I still feel that Avatar gets a solid 90/100 on my awesome list, but here are a few things that I don't like about the series.
Fist of all I don't believe that after 100 years of war the fire nation hasn't already taken over the world.
Secondly, some times the "message of the week" is telegraphed so badly that it ruins everything, for example "The Island of Kiyoshi" had much more potential than a "sexism is bad" theme. And the "don't rely to much on fourtian tellers" from "Aunt Woo" was just bad.
Themes really need to take a more less-is-more approach whereas subtlety is more-is-more.
Lastly and this one really bugs me, Sokkas sexism fells terribly out of character, he is a fine tactician and scientist, plus the whole reason he is at the south pole us because his grandmother wouldn't stand for the sexist ways of the north pole.
Interesting comments. I have never really enjoyed the whole lets teach a lesson in each episode model. It is way to predictable. Saved by the Bell, Family Matters, Step by Step, Home Improvement and Fresh Prince all had the same story lines run through them because they were based on that model and they got old fast.
ReplyDeleteTelling a story should take precedents so i agree with the less is more. However, watch Gurren Lagann and understand that the main theme is Yelling and Awesomeness are the most important thing to win a fight!
Avatar's "lessons of the day" are not pandered so flatly. With Uncle Ihro's wit/wisdom is refreshing. I like the sometimes slow pacing during those times and the soft voices they use. Very different from any thing else targeted towards "kids." Story is very important, it follows a nice arc throughout the seasons. As for the 100 year war... have you seen how thick the walls of the earth kingdom cities are!? Just saying.
ReplyDeleteill agree with kevin, the biggest problem i have with avatar is tof, the blind earth bender, for the most part her character bugs me, the only thing that i like about her is the interaction with sokka,but the woe is me im blind angsty and want to be independent thing just bugs me.but maybe that just me
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