After the original live-action remake of Avatar: The Last Airbender in 2010, I went into the new Netflix Original series with high doubts. Thankfully, these doubts were not upheld, and the series delivered on the gradually built hype. 

Although many reviews seemed to be negative of the series, it’s imperative to understand that no remake or addition to the franchise will ever be as high-quality and groundbreaking as the original series made by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konitezko in 2007. Even the successor show, The Legend of Korra, which was also made by DiMartino and Konitezko in 2014, did not live up to the same standards as the original. 

The new Netflix Original follows Aang and the “gaang” similarly to the first season of the original series. Unfortunately, only the first season was recreated, leaving Toph, a fan favorite, out of the picture. Although the recreation has the same plot, many of the storylines were either changed or cut. For example, much of the action in Omashu with King Bumi is different, with the creators deciding to cut out much of the storyline and have Bumi reveal himself when first meeting Aang. 

Additionally, Jet and the other Freedom Fighters are included in Omashu, a deviation from the original creation. 

Overall, the changes made were not harmful to the plot. Many decisions, such as the heartfelt discussion between Prince Zuko and Uncle Iroh before the invasion of the Northern Water Tribe being cut were harmful, but did not decrease the overall enjoyment of the series. Also, some changes, such as the emphasis put on Avatar Kyoshi or the expansion of the invasion of the Southern Air Temple added to the experience.

Another factor that left many in an uproar was the casting of certain characters. Although, the characters seemed to be cast perfectly in my opinion. One character in particular was Dallas James Liu as Zuko, a controversial choice in many eyes. However, the judgments toward this casting decision were not justified. It would not have been realistic to emphasize Zuko’s scar as much as originally done in the 2007 version. Additionally, the dreadful haircut was styled perfectly, with it mimicking the original very well. Unfortunately, Liu’s voice was not similar to that of the original voice actor of Zuko, Dante Basco. But, Basco possesses such a unique voice-acting ability that it would be close to impossible to recreate. 

Sokka, a fan favorite in many’s eyes, was also cast very well, with Ian Ousley taking on the role. Ousley portrayed the witty and sarcastic character with enormous caution, which paid off in the end. The scenes between him and Suki, a warrior of Kyoshi island, were nothing short of a masterpiece. 

Overall, with only eight episodes and an enormous task on their hands, the director, Jabbar Raisani, and the rest of the creation team working on the 2024 Netflix adaptation of the original Avatar: The Last Airbender did the legendary title justice. With such a dedicated fanbase, it can be difficult to appease everyone, but this adaptation did a fantastic job at trying.