GEEKING

OUT

 

 

I tend to prefer the term nerd because in my mind "geek" is associated more with computers and video games, while "nerd" is more associated with books/comic books and movies/television. However, nerding out doesn't sound as nice, so I'll just go with it for now.

 

This is going to be another recommendation, peeps! And I'm once again straying from my norm (books) to recommend an amazing television series. I've loved it ever since it began airing, and I've gone back to rewatch the seasons more than once and it just gets better each time. Most of you will probably have at least heard of it, and if you haven't, here's your introduction!!!

 

I'm going to preface this by stating up front that I will not go into the atrocity that is the movie, but stick to the solid cartoon series (and if the movie was your introduction, I am so so so so sorry). If that didn't clue you in to what I'm talking about I don't know what will...

 

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER!!!!

DUM, DUM, DUMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

Let's all just take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of this show. ..

 

...okay, now that we have all basked in the glory that is Avatar, let's get down to business and let those out there who don't already know about it, know about it.

 

The basic premise of the show is that certain people are born with the ability to "bend" or manipulate one of the four elements (earth, air, fire, or water), though not everyone is born with these abilities. Only one person can bend all four elements and he/she is known as the Avatar. Once the Avatar dies, another is born to replace him/her and he/she must learn to bend all the elements in order to do his/her part to protect and bring balance to the world (which is the job of the Avatar). The story follows Aang, a 12 year-old boy, still adjusting to being the Avatar. We get to follow his journeyings through the different kingdoms as he learns to bend all the elements and as he seeks to bring balance back to a world that has been conquered and oppressed by the Fire Nation.

 

Our main cast of characters include:

 

Our goofy and lovable Avatar, Aang.

 



Aang's sweet, responsible, water-bending friend, Katara.

 

The comic relief and Katara's brother, Sokka (a non-bender)

 



...and our fire-bending antagonist, Zuko

 

Although they are not included in the main cast, we can't forget...

 

Aang's best animal friend and mode of transportation, Appa the sky bison

 

 

Another furry friend, Momo the flying lemur

 

 

Earth-bending prodigy, Toph (though we don't see her until season 2)

Zuko's silly yet wise, tea-loving uncle, Iroh

And last, but certainly not least (especially in her opinion),
Zuko's sister, Azula.

 

The series has three seasons, far too few in my humble opinion. I feel like they could have gone on for another two or three and still keep their audience captivated. I love this show in part because it's a great mix of genres: comedy, action/adventure, mystery, romance, etc. They throw in a little of everything. I also like how they have "rest" episodes where they seemingly throw in a random comedy episode to alleviate the tension from too much drama. Who can forget the cactus juice episode?

 

Another thing I love is how the characters (unlike in many other animated shows) grow and develop over time. Aang starts off as this care-free kid who would love nothing more than to spend his days riding the giant koi fish or penguin sledding. But as the seasons progress, Aang develops a sense of duty and responsibility to the people he is bound to protect. He struggles with real issues and the guilt of feeling inadequate when he fails at something. He is injured emotionally, spiritually, and physically, yet overcomes those challenges in the end and almost never loses his zest for life and living. I love that this show caters to both children and adults. The show opperates on more than one level so everyone watching no matter their age is left not only satisfied, but craving more.

 

Well, if you decide to check the show out after reading this, I am thrilled (for you because you get to experience an awesome show, and me for introducing it to you). And if you are left feeling empty and destitute after finishing season 3, don't worry! Just look into Legend of Korra which introduces us to the Avatar after Aang.