Although the filming of the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender was completed in Spring, fans still have some time to wait until the newest adaptation releases. After the fiasco of the previous live-action adaptation, however, it's safe to say anticipation towards this new version is wary at best.
But that doesn't take away from the popularity and love for the original binge-worthy show, which brilliantly encomed important mature stories and morals into a lovable kids' program. However, as with whenever anything is popular, there are also some opinions and hot takes that are less so, and Redditors aren't afraid to share their thoughts on things they think could have been better handled in the series.
Wiping Out The Airbenders Wasn't Realistic
One of the main plot points from the beginning of the series is that the Fire Nation completely wiped out the air benders, except for Aang who they thought was dead. This storyline adds tension and heartbreak to Aang's arc.
Some fans were confused by the airbenders being completely wiped out. Reddit iCharlie101 said, "Airbenders being totally wiped out is so unrealistic. They were nomads who traveled the world." While this is certainly a sad aspect of the story, the story does explain that the Fire Nation hunted down and exterminated all the airbenders, and that they primarily lived at the Air Temples which the Fire Nation figured out how to access.
Aang And Katara Shouldn't Have Happened
As a show intended for younger viewers, the show focuses more on adventure and action than romance. However, the infatuation Aang has for Katara begins early on in the series, when Aang is released from the ice.
Though the series built up a romance between the two kids, some fans weren't a fan of the pairing. Reddit blo0_ said, "I didn't like that Aang and [Katara] get together. It seemed like a: "hero gets the girl" moment. It just didn't fit." This cliche was satisfactory for many fans, but other fans think it wasn't a necessary inclusion.
Katara Didn't Mention Her Mother Too Much
Katara is one of the best water tribe characters and was the only waterbender left in the southern water tribe at the start of the series. When she was a little girl, her mother died by lying to a Fire Nation soldier, telling him she was the last waterbender. It is a big part of her story arc, and Katara brings it up often as motivation and explanation for her behavior, however some fans believe she overdid it.
Others still defend her, with Reddit Darkavatar1 pointing out "Katara mentioned her mother a perfectly appropriate amount of times for a 14 year old who watched their mother get murdered." While it did seem tedious to make many of her decisions based on her mother's sacrifice, her lingering anger and guilt were understandable.
Toph Wasn't A Good Character
As one of the strongest benders on the show, many fans believe Toph was strong enough to take out the Fire Lord. She is one of the fan-favorite characters despite her harsh demeanor.
However, Toph is also one of the most controversial characters, with many believing her character didn't act reasonably. Reddit RiskyCroissant said, "I don't like Toph, because she uses excuses to not try to become a better person. She always resorts to violence to solve problems and refuses to listen to anyone else." This hot take shares many fans' opinions of Toph, though many other viewers understand her brutish personality in comparison to her sheltered childhood.
Hama Wasn't A True Villain
Hama was the last waterbender taken and imprisoned from the Southern Water Tribe. When the Avatar's group meets her, they learn she's been trapping Fire Nation villagers in a cave and wishes to teach Katara the deadly art of bloodbending.
Despite her difficult backstory, many believe she wasn't treated fairly in the show. Reddit thesoyestboyaround said, "I think the way they handle Hama was flawed and I don’t think she’s as evil as the show or the fan base makes her out to be." Hama's story may have been tragic, but the group treated her reasonably because she was inflicting her vengeance on innocent villagers.
Mai Was Boring
Mai is one of the best non-bender fighters, as well as a close friend to Princess Azula and the love interest of Prince Zuko. She is also one of the most controversial characters in the series.
Those not a fan of her not only think she was unnecessary but a particularly boring character. Reddit silverBruise_32 said, "she made a good two-dimensional henchwoman, but her and Zuko together in the end, and probably in the future, too? That required much more character development than she was given." Though not all viewers enjoy Mai's character, some appreciate her skills and enjoy her relationship with Zuko.
Azula Didn't Need A Redemption Arc
Azula is one of the best Fire Nation characters in the franchise, known for her ability to bend lightning and blue fire. She is a villain in the story, loyally serving her father and her own interests by fighting against the avatar.
Azula did not receive a happy ending in this series. While some fans thought she deserved redemption, others thought her arc was appropriate for a true villain. Reddit Sickness4D_THICCness said, "She’s a great, complex villain with a sad childhood that contributed to her defining personality traits today." Though it would have been interesting to see her get a redemption arc, fans were more satisfied with Zuko's redemption.
Zuko Wasn't A Great Firebender
At the end of the story, Zuko becomes the Fire Lord and helps Aang restore order to the world. However, many fans think this has more to do with his heroism and kindness rather than his natural abilities as a firebender.
Reddit LetMyPeopleJo said, "Zuko is not a great fire bender in the sense of natural skill" and then goes on to explain, "Azula will always be a better fire bender than Zuko, but Zuko showed that hard work can beat natural talent." While Azula had more power than Zuko, these fans believe Zuko's sense of self is why he became Fire Lord over his unstable sister.
Ozai Was A Good Villain
Fire Lord Ozai was the main villain in the storyline and the reason for all the devastation while the young cast was growing up. However, many fans believed that Ozai was a flat villain and could have done with some more character development.
Reddit MattadorGuitar disagrees, "To the viewer he is rotten to the core. This makes the fact that Aang shows him comion and spares his life much more meaningful." While others wanted to see him have more substance, these fans thought his evil nature made Aang's final act more meaningful.
Aang Could Have Been Stronger Without Katara
Fans didn't just think Aang and Katara were a bad pairing, but they also thought that Aang's attachment to Katara held him back from becoming even more powerful.
These fans thought Aang should have distanced himself from Katara so that he could connect more with his avatar spirit. Reddit Johnny_Rainn said, "When it comes to mastering the avatar spirit he runs off because of a crush." Though this decision may have been frustrating for these viewers, it did demonstrate how big of a heart Aang had.