Avatar: The Last Airbender, a 15-year-old cartoon, jumped to number one in the U.S. on Netflix almost as soon as it released on the streaming platform. For me and likely for many other people, it was a wonderful blast of nostalgia, especially right now when many are limited on what we can do. It was nice to have.
I remember seeing Avatar on TV when I was a child, though I don’t remember it well. I only caught the occasional episode here and there. I was only eight when the series finished, but I remember catching the finale about halfway through and thinking it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen.
Even without having gotten to know the characters well as a child, this show still cemented itself in my memory. The last half of the finale has some of the best animated fight scenes I have ever seen. But more than this, even with the small amount I had seen, the characters were memorable and likeable.
While re-watching the series on Netflix, I was simultaneously watching it for the first time and re-experiencing a childhood memory. I knew it was a great series from the praise it had gained from fans, but I had no idea just how good it would be.
Watching it now, I was able to appreciate it much more. The characters have arcs and growth that stretch over all three seasons. Two great examples are fan favorites Prince Zuko and his uncle Iroh.
Zuko is cast out from his home and his family. When we meet him, he is trying to restore his honor by hunting down the Avatar. Over the course of the show, he learns humility and to create his own destiny instead of trying to be what people expect. While Zuko is cast out, he travels with Iroh, who teaches him — through much difficulty — to accept himself and become a better person.
From the beginning, Iroh is a likeable character, but it isn’t until the second season that we get insights into his past. Seeing it now, I think Zuko reflects Iroh, experiencing the same growth Iroh did in the past. Iroh used to be a great general, but after the loss of his son in a battle, he gave up on conquering others. We learn Iroh sees Zuko as his own son, which is why Iroh tries so hard to get him to change his ways.
ATLA deals with issues like war, loss, genocide and the debate of sacrificing moral values for the greater good. These are not things a kids show would normally include. The show feels more real than what you would expect from a cartoon. I didn’t expect to be tearing up at parts.
If you haven’t watched Avatar yet or are on the fence, I sincerely recommend it. It is enjoyable and there are lessons you can learn from it no matter your age. By the end you will fall in love with the characters.
I have not seen a show this good in a long time. And I challenge you to find one better.
Joey Cisneros can be reached at [email protected]