The Mosley Review: Avatar: The Last Airbender Book Three: Fire (Season 3)

I am stuck in a state of mixed feelings. I am almost speechless about the fact that this series consistently has been amazing from beginning to end. I also sad that it is over. I have seen many series end and they have left me with a satisfying smile on my face and others have enraged me. This show is obviously the former and it was the most complete adventure I think I've seen in animation to date. The fully fleshed out, vibrant and amazing world was absolutely perfect and infinitely explorable. There are only 2 other anime series that I can think of that match the same amount of emotional depth and expert storytelling. Cowboy Bebop is my favorite anime of all time and Dragon Ball Z is definitely on that list, but this show has now over taken DBZ as my second favorite anime. This season goes the extra mile in delivering the best parts of what makes this show special. Not only do the spirituality, comedy and charm return, but its dramatic tone and mythos is greatly expanded upon. The adventure comes to an epic conclusion that is both harrowing and above all, earned.

The main cast returns one last time and they deliver their best performances across the board. Mae Whitman again was outstanding as Katara and we see her go on an emotional and challenging experience. We finally get to the person responsible for the disappearance of her and Sokka’s mother. Its a darker moment for Katara and a chance for her to practice what she preaches. Jack DeSena was great again as Sokka and he takes him on a new leadership role as the battles become more intense. Jack's comedic timing is still ever present and fun, but it was great to see him be a little more serious. Jessie Flower returns as Toph and she is even more powerful and inventive with her Earthbending and blind jokes. Zach Tyler Eisen was again amazing as Aang. Aang is left with a decision that could mean life or death for a certain character and Zach brings to life that inner turmoil. The soul of Aang is put to the test and it was great to see his journey come to an end. Dante Basco once again amazes as Zuko and he had the biggest arc among the team. His journey from the Book 1 comes full circle as he finally gets what he wants, but realizes his true destiny. Dante has always been a great actor, but this is definitely his best character. Cricket Leigh and Olivia Hack returns as Mai and Ty Lee and they both get their moments to shine. Greg Baldwin humbly replaces the great Mako as the voice of Zuko's uncle Iroh and I almost couldn't tell the difference. He studied what Mako had created and carried on his wisdom and acting skill with grace. Iroh gets to fully show off his power and it was amazing to witness.

The series main antagonists are at the forefront and they are truly unrelenting. Grey DeLisle returns as Azula and she is beyond unhinged this time around. Grey delivers an outstanding and sinister performance that shows how much of a soulless monster Azula is. The final fight between Azula and her brother Zuko is one of the most beautiful and intense fights I've ever seen. Mark Hamill has been the voice of Firelord Ozai since Book 1 and now he gets his time in the sun. Mark Hamill is no stranger to voicing a villain and he delivers a sadistic performance. When Ozai and Aang finally battle, it is exactly the amount of earth shattering excellence I expected.

Visually, this season has the best the series has to offer. I've seen and felt the influence of Shinichiro Watanabe's anime style throughout the series, but here it is the most prevalent and its great. The score by composers Jeremy Zuckerman and Benjamin Wynn, also known as The Track Team, was the best this season. Not only was the Azula vs Zuko fight gorgeous, but the score of that scene was absolute perfection. That wonderful piece of music was so haunting and as powerful as the visuals that accompany it. I've said it before and I'll say it again, series creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko have truly created a masterpiece of art. Very few have successfully mixed great storytelling with amazing animation and elevated the medium. This is one of the best animated series I have ever seen in my life and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to go on this emotional and fulfilling journey. Get on Netflix and watch this show. NOW!