The Mosley Review: Avatar: The Last Airbender Book One: Water (Season 1)
For the longest time, I’ve heard such great things about this animated series. From the few images I had saw, it sparked my interest and I searched for a way to view it. I wanted to truly binge the series without having to rent an absurd amount of DVD's. I did that with 24, Angel, Cowboy Bebop and Supernatural before they were available to stream on Netflix and even when they were streaming, I had to rent a disc to watch an episode that wasn't uploaded. So I sat back patiently and waited for the day that I could stream the entire series and thank you Netflix for finally bringing it home. I knew this was a beloved show for kids, but animation these days also appeal to adults with relatable messages and themes. Season 1 nailed that right from the beginning with its thematic commentaries on spiritualism, faith, toxic sexism and a mixture of different cultures. The amount of pure imagination to create a fully realized world was astonishing. I have seen the use of the 4 elements; Air, Water, Earth and Fire, many times before, but nothing comes close to the wholesome and inventive weaving that is done throughout the show. For so long I have felt that I have been missing out on something special and now I know that it was this show.
The voice cast was outstanding across the board. We are first introduced to the main heroes in a sweet, comical and explosive manner. Mae Whitman is the voice of Katara and she is very curious, outgoing and strong. Her genuine strong will to fight and evolve is truly magnificent and she instantly became a favorite. Whitman is a great actress on her own, but she did a fantastic job bringing Katara's personality to life. Jack DeSena voices her goofy, stubborn and reckless brother Sokka. He is more of the comic relief, but underneath all the ridiculous and sometimes toxic masculinity, you have one of the smartest and loyal friends you could ever ask for. DeSena kept him consistent throughout the season and yet he has a great deal of growth by the end of the season. Shortly after we meet Katara and Sokka, we are introduced to the lead of the series Aang and his loyal Sky Bison Appa. Aang is the all powerful Avatar that is known to harness all 4 elements, but we meet an innocent 12 year old boy who has been frozen for 100 years. Almost of the people he knew before have been lost to him. Zach Tyler Eisen voices Aang and he delivers the childlike fun and the pain and sadness that the character feels once he learns the heartbreaking truth. It's not all gloom though. Aang gains a new family in his friendship with Katara and Sokka and together they travel across the 4 nations; Water, Earth, Fire and Wind, to ultimately end the ongoing war. The 3 of them deliver outstanding performances and I would've loved to join them on their quest for peace.
With every heroes journey, there is an even more powerful villain they must face. The Fire Nation is the antagonistic force and constant threat in the season. The main antagonist is Prince Zuko and his wise uncle Iroh. Zuko was exiled by his father Ozai, the Lord of the Fire Nation. Since that day he has been hunting the Avatar in hopes to capturing him and restoring his honor in the eyes of the Fire Lord. Dante Basco voices Zuko and he delivers a sinister performance that is unrelenting and intense. You feel the guilt and bubbling rage in every word and in each command he gives. He is accompanied by his wise and worldly uncle Iroh who sometimes keeps him humble. Iroh has lived many lives already and is always there to help provide wisdom and guidance where Zuko is more destructive and reckless. Iroh is masterfully voiced by the magnificent Mako. Mako has always been one of my favorite Japanese actors and his unique voice brings that level of gravitas and warmth to your ears. You hang on to every word he has to say and this is by far one of his best performances.
The visual style of this serious is truly breathtaking and the animation was truly smooth and intoxicating to watch. The mixture of traditional western and eastern animation and the martial arts was amazing. The scope is vast and I can't wait to see what the other nations look like. This show is truly a piece of art that should be preserved. The score by composers Jeremy Zuckerman and Benjamin Wynn is truly spectacular and is a character of its own. Creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, have truly created a new world that is rich with lore and an imaginative vision. I have fell in love with a show that I wish I hadn't missed in the beginning, but I am grateful to experience it now. This is a must watch that is currently on Netflix.
