"Avatar: The Last Airbender" - Book One

A message for lost people 

"Avatar; The Last Airbender" has got to be one of my favourite series, period. It is one of the few series of which I own the whole collection on DVD and I still love watching it. In honour of the great story, characters, action and, of course; animation: I will (try) to do a succession of blogs on different aspects that I like/love of the series (probably ending with my views on the miniseries Avatar: The Legend of Korra). This entry is about Book One of the series. (And no, I will NOT acknowledge the existence of a certain movie version of the first season in this blog ...) 

(WARNING: Spoilers!)

I find myself a bit privileged to say; I know exactly what it was like when I didn't know about Avatar and I heard stories about the plot from my friends. The same friends that convinced me to start watching the show (even though I thought is sounded a bit ... unusual; "... a girl that is part moon, that touches a moon-fish and dies? ... that sounds .... like a weird anime"). But despite my initial reservations; I gave it a shot (and I am sooo glad I did). And now; not only did we then had a group of three fans that loved the show and eagerly awaited each episode, but we could philosophize about the show too (= a pre-runner of this blog).

Book 1
First of all; the actual Animation in this season. The animation ranges (in my opinion) from Near-Realistic-Manga-esque to Over-The-Top-Japanese-esque. And although I’m not a fan of the over-the-top expressions (which would obviously be physically impossible) it isn’t done often and only in situations that ‘fit’ (or in filler episodes). Serious parts do not get that treatment, so the animation already gets a thumbs up on that. Additionally; the fighting scenes (or just bending scenes in general) are done brilliantly. It clearly shows that the animators had access to actual martial artists and had a good understanding of the created mechanics (and 'borrowed' philosophy from Asian religions) of the act of bending. I was surprised when I found out the moves used were known and practiced martial art styles in the 'real' world. They fit their purpose in the series very well. The bending seems very 'natural' to the movements, the elements that move due to the effort of the practitioner never feels forced of contrived.

The plot development starts slow (mainly in comparison with the next two seasons), but that adds to getting to know the characters and that the action and situations grow along with the characters (and the audience). Additionally, it's good to keep in mind that the original demographic for this show was 6 to 11 year olds. Brian and Mike probably never realized that this series would be so popular among older children (and not-children) as well. Therefore the first episodes could be seen as a bit childish in character (something that lessens significantly during Book One), but I personally don't find it that childish (Hello? Genocide. World-War. Giant Lethal War-Ships. Not really standard kids-stuff ...). The main three; Aang, Katara and Sokka (duh!) grow up during the seasons, and so does the (confused) antagonist; Prince Zuko (and yes, I'm a great fan of the conflicted bad-guy with a good heart. Sue me.).
That does mean that you have the time to get to know the characters (as they start out) and to get to know the plot (= the main goals for the 'foreseeable future') in the first three episodes. First of all, the discovery of "The Boy in the Iceberg" which then causes that "The Avatar Returns" to the world and then they go to "The Southern Air Temple" and then the stage is set for our three protagonists (yes, the titles mainly circle around the main trio, but not always). But the main antagonist gets plenty screen time as well. We watch as Zuko and his uncle; Iroh, find the Avatar, loose the Avatar (showing off the Avatar State) and watch Zuko win the Agni Kai against a ruthless Commander called Zhao (= a character that has gotten a pretty big following despite that he would have been a horrible person to deal with on a day to day basis), from who we learn some more specifics about Zuko's situation (and his main motivation as to why he is chasing Aang now).

Awesome garb, girls!

The plot only really gets going beyond 'pure' exposition (very cleverly woven into the dialogue, I'll give them that; but it still is exposition) and character-construction in the episode "Kyoshi Warriors". It's there we have the first interaction (that we see) with other people than the Water tribe and Zuko's crew. The first growth of character comes from Sokka, who is getting over his stereo-type image of girls (- Katara probably would have never changed his mind on the matter; he needed another strong girl (*coughcoughSukirockscoughcough*) to make him see past his own misconceptions). But I have to give credit to Sokka (and the people that created him) he does have a 'viable' reason for thinking this way. He was the sole warrior of his tribe for two years and was 'charged' by his dad to protect his sister (and the village) when he was just thirteen. That kind of adult responsibly on an (impressionable) young boy makes that boy view the world differently than he normally would have. He needed to protect the females of his tribe (as there were no more master benders/warriors there anymore) so his brain (to free his mind of 'excess' thought) jumped to the conclusion that all females need protection; therefore all females are 'weak' and 'non-warriors'. And like with a true journey into the world, his preconceived notions are challenged, and he rightfully (slowly) relinquishes them (and this episode is the first appearance of "Crazy Foam Guy"!). Aang also learns about attention going to your head in this episode. But that isn't as big a character development as Aang hasn't been in this situation before (or shown to want attention for attention's sake). Sokka is the 'main' psychological focus. 

*rolling over the floor laughing*

A wonderfully funny and insane yet intelligent character makes his debut in the next episode ("King of Omashu"); Bumi. As copiously stated in my last blog, crazy yet clever characters on the side of good (or bad, but either way they need a lot of flair) are a particular favourite of mine. Bumi gets a whole episode to highlight his wacky yet perceptive personality, and his awesome Earthbending skills which is the first time we really see it in action during the series (and I especially love the link with Aang's past as he finds at least one of his old friends is still around). And it is the first sighting of another popular minor character; "The Cabbage Man", who like "Foam Guy" has gotten a bit of a cult status among fans of the show.
This episode could be seen as a filler episode (until you get to the Book Two and Three where Bumi makes several comebacks, so this planting was necessary plot-wise. But at this moment you wouldn't know that). However, I do like the fact the audience, and the two Water-tribe kids, get there first glance of a Earth Kingdom city and the ways of Earthbenders (and people that haven't been captured by the Fire Nation) before they get to North Pool (After all; it's still  a long, long way to Ba Sing Se :)).

I'd totally go sliding in Omashu!

To contrast the image of a free city, the next episode concentrates on Fire Nation occupation of an Earth Kingdom town, or an "Imprisoned" town. Fire Nation soldiers forcing protection money much like mob gangs do. And all (known) Earthbenders (with almost Third Reich-like precision) are taken to a lake bound oil-rig-like structure where moral is broken. With two voices that bear mentioning; the Warden, who's voice cracks me up every time I hear it, and Haru's father, Tyro's, who's voice is just awesome.
I have to say, this episode makes my toes curl; not the whole thing, only when Katara keeps trying to inspire the Earthbenders to fight back. Its so cheesy. I do admit to (internally) cheering once they start fighting back, but the road to it.... I don't particularly care for it. Too much talking about courage for me to really take it seriously. If there would have been less speaking about it, maybe I would like this episode better. Although the last shots of Zuko finding Katara's necklace are excellently put together (-> first you only see that a soldier is picking it up, then the shot pans up to reveal Zuko, surprise!).

At this point we are nearing the "Winter Solstice", two episodes that focus on the spiritual tasks of the Avatar; being the bridge between the 'natural' world and the spirit world (and the problems he'll need to solve occasionally). (Note; the talk/show about hope and such is done MUCH better in this episode than in the previous one (the symbol of the acorn is perfect)). We also catch-up with Zuko and Iroh (during the previous episodes we had only the one short scene of Zuko finding the necklace on the water-bound prison). I love the fact that although Iroh seems to be a gentle old man most of the time (and he is), here he also shows he has cunning and manipulation skills beyond coaxing his nephew to other (better) courses of action. His line "These chains are too loose" makes me grin (who would take a "These chains are too tight" claim form a prisoner serious anyway?). And we also see an example of his open-minded spirituality when he shows that he can see Aang fly by while the latter is in the Spirit realm of the natural world (and no one else sees Aang). Zuko shows that he truly cares for his uncle too, not only by going after him to rescue him but also ignoring a flying bison sighting. And we have our first speaking part of Avatar Roku (as Aang has yet to get the hang of speaking to his past lives at will. He needs help from the solstice at the moment), and we see that the Firelord's conquest has shifted loyalties even within the temples once dedicated solely to the Avatar. Commander Zhao also makes a comeback, with his 'sideburns of doom' (For an awesome "What if" story starring Zhao (set a few years after Book Three ends), follow this link and read the comic! (warning; it's addictive and 400+ pages!) The artist (~rufftoon) actually did work on the series, so she's loyal to the characters and the world. And her other Avatar-related art is brilliant too(that 'fan-meter' above is her's as well); CHECK IT OUT!!!) confirming again that he has issues in control while angry. And we find out there is an even bigger deadline for Aang to master the other three elements; Sozin's Comet that's coming at summer's end. Which is nice thing to keep the plot going forward, as without a deadline the urgency would be far less and that is part of the tension building to the final climax.

Aang is starting to feel the pressure to learn waterbending, which eventually leads to Katara stealing "The Waterbending Scroll". The main things I think people remember from this episode are the pirates, Katara's jealous outburst at Aang's casual talent at Waterbending(, the 'Cabbage Man' makes another appearance!) and the scene with Zuko and Katara (= him offering her necklace back for Aang). That is the scene that either launched or confirmed 'Zutara' in the minds of many, many fans of the show. (What's Zutara? See this and click on the link under the picture (if the picture wasn't clear enough ;) ) Additionally, Sokka (now and in the upcoming episodes) starts moving from comic-relief to an intelligent strategist and somewhat of a diplomat ... that cracks ironic/sarcastic jokes.  And the most shocking thing occurs near the end of the episode; Zuko's laugh is seen and heard. The ONLY one of the ENTIRE series! (OK, he chuckles once in a future episode as well, but that's not an actual laugh in my books)

(BTW; Uncle Iroh is AWESOME. Just saying.)

"Jet" is an interesting episode/character, especially if you put him (the character) back to back with the current main antagonist, Zuko: after losing their parent(s) (Zuko's father might still 'be around', but is that a real father? Seriously); one goes onto a full rampage to destroy the perpetrators, no matter what the costs, and does a 'good' job up to a point; the other also goes on a rampage to get back his honour, no matter what the costs, does a poor job most of the time. One starts out as a 'good-guy' and turns out to be bad (I'm ignoring Ba Sing Se for the moment, but that will come in the blog about Book Two), the other starts out a bad guy and turns out to be sympathetic (as his back-story is arguably even more tragic than Jet's). Showing that first appearances are not always something to go by blindly, and that without Uncle Iroh acting to keep his conscience alive; who knows what Zuko would have become ...
Sokka also shines in this episode, again showing that underneath the aloof, wise-cracking exterior; there's a well-developed mind and heart. Katara's crush .... well, can you blame her? Jet's suave, self-confident and he intentionally swept her off her feet; something she had never experienced before (and I don't think her mom lived long enough to warn her about 'bad' guys).

"The Great Divide" is perhaps a stereotypical filler episode, but it does give a character study on feuds and shows Aang growing more and more comfortable in his role as Avatar. That's all I'm going to say about it. 

"The Storm" is a great episode, even just plot-wise. You find out of two character what crucial events shaped them in their (near) past; Aang’s reason for being in the iceberg and how Zuko got his scar, with the metaphor of a storm to carry the weight of the two (harsh) back-stories. Both characters have a burden of past mistakes and 'scars' that needs reckoning, which only then truly becomes clear. It adds depth to the goofy kid, adding (even more) ‘angst’ to his character (as if the genocide of his people wasn't enough...) ; and to the sullen bad-guy, adding a tragic (and abusive!) past.

 .... who didn't grimace (or cry) at this point?

Both stories are told to others (to those that care; they are frame narratives) which is in my opinion a bit more powerful than just a inner-flashback. The people hearing the story interact with the teller, ask questions that might not have been answered with only a flashback. And as the audience is shocked by the things told; the characters are too. It kinda reminds me of late-night talks around the campfire, where the darkness somehow makes everything get a more serious turn and people feel safer to express their feelings. When one story is surprising and/or shocking, the people around you react as well. That makes the moment more potent, as the story is and isn't told to you directly. I find that very intriguing and well thought-out

Warning for spazzing up ahead; I love, love, love the theme music of the next episode, in particular the music accompanying "the Blue Spirit" (Listen to it!!!!!!). Whenever I hear just one motive of the music in another music piece, I always look for a sighting of the Blue Spirit (even when the music isn't from this series ...). I love this side-character! His proper introduction, with the three camera shots (and music), showing him just before he springs to action, is brilliant! And how they show him in action, silent and sneaky like a ninja, ..... I can find another word than AWESOME! I can't believe that I'm the only one who thinks that (I have to admit; the Yu-Yan Archers are awesome too, but the Blue Spirit out-awesomes them), just watch the episode again and see for yourself. Aside from that, it's interesting to see what the Fire Nation would do with Aang if he would have been captured (more permanently, that is). Although it is also particularly satisfying to see Zhao getting cocky, just to lose later on. And the Blue Spirit's identity reveal is surprising, but once you think about it; it makes sense that Zuko would go that far to make sure he is the one that catches the Avatar, and no one else. He is fairly obsessed about it (read: his honour).

... and I want that mask!

In the following days; Aang's crush on Katara is confirmed yet again by actions and when he asks "the Fortuneteller" about his love-life (despite all she sees is his duties as an Avatar). And I like the little hint of (future) Kataang  (What's Kataang? See this and click on the link under the picture (if the picture wasn't clear enough ;) ) when we are reminded what a powerful bender Aang actually is (he is a full Airbending-master, otherwise he would not have those arrows). But I think this episode also solidifies Sokka role as the 'science' man of the group (and I can understand his aggravation that people's beliefs are hard to changed). Although Aunt Wu gave a nice message at the end of the episode; '(Just as you reshaped the clouds,) you have the power to shape your own future.'

With "Bato of the Watertribe", we see images of Sokka and Katara's father for the first time, and find that Sokka is a lot like his father. Aang shows he can be petty and greedy, although his conscience doesn't allow him to keep the secret long. (But plot-wise, it was better that he wasn't with Katara and Sokka when they are found). Zuko's progress to track Aang is also stepped up a notch by the introduction of Jun, the savvy female bounty-hunter (who will make a comeback later in the series). She is enlisted as we travel through the places of the previous episodes; which is nice to span those episodes that we didn't see them directly tracking Aang (officially, that is). My final word on this episode is on Iroh crush on Jun. It could be labelled as funny or disturbing, but I'm neutral about it. Especially because it doesn't lead to any relationship in the series. (Additionally, being a non-Zutarian, I have to point out that Zuko's casual response to Jun's 'What? Did your girlfriend run out on you?' would have been more of a denial if Jun had actually hit a mark. (And Katara was clearly sarcastic when she tells Aang to 'thank' Zuko for returning her necklace) But then again, this argument would only convince other non-Zutarians (it's like Sokka trying to convince the people in "The Fortuneteller") ...)

Later; Jeong-Jeong, "the (first) Deserter" of the Fire Nation, shows Aang why Firebending can be very dangerous (as well that Katara has healing abilities). And his former pupil, Zhao, does the honours in showing why self-restrained and discipline is very important in bending. ('Don't ask me why, but I thought you'd be better than Zuko.' XD) The episode begins very funny with great Sokka one-liners (and a little reference to Blue Spirit in a wanted-poster) and a glimpse into daily life of the Fire Nation (their festivals and food, etc.). And, is it just me, or does Chey (the second living deserter) sound and act a bit stoned? Especially at the end when he is literally forgotten and left behind by the others: 'Hey, where'd everybody go? ... Very funny, guys!'

Teo, Wat a mac!

When passing "the Northern Air Temple" we see another way that abandoned buildings can be used; although Aang isn't thrilled at first by the developments (He can't be blamed that much, it is hard to see all those relics and drawing surrounded by pipes). We have some new allies for Team Avatar, 'airborne' one like Teo. And we see where the machine and future airships of the Fire Nation (the ideas have) come from. (this is again a pure 'planting' episode for future events)

We finally get to the North Pole and meet "the Waterbending Master"; Pakku. A grumpy old man that has thoroughly embraced the sexist-traditions of the Northern Watertribe. Katara goes all out to show women shouldn't be excluded from bending just because of their gender (another strong-Katara episode, which is also handled better than in "Imprisoned"). And she gets vindicated in the end, after revealing that Pakku was first supposed to marry Sokka and Katara's grandmother but she left before it happened (for an awesome (shortish) comic depicting that, go to this link and read it (and look at the artist's other stuff too, gotta love her Avatar gag-comics)) And Sokka gets a sweet crush on Princess Yue, who is engaged to a young man who she didn't choose for herself.
In the other story-line; Zhao is preparing to attack the Northern Watertribe and comes across Zuko's vessel too. On board of the ship, he realises Zuko's the Blue Spirit (which is handled BRILLIANTLY! I love Zuko's expression when Zhao picks up on of the dual dao swords. They both knew on that moment that the other knew:)

That face says it all

And later the pirates (from "The Waterbending Scroll") nearly blow Zuko sky-high after Zhao pays them to do it. It's only Zuko's sharp hearing and general paranoia that helped him escape with his skin (and again a lovely piece of animation when Zuko realises he's in big trouble, seconds before the ship blows). And; be honest; seeing Iroh's face fall while staring at the burning wreck is heart-breaking. You're happy for his sake when you later see Zuko managed to survive the blast. 

I love this shot too

Katara is seen to kick ass in the next episode, showing that she's become a proficient Waterbender. Sokka and Yue bond despite her reservations (read, her engagement). And then sooty snow falls, which shows that Zhao has started "the Siege of the North"; which lands a devastating blow to the Northern Watertribe. Aang tries to dismantle as many ships as he can, but the sheer ridiculous quantity of them makes it impossible for him to fight them all with only his Airbending and Waterbending skills at his disposal (the Avatar State would have been mighty handy, maybe that's why its used in the first episode of Book Two; to show how hard it is to achieve 'at will' for a new Avatar). Even a trip to the Spirit World only shows Aang  more things he needs to do, no real wisdom to win the battle. Although the spirit attack on the Fire Nation that he hoped for did occur eventually.
(The Yin and Yang symbolism of the relationship of the ocean and the moon is very interesting. And it is clever that they are called "Push" (Tui) and "Pull" (La), literally, as that is what they do (or 'is the nature of their relationship' as Koh, the Face-stealer, said to Aang in the Spirit World. BTW; Koh is terrifying!). And I also like that they don't just show that the spirits sometimes need help, but that they can also kick ass if provoked.)
During the showdown at the spirit oasis; Iroh, like the great guy he is, takes the Avatar's side in the battle for the continuation of the Moon Spirit, Tui. Making good his promise; 'Whatever you to to that Spirit, I'll unleash ten-fold upon you!', when Zhao kills the Moon Spirit makes him run off to where Zuko finds and fights him. The Ocean Spirit, La's, fury at the attack leads to an awesome 'possession' moment where Aang (or 'Avatar') and La, the Ocean Spirit, together become a watery entity that is sometimes referred to by fans as Koizilla (not surprising, although La is more justified (and selective) in his destruction than the 'namesake').

''No, it's not over....

So in a sense, because La, the Ocean Spirit, wants to avenge Tui, the Moon Spirit's destruction; the Watertribe wins the battle. Zhao's overzealous attempt to de-balance the world is actually an instrument of his siege's destruction. And "Zhao the Moonslayer" 'disappears from the series because La drags him under (again; follow this link and read the comic! I command you!) :). And Yue's transcendence to become Tui (as she was healed by the Moon Spirit as a child, therefore some life-force of it lingered in her) has to be one of the saddest moments of the series (especially for Sokka). During all this; Zuko tries to get Aang again, and would have succeeded if there wasn't a blizzard ... like he says himself; just his luck.

The suspense of the season's climax does feel real (and tragic), especially as you don't know Zhao's plans before he actually tells them. All you know is that it will be big and bad, especially as the force he managed to get such a force behind his cause. (Zhao's line 'We're going fishing.' is the most evil use of that 'common' phrase EVER!) And another (final) great animation moment, the wordless moment when Aang and Katara embrace and when the gang pose in front of the sunrise, 'signalling' the continuation of their journey.

And finally, a quick word on the biggest antagonist of them all, the Fire Lord (Ozai). The series was very clever in only giving us mentions and off-screen shows of his ferocity and silhouettes (occasionally against a wall of flames) when he speaks to Azula at the end of the season. Not real reveal until the third season when you finally see him head on (which makes sense, as that is the first time that a main character sees him (again) in the series too). That adds to the tension and the fear that builds as the time of the comet’s passing gets closer and closer ...
(And the fact that he’s voiced by the great Mark Hamill adds MEGA brownie-points in my book) 

Three acting jobs in one symbol :D

(How is he the younger brother of Iroh the Awesome ....?)


And this concludes the rant on Book One of "Avatar: The Last Airbender".

- But I'll probably edit this text in the future, as I am prone to sudden 'brilliant' epiphanies. Edits will be marked. 


Coming Soon: A Rant on Book Two!