Before watching, our expectations for this show were definitely bogged down by the 2010 disgrace of an adaptation. Luckily, our doubts were assuaged when everyone pronounced the main character’s name correctly.

All jokes aside, this adaptation was surprisingly good! The stunning visual effects and vibrant costumes brought the world to life, especially alongside the beautifully choreographed fight scenes that made bending truly feel possible.

Though some of the deviations from the original plot didn’t add to the story, the willingness of the writers to take risks was certainly an asset. Specifically, their exploration of Zuko’s backstory added complexity and humanity to the flat character we saw in the animated show’s first season, giving talented actor Dallas Liu a unique opportunity to shine in his portrayal of this beloved character. Iroh’s loveable mentorship reveals Zuko’s capacity for caring, and his relationship with his sister—who, by the way, we didn’t expect to see until season two—adds tension and drive to his search for the Avatar.

On the other hand, in some ways, the differences in tone from the original detract from the story’s charm. It feels like it has graduated from light and silly to a more mature tenor. Aang’s character in particular suffers from this loss of childlike innocence; rather than starting out as his naive and goofy self and growing as he is faced with more difficult decisions, he begins the show with a grave sense of responsibility, and his comedic capabilities are forced to the side. Because of that, the difficult choices he is forced to make carry less weight, and the audience doesn’t get to watch him mature to the same extent as they do in the original.

Many fans—especially those who grew up with the original show—have also mourned the absence of some of the cartoon’s most loveable side characters. Because the adaptation features eight one hour-long episodes rather than twenty half-hour ones, the writers were forced to streamline the plot. In the end, this action-packed structure came at the cost of some of the cute filler episodes that shaped the cartoon’s unique spirit. Though disappointing, this doesn’t necessarily take away from the live action series’ enjoyability—it simply sets it apart from the original.

Now that the show has been renewed for seasons two and three, we’re looking forward to Zuko’s iconic redemption arc, Azula’s descent into madness, and the introduction of Toph, our favorite from the original series. Also—hear us out—the showrunners should absolutely bring back the cast from the 2010 movie to play the Ember Island actors that botch the story of our main characters. 

In the end, the live action show is less of a recreation and more of an adaptation, reimagining the cartoon just enough to stand separately while still paying it homage. If you hold it to the unattainable standard of the original, you’ll never be able to appreciate what it is on its own. 

So, yes, there’s a lot of room for growth—but, remember, there’s plenty of time and many opportunities left for the live action series to reach its full potential. We can’t wait to see what it has in store.