I’m going to try really hard not to let nostalgia ruin my enjoyment of this show. Because so far, it’s honestly not bad. Sure, I keep comparing it to the original every two seconds but if I had no knowledge of the cartoon, I think I could reasonably enjoy this show. But despite that resolve, let’s talk about some of the character changes that happened. Some of it I like, some of it I don’t.

Give Me Back Sokka’s (Blatant) Misogyny

Listen, as much as I despise misogynistic teenage boys, there’s such a thing called character development. It’s a crucial aspect of compelling storytelling. And Sokka’s getting the misogyny beaten out of him was a compelling storyline. Yes, it’s a character flaw. But of course a traumatised teenage boy who has never left his tiny town, who had been forced into a leadership role would have some kooky ideas. All it took for him to grow and accept reality was to come out of the narrow town he lived in.

But in the live action, he’s just sexist in a subtler way. Don’t think I don’t see the way he speaks to Katara. He may not be telling her she’s better off sewing and cooking because of her gender, but he definitely doesn’t treat her as an equal. Or what about how he acts around Suki at the start. You’re telling me this boy doesn’t have any misogynistic ideals? Then why is he working under the assumption that he could take down a seasoned warrior with absolutely no formal training?

His actions don’t make sense if you take away his original characterisation. Sokka started off as a misogynistic twat! That’s why he treated Katara the way he did. That’s why he got his arse kicked by Suki. Otherwise, his actions don’t make sense. And yes, the misogyny is cartoonish and exaggerated but that’s not always a bad thing.

I’m Not Gonna Lie: Suki’s Hilarious!

I know that cartoon Suki was a smooth talker but I honestly love the idea of a version of her who’s been isolated for most of her life, finds a boy she likes and figures the best way to impress him is to beat the shit out of him. It’s honestly adorable. And I like the fact that she has an active, involved mother. She’s a teenage girl! Why was there no parental figure around?

Sure, it’s a kids cartoon. There are going to be things that don’t make sense. But Suki deserves a mum! It validates her as a child: which is what she is. She’s still learning and growing. Sure, she’s an elite warrior but she’s also a teenage girl: a line that is unfortunately missing from the live action. Suki is unapologetically a girl who is still finding her way in the world. And she’s navigating the complexities of a war. Of course she’s not going to be the most functional teen.

But I still wish she got to beat the misogyny out of Sokka.

Let Aang Be A Child

One of my favourite parts about Aang was his childishness. He cared for humanity, he was its protector, he was the bridge between the human and spirit world yaddy yaddy yadda. But he was also a 12 year old boy. He was a 12 year old boy who enjoyed tricking and lying to people. He was fun!

In his place, we now have a naiive and earnest child who never lets loose. And it’s honestly messing with the story. The writers are having to create extra plot to justify certain scenes: ie the gang sliding down the mail delivery system. It doesn’t make sense. Aang isn’t a serious character 90% of the time. But that means that when he is serious, when the fun is gone, we know something is about to go down. We’re at the edge of our seats. The tension is palpable.

But this version of him is all work and no play. That’s not our Aang. It also means they had to give an entirely new reason for him getting stuck in the ice. Aang’s regret over running away is a huge part of his characterisation. There are entire episodes dedicated to his guilt. In this version, where he tried to come back, it doesn’t have as much impact.

Also, the fight scenes with him are kind of boring this way. I adored watching this 12 year old boy take on grown adults plus a few whingy teenagers all while driving them mental. He’s not meant to be someone who just gives a dramatic speech before every fight. He’s someone who winds his opponent up and uses their own force against them.

Give Me Back Zuko’s Honour Talk

Seriously! I’m at like episode 4 or 5 right now and this boy hasn’t mentioned his honour once! That’s just not right. The boy should be mentioning his honour at least once an episode. Otherwise it’s just not Zuko. Come on, this is an angsty teenager. Where is his catchphrase?

However, in saying that, the casting of Zuko was masterful. Dallas Liu captured the essence of Zuko: a whiny, emo teenaged boy who is deeply traumatised. He’s supposed to be annoying. He’s supposed to make you laugh. He has gone through an incredible trauma and his brain hasn’t even finished developing yet. He doesn’t even know who he really is and yet he is being crushed under the weight of his father’s expectations. He’s not going to be a well-adjusted teenager.

And I also really appreciate the addition of the 41st storyline. I almost burst into tears when his crew bowed for him. This makes Zuko so much more likeable. He may have strayed off the right path but at his core, he is still someone who cares for his people. And I appreciate that he is finally getting acknowledged for his sacrifice. This is a change that actually adds to the complexity of the story. It makes his character more compelling. And it makes his eventual redemption arc (which hasn’t happened yet but definitely will later on) so much more believable. The seeds of goodness were always there, they were just repressed by an abusive father.

Katara Deserves To Be Angry

I’m not going to lie, I preferred cartoon Katara. Sure, she could be irritating at times. But she’s a product of her environment. She’s fiercely loyal and quick to trust but once you betray her, she is your worst nightmare. She would sooner drown you than forgive you. That’s why Zuko’s redemption had such an impact in the end. He had to earn forgiveness and prove, again and again, that he had truly changed.

This version is so repressed. She should be bringing up the trauma of losing her mother constantly. Instead, she’s gone several episodes before we even truly understand what she went through. And the fights she has with Sokka are just lame. All she does is yell “I’m not a little girl anymore!” Cartoon Katara would never. Cartoon Katara broke an iceberg in half over anger she felt at Sokka’s sexist comments. Cartoon Katara challenged a master water bender. She just comes across as someone who is all talk and no action.

She doesn’t have the rage that she needs. Sure, Katara is one of the kindest people in the show but she’s also incredibly maternal. And to be maternal isn’t just to be loving and trusting, it is also to be a fighter. Katara was willing to fight not just for her friends, but also for herself. This is a shadow of who she was originally. And it means that when we eventually get to the conflict ie. the fight with Master Pakku, it doesn’t have as much of an impact.

Kyoshi’s Increased Involvement Is Always A Positive

I LOVE the Kyoshi novels. So it’s great to get Kyoshi’s backstory within the main storyline. And especially when she overtakes Aang’s body and takes on Zhao and his men? Amazing! Give her more scenes please! Actually, no, get Ozai to come into one of her shrines and get her to overtake Aang’s body, guarantee the war would be over in seconds.