddyagonnado.
The Western Air Temple is bittersweet, and it’s coming full circle considering the scene between the Dragon and the Banished Prince. Zuko doesn’t have the greatest social skills or history between him and the group… but you can’t blame the other side either, on trying to join a group he‘s been hounding for so long. It’d take a *severe* boost of trust to even reach that point, nothing short of heroism. Fortunately the second time around he has a better handle on *why* he was hounding them in the first place. This is also a great segue way into the Firemaster episode. Like so many of AtlA, they yet again tie in parts of the lore, twist the the character arcs, and move along the main story with surprising precision. It speaks a good deal that the Ozai family missed crucial parts of what the essence of fire bending is, instead turning it into an outlet for their anger."
"RIOT!” ಠ_ಠ ! …
I approve of the Fire Emblem Players. A Recap and a Self-Aware Parody in theatrical form. What else is there to say?
The Finale to end all Finales is superb in building a level of tension drawn from an early twist & A last-minute life-changing field trip. Ozai’s War Plan almost seems like a corrupted version of what Sozin originally wanted, for the world to see things his way of prosperity…not to create Armageddon and build up from nothing. The words of wisdom from previous avatars are vague, and somewhat deceiving to what Aang eventually chooses. Initially, I didn’t even know what the hell Lionturtle was talking about. Feels like I was listening to Iroh again.
Aang chooses something that people weren’t even aware would be possible; On an RPG forum(or what used to be one), I’m sure many value the concept of options *besides* hitting the bad guy with the spirit bomb. Virtually all the main characters play a part and gain their own resolutions, and the last corrupt firelord is in captivity. The Kingdom is at peace.
All 3 Books hold 16 Discs total, with some notable Extras and Audio Commentaries. It seems the Bending motions are based off Chinese forms of Martial Art - Tai Chi and Northern Shaolin to name a few. I believe someone earlier was worried about picture resolutions. At least for Book 2 & 3, they look fantastic in widescreen. Book 1 is odd, as the first disc had some weird animation issues in widescreen, and the rest are displayed in a normal 1:1 ratio. It’s fair to assume that this will be resolved in the new collection as well. No subtitles.
Haven’t had the chance to see the bonus discs…cuz you know, 1500 minutes of High Quality Storyline, and stuff.
It’s a wonder looking back that a seemingly minute character group like the Warriors of Kyoshi(or just characters *in* the group) can get callbacks as late as the boiling rock episode, or receive their own impostors during the retaking of Ba Sing Se. The threads of this tale hardly begin and end when the credits roll - it feels like a web of intrigue spread over a vast kingdom. The King of Omashu episode is also a strong example of astute resolutions to the main characters’ plights while building off of Aang’s history and AtlA’s lore in general; One of many episodes that play off Aang’s protracted departure from his home. I suppose the off-kilter trials King Bumi provides are a reflection of his own wild form of intellect.
Haven’t had the chance to see the bonus discs…cuz you know, 1500 minutes of High Quality Storyline, and stuff.
