Written by Caballero Oscuro
Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the finest series to ever grace TV. Not just a great Nickelodeon show, or a great kids show; it deserves a place in the hallowed halls of “greatest of all time.” And no, I’m not 12.
With a complex, intricately layered and clearly defined story arc stretching over three full seasons, to the masterfully created and extensively explored world setting, to its memorable and constantly evolving characters, to a perfect blend of writing incorporating healthy doses of humor, drama, action, and romance, the show is a powerhouse on all fronts and essential entertainment for discerning viewers of all ages. The primary culprit for keeping the show off the radar of most mainstream adult viewers is its Nickelodeon home, but with this new DVD box set release of the final season there’s no longer any excuse to overlook this new classic.
In an Asian-influenced world segregated into four nations, the evil Fire Nation has exerted its dominance over the Air, Water, and Earth Nations to such an extent that the Air Nation is nearly decimated and the Water and Earth Nations are increasingly falling under Fire Nation rule. This imbalance between the nations has traditionally been patrolled by the Avatar, an almighty warrior able to wield the powers of all four elements. Similar to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, when one Avatar dies, another chosen mortal is called to take his place, learning the ropes from masters of each element as well as the spirits of previous Avatars. Unfortunately, the world hasn’t seen an Avatar in a century, during which time the Fire Nation has been allowed to rise unchecked.
In season one, the long-missing Avatar reappeared, but he wasn’t exactly an almighty warrior. Instead, he was a kid named Aang who had only partially completed his training when he was trapped in ice until he was discovered by a couple of young adults from the Water Tribe. They became friends and joined Aang’s quest around the world to learn how to bend the other elements to his will, making new friends and enemies along the way while also avoiding Zuko, a particularly persistent pursuer from the Fire Nation.
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Article comments
1 - Dave
I agree to the review by "The masked movie snobs" especially for his "unrelated commentary alert". I think M. Night Shymalan movie "The last airbender" is doomed and will not make a great hit like the original show or any where near for that reason. The time period before its released itself is too long. The original show is canceled disappointing a lot of dedicated fans so the movie will be just another film with average ratings.Oh another thing the movie will be a repeat of the original show so i'd is just plain boring.
2 - liz
I don't think it's necessarily "doomed" just because M Night Shyamalan is directing. It really could go either way. True, Lady in the Water is probably the worst film I've ever seen, but then The Sixth Sense was one of the best. Besides, the original makers of the show are involved, which can only be a good thing. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking, but this movie could be really cool. I'll reserve judgement for a while.
(Oh, and the original show wasn't "cancelled." They never intended to make more than 3 seasons.)
3 - Grand Lotus
>* Footage from San Diego Comic-Con (where they gave all panel attendees great t-shirts!)<
The Comic-Con footage was recorded in 2007, not 2008 when the t-shirts were distributed.
4 - MeiMeiLee
Oh, yes!!! Avatar the last airbender is an absolute must-see!!!! Buy it RIGHT NOW!!!!!
But, I think that on one hand M. Night is a good pick for Avatar, because he is from an Asian country and he has it in his blood, so to say. Especially if you notice all the inspirations from hinduism and buddhism, he might actually understand the plot better than some stupid director, who'd aim for the usual popcorn movie. Avatar is deeper, it is deeper on so many levels, and it influenced many people to think about their lives and their destiny (well, at least that's true with me). We should always remember that!!!
5 - Ian
I really think it reflects badly on your status as a critic to call an incomplete work an 'abomination'. You obviously have not seen the film as it is in early production stage, so it's a bit early to condemn it. Anyway, I predict that it will be the next great trilogy, after lord of the rings.