LTTP - Avatar: The Last Airbender

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So good it makes me yearn for it when I watch almost any other animated series. Zuko Alone was one of the episodes which convinced me just how good it was too, albeit I was hooked after Aang's first fight with Zuko on the ship, and really hooked after Zuko's magnificently shot and choreographed duel with Zhao.

Katara is a superb character, by the way, as well written as Zuko, Iroh, Aang. Gets a ton of hate though.
 

KingK

Member
My boyfriend always makes fun of me because I say it's the best tv series of all time. Whatever.

I love to live vicariously through people watching it for the first time. Is that weird?

I do the same thing. I've introduced like 5 people who've each introduced another couple people to the show. I've never seen anyone of any age, gender, or genre preference who didn't love this series. I don't understand how it can appeal to literally everyone and still be damn near perfect.
 

PBalfredo

Member
apparently they're actually creating an earth wall and the way the scene is shot makes it look like they're... levitating the stone.

but it's shit either way

Which is even more egregious considering that earth wall has already come and gone a solid six seconds before they're even finished. It's unbelievable how badly they fucked up the bending in that movie. Literally. I can't believe it. They somehow completely missed that bending is suppose to be an extension of each strike, not some magic conjured up by doing a bunch of lame poses. And its not like they could of missed it - they weren't adapting from a book and misinterpreted what the author was trying to say- they could just look at the show! Just take the guys in charge of the cheorgraphy and sfx, show them the cartoon and say "See, it's like that. Do exactly that." They tried to straight replicate so much else from the show, how the bending eluded them is beyond me.

Underrated episode. Establishes Azula's gang as an even bigger threat than was apparent in Return to Omashu. Also a great example of A:TLA's ability to balance intense scenes with slow, thoughtful ones and still be fun all the way.

The Chase is fantastic. It manages to be a character building episode for damn near everyone featured in it. It crams a lot into one episode, but the best part is the understated scene where Toph and Iroh just meet and talk over tea. They set up them becoming friends despite being on opposing "sides", and then cash in on it with their mutual realization of the situation at the Azula standoff at the end of the very same episode.

Also the moment where Aang runs into the top floor of the burnt out building and he's just floating on the air scooter when Azula runs in and she manages to maintain her balance at the ledge, but then Zuko bursts in and immediately eats shit makes me laugh every damn time.
 

Kangi

Member
Also the moment where Aang runs into the top floor of the burnt out building and he's just floating on the air scooter when Azula runs in and she manages to maintain her balance at the ledge, but then Zuko bursts in and immediately eats shit makes me laugh every damn time.

It's so perfectly in character for all of them. Aang being a clever kid who prefers a defensive approach, Azula underestimating anyone's ingenuity but her own yet still making it out unscathed, and Zuko being too determined and hotheaded to assess the situation. It's not just a funny scene justified by context, it's a perfectly natural way for a fight amongst those characters to develop. That's rock-solid character writing.
 

SykoTech

Member
I'm going through the show again for like the 59th time. Just watched The Blind Bandit yesterday. Still as phenomenal as ever.

Shame about Korra. And the live action movie. Both were quite the waste. The comics are pretty solid though.
 

meow

Member
Oh god, this show is soooo good and somehow it just manages to get better each season.

This thread just made me go watch the final fight again (and not the big obvious one).
that final agni kai ahhhhh
 

Lethe82

Banned
I love the use of bending in the fight scenes. It's something that sort of disappointed me about the first season of Korra (I haven't seen the subsequent seasons); the bending itself felt less spectacular.

Spoiler obviously and nowhere near the best fight in the series.

I actually found a lot of the fights in season 1 to be great, in-particular because of how they put an increased emphasis on the effects of the bending over just creating a bigger fireball.

Case and point:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6ZYpawbAP4

I had chills during this entire sequence, but the moment at 1:36 is particularly potent because we get to see all of Amons soldiers being knocked back by the power of Korra's firebending, everything within that space being jostled, and the body language of Amon serves to inform the viewer about what a threat he is.

Beyond that the fight choreography between Korra and Amon's Lieutenant is some of the best you ever see if Avatar period. The way she rolls with the blow is spectacular.
 
Never got all the hate for LoK. People should have kept their expectations in check that it would never surpass ATLA. If you accept that the writing is no where near ATLA's quality and is average overall (besides first half of Book 2 which is terrible), it's still a fun watch.
 

KingK

Member
Oh god, this show is soooo good and somehow it just manages to get better each season.

This thread just made me go watch the final fight again (and not the big obvious one).
that final agni kai ahhhhh
That is my favorite fight scene in the series. The music is incredible
 
What's wrong with Korra? I've only read and heard good things about it from acquaintances. Maybe it's not ATLA level?



Yeah, I remember when it first aired and I thought it'd be an awkward mix of styles that would fail. Never interested me until years later.

Boy, I was wrong. And I'm fucking glad I started watching it.

ATLA's story was set out from the beginning. The creators were allowed the freedom to have three guaranteed seasons to tell the story they wanted to tell.

Korra was originally a 10 episode mini series, then expanded to 2 seasons, then 3, then 4. As such there isn't much continuity and no well defined story arc with an especially slow, boring arc in season 2. It's still a great show however, just don't go in with your expectation as high and you'll enjoy it.
 
Screw all these people recommending Korra to you. Don't listen to them, it's a half-arsed attempt at... something. Korra has no soul or humour, it's steam punk comic 101.

Maybe it got better by season 3 or 4 but by the end of season 1 it left such a terrible taste in my mouth it ruined ATLA a little bit for me.

It's not about focus on plot vs atmosphere or humour vs drama, Korra is just soulless, plain and simple.
 

Lethe82

Banned
Screw all these people recommending Korra to you. Don't listen to them, it's a half-arsed attempt at... something. Korra has no soul or humour, it's steam punk comic 101.

Maybe it got better by season 3 or 4 but by the end of season 1 it left such a terrible taste in my mouth it ruined ATLA a little bit for me.

It's not about focus on plot vs atmosphere or humour vs drama, Korra is just soulless, plain and simple.

Disagree completely!
 

Helmholtz

Member
I've been thinking about watching it but I always had the impression that it was a show geared towards kids. Am I wrong?
 
May I ask why you thought that? Did the previous thread end badly?.

The most recent thread I saw was about how someone loved TLoK a lot, and thought to shout their enthusiasm from the rooftops. The whole thread turned into a venomous cesspool full of vitriol towards the show and ended up with a lot of people shitting on other people's opinions. Some of that has already occurred in this thread.

If you want to talk about either series without risk of any of that, the TLoK thread over in Community isn't a bad place. Though, it's more a weird clubhouse over there. You can jump in. The water's fine. People are nice.
 

Kangi

Member
I've been thinking about watching it but I always had the impression that it was a show geared towards kids. Am I wrong?

It goes more for the idea of "doesn't necessarily exclude kids". Yeah, it's on Nickelodeon and whatnot, but it handles mature themes with ease and doesn't really shy away from things just by way of being a "kids' show". Now, if you jump right in you'll see that the first part of season one in particular is fairly childish in its humor, but those are just growing pains, really. Besides, one can handle a bit of silliness now and again.

It's indeed kid-friendly, but that alone shouldn't sway you. Doesn't need to be rated TV-14 for blood, sex, and swearing to be an incredibly good show, at any rate.
 

Jintor

Member
Season 3 of Korra looked like they were getting a little of that spark back, at least. But jesus. That Season 2... christ. They burned a lot of my goodwill there.
 

Trey

Member
Screw all these people recommending Korra to you. Don't listen to them, it's a half-arsed attempt at... something. Korra has no soul or humour, it's steam punk comic 101.

Maybe it got better by season 3 or 4 but by the end of season 1 it left such a terrible taste in my mouth it ruined ATLA a little bit for me.

It's not about focus on plot vs atmosphere or humour vs drama, Korra is just soulless, plain and simple.

Never knew a show could hurt some one to this degree.
 

theJohann

Member
Screw all these people recommending Korra to you. Don't listen to them, it's a half-arsed attempt at... something. Korra has no soul or humour, it's steam punk comic 101.

Maybe it got better by season 3 or 4 but by the end of season 1 it left such a terrible taste in my mouth it ruined ATLA a little bit for me.

It's not about focus on plot vs atmosphere or humour vs drama, Korra is just soulless, plain and simple.

I would recommend that nobody watch The Legend of Korra, solely to avoid the inevitable ambivalence.
 

StoneFox

Member
I've been thinking about watching it but I always had the impression that it was a show geared towards kids. Am I wrong?
Season 1 is the most... "kid-ish" I would say, but there is more than enough content for adults to enjoy like the characters, the world, and the animation. In fact, the show had more teenage and adult fans than children, which is why Nick was hesitant to give Korra more than one season because they prefer to attract kids (which is why Invader Zim was canceled because it was too expensive and didn't sell toys despite a raving teenage audience). All the same, Korra was made for the 13+ crowd from the get-go and had mild success.

Season 1 of ATLA is not as good (IMO) as Seasons 2 and 3 but still better than most animated shows you can find these days.
 
My boyfriend always makes fun of me because I say it's the best tv series of all time. Whatever.

I love to live vicariously through people watching it for the first time. Is that weird?

I watched it for the first time a few weeks ago. I actually did it after I marathoned Korra which I started watching after it ended.
 

Fj0823

Member
OP must remember than for many people here "not as good as the original"=Worst Shit ever conceived.

Korra turned amazingly with all the crap Nick pulled on the writers and staff.
 

orochi91

Member
What makes this series truly special to me (apart from the amazing Asian/Inuit influences) is the family dynamics of the Fire Nation royal family.

The character development between Zuko, Iroh and Azula was just phenomenal.

That final Agni Kai between
the siblings
is one of the best choreographed sequences I have ever seen.

Coupled with the solemn soundtrack, animation and sound effects....

Just brilliant.

Aang's grief (regarding his peoples' extinction) during his
chakra session
with the Guru brought tears to my eyes.

LoK seems to be a great continuation (currently on Book 3) of all that as well; it just keeps getting better, despite starting off amazingly!
 
I love this series. I remember watching the series premiere in my kitchen and loving every minute of it. I was hooked from then on and have rewatched the entire run multiple times, something I've only done with one other series (Arrested Development).

I know I've not added much to the discussion, but I can't help but praise this show every chance I get.

I saw the first season of Korra and really didn't care for it, but I haven't gotten around to watching any of the other seasons, so I'm looking forward to experiencing those.
 
I've been thinking about watching it but I always had the impression that it was a show geared towards kids. Am I wrong?

It is a show aimed at kids. And it's a good show aimed at kids.
It is a bit bothersome to see other responses to this post try to justify their appreciation of the show by saying that it isn't really a kids show. It's a Y7 show that aired on Nickelodeon, and that's perfectly alright.
 

Loke13

Member
It is a show aimed at kids. And it's a good show aimed at kids.
It is a bit bothersome to see other responses to this post try to justify their appreciation of the show by saying that it isn't really a kids show. It's a Y7 show that aired on Nickelodeon, and that's perfectly alright.
With war, genocide, and slavery!

Not disagreeing that it's aimed at kids but it isn't solelyaimed at kids. The themes ATLA handles elevate it beyond just a kids show to me.
 

orochi91

Member
If anyone's looking for some reading after taking in the series:

Avatar: World and Mythology
Avatar: Forces for Change
Avatar: Balance and Moral Courage

I wrote these a few years ago, but they still get a bit of traffic and I think they still hold up.

Holy shit that Avatar Aang art:

avaxblo3.jpg
 

GCX

Member
With war, genocide, and slavery!

Not disagreeing that it's aimed at kids but it isn't solelyaimed at kids. The themes ATLA handles elevate it beyond just a kids show to me.
The series deals with many more mature themes but it's still a kid's show.

That doesn't mean it wouldn't be a brilliant and amazing series full of great art direction, writing, voice acting, etc. though. It's a great show that can be appreciated by everyone regardless of age and gender. The fact that it's a Nickelodeon show with kids as a target audience doesn't diminish its quality at all.

Kids shows can be just as superb as any series there is, it's not a sign of quality.
 

Altazor

Member
Watched "Bitter Work" last night. First things first: PHEW, at least Uncle Iroh is OK. And still kicking ass. I love him.

The rest of the episode is stellar. Parallels between Aang and Zuko's respective training and their inner conflicts, which hinders their learning. Toph is a harsh teacher and her methods clash directly with Aang's personality and philosophy (and also with Katara's), something reflected with Iroh's patience and Zuko's stubbornness and impulsiveness. Plot is barely progressing... and so is their learning :p

Hell, even Sokka's arc during the episode has some parallels to the main plot - but with humor and cuteness. That sabre tooth moose lion cub was totally adorable. Plus "Sokka the meat and sarcasm guy".

Some would consider this one a "filler" episode. I'd say that I'd love it if all filler episodes where as great as this one.
 

BorkBork

The Legend of BorkBork: BorkBorkity Borking
Watched "Bitter Work" last night. First things first: PHEW, at least Uncle Iroh is OK. And still kicking ass. I love him.

The rest of the episode is stellar. Parallels between Aang and Zuko's respective training and their inner conflicts, which hinders their learning. Toph is a harsh teacher and her methods clash directly with Aang's personality and philosophy (and also with Katara's), something reflected with Iroh's patience and Zuko's stubbornness and impulsiveness. Plot is barely progressing... and so is their learning :p

Hell, even Sokka's arc during the episode has some parallels to the main plot - but with humor and cuteness. That sabre tooth moose lion cub was totally adorable. Plus "Sokka the meat and sarcasm guy".

Some would consider this one a "filler" episode. I'd say that I'd love it if all filler episodes where as great as this one.


Bitter Work was my first episode. I started paying attention to the show after that.
 

Fj0823

Member
How are the PS2 games? Sad, this show never got a decent video game. Unless those PS2 games are?

Terribad.
The Legend of Korra one has amazing bending gameplay but it's waaay too short and the "story" is laughable.Plus some questionable TempleRun-ey sections
but seriously combat gameplay is pure platinum, give it a shot, its fine for $15
 

Shaanyboi

Banned
Watched "Bitter Work" last night. First things first: PHEW, at least Uncle Iroh is OK. And still kicking ass. I love him.

The rest of the episode is stellar. Parallels between Aang and Zuko's respective training and their inner conflicts, which hinders their learning. Toph is a harsh teacher and her methods clash directly with Aang's personality and philosophy (and also with Katara's), something reflected with Iroh's patience and Zuko's stubbornness and impulsiveness. Plot is barely progressing... and so is their learning :p

Hell, even Sokka's arc during the episode has some parallels to the main plot - but with humor and cuteness. That sabre tooth moose lion cub was totally adorable. Plus "Sokka the meat and sarcasm guy".

Some would consider this one a "filler" episode. I'd say that I'd love it if all filler episodes where as great as this one.
I wouldn't at all consider this one a filler episode. It's pretty key for both characters, even if solely to reflect upon where they are in their own personal journeys
 
Watched "Bitter Work" last night. First things first: PHEW, at least Uncle Iroh is OK. And still kicking ass. I love him.

The rest of the episode is stellar. Parallels between Aang and Zuko's respective training and their inner conflicts, which hinders their learning. Toph is a harsh teacher and her methods clash directly with Aang's personality and philosophy (and also with Katara's), something reflected with Iroh's patience and Zuko's stubbornness and impulsiveness. Plot is barely progressing... and so is their learning :p

Hell, even Sokka's arc during the episode has some parallels to the main plot - but with humor and cuteness. That sabre tooth moose lion cub was totally adorable. Plus "Sokka the meat and sarcasm guy".

Some would consider this one a "filler" episode. I'd say that I'd love it if all filler episodes where as great as this one.
Whomever considers this a filler episode doesn't know what filler is. It's very important for Zuko and Aang's character arcs and has a lot of world building.
 

Toothless

Member
Keep us updated on where you are in the show. Once you hit my favorite arc, I'll just start gushing in this thread and won't be able to stop.
 

Kangi

Member
Keep us updated on where you are in the show. Once you hit my favorite arc, I'll just start gushing in this thread and won't be able to stop.

He's about to hit the best episode (
The Desert
), so I'm awaiting his impressions before I begin to gush, myself.
 

Altazor

Member
I watched "The Library" yesterday and goddamn, that cliffhanger. The rest of the episode was great, too - knowledge as a weapon vs. knowledge in and by itself, the beautiful reveal of the planetarium and, of course, Toph being a BAMF by keeping the whole thing from sinking by herself.

Must keep watching.
 

Altazor

Member
Just finished "The Desert"... Aang can get very fucking scary when pissed off. Do NOT piss off Aang.

Katara was amazing during the episode. She was devastated inside but she remained calm and determined to get the whole group out of the mess. And the ending... oh god the ending, so sad.

On the other hand, Sokka... bless him, MUSHY GIANT FRIEND!

And we're going to Ba Sing Se!!! :D
 
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