If you've been on the internet lately, surely you know that Avatar: The Last Airbender is back on Netflix. Being that that show was my childhood (and ultimately my first fandom before I knew what fandoms and all the jargon that came with them), and I just had to go and watch it. Actually, I watched it three times. Not in a row, but there's not exactly that much to do. Anyway, after years away from this extraordinary show, these are the five stages I went through as I sat through the three seasons.
Anticipation
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This is it! I don't think I've seen Avatar in its entirety since... I don't know, what was it, 20... 2012? When was ATLA last on Netflix? Whatever. I can't wait to see all my favorite character in a whole new adult light!
2. Nostalgia
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The bending is so cool! I fondly remember trying to copy Katara's moves as a kid... Never did move any water, though. Sokka's jokes are worse than I remember... But also in Dad joke territory, so still entertaining. Aang's funny too, but in a relatable way. And Toph is such a badass! I could really use a flying bison like Appa right now...
3. Adult Realizations
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Wait... Just how old is everyone in the group? Like, 12 (Or 112) to 16? Azula is only 14? The same age as Katara? And both are bending masters? What am I doing with my life... Wait... I'm realizing how young they were. Both were fighting in a war? Geez... And Sokka was put in charge of his tribe so young? Toph was perceived as helpless, then INVENTED METALBENDING?! Power move.... Not to mention she and the rest of the group stopped a CENTURY long war?? Definite power move.
The Feels
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There's so much you brush aside as a kid... Katara and Sokka lost their mother when they were just kids. Zuko was burned and banished at THIRTEEN by his own father. Azula was groomed to be the perfect child, and lost it when she was still young... Not to mention Aang had awoken to find his people wiped out and the pressure to master all of the elements. Wait... How to I make this hit heavier.... Oh, yeah. Leaves from the vine...
AASDFGHJK
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Oh, wow.... That was amazing! This was so well written and complex.... And this was a kids' show?! Why can't anyone write like this nowadays? Well... I guess it would be hard... Legend of Korra really didn't live up to ATLA (Hey, everything went downhill after the second season started, fight me) And the finale, AHHHHH! But, now what? Maybe watch it again to find other things I hadn't noticed? Become appalled that there are still people who haven't seen it?
That reminds me... If you have Netflix, go watch ATLA. If nothing else, it'll kill a few days in quarantine.
