#thisis2020 Quarantine Watch Review – “Avatar: The Last Airbender”

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Iconic pose of Aang, the long-lost Avatar, in a scene during “Avatar: The Last Airbender”

On Friday, May 15, 2020, all three seasons of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” released for streaming on Netflix in the US! Nearly 12 years ago, the show aired on Nickelodeon to an outstanding critical and fan acclaim. Since then, “Avatar” entered the hall of classic anime television. Although the show has been readily available on DVD, Blu-ray, and small online streaming platforms for quite a while, fans have long-awaited its availability on a big, higher-quality streaming platform. 

 

This action-packed, comical show sparks intrigue and insight in students of all ages. Especially during this difficult phase in all of our lives, this is the perfect chance for audiences craving an exhilarating watch to experience magical nostalgia. For fans that have watched the riveting show, it’s arrival on Netflix allows an opportunity to relive childhood once again and enjoy a beloved anime masterpiece. 

 

The concept of the series itself ropes viewers in from the very first episode. “Avatar” takes place in a universe where the world is divided into four nations: The Water Tribe, The Earth Kingdom, The Fire Nation, and The Air Nomads. Each represents a natural element for which the nation is named. Benders from every kingdom have the ability to control the element of their respective nation. The four nations lived in harmony until the Fire Nation began to take over and only the Avatar, the master of all four elements, can restore balance. However, his sudden disappearance launches a 100-year-long war. All three seasons focus on Aang’s journey mastering the elements, alongside his friends Katara and Sokka to save the world from The Fire Nation. 

 

One of the best parts of Avatar is the world-building. Since characters are never in the same place for too long, the locations never get repetitive or uninteresting. Every episode is wholesome and refreshing! New characters and conflicts are constantly introduced and ultimately build-up towards epic season finales. The setting and environment Nickelodeon Animation Studios invented are also incredibly rich, colorfully creative, and just plain gorgeous. 

 

Across its three seasons, every character grows, changes, and forms bonds that stand the test of time. Iconically hilarious writing and animations for them maintain a perfect balance between comedy and thrill.

 

The show tackles multiple mature themes including war, genocide, life, death, responsibility, disability, love, and loss. Despite this, it never feels like too much. Colorful arches of the story are skillfully bound together to create a gripping plot. Because of the main goal the protagonists are striving to accomplish, viewers continuously stumble upon new shades of their universe, whether it be whimsically bright or savagely dark.

 

With an extraordinary 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, an audience rating summary of 4.9/5, and 9.2/10 on IMDb, the ratings of the show fly through the roof. 

 

Quarantine viewers will be delighted to binge this refreshing series. The iconic world-building coupled with loveable character work opens up a window of adventure and magical friendships that leaves the audience full and smiling.