I am very loyal to the original animated series, and I understand why the creators of the original series decided to part ways on this adaptation. I was so angry when I started this, so many plot points and characters were mushed together to fit into less episodes that it left out huge development details, huge connections that become critical later in the storyline, and above all else, Aang's story felt nothing like him. But then I switched perspectives, and made Zuko the main character in my head... and the whole thing changed. I was no longer mad about what was wrong with Aang's story because it was not the necessary to the main characters plot. I was still very annoyed... but I wasn't fuming and yelling at the TV (which I did, more than once). Is the original better? Hands down! But anyone who has seen the original should have already been prepared, knowing nothing will be better than what we all already loved. But because of how well the original handled character development, we all love Zuko just as much as we love Aang. So try watching it as if this is his story, it may make it easier for you to enjoy. Do I think this series can and should do better in the future at staying truer to the original plot? Absolutely. I am hoping they had to combine plot points in this season to get the show off the ground and get a bigger budget from Netflix on season two, and with a larger budget will stay truer to the story. I think it is worth watching, if only to see certain aspects come to life in live action. Just know there are parts you will be mad about. And give it a chance with Zuko in mind as the star.
Review of Avatar: The Last Airbender
