The Netflix series even surpasses the fantasy original in one respect

As a fantasy remake, Netflix’s new Avatar series is aimed largely at the uninitiated, whom the streamer wants to get on board with the adventure story. But the remake also offers something for long-established fans deeper added value, which goes beyond a mere translation from animation to live action film? The answer to this question is provided in episode 6.

Netflix’s Avatar overcomes a crucial hurdle as a remake

Reinterpreting popular templates is always a challenge. This is no different with Avatar: The Last Airbender. A 1:1 remake would just be an unnecessary copy, but too much of a departure from the acclaimed original would quickly result in disappointed fans. So where does Netflix’s Avatar fit in and how does the series deal with changes?

A good place to start is by acknowledging that change isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Of course, as a lover of the original, you can mourn Zuko’s old scar or complain about the shortening from 20 to 8 episodes. And for some, the new Aang just doesn’t work as well as his animated role model. But a decision that showrunner Albert Kim made for the Netflix remake is completely successful because it is… Change adds a new emotional depth.

In Netflix’s Avatar series Prince Zuko’s origin story is absolutely successfully expanded. And adjustments like these, which unexpectedly grab even long-time Avatar fans’ feelings, help the Netflix remake shine in its own way.

The Zuko moment: With this bold change, the Netflix series is convincing across the board

Longtime fans of the Avatar animated series will probably need a few episodes to warm up to the Netflix version. But when the series turns more to its characters, particularly the relationship of Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu) and his uncle Iroh (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee), in Episode 4 and Episode 6, the remake still clicks in the right place.

We know from the animated series that the burnt face of the rejected heir to the throne is due to Zuko’s father, Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim). The animated series tells the story in episode 12 of season 1 (“The Storm”), how Zuko got his scar:

When the young prince is allowed to take part in the Fire Nation’s war council for the first time, he is supposed to stay quiet, but he can’t. When a general plans to use the very young new recruits in a combat maneuver 41st Division to be sacrificed as bait, Zuko criticized this cruel decision. However, his objection to save his own soldiers is interpreted as “disrespect” and leads to the firebending duel called Agni Kai. Here he confronts his father, who marks him with the noticeable scar on his face as punishment.

If Netflix’s Avatar remake achieves this flashback to Zuko’s past in episode 6 (“Masks”), it’s working devastating key moment just as good as in the original: Afterwards we see the Fire Prince with different eyes and better understand the emotional heart of the constantly angry figure. The fact that the actually deeply honorable character loses his honor in the eyes of his cruel father and now wants to restore it through the Avatar hunt makes his fate all the more tragic.

The new Avatar series goes one step further: As in the animated original, Uncle Iroh tells Zuko’s sad story grumbling subordinates. But Lieutenant Jee’s (Ruy Iskandar) soldiers, who are on the verge of rebelling against their constantly bad-tempered leader, not only learn about Zuko’s hidden kindness. Showrunner Albert Kim reveals to us that they are the 41st Division and with it the people whose lives Zuko once saved.

Netflix’s Avatar expands on fan-favorite Zuko in the right direction

In a final Goosebumps moment the soldiers pay respect to “their prince” with a trellis. From then on, her loyalty is no longer in question, even if Zuko has no idea where the change of heart comes from. But we know that here, years later, the young firebender finally receives the respect he deserves for his momentous act.

The one on Netflix newly established connection of Division 41 with Zuko’s ship crew doesn’t fundamentally change the narrative of Avatar, but enough to add another layer to the remake narrative with a clever decision. A level that the cartoon template didn’t have, but did fits the series perfectlybecause she skillfully expands them emotionally.

Netflix’s Avatar makes several such small changes that further sharpen the image of the characters. Commander Zhao (Ken Leung) is reinterpreted from a one-dimensional military leader into a ruthlessly ambitious climber. And Katara’s loss is made greater by the fact that her mother sacrificed her own life to protect the waterbender’s daughter.

Fans can also certainly understand logical decisions to make changes, such as depriving the series remake of its time countdown. However, they are small emotional adjustment screws, like Zuko’s 41st Division, which sometimes even lets Netflix’s Avatar surpass the acclaimed original. The lever comes into play exactly where the fans’ hearts are already pounding. And if we are subtly pushed in the right direction, even old Avatar hands can still reinterpret in moments like this pleasantly surprise.

Podcast for Netflix’s big fantasy remake Avatar: Lord of the Elements

With Avatar: Lord of the Elements, Netflix has relaunched an acclaimed animated series in live-action form. But can the live-action remake of Avatar live up to high expectations this time after the first cinematic adaptation of the fantasy adventure failed?

We look at the strengths and weaknesses of the new Avatar series as fantasy entertainment and, as fans of the original, we also go into detail about changes, hidden details and Easter eggs in the second part of the podcast.