we got the best cast

I was so excited for this adaption. Had a countdown on my phone and was always looking forward to it. When it came out, I didn’t even finish it. Simply could not get into it. Is the general consensus that it was good? I think I was expecting too much. Is it worth checking out again?

https://twitter.com/KnightGambit/status/1849116565565743263

Let's just say they don't do puppet master in first half of s3 and combine it with southern raiders.. here is my "what if" script, with some polishing touches from chatgpt (because I'm too lazy to format it myself)

The episode begins at the Western Air Temple, where Azula launches an assault on the group. The attack is fierce and overwhelming, forcing Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, Suki and Zuko to flee the temple. They escape on Appa, flying through the night and leaving the chaos behind them. The group lands in a small Fire Nation town, seeking refuge after their narrow escape. They are tired and shaken but determined to keep moving forward. Upon arriving in the town, they are greeted by an elderly woman named Hama, who offers them shelter at her inn. With nowhere else to go, they accept her offer and settle in for the night.

At the inn, tension builds between Katara and Zuko. Katara remains deeply mistrustful of Zuko, still angry over his past betrayal. As the group sits together, Zuko attempts to explain his actions, mentioning that he can help Katara find out who killed her mother. This revelation surprises the group, and Zuko explains that by looking through Fire Nation military records, they could track down the person responsible. The idea piques Katara’s interest, though she remains conflicted. Eventually, she agrees to go with Zuko to search for answers.

Zuko and Katara set off, scouring through Fire Nation records in the nearby town’s archives by assaulting through the crew and neutralising them. After hours of searching, they find information about a Southern Water Tribe bender being killed by the Southern Raiders, the group responsible for the attack that killed Katara’s mother. The records lead them to a name: Yon Rha, the former commander of the Southern Raiders. Fueled by rage, Katara and Zuko track down Yon Rha, who is now an old, frightened man living in isolation. The confrontation is intense, with Katara using her waterbending to demand answers from him. Yon Rha admits to his role in the raid but tries to justify his actions, claiming he was just following orders. In a moment of clarity, Katara realizes that killing him won’t bring her peace. Instead, she abducts him, dragging him back to the inn to decide his fate.

Back at the inn, Hama tells the group about strange disappearances of Fire Nation soldiers in the area. She mentions rumors of a mysterious figure, said to be a legendary prisoner who escaped from a brutal prison for foreigners. Hama explains that she, too, had been held in that prison before escaping with the help of this mysterious prisoner, though has no memory of how it happened and no one knows how they managed to escape, as the entire prison crew was found dead. That night, as the group rests, Toph senses faint vibrations from deep underground—screams and movements that suggest something sinister is happening nearby. Her instincts tell her it’s connected to the disappearances Hama mentioned.

When Katara and Zuko return with Yon Rha, the group discusses what to do with him. Zuko argues that Yon Rha deserves to die for his crimes, but Aang and Sokka disagree, insisting that execution is not the answer. Katara, still filled with rage, begins to spiral emotionally, torn between her desire for revenge and her moral compass. As the full moon rises, they realize both Yon Rha and Hama are gone. Believing Yon Rha has abducted Hama and escaped, the group splits up: Zuko, Suki and Toph go to investigate the strange cave Toph sensed earlier, while Aang, Sokka, and Katara head into the forest to search for Yon Rha.

In the forest, Aang, Sokka, and Katara eventually find Yon Rha, terrified and barely able to stand. His arms are broken, and he’s muttering incoherently, his fear overwhelming him. It is then that Hama reveals herself to the group, stepping out of the shadows. She encourages Katara to finish him off, saying that Katara can complete her own revenge and fulfill Hama’s as well.

Katara, torn between the desire for justice and the temptation of vengeance, resists Hama’s urging.She explains that she has been killing Fire Nation soldiers for years, seeking vengeance for the destruction of her family and homeland. She admits that she was the legendary prisoner who escaped the prison by killing all of the guards. Hama reveals that Yon Rha was part of the group that raided the Southern Water Tribe when he was a young recruit that killed hama's family/lover/boyfriend. At this moment, Hama reveals her true power—she bloodbends Katara, using her mastery of the forbidden technique to control her. Hama goes on to explain how she learned bloodbending in prison and how it allowed her to escape by killing the guards. She uses Aang and Sokka as weapons against Katara, forcing Katara to fight her friends. The battle grows intense as Katara struggles to resist, eventually realizing the only way to stop Hama is to break her fingers, preventing her from bending.

Katara is forced to do the unthinkable—she bloodbends Hama, snapping her fingers to stop her attacks. As Hama falls to the ground, defeated, Zuko, Suki and Toph arrive. Zuko is horrified by what he sees—Katara using bloodbending, something he never expected her to be capable of. The weight of what they’ve done hangs in the air. Yon Rha is left cowering, helpless and broken. Katara spares his life, leaving him bound but alive, choosing not to let her rage consume her completely.

With Hama unconscious, the group decides not to take her with them, fearing her dangerous abilities. Instead, they knock her out and leave her in chains next to Yon Rha. They instruct Yon Rha to take Hama to the authorities, warning him that they will come for him if he fails. Yon Rha, terrified, agrees, and the group quickly leaves, not wanting to remain in the town any longer.

The group escapes to Ember Island, seeking solace after the traumatic events. At the beachside house, they take time to rest and recover. Days pass, and the atmosphere remains tense, especially between Katara and Zuko. Eventually, Katara and Zuko have a moment on the island’s shores. Katara reflects on everything that has happened, acknowledging that Zuko played a role in helping her confront her past, even though it nearly led her to a dark place. In the quiet of the island, Katara forgives Zuko for his past betrayals and thanks him for supporting her through this difficult journey.

End of Episode.

Took them a season and couple of million dollars to realize going cheap ain't right way when it comes to avatar.

From Thalia’s IG story of Gordon getting surprised for his birthday. He seems to be a bit taller than Kiawentiio.

I wonder how tall he’ll be by the end of Season 2 or even 3?! I think he’s already taller than his dad too.

Disclaimer: No issue with Gordon’s height. It’ll just be interesting and kinda cool to see a taller Aang in the live action.

As I commented in another post on this sub a few days ago: after rewatching the live action, I felt the need to write my thoughts down and wrote an analysis of Katara and the character development I noticed. Gosh, I hope, they do her justice in seasons 2 and 3. But I'm cautiously optimistic that Katara will become at least more of the assertive and loud girl who stands her ground from season 2 forward. We saw a spark of it already starting in the middle of season 1.

The live-action creators likely decided to present her as a quiet character due to her trauma. Instead of being loud when frustrated about Sokka, like in the OG, Katara is quiet, won't say anything that could lead to an argument. It seemed to me like, here in the LA, Katara just had accepted her role as a caretaker after her mother's death. Also, she probably feels like a failure for not being able to waterbend properly. Aside from convincing Sokka to fight for the Avatar, accompanying Aang and a little sibling teasing in episode 2, there is not much more to her character.

In episode 3, she is already more confident in standing her ground, having the first argument with Sokka, even calling him a jerk. A more significant confrontation happens in episode 4, in the cave of two lovers, where Katara unleashes everything she's suppressed for years and knows exactly how to hurt him: 'You're not dad!'

In episode 7, just like in the OG, she is challenging Pakku. It wasn’t as impressive as in the OG due to the flat writing, IMO, but it was there. Katara was outspoken against the misogyny she witnessed and refused to be just a healer.

It seems as if the journey developed not only her waterbending, but her character as well. Instead of being loud from the start, the creators decided that she would acquire the character trait—this is at least what it looks like to me. Unfortunately, both progressed too quickly, and we see far too little of our Katara. The live-action needed one or two more quiet episodes to really let us get to know the Gaang. It felt way too rushed, especially with the different adventures. Season 2 however follows a continuous storyline, so it could be adapted properly even with 8 episodes. More guarantee of it would be with a higher count, and I hope we get that.

That said, I enjoyed season 1 despite its flaws, but the flat writing and the missing depth of the characters disappointed me—especially Katara as my favorite in the OG. What is important to me for the following seasons, no matter the episode count, is a way stronger script with stronger dialogues, allowing the characters to have depth and flaws they learn to outgrow—and for Katara to show more of this impressive young woman who inspired so many young girls in the OG. And, I mean, Kiawentiio is so Katara-coded...just let her be herself.

Hello! I’m back. And I have here the second-to-last post for Avatar the Last Airebender! So close to the end now! I almost don’t want to watch lol it’s going to be sad.

But here we are with episodes 14 and 15!

Reminder: when I do Legend of Korra, it won’t be on the ATLAtv sub. I’m only posting those commentaries to TheLastAirbender and legendofkorra. (also, I’m doing a new show as well, Interview With The Vampire. If interested, you can find those posts on InterviewVampire or on my profile)

Let’s go!

Episode 14- The Southern Raiders

1. Wow, the animators really wanted to put extra detail into Aang’s right pectoral this episode, apparently.

They’re under attack! Too bad, I really liked this location. The air temple design was just so cool, you know? Also… “Okay, I’m not crushed. You can get off me now.” They’re teasing the Zutara shippers aren’t they? Lol

Gah, I’ve been saying it since NATLA and it’s still true: I love Sokka and Katara with their hairs down. Those water tribe genes really favored gorgeous hair.

Also, I love that the Fire Nation has invented aerial bombing. We’re getting into World War 1 levels of technology here.

2. “I’m about to celebrate becoming an only child!” Geez, Azula lol I guess she’s not offering Zuko any more chances to defect. Something’s odd about her. The animation and voice acting are both kind of weird in that moment. Not criticizing, just something I noticed.

Aw… poor Appa. Yeah, I totally get why he doesn’t like tunnels, given his experiences underground so far.

Lmao “Quick everyone! Escape through the tunnels… except you, Suki. You’re coming with me.”

Wow, Zuko and Azula are more evenly matched now. I didn’t doubt that she’d find a way to survive that fall but I’m kind of surprised that they were all so willing to let her fall to her death. But then, I suppose Team Avatar’s killed lots of firebenders like that already lol it’s practically the only family-friendly way they have of letting them be lethal on this show.

Also Azula looks amazing with her hair blowing in the wind like that.

3. Katara still doesn’t like Zuko, but it’s nice to see everyone else toasting him and calling him a hero. She does have a point though, none of the other members of Team Avatar were betrayed so directly by Zuko. Heck, I don’t think anyone except Katara and Iroh were expecting him to be good. Speaking of Iroh… where the heck is he?! We’re almost done with the show!

LMAO! Zuko just interrupted Suki trying to sneak into Sokka’s tent! And she was so embarrassed, so you know what she had in mind! Lol omg, and Sokka was expecting her, and he had the rose in his mouth and he’s not wearing any pants! Folks, I wish you could hear me right now. I think I’m disturbing the neighbors lol

Oh… this is a Katara’s mother episode.

Zuko’s helping Katara find her mother’s killer! Sorry I didn’t have much to say these last couple minutes, I’ve been on the edge of my seat!

4. Holy shit, Katara. “Then you didn’t love her the way I did.” You know, I’ve noticed throughout this show that despite her caring nature, Katara does have a real dark streak. But is it wrong of me to be absolutely thrilled to see her and Zuko go off and murder someone? Lol they probably won’t. Kids show and all that, but still.

Man, this is a tough one. I see Aang’s point, I really do. Justice, revenge, punishment… these aren’t really good things, you know? In an ideal world they wouldn’t exist… but this isn’t an ideal world. And besides, the firebender who killed Katara’s mother is probably still a threat to others, so killing him may not even be such a negative thing.

Well… she can’t really steal Appa lol Appa is a sentient, intelligent being who can communicate with humans. He can decide for himself if he wants to go. But I love that she’s dressed all in black for this. Give me that villain-protagonist energy! I love it!

Uh… yeah, Sokka, why do you need Momo for a week?

5. Look at Katara and Zuko being stealthy, murderous ninjas. They’re all grown up!

Oh wow. This is different. In NATLA, the firebender was looking for Katara, and killed her mother in front of her while she hid. Here it seems like he let Katara go, which is… better? Marginally speaking.

It’s kind of cool what Katara’s doing with the water on her arms. Almost looks like she has tentacles!

Oh shit! Katara’s bloodbending! Wait, is it a full moon? I’m gonna rewind real quick and check. Okay, it was a full moon the previous night! Close enough I guess! But wow, I remember when bloodbending horrified Katara and now she’s so willing to use it for revenge. Just like Hama.

Oh no… it’s one thing to hunt down and kill an active member of an enemy military, but this guy’s retired. Should he face some kind of “justice” for his crimes? Absolutely, but this isn’t like killing in war. This would be killing someone who isn’t a threat anymore. It won’t actually benefit anyone.

6. And besides, it looks like his mother is punishing him enough on a daily basis lol

Wow. Even though there’s less shown, that flashback is still just as harrowing as NATLA’s.

Well, obviously Katara made the right decision here. Retribution and retaliation don’t solve anything, they just perpetuate a cycle of suffering. Killing in defense is really the only time taking a life is justified. Executing someone helpless, even if you could argue that they deserve it, only harms the person doing the killing. It’s just not worth it.

7. “I didn’t forgive him. I’ll never forgive him.” And that’s totally her right, too. Choosing to walk away and move on doesn’t mean you have to absolve anyone who’s wronged you.

Also, I’ve got this paused and right now Katara has one hand on Zuko’s shoulder, one around his waist, and they’re staring into each other’s eyes with their faces awfully close to each other’s. I wish I could share this moment with you because it is peak Zutara.

“Violence wasn’t the answer.”

“It never is.”

“Then I have a question for you: what are you going to do when you face my father?” Well, that’s different, Zuko lol Ozai is an active threat who can and will cause a lot of harm to a lot of people. It’s okay to inflict violence on him, and I’m sure Aang understands that even if he’s not thrilled about it.

Damn, that was a great episode!

Episode 15- The Ember Island Players

1. Wow, shirtless Zuko and shirtless Aang are being hot (by firebending). If I wasn’t a lesbian (and was age appropriate) I probably would appreciate that fan service lol

There’s a play about them? Lol I hope they go see it. Also I love how we can identify every single source even though they’re not named! Where is the cabbage merchant anyway? I miss him.

The moon’s full again. Has it been a month since last episode or is Yue trying to clock in some overtime?

2. Aw, Aang wanted to sit next to Katara but Zuko beat him to it lol I guess we can’t have both Zutara and Kataang. Well, we could, but this is an old show and I don’t think folks were as cool with polyamory back then.

I love that the actress playing stage-Katara is showing cleavage. Even in this time period, artists understand the importance of fan service lol

“Wait, is that a woman playing me?” Buddy, you’ve literally been a woman before. You’re going to be a woman in your next life. Don’t get all cis-panic on us lol

Oh! Katara’s actress is showing thigh like all the way up to her butt too! Lol look at the writers pushing the envelope!

I love Zuko’s grin in the background lol he’s enjoying himself.

3. lmao Zuko and Iroh are spot on. Wait, is this going to be the entire episode? I’m not super opposed to that lol

Oh! They don’t know that Zuko’s the Blue Spirit! Oh my… we’re getting some Zukaang action too. (Seriously, why can’t Katara, Zuko, and Aang just be a throuple? They’re all perfect for each other!) “Oh Jet, you’re so bad.” lmao I’m gonna cry! Toph is me right now, just having the time of her life!

“This is the Great Divide, the biggest canyon in the Earth Kingdom!” “Eh, let’s keep flying.” Well, clearly the Ember Island Players know what the audience does and doesn’t want.

“You never told me you made out with the moon spirit.” Hah! I love this episode! And Sokka’s tears lol but if he ever wants Suki sneaking into his tent again he better stop shushing her. If only Yue was still alive, we could have another throuple.

4. “You are more in touch with your feminine side than most guys.” Toph knows what’s up!

And speaking of Toph, which sounds like tough because that’s what she is, I love that she loves her actor lol “I release a sonic wave from my mouth. AAAAAAAHHHH!” I’m gonna die, I swear!

“Did Jet just die?” “You know, it was really unclear.” Lmao! I remember all the times you guys said that in that comments!

Oh my, the Ember Island Players support Zutara it seems lol

“Choose treachery, it’s more fun.” lol it sure is!

5. These special effects aren’t half bad.

“Overreacting?! If I hadn’t blocked my chakra I’d probably be in the avatar state right now!” Uh, yeah, that sounds like overreacting to me lol So his chakra is blocked then?

I love Zuko+Toph moments, especially when they talk about Iroh.

“Oh no, another fan with ideas.” Heh, yeah, the avatar fanbase sure is opinionated, isn’t it?

6. Oh… are we doing this? Right here? Right now? (hush, Bertholdt) We’re putting Kataang development in the fluffiest episode this show has ever done? Ah… another kiss she didn’t respond positively to. That’s rough, buddy (yes, it’s a part of my daily vernacular now)

“Ah, I’m such an idiot!” No, you see Aang, all you have to do is turn into a really buff woman and then all the other women will swoon over you.

Not the Kataang handshake!

7. Why are they making Ozai and Azula seem like the villains in the play if this is a fire nation production? And why paint Team Avatar in such a positive light? That’s not very good propaganda!

I guess they’re giving us a little sneak peek at the next episode…

Concluding thoughts: Well that was fun! Of all the fluffier, more filler-ish episodes this show has done, I think Ember Island Players is my favorite. Not a lot to talk about there, it was kind of a recap of the whole show so far lol

The Southern Raiders was spectacular! I really loved seeing Katara’s dark side on full display, and Zuko’s too (even though he’s a good guy now, he was still raised in a violent culture so it’s still part of him). The philosophical questions posed by it are something I wasn’t expecting from a kid’s show, but I’m glad they did it. This episode is going to be great in NATLA!

Okay, this is it guys. The next post is the big finale! I can’t believe it’s here. How long have we been doing this? Six months? Longer? I’ll try not to take too long with it! But I am going to need at least three hours of uninterrupted free time to do it, so we’ll see.

Thanks for reading!

Both teaser and trailer music was absolute banger, but they have not released it. Any reason? They released whole lineup from show but not the trailers?

Btw this is my Facebook pfp back from November 2011 lmao

It’ll actually even make the romance with him and Katara more age appropriate, because in the first season, he’s so small that he looks like he would say “girls are icky”