Netflix’s ATLA Goes Above and Beyond in the Spirit World
Netflix brought Avatar: The Last Airbender to the live-action screen. As they said, “This is a remix, not a reboot”, and they meant it. The live-action put a focus on Team Avatar’s main arc of book one and that was getting to the North Pole. So much was added in around the main points of the show to create a more mature show that didn’t put grief, anger, and the scars of war behind a veil of goofy side quests and side stories (not that I didn’t love them).
The show even pulled a stronger focus on the more important places that Team Avatar visited, like Omashu and the island resembling Kyoshi Island. However, I have to say, nothing compared to the Spirit World. This is the world that the avatar can travel to connect with spirits when in need of guidance or seeking a way to help find balance with the spirits. Though a complex place, the creators didn’t shy away from the Spirit World, but expanded it in a way that left fans gawking for one reason or another.
Let’s dive deeper.
Warning: It’s about to get spoiler-y!
Avatar. The Last Airbender | Gordon Cormier – Aang | Film Companion
Crossing Over
All fans of ATLA know that one of the most powerful abilities of the avatar is being able to pass back and forth into the Spirit World. With it being so intricate and delicate, I was intrigued to see how the Spirit World, and traveling it, would be done. It was surprisingly an emotional journey.
Aang (Gordon Cormier) managed to travel into the Spirit World pretty easily, though it started out a little bumpy with his first encounter in the Spirit World being Avatar Kyoshi. However, it is Kyoshi and, she can be pretty sharp and prickly. Still, he managed journeying the Spirit Realm much easier than waterbending, which didn’t happen at all.
In the animated show, Aang mostly communicated with Roku throughout book one, but now he’s communicated with three. Each of the previous avatars stood out on their own, offering depth on how each of them handled their duties. Sure, it was a little overwhelming, but it also reminds fans that while he didn’t get any waterbending in, he still showed that he’s pretty powerful. Even more impressive, Aang even managed a feat that made my jaw drop. He brought Katara and Sokka into the Spirit Realm with him.
Avatar The Last Airbender | Sokka – Ian Ousley, Kiawentiio Tarbell – Katara | Reddit | Cape & Castle
Some New With the Old
Katara (Kiawentiio Tarbell) and Sokka (Ian Ousley) joining Aang in the Spirit World kept the show surprising and fresh. It was also never considered within the realm of possibility for an avatar to do. The animated show never alluded to Aang being able to bring others to the Spirit World. However, his ability to do so was another good way to show that he was still learning an aspect of being the avatar.
Also, it was a more complicated aspect that allowed for incredible character development. Katara still struggled with the grief of losing her mother. Sokka struggled with the doubt that held him back from leadership due to his father’s lack of faith in him. Meanwhile, Aang still hung onto the guilt of not being able to save the Air Nomad nation.
Avatar The Last Airbender | Koh | Cape & Castle
While Katara and Sokka joining Aang in the Spirit World was exciting, that didn’t mean there weren’t frightening and devastating moments. The terror of Koh, the face stealer, was captured with a breathtaking likeness that gave me chills. That spirit is much more terrifying in live-action. Koh took Katara and Sokka hostage and was preparing to devour them, but Aang saved them by returning a sacred totem to the dark spirit. What stood out so much about this wasn’t just that the interactions were so different and far more deadly than just stealing faces. Aang’s duty to keep the balance extends beyond the four elements and nations. It extends into the Spirit World as well.
Avatar The Last Airbender | Gyatso | Cape & Castle
When Aang happened upon Gyatso that was it. You can say that somebody was cutting onions or it was dusty, but the tears were coming. This was a heartache of a scene with so much meaning. It felt like a wish come true. Aang was given a last chance with Gyatso. This was more than anyone could’ve asked for and all that fans always hoped for. And, when Aang returned later to find Gyatso gone, yes, I cried some more. You’re never ready for goodbye, even with fictional characters.
Missing in Action
Even though the Spirit World was masterfully built and visually stunning, there were a few misses to be had. The fact that Hei Bai didn’t have much of a cameo was heartbreaking. I love that panda spirit and there was barely a glimpse of it. I know I can’t be the only one bummed about that. Maybe there’ll be another cameo in the future. One can hope.
Avatar The Last Airbender | Wan Shi Tong | What To Watch
However, Wan Shi Tong making an appearance left me speechless. The barn owl spirit is supposed to be residing in his library of knowledge. It feels pretty ominous that he came into the series so early. I can’t help but wonder what that could mean for seasons’ 2 and 3.
While Wan Shi Tong left me speechless, it wasn’t enough to make up for Fang, Roku’s dragon, not making an appearance at all. With so much depth given to the Spirit Realm, it was a shame that the spirit was missing in action. While CGI can be tricky, Koh, Hei Bai, and Wan Shi Tong were spot on. So, why was Fang absent? Can we hope to see the dragon in the future? Still, I can’t be too picky. There was so much given to the Spirit World that some exclusions were bound to happen.
Which worldbuild left you speechless? What do hope to see out of the Spirit World in seasons 2 & 3? Let’s chat in the comments and be sure to follow us on X (Twitter)!
