The Best Moments from Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender

The live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender has glided onto Netflix like Aang on his staff. Regardless of your feelings concerning the minutiae of the show’s narrative or whether it compares to the Nickelodeon animated series from the mid-aughts, you can’t deny that it’s beautiful to look at. Visually, everything is on point.

As someone thoroughly entertained by this series, I found at least one thing to love about each episode. It’s not walking away with an abundance of accolades, but I had fun watching it. Sometimes, all I want is lighthearted escapism. Anyway, check out my favorite moments from each episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender. 

---

Aang Escapes Zuko on His Glider; Katara Waterbends 

I’m a sucker for a good multifunctional tool, and that’s precisely what Aang’s Airbender staff/glider is. Not only can he use it to airbend and fight his foes, but when things get sticky, he can simply transform his staff into a glider and fly away. I need something like that to escape the awkward social situations I routinely find myself in. 

I love the moment in episode 1 when Aang escapes Prince Zuko. Zuko’s army tries their damnedest to take Aang down. Thankfully, Katara, Sokka, and Appa swoop in to the rescue. This is also when we see Katara use her waterbending abilities to great effect. 

---

Aang Transforms into Kyoshi and Fights Zhao’s Soldiers

This moment from episode 2 might be my favorite of the entire season. I’d watch a spin-off or prequel series about Avatar Kyoshi. Netflix spared no expense regarding the visual effects of this adaptation, and we see the fruits of that when Kyoshi channels her powers into Aang and fights Commander Zhao’s forces.

It’s the only time in season 1 where we see the full power of an Avatar in action. Kyoshi airbends, earthbends, firebends, and waterbends while battling the Fire Nation soldiers. Since Aang hasn’t yet trained in the other elements, this scene is a feast for the eyes. 

All hail Kyoshi, our powerful goddess. 

---

Zuko and Aang Fight through the Streets of Omashu 

Omashu is stunning and easily one of the best locales in the show. So, needless to say, I love the Zuko/Aang fight in episode 3 as they move through the Earth Kingdom’s second-largest city. The fight sequences, in general, are well-choreographed. It’s not easy to focus on that while moving at lightning speed through different streets and marketplaces. 

It’s fun watching Aang and Zuko utilize whatever is at their disposal to one-up each other. Plus, you always knew Aang would somehow wriggle free of Zuko. That’s their modus operandi as enemies. 

---

Dixit Confronts Iroh about the Siege of Ba Sing Se

Episode 4 boasts incredible character work. We see Captain Dixit seek revenge against Uncle Iroh regarding his role in the Siege of Ba Sing Se. At the same time, the story of Iroh losing his son unfolds, including a touching moment at the funeral where Zuko comforts Iroh. 

Albert Nicholas knocks it out of the park as Dixit. He makes the most of his limited screen time. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee injects Iroh with searing vulnerability and tenderness. The narrative here gives us so much concerning Iroh’s (and Zuko’s, by extension) backstory. 

---

The Spirit World

In episode 5, Aang travels to the Spirit World to save his friends. Perhaps this is cheating a bit, but I’m making the Spirit World (in general) one of my favorite moments from the show. The visual team was, as the kids say, “cooking.” I love the various creatures, from the nightmare-inducing Koh and Wan Shi Tong to the talking fox (AKA Princess Yue) who chats up Sokka. 

Immersive, eye-catching visuals aside, I also adore the Aang/Gyatso reunion in episode 5. It definitely brings on the waterworks. 

---

All of Episode 6 

Uh-oh — I’m cheating again! It’s for good reason, though. Episode 6, “Masks,” is hands down season 1’s best episode. A significant reason for that is the reveal of Zuko’s backstory. We see how he got the scar on his eye, for starters. The fight between Zuko and his father broke my heart. Fire Lord Ozai is utterly terrifying, thanks to Daniel Dae Kim’s arresting performance. For Zuko, there’s a lot of emotional payoff with his story. 

Additionally, we get to see Zuko fight while not relying on his firebending. He’s not too shabby as a physical fighter. Again, hats off to the fight/stunt choreographers for blessing us with these intricate battle sequences. 

Another fun aspect of this episode is the conversation between Aang and Zuko. We see Aang chipping away at Zuko’s hardened shell. Gordon Cormier and Dallas Liu are great together, too, with Liu, in particular, putting his versatility on display. 

---

Here’s to the Ladies 

Episode 7 ensures our badass ladies get their time to shine. Katara and Pakku battle it out. It’s so cool seeing more than one Waterbender in action. The waterbending is visually breathtaking. To me, waterbending is the most aesthetically pleasing and the most versatile of the elemental powersets. 

Additionally, Princess Azula gets her moment in the spotlight with the appearance of her blue fire abilities. We know she’s a prodigy, even if her father won’t recognize her as such. I’m excited to see how her powers shift and evolve should Netflix greenlight more seasons. 

---

The Big Battle in the Finale 

The final battle in episode 8 is quite satisfying. It’s another great payoff after the show has built up to it all season. I adore Katara and Zuko’s battle, an upgrade from their brief duel in episode 2. At this point, Katara has been training extensively as a Waterbender, so it’s fun watching her put Zuko in his place. 

Then, feces effectively hit the fan after Zhao destroyed the moon. From Yue’s sacrifice to Aang turning into Water Godzilla and taking out the Fire Nation’s navy, the elements really come together to deliver an immersive, intricate battle sequence. 

I’ll throw in the final moments of the episode, too. Azula proves she’s a power player not to be trifled with by seizing control of Omashu. Then, Ozai learns about the arrival of Sozin’s Comet, which is a terrific setup for a potential second season. 

---

What are your favorite moments from the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender? Join the discussion with other fans at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!