I just noticed that RUclips put a ton of adverts in this video, so I just went back and deleted a bunch of them. Sorry so many of you had to wade through that before I got to it. I'm only 13 hours late 😬
Killing people actually does play into the airbenders way of life. They aren’t hippies. The philosophy is that IF attacked then they can use lethal force to defend themselves. That’s why in the first season of the cartoon they do show dead firebenders next to gyatso. He took out a bunch of them. Aang also killed people in self defense which is a meme, but true. Aang was having issues killing the fire lord because it was technically an OFFENSIVE and premeditated move. The fire lord wasn’t attacking him directly. And even the airbending avatar at the end basically told Aang that his duty was to the world and that he needed to put aside his spiritual needs to defend the world. The same thing would apply here if the fire nation was trying to commit genocide on the air nation. They wouldn’t just sit back and let it happen. It’s like a super vegan out in the woods. If a wolf is on top of you and seconds away from murdering you, you wouldn’t just let it kill you. They train for self defense and self defense can be lethal. Gyatso of course wouldn’t have had time to train Aang properly about this distinction because you don’t bring up death to a 12 year old. Mentally there’s a big distinction between “oh that guy died because he was trying to kill me” and” I’m going to plan and seek someone out to murder him “ They need to address this in the show because the cartoon obviously failed in this regard because we clearly see Aang murder people all throughout the show but the cartoon just ignores it.
Makes perfect sense. Great explanation. Although, Aang was definitely in denial about ever killing anyone, even on offense, which he did to that poor Buzzard Wasp.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS Also Aang allowed the ocean spirit to use his body as a vessel, so should be aware the ocean spirit would be ruthless against enemies which ended highly likely in the deaths of several fire nation navy soldiers.
@@jsbrads1 I agree. That's what I think happened. But in the final result, Gyatso's body is surrounded by Fire Nation soldier bodies I think Sozen's firebending kills them. Not Gyatso.
I love how you are so open to a lot of these changes. Changes aren’t bad! It’s surprising and adds to a sense of something new and these changes would make sense !
Your videos have been absolutely amazing! The amount of work you put in is seen, but you are just as enjoyable to listen to and chat about adaptations with, without the extensive prep. I can't wait to see how you and both channels grow as you get more comfortable making what makes you happy ❤
The important thing we need to remember is that the animated show was not fully written when they started production. They wrote the show as they were making it. So certain decisions may have worked as they were writing but may not have had the pay off they wanted. Like the decision not to show Ozai's face. It worked in the sense that we didn't get to see Ozai's face until Zuko saw him again. But by hiding Ozai's appearance for so long, it also built up expectations. Then it turns out that Ozai looks like a regular guy. But the live action show has the whole story so they can set things up better or make the pay offs better. I will hold my judgment. But I will say that despite there being bad adaptations like The Witcher, Death Note, Secret Invasion, etc., things are way better today than they were not that long ago. Go back to the 90's and you could count on one hand the number of good live action adaptations, Donner Superman, Burton Batman, The Flash, that's about it. Most adaptations were still cheap made for TV/video movies like the Hasselhoff Nick Fury. Today, you have tons of great live action adaptations, One Piece, The Boys, Umbrella Academy, Peacemaker, Sandman, Doom Patrol, Legion, Loki, Good Omens, The Expanse, His Dark Materials, Netflix Marvel shows, etc.
Iroh's crush is understandable... he's old, not blind or DEAD. I think the actress picked is dead on PERFECT to convey the character.... at least visually. She struck as a mature, experienced mercenary. I never thought of her as particularly young... If she pulls off the attitude, *chefs kiss*. It would be terrible if they cut out his minor lechery.
the problem is that Mako is not the voice of the character, that is what made the lechery funny, this new soft spoken actor playing iroh does not have the presence of voice to pull it off.
4:40 the “non-killing” principle is canonically related to all Air Nomads or is it something particular to Aang? I know Aang thinks that way but I don’t remember that being stated as a cultural general rule to all airbenders.
I've always seen Monk Gyatso as the Qui-Gon Jinn of the Air Nomads. He's always understood that though the Air Nomads have principles that they must adhere to, there are spaces and pockets in the philosophy that require you to be flexible. In the original ATLA, Aang always has memories of him and Gyatso being mischievous and breaking/bending the rules of the temple together.
Excellent points, here. I like all of it. Also, I have to keep reminding myself. Not all Air Nomads had to be monks or nuns. I mean... they could have been regular folks, too.
Ik a lot of people r hoping/expecting more or less just a live action copy/paste of the og show so any deviation from that must be the show runners just doing w/e they want. I think what needs to be understood is that when u change media types it means that other things need to be changed as well. From what I’ve inferred of these changes in atla r for the benefit of the shift in media and to expand upon a world that we all already love.
I always thought that the Fire Lord sent Zuko to look for the avatar because he thought it was an impossible mission, not because he believed the avatar was alive.
Yes. This is what I thought. But when the Avatar's presence is made known again (when all the temple eyes glow) l feel that Ozai would make it a priority to find him.
When it comes to why Ozai didnt send Azula to capture the Avatar in Season 1, I believe it was because Azula was still in the middle of training during the course of Season 1. You can see that Azula was still in the process of training even in the first episodes of Season 2 (practicing lightning generation). In addition, this is reinforced in the live-action trailer, it shows a scene of Azula firing a bow alongside another archer you can see off-screen (training in archery perhaps?)
Yeah. I saw the line-up. I would guess we are gonna see how eager she is to get put and join the hunt, but she's working on getting permission (like... actively).
Loved hearing your thoughts and analysis! You articulate your thoughts extremely well. Fingers crossed that this lives up enough to all of our expectations!
This video was amazing! I find myself in agreeing with the vast majority of your insights regarding the changes. Your detailed analysis and the way you connected the dots really show a deep understanding and genuine passion for Avatar 😍 Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I can tell you're a true fan. Keep up the great work! 👏
My wife and I love watching your videos. We are only watching Wheel of Time because we can watch you right after, and we are looking forward to what you say about ATLA once it’s out. All that’s to say: we enjoy your “off the cuff” approach regardless of how long the videos are and hearing your opinions on any content is very interesting. You’re hilarious without a script! Do what’s best for you!
That is awesome! Tell your wife I appreciate the views 😉 Wheel of Time is trash, but it's not in my trash can, yet. I'm just prioritizing Avatar until it comes out (gotta ride the hype). But I've got WoT S2 E4 in the editing bay. I'm just... not rushing.
Started watching you with the WoT videos, and this is a new one to also be entertained by. Love the style of your content, rambling and giggling as they often are. :)
Oh good. I'm Glas some WoT people can enjoy these videos, too. I haven't given up on WoT, btw. It's just gonna be a lot longer between review releases.
Totally digging on the channel. It fits with my ADHD brain. And, your take on parts of the WoT series had me in stitches. ("Hello....".) My wife, daughter and I generally just binge watch seasons of TV during dinner. All of our shows we're either current with them (many on hiatus due to the SAG strike last year) or are series that concluded. With the Netflix series, we've decided to see if we can plow through all three seasons of Avatar before the premier. I've shown them many a clip from the WoT series and will likely share some of this stuff as it comes. Keep up the great work!
I agree with what you said about Azula. If they have her in this season for more than flashbacks, it will take away from her great introduction she had in season 2 episode 1. Also, I'm concerned with so many villains in season 1 because it will make Zuko not feel like a villain at all...taking away from his redemption down the line. But here is hoping they can balance having zuko, zhou, azula, and ozai all at once. 🤞🤞
My guess is they will start to show his kinder side sooner. But I do hope they don't neglect his reckless brutality when he is really desperate or angry. It's such a great weakness for him to overcome.
I think a large part of the drama surrounding Sokka’s actor is less to do with his ability to do humor and more the issue of representation because it’s been called into question if the actor is native or if it was a lie, since he isn’t listed among the federally recognized Cherokee tribes and he claims to be mixed Cherokee. And there is generally just overall a concern with issues of colorism, that noticeably darker skinned animated characters have been cast with lighter skinned actors in live action, which Hollywood often tends to do. So it’s all less about his acting and more the casting concerns of possibly an actor lying about his ethnicity to get a role.
Oh okay. I mean, it's possible he's not listed. I live in an area surrounded by several tribes. Lots of folks are descendants or no longer live on the reservations. You can't always tell by registry or looks. I, for instance, am part Mongolian. Would you know it from my appearance? No way. My sister, though. She has obvious traits.
@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS it's less about him not being listed and more about him being listed as a member of a tribe notorious, among certain indigenous communities, for being fake.
@@ayoogunsakin9223 I read the old posts controversy with Taylor Lautner race and all. I don’t know where and how he has an exotic look, but this is not the same case. IF Ian is truly mixed native, and the above circumstances are true, it honestly must suck people telling you that you can’t even dare claim part of your heritage just because it wasn’t formally registered with a tribe. Why would any community fake being indigenous?
2:50 killing might not be something the Air Nomads were inclined to do, but we know Gyatzo killed a lot of firebenders in his last stand. Aang found his body surrounded by Firebender corpses, remember?
You always do a great vid and I think your enthusiasm for the show will mean you won't need notes tbh. Def go off the cuff, good choice! And if you ever wondered if I script my videos. No, no I don't lol. Its a stream of consciousness...🤣😜😎🤣
Tiny detail is that the Fire Sage who is told to send word to the Fire Lord happens to be the one guy who is still loyal to the Avatar, and he definitely knows what sending that notice would unleash so I personally don't think that letter was ever sent.
I will say.. im very impressed. Every comment i went to make mid video you started to discuss exactly what i was writing to either add info or ask your opinion. Happened 4 times so im just gonna wait till the videos done 😂😂
4:40 the “non-killing” principle is canonically related to all Air Nomads or is it something particular to Aang? I know Aang think that way but I don’t remember that being stated as a cultural general rule to all airbenders. 9:13 I have to admit that, in the original show, they kept Ozai’s face in the shadows until season 3, when they finally reveal it, I was kind of disappointed, because though he’s very well designed his appearance doesn’t have anything of greatly impactful. In the other hand, hearing Mark Hamill’s voice for so long made me expect for a more maniacal looks for Ozai, what há not been delivered. So it makes no sense to me repeating that hiding, specially because everybody would already know the actor cast for the role.
Aang is definitely a pacifist, but I think it would hit him hard if Gyatso had admitted to killing fire natuon soldiers, whether part of the Air Nomad Monk's culture or not. Yeah. No point in hiding Ozai in the live action. I actually really like that the animated reveal showed a normal face. I found it more disturbing, somehow. But yeah. No need to hide stuff in Live Action.
I loveeee the Sokka actor. Have you seen his interviews lately? He has such a good personality that I hope feels natural in the show and I hope the jokes are somewhat improvised.
It was good. I liked your detailed analysis and direct comparison to the original. Very informative. When you were talking about who the trailer was directed at, I put myself in the mindset of not knowing who any of the characters were or what was going on, and it was a really bad trailer. Incomprehensible nonsense for the most part, so I agree, if they want new viewers, they need a different trailer. My biggest concern for the show at this point is, "Can the children act?"
They did a great job with child actors for Stranger Things. This seems like a much bigger project than Stranger Things, so I'm sure they really looked hard for kids who can do the parts well. Just from his couple lines, I have a good feeling about Sokka. There's gonna be a lot of pressure on Aang. That kisld is such a kid! I watched an interview of him. They are all so young! Not teenagers at all... except the Zuko actor. He kinda seemed like he was thinking he's too old for these kids... which is sorta perfect.
I have seen a few "never seen the animation" reactions, and they all are entranced by the visuals. But I think they will be more hooked if it's more than just a pretty thing to look at. Technically, Cowboy Beebop LA looked good. 😬 It just... wasn't right.
I really think Netflix just realizes that if they push it too much it won't work. They do try to push it for the fans. try to recreate what happened in Corona. When all the fans started re-watching and recommending more people to watch.@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS
Zukko's mission to catch the Avatar seemed more personal since he was in exile. The admiral piggybacked on it and it becomes more official from the Firelord when Zukko stumbles on him. If they must have Azula, I think the way to do it is to have her on missions putting down small rebellions in the Earth Kingdom. Then, when the Admiral falls in the North, she's perfectly set up as his replacement.
@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS For the sake of the narrative, he doesn't believe in his son and so far, though he recognizes the Avatar could be a threat, at the moment all reports are he's just a kid, and Ozai is the most powerful leader on the planet. He may not be that worried about it until the Northern Water tribe battle, where Aang proves how big a threat he is. If they must bring Azula in early, this makes sense. Squashing rebellions on the ground would also be an important job. I doubt that's the route they're taking, but it's how I'd handle it. It's also a good use of preparing the audience for her to really build up to the big bad in season 2. We see little glimpses of her power throughout season 1 and then full out for season 2. Again, this is if I were in charge and the powers that be insisted on introducing her early.
The points brought up in this video regarding the presence of Azula and Ozai are some of the things that temper my enthusiasm. The slow build-up, the escalation, the focus of each season' particular "big bad" -- those were near-perfect storytelling decisions in the animated series. While it satisfies the nostalgia centers of my brain to see these characters in live-action right away, I agree that featuring Azula and Ozai too early could be a detriment. Unless they are retelling the story in a very different way, and not simply doing a faithful, almost shot-for-shot remake of the original series, I don't see why they should change it.
Just one quick note, the attack depicted will be at the Southern Air Temple not the Northern one because that's where Aang found Gyatso's skeleton in episode 3.
28:31 ugh, I feel this deep down. I wrote up about 240 pages for my Wheel of Time season 1 deep dive breakdown. But I feel like I'm one of the few people who will ever read it because it's not in an easily digestible format - even though many people have expressed interest in reading it.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS lol, I need a good webcam 😆. I am an editor (primarily vfx artist, but I edit, color, work on the production side of things, etc). You'd think I could have just winged it, but I'm always super thorough, and wanted to be sure my opinions had merit rather than being knee jerk reactions.
@@jeremyvanneman8112 How about just invest in a good Mic, to start? Do a faceless channel. Then, if it takes off, get a nice webcam. I got a Kiyo Pro and love it.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS thanks! That's a good idea! My friend and I are in the process of starting up a podcast (a sort of news beyond the news podcast that leans into what we're passionate about - film and politics - that we first do extensive research on then chat about our findings as opposed to the typical off the cuff convos), so I've already been thinking about getting a new mic. But that's good to know where to start with a camera. Yours seems to work really well!
@jeremyvanneman8112 the camera in most of my videos is a Canon t6i. But for webcam, I have the Kiyo pro. I wish I could use the Canon for a webcam, but the software creates a delay that I can't stand.
I love this theory! It'd highlight her ability to rise in power with little effort and to manipulate her position to her advantage. And it'd provide the initial set-up for her successful usurpation of Omashu and fall of Long Feng/take-over of the Dai Li in Book 2. It'd also provide a massive blow to Zhao's ego as a newly promoted admiral.
With regards to showing characters early in the trailers, I think we must remember, and I especially find this with streaming services, they often include more than one season's content in those trailers in order to fill them with fan fave characters to generate more excitement and hype from the fans. It doesn't necessarily mean these characters will actually show up in season one.
I don't believe they have filmed season 2 yet. Maybe a few shots, but .... I dunno. The creators have said Azula, Mei, and Tai Lee will all be in season 1. I really suspect only as flashbacks or flashed over to the Fire Nation.
26:54 agree with everything until this moment. Creating a trailer in the indy world means taking your mostly completed film and cutting together different versions that are fun/interesting. Creating a trailer for a big budget, extensive vfx film is very different. More often than not they have a rough cut that at least gives them a place to start having vfx studios bid for the work, and they've handed a few (shorter duration) shots to maybe one vendor to get look development going - which is what's slated for the trailer. But they likely required some sort of rush delivery for those individual shots (unless their producer is extremely good at planning). So for them to edit together something different, they'd likely need to use 90% non-vfx shots, or they'd have to had already planned on that second cut (which may actually be in the works - they could be seeing what online traction is like for this first trailer before releasing/finishing it). I think it's very unlikely they could come up with a trailer that's 90% non-vfx shots considering how many invisible vfx elements there likely are in these episodes (like set extensions, digital makeup, split takes, etc).
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS we're still a month out. And this is television (or rather episodic streaming) instead of a feature. I would guess episode 1 and 2 are done and 3 is well underway. But based on my experience, it always comes down to the wire - with the final deliveries handed over in the last day or two of post to get final exports out and properly mastered. And with how much vfx is going to be in a show like this, I'd be surprised if there's not still some creative revisions being done for episode 1 to make sure it captures viewers attention. If they had vfx done for the scene they'd want to use, I could totally see your idea working - I just don't think it's likely.
@@jeremyvanneman8112 I spoke with a higher-up a couple days ago who confirmed that, yes, they are currently finalizing VFX and Mixing and stuff. But since all episodes are being released at once, I am guessing they are further along than studios that release an episode per week.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS ah, copy that. That's really interesting! That bodes very well for production that they're so far ahead of schedule. I find that the better prepared post production is, the better the film is on release. At that point my guess is they don't want to flood social media with two very different trailers right away. They likely want to get chatter online started with the trailer that caters to existing fans and give them plenty of time to pore through it. Then release a general audience trailer closer to release, since it's unlikely someone would be so hyped by a trailer to remember what they thought about watching almost a month later without someone (like an existing fan who's excited) reminding them about it.
I had a very similar idea as to how they would work the northern air temple episode into omashu. Like you said its one of those moments for sokka to show his intellegence but also the reveal that the mechanist was working for the fire nation out of necessity to keep his people safe. Having that plot point in the show can be an easy tie in down the road as to how the fire nation took over omashu, he would have been their inside man so they would have known the interworkings of the city already before the gaang gets there. So when the time came to take omashu the fire nation already had an in to do it even if he has since turned around and started helping the gaang.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS For sure and I think plots like that where yes they are important but the location not so much are pefectly fine to make work when it can still serve its purpose. Thats coming from someone who isnt too big on changes considering the past 30 or so years of adaptations have been basically by name only and not actually looking or feeling anything like what they are adapting. As for the ozi thing I get it you cant recapture the surprise we already know, so to have him more involved early can only help because he really didnt have good build up they talked a big talk but the only 2 times we see him in action hes getting owned by children.
If Teo and the Mechanist are living in Omashu it sets up the fire nation taking over the city in book two. If the fire nation has spies in Omashu checking in on the Mechanist, it would make sense that the takeover would start from the inside. It’s more interesting than Bumi just surrendering the city.
I think Bumi can still surrender the city. He just has to see that he is at a disadvantage and decide it is not time to strike. It is the prompt "you need a teacher who is a master of waiting and listening" that sets Aang on the right path to finding Toph. So it works for me if Bumi surrenders.
27:34 do what works for you and you'll build an audience. "Perfection is the enemy of the Good". Can't wait for you to finish Wheel of Time, looking forward to your overall season thoughts, and hopefully a fan edit review some day 😉
you're forgetting that when the avatar sanctuary was lits up indicating the avatar is alive, it was Zhao who came to zuko QUESTIONING him about finding the avatar, they even interrogates zukos men and that's how they found out. it's pretty obvious that the firelord sent Zhao to confirm if zuko had actually found him. the fire lord had already changed that responsibility to Zhao. (Zhao said that "finding the avatar is too important to be left up to a boy, zuko". it would make sense why he would ask commander Zhao who is commanding the army instead of Azula.
Within regards to Azula you CAN include her outside of flashbacks. The firelord doesn't appoint her to find the avatar until the last scene of season 1. That can stay the same. The firelord only asks Azula to track down aang because Zuko was seen as a failure AND traitor. Her shooting the arrow makes sense as Zuko trained with swords. She will probably be under Zhao during the blue spirit ARC. Because the archers captured aang. I guarantee she's the one who takes the shot at the blue spirit. And perhaps since she's under Jow she can also piece together that Zuko was the bluespirit. This explains why Zuko is a traitor that needs to be arrested. We actually get zero explanation why the FIrelord was trying to arrest Zuko in the first episode of season 2. Treason makes the most sense. Zuko had failed to capture aang many times, but the firelord didn't arrest him after those failures. Treason was obviously the reason as the firelord and Zhao didnt even know that Zuko failed to get Aang at the north pole. And with Zhao's death, it would make sense for Azula to take his position especially if she was already second in command. She can be the one who informs the firelord of Zukos treason.
Ooh! I like all these theories. But I still can't see Azula being under Zhao's control. Although capturing Aang with the YuYan archers would be cool and fitting. 🙂
Ozai says, "Your brother is a failure and Iroh is a traitor." She comes to arrest them both so Zuko can stand trial for being a failure, an embarrassment and causing Zhao's death. Iroh was to be imprisoned for treason. No one finds out Zuko is the Blue Spirit, except Aang and Iroh. Zhao suspected it after seeing the swords, but took it to his grave.
How I feel about these changes is going to depend wholly on whether or not the important beats that were present in those scenes for the original show are still somewhere in the Netflix one. It won't be impossible for them to do, but each change also brings with it the possibility that the show fucks up. For my own sanity, I will remain skeptical until I see the finished product for myself, heh heh
Regarding Zhao going to Kyoshi, i think they're going to do the Agni Kai between Zhao and Zuko in that episode (it's called Warriors, after all). After Zuko wins, Zhao gets upset and goes to confront the Avatar while Zuko's ship is still being repaired. A kind of, " he thinks he's so tough cause he beat me, but I'll show him up!" Kind of deal.
I'm 100% with you. If June doesn't get to use the "where's your creepy uncle?" referring to Iroh line on down the episodes, they did that whole character wrong. Arden Cho looks fantastic so hopefully we get a little more of the character.
9:59 I agee, I like Ian as Sokka, he's cute, seems naturally funny, looks like Sokka and is clearly doing his best, but for some sjw wanna be people, he's not dark enough and isn't really indigenous even though (imo) it's pretty easy to tell that is mixed just by looking at him. The hate is undeserved, same with Katara. The good thing is, a lot of people have come around and liked Ian's line: " Yup, there goes the savior of the world"
My favorite line of his in the trailer was the supportive one. Sokka has to have the most range out of everyone. He has to be funny and supportive, and suffer (Yue). His performance, if done well, will undoubtedly gain this kid a lot of attention.
They could still have the Northern Air Temple fight, but after the battle there they all flee to Omashu and maybe Aang and the Gang go with them or maybe even show them the way and thats how we get to Omashu, when I first saw that scene in the trailer, I felt that was them arriving at Omashu
I think we are confusing battles. They don't go to Omashu at the end of the season. They go at the beginning. After the Northern Air Temple battle, they arrive at the North Pole.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS right, I'm just saying they could change when they go to omashu, so it's just changing the order that it happens I just don't see them taking it out, good fodder for dramatic scenes and Aang growth. He at first felt like the desicrated the temple but then let go of the past. I agree it could happen off screen but I felt it was an important episode in Aangs growth
I actually disagree with 6:39 but this is my own personal opinion. You have to remember that at the start of the story, Zuko has been already banished from the fire nation for around 3 years and I think Ozai sent him to capture the avatar as some sort of wild goose chase. I like to think that it makes complete sense because no one has seen the avatar in almost 100 years and at that point he probably wasn't expected to appear before the events at the Southern Air temple. I think that this mission was just to discard Zuko and to have him never seen again because it emphasizes how much Ozai doesn't care for him. But I do agree that Azula would have outdone Zuko and Zhao because she is just that good.
I think I did not communicate very clearly here (downside to not scripting). I was trying to say that, once the Fire Lord learns that the Avatar HAS returned (long after sending Zuko on a hopeless mission), he wouldn't just rely on his banished son to keep looking. He would send his best. In fact, the Fire Lord's belief that Zuko is talentless is even more reasonable for Ozai to have probably sent Azula out the moment he heard about the glowing eye statues. He would figure Zuko isn't capable of catching Aang.
I believe the first hurtle was already jumped. Now, I am a huge One Piece fan. I think the OP live action series absolutely nailed the look of the original characters, and scenery. So what hurts me to say... Is that going by look alone, the Avatar LA trailer showed me enough to believe the production achieved as good as, if not better, look for their characters, scenery and effects. I am fully in Avatar's corner at this point. I want it to be as good for me as the One Piece LA was. But I am also holding reserve for the final product. I would have been merciless on One Piece, had they screwed up the adaption, and turned out that I came away far more impressed than I expected to be. I'm not sure if it is fair, but the success of One Piece raised my expectations for Avatar. Just about a month away from testing those expectations. I'll be patient.
O, but they did tell him that they had killed and that he needs to sacrifice his own morals for the same of the world (can't recall the exact quote offhand, but it was something like that).
Also I will say the first episode was written by the original creators so we can assume these changes in the first episode are by them and probably approve of them.
From what I hear, the first two episodes are going to have big changes to the prologue, but still be very true to the source material. It's mostly re-arranging and a bit more expansion, from what I hear.
I hope you don't feel like you've failed with your video essay experiment; I know tossing all that work must be painful, but you will still have learned from the process, even if it's not clear what right now. (Sorry if that sounded pompous.) Your videos are enjoyable due to your professionalism, humour, and likability, so the longer the better, I say!
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS I'm glad to hear it, and forgive me if I was presumptuous, but you sounded a bit deflated so I wanted to be encouraging. Onwards!
For why he wouldn't need to send his best in his daughter after Aang? It could be he see's the air benders as weak and Aang is just a child so it should be easy for his Commander, also he looks at Azula as his only heir, he doesn't think Zuko will ever fit so it would be a risk to send her out. It's not till he see's how difficult it is to catch Aang he sends out everyone
I am going to hold my hype. Netflix has been saying a lot of "we are doing it for the fans" and then you get a Sh**show like the Witcher and Cowboy Beebob, where you have a passionate person somewhere, but everyone else pretty much craps all over it. And these changes in the trailer are worrisome to say the least. They are indicative of them doing their own thing, and if anything has been proven to me.. then it is that Netflix cannot be trusted to do their own thing and still produce a good show based on source material. Netflix has to do a lot of work to regain and sort of benefit of doubt and good will on my part.
I recently learned something about those crappy shows you mentioned as bad adaptations.... they were not being overseen by the same people who are overseeing Netflix's more well-received adaptation, such as One Piece, Wednesday, Sweet Tooth, Dark Crystal, Umbrella Academy, Lost in Space, etc. Avatar is in the hands of folks who did those! That's a hopeful sighn, I say. 😊
Yeah, especially with the recent success of One Piece and Yu Yu Hakusho, I feel Netflix finally learn their past mistakes and getting better at handling live action adaptations of our beloved anime/cartoon shows.
Haha. I'm still working on WoT. I have a recorded S2E4 episode already. It's just.... not the big priority, at the moment. I'm chipping away at it slowly.
Another one of my issues from this is a lot of Zuko‘s moments from the original show. Looks like they’re going to general zhao. We really need to see zuko as a villain before he gets his redemption arc. If not, I would really dislike it.
I think there are plenty of times we will have opportunities. The North Pole mission is pretty intense and brutal. The worst moment for Zuko is betraying Katara in the Crystal Caverns. I can't wait to get to that!
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS Remember, though Zuko is at his height as a true villain, in season one. And burning down that village was one of the most truest evil things he did. And his redemption started around the time of Zuko alone he started being an anti-villain. we need to see Zuko as a villain before a victim.
In one day, you gotta remember the amount of villainous thing Zuko done throughout the season before his redemption arc. The more take away the less impactful that arc will feel
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS thank you very much it is really needed. I was hoping you would’ve went into it in the video slightly. But I’m really thankful you’re doing a video. Because remember, we got to stack up the things that Zuko did in the series to reiterate what he did in Omashu leaving, and betraying them on the tear of villainy Is lower than the thing he did in season, one with burning down at Village, where some people were in those houses, and no remorse was shown in season one. That’s very interesting. If they take that part of Zuko away, it’ll be kind of weird for me. Remember in season two who killed anng was Azula. Zuko just played along with it. Still evil but you could tell he was in his anti-villain phase. Because he was showing a lot of remorse there. So again, I am very thankful for the response talking with you was great. I knew that was a good channel to subscribe to way back .
I’m very skeptical fortunately. I really wish the original creators had worn power over their creation for examples of one piece creator. But it is what it is let’s see what happens.
Things have really changed. Even Lost in Translation is being critized now because of the age difference of the leads even though it was once seen as mostly innocent. I don't think we need Iroh being creepy or lechereous to a much younger woman.
Lol. You can't ask that. But I have a top 4.... Zuko, Iroh, Sokka, Toph. Iroh and Toph I just love who they are. Zuko and Sokka have my favorite arcs. Zuko wins, though. They really did something special with him. Katara, Aang, Azula, Mei, and Tai Lee are also fantastic though. Also excellent arcs. Aang's was maybe the most vague, so I'd love to see them sharpen his arc a but more in the Live Action.
Thank you for being honest about how you enjoyed the small innocuous scene of uncle Iroh enjoying June laying on him. No foul play and not “pervy” as many on some subreddits like to claim. I hope they retain a similar humor in the live action.
Pariah? fugitive? outlaw, wanted man. made anathema or excommunicated, classical ostracism or shunning, untouchable, condemned, i dunno that's all i've got@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS
Not sure why people keep comparing it to One Piece. Avatar went into Production 2019, One Piece went into production 2022. If anything, one Piece learned from Avatar the last air bender.
Great point! Also, Avatar is a bigger production. It's the biggest Netflix has ever done. I really think they are being careful with this one, and the same people in charge of making sure it's done right were in charge of making sure One Piece, Wednesday, Umbrella Academy, Sweet Tooth, and basically all the biggest Netflixes successes were done right. I think Netflix knows.
I doubt they will follow the cartoon beat for beat. That will be extremely difficult to pull off and feel good. Some changes have to be made for Live Action.
"Pervy" in the sense that he slides into a way to touch her when she wouldn't normally allow it. Totally fine to find an attractive woman attractive. I do the same with men. 😋
If she was paying attention to where the Fire Nation fleet was heading, I'm sure she would have figured it out and gotten there first. The great thing about Azula is how smart and proactive she is. If she was dispatched by Ozai, I have no doubt she would get Aang before Zuko or Zhao.
I just noticed that RUclips put a ton of adverts in this video, so I just went back and deleted a bunch of them. Sorry so many of you had to wade through that before I got to it. I'm only 13 hours late 😬
@@rockout55551 lol. You aren't the first to say purple is my color. Thanks 😉
Killing people actually does play into the airbenders way of life. They aren’t hippies. The philosophy is that IF attacked then they can use lethal force to defend themselves. That’s why in the first season of the cartoon they do show dead firebenders next to gyatso. He took out a bunch of them. Aang also killed people in self defense which is a meme, but true. Aang was having issues killing the fire lord because it was technically an OFFENSIVE and premeditated move. The fire lord wasn’t attacking him directly. And even the airbending avatar at the end basically told Aang that his duty was to the world and that he needed to put aside his spiritual needs to defend the world. The same thing would apply here if the fire nation was trying to commit genocide on the air nation. They wouldn’t just sit back and let it happen. It’s like a super vegan out in the woods. If a wolf is on top of you and seconds away from murdering you, you wouldn’t just let it kill you. They train for self defense and self defense can be lethal. Gyatso of course wouldn’t have had time to train Aang properly about this distinction because you don’t bring up death to a 12 year old. Mentally there’s a big distinction between “oh that guy died because he was trying to kill me” and” I’m going to plan and seek someone out to murder him “ They need to address this in the show because the cartoon obviously failed in this regard because we clearly see Aang murder people all throughout the show but the cartoon just ignores it.
Love the way you explained it
Makes perfect sense. Great explanation.
Although, Aang was definitely in denial about ever killing anyone, even on offense, which he did to that poor Buzzard Wasp.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS Also Aang allowed the ocean spirit to use his body as a vessel, so should be aware the ocean spirit would be ruthless against enemies which ended highly likely in the deaths of several fire nation navy soldiers.
Monk G could have knocked people out.
@@jsbrads1 I agree. That's what I think happened. But in the final result, Gyatso's body is surrounded by Fire Nation soldier bodies
I think Sozen's firebending kills them. Not Gyatso.
I love how you are so open to a lot of these changes. Changes aren’t bad! It’s surprising and adds to a sense of something new and these changes would make sense !
Change is necessary, in many cases. Remaining faithful is still possible, even with rearrangement of events.
Your videos have been absolutely amazing! The amount of work you put in is seen, but you are just as enjoyable to listen to and chat about adaptations with, without the extensive prep. I can't wait to see how you and both channels grow as you get more comfortable making what makes you happy ❤
☺️ thank you. It is a lot of work and I wouldn't mind doing a few with.... fewer clips. Haha.
The important thing we need to remember is that the animated show was not fully written when they started production. They wrote the show as they were making it. So certain decisions may have worked as they were writing but may not have had the pay off they wanted. Like the decision not to show Ozai's face. It worked in the sense that we didn't get to see Ozai's face until Zuko saw him again. But by hiding Ozai's appearance for so long, it also built up expectations. Then it turns out that Ozai looks like a regular guy. But the live action show has the whole story so they can set things up better or make the pay offs better.
I will hold my judgment. But I will say that despite there being bad adaptations like The Witcher, Death Note, Secret Invasion, etc., things are way better today than they were not that long ago. Go back to the 90's and you could count on one hand the number of good live action adaptations, Donner Superman, Burton Batman, The Flash, that's about it. Most adaptations were still cheap made for TV/video movies like the Hasselhoff Nick Fury. Today, you have tons of great live action adaptations, One Piece, The Boys, Umbrella Academy, Peacemaker, Sandman, Doom Patrol, Legion, Loki, Good Omens, The Expanse, His Dark Materials, Netflix Marvel shows, etc.
I've seen dozens of breakdown for that trailer, and yours is the most spot on! You really know your Avatar and your insight is very appreciated. :D
Wow, thank you! 😊 Check out Hello Future Me, though. That guy is the king of Avatar analysis.
Iroh's crush is understandable... he's old, not blind or DEAD. I think the actress picked is dead on PERFECT to convey the character.... at least visually. She struck as a mature, experienced mercenary. I never thought of her as particularly young... If she pulls off the attitude, *chefs kiss*. It would be terrible if they cut out his minor lechery.
June looks hotter in Live Action too.
I'm in the same boat! 😊
the problem is that Mako is not the voice of the character, that is what made the lechery funny, this new soft spoken actor playing iroh does not have the presence of voice to pull it off.
4:40 the “non-killing” principle is canonically related to all Air Nomads or is it something particular to Aang? I know Aang thinks that way but I don’t remember that being stated as a cultural general rule to all airbenders.
I always felt like June was in her mid to late 30s. She's fiercely independent and grizzled, off holding her own in bars/taverns.
I love the little touch when you used "Azula's ding" 🤣 I hope you used "Azula's ding" more on the next videos 😁
I will 😉
I've always seen Monk Gyatso as the Qui-Gon Jinn of the Air Nomads. He's always understood that though the Air Nomads have principles that they must adhere to, there are spaces and pockets in the philosophy that require you to be flexible. In the original ATLA, Aang always has memories of him and Gyatso being mischievous and breaking/bending the rules of the temple together.
Excellent points, here. I like all of it.
Also, I have to keep reminding myself. Not all Air Nomads had to be monks or nuns. I mean... they could have been regular folks, too.
Life is short, your videos are great, they don't need to be perfect, don't burn yourself out.
Thanks 😉 next video is almost done editing. Maybe one more day in the editing bay.
Ik a lot of people r hoping/expecting more or less just a live action copy/paste of the og show so any deviation from that must be the show runners just doing w/e they want. I think what needs to be understood is that when u change media types it means that other things need to be changed as well. From what I’ve inferred of these changes in atla r for the benefit of the shift in media and to expand upon a world that we all already love.
Agree agree agree 👍🏻 😊
I always thought that the Fire Lord sent Zuko to look for the avatar because he thought it was an impossible mission, not because he believed the avatar was alive.
I agree, that's what I thought
I agree, that's what I thought
I agree, that's what I thought
Yes. This is what I thought. But when the Avatar's presence is made known again (when all the temple eyes glow) l feel that Ozai would make it a priority to find him.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS Yeah, that's a good point. 🤔
When it comes to why Ozai didnt send Azula to capture the Avatar in Season 1, I believe it was because Azula was still in the middle of training during the course of Season 1. You can see that Azula was still in the process of training even in the first episodes of Season 2 (practicing lightning generation). In addition, this is reinforced in the live-action trailer, it shows a scene of Azula firing a bow alongside another archer you can see off-screen (training in archery perhaps?)
Yeah. I saw the line-up. I would guess we are gonna see how eager she is to get put and join the hunt, but she's working on getting permission (like... actively).
Loved hearing your thoughts and analysis! You articulate your thoughts extremely well. Fingers crossed that this lives up enough to all of our expectations!
Thanks! I do my best. 😋
I have my fingers crossed 🤞🏻
This video was amazing! I find myself in agreeing with the vast majority of your insights regarding the changes. Your detailed analysis and the way you connected the dots really show a deep understanding and genuine passion for Avatar 😍
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I can tell you're a true fan. Keep up the great work! 👏
Thanks! I do my best. I just filmed the next video. A bit less exciting, but it's more avatar discussion, so, yay!
My wife and I love watching your videos. We are only watching Wheel of Time because we can watch you right after, and we are looking forward to what you say about ATLA once it’s out. All that’s to say: we enjoy your “off the cuff” approach regardless of how long the videos are and hearing your opinions on any content is very interesting. You’re hilarious without a script! Do what’s best for you!
That is awesome! Tell your wife I appreciate the views 😉 Wheel of Time is trash, but it's not in my trash can, yet. I'm just prioritizing Avatar until it comes out (gotta ride the hype). But I've got WoT S2 E4 in the editing bay. I'm just... not rushing.
I love the new format in this vid, if ur future vids are anything like this, im def interested in ur channel! lol
Sweet! Thanks 😉
Started watching you with the WoT videos, and this is a new one to also be entertained by. Love the style of your content, rambling and giggling as they often are. :)
Oh good. I'm Glas some WoT people can enjoy these videos, too. I haven't given up on WoT, btw. It's just gonna be a lot longer between review releases.
Totally digging on the channel. It fits with my ADHD brain. And, your take on parts of the WoT series had me in stitches. ("Hello....".)
My wife, daughter and I generally just binge watch seasons of TV during dinner. All of our shows we're either current with them (many on hiatus due to the SAG strike last year) or are series that concluded. With the Netflix series, we've decided to see if we can plow through all three seasons of Avatar before the premier.
I've shown them many a clip from the WoT series and will likely share some of this stuff as it comes.
Keep up the great work!
I absolutely love your breakdown for this! I completely agree with a lot of your predictions and insights. I’m cautiously optimistic lol
Thank you! 😊 I'm also cautiously optimistic.
I agree with what you said about Azula. If they have her in this season for more than flashbacks, it will take away from her great introduction she had in season 2 episode 1. Also, I'm concerned with so many villains in season 1 because it will make Zuko not feel like a villain at all...taking away from his redemption down the line. But here is hoping they can balance having zuko, zhou, azula, and ozai all at once. 🤞🤞
My guess is they will start to show his kinder side sooner. But I do hope they don't neglect his reckless brutality when he is really desperate or angry. It's such a great weakness for him to overcome.
I think a large part of the drama surrounding Sokka’s actor is less to do with his ability to do humor and more the issue of representation because it’s been called into question if the actor is native or if it was a lie, since he isn’t listed among the federally recognized Cherokee tribes and he claims to be mixed Cherokee. And there is generally just overall a concern with issues of colorism, that noticeably darker skinned animated characters have been cast with lighter skinned actors in live action, which Hollywood often tends to do. So it’s all less about his acting and more the casting concerns of possibly an actor lying about his ethnicity to get a role.
Oh okay.
I mean, it's possible he's not listed. I live in an area surrounded by several tribes. Lots of folks are descendants or no longer live on the reservations. You can't always tell by registry or looks. I, for instance, am part Mongolian. Would you know it from my appearance? No way. My sister, though. She has obvious traits.
@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS it's less about him not being listed and more about him being listed as a member of a tribe notorious, among certain indigenous communities, for being fake.
@@ayoogunsakin9223 Sokka’s actor doesn’t look white. No offense please…
@@snowshock8958 Taylor Lautner doesn't look white either? what is your point?
@@ayoogunsakin9223 I read the old posts controversy with Taylor Lautner race and all. I don’t know where and how he has an exotic look, but this is not the same case.
IF Ian is truly mixed native, and the above circumstances are true, it honestly must suck people telling you that you can’t even dare claim part of your heritage just because it wasn’t formally registered with a tribe. Why would any community fake being indigenous?
your videos are great no matter what format they are. keep it up!
Thank you 😊 I'll keep trying my best. I hope you guys keep enjoying them.
2:50 killing might not be something the Air Nomads were inclined to do, but we know Gyatzo killed a lot of firebenders in his last stand. Aang found his body surrounded by Firebender corpses, remember?
Yes. I mention it in the video 😋
I love listening to your analysis. Subscribed! 🎉
Hurray! Thanks 😊
You always do a great vid and I think your enthusiasm for the show will mean you won't need notes tbh. Def go off the cuff, good choice! And if you ever wondered if I script my videos. No, no I don't lol. Its a stream of consciousness...🤣😜😎🤣
Thank you, hog. Your channel is my comfort food. If I can be anything resembling that, I'll be happy 😊
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS awww, you...☺
Tiny detail is that the Fire Sage who is told to send word to the Fire Lord happens to be the one guy who is still loyal to the Avatar, and he definitely knows what sending that notice would unleash so I personally don't think that letter was ever sent.
I like the Sokka's actor but looks like the sokka actor from the recap fire Nation play episode.
I heard some people say this. But nah. I still think he looks like our good ol Sokka.
I will say.. im very impressed. Every comment i went to make mid video you started to discuss exactly what i was writing to either add info or ask your opinion. Happened 4 times so im just gonna wait till the videos done 😂😂
You make a lot of great points. That's probably why the ORIGINAL creator's left because of those SAME discrepancies
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS That instills me with a lot of confidence thanks
Longer videos? Yes please! Keep it up, we'll watch
Haha. I just hope not too long. Even this little 30 minute video took 3 days.
New main channel HYPE!!!
Nooooooooo! 😭
Actually, thanks 😊
4:40 the “non-killing” principle is canonically related to all Air Nomads or is it something particular to Aang? I know Aang think that way but I don’t remember that being stated as a cultural general rule to all airbenders.
9:13 I have to admit that, in the original show, they kept Ozai’s face in the shadows until season 3, when they finally reveal it, I was kind of disappointed, because though he’s very well designed his appearance doesn’t have anything of greatly impactful. In the other hand, hearing Mark Hamill’s voice for so long made me expect for a more maniacal looks for Ozai, what há not been delivered. So it makes no sense to me repeating that hiding, specially because everybody would already know the actor cast for the role.
Aang is definitely a pacifist, but I think it would hit him hard if Gyatso had admitted to killing fire natuon soldiers, whether part of the Air Nomad Monk's culture or not.
Yeah. No point in hiding Ozai in the live action. I actually really like that the animated reveal showed a normal face. I found it more disturbing, somehow.
But yeah. No need to hide stuff in Live Action.
I loveeee the Sokka actor. Have you seen his interviews lately? He has such a good personality that I hope feels natural in the show and I hope the jokes are somewhat improvised.
I did see his interviews. Seems like all the kids are good-natured. Sokka will have some of the toughest scenes of the cast. Comedy is not easy.
It was good. I liked your detailed analysis and direct comparison to the original. Very informative.
When you were talking about who the trailer was directed at, I put myself in the mindset of not knowing who any of the characters were or what was going on, and it was a really bad trailer. Incomprehensible nonsense for the most part, so I agree, if they want new viewers, they need a different trailer.
My biggest concern for the show at this point is, "Can the children act?"
They did a great job with child actors for Stranger Things. This seems like a much bigger project than Stranger Things, so I'm sure they really looked hard for kids who can do the parts well. Just from his couple lines, I have a good feeling about Sokka. There's gonna be a lot of pressure on Aang. That kisld is such a kid! I watched an interview of him. They are all so young! Not teenagers at all... except the Zuko actor. He kinda seemed like he was thinking he's too old for these kids... which is sorta perfect.
I showed my dad the trailer and he was really excited. He had never seen the series. I think the effects are what will make more people watch.
I have seen a few "never seen the animation" reactions, and they all are entranced by the visuals. But I think they will be more hooked if it's more than just a pretty thing to look at. Technically, Cowboy Beebop LA looked good. 😬 It just... wasn't right.
I really think Netflix just realizes that if they push it too much it won't work. They do try to push it for the fans. try to recreate what happened in Corona. When all the fans started re-watching and recommending more people to watch.@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS
Im glad there are others open to these changes. Some of them are inevitable just from making the jump into live action.
Change has to happen in translation. Translation to a new medium is especially tricky.
Zukko's mission to catch the Avatar seemed more personal since he was in exile. The admiral piggybacked on it and it becomes more official from the Firelord when Zukko stumbles on him. If they must have Azula, I think the way to do it is to have her on missions putting down small rebellions in the Earth Kingdom. Then, when the Admiral falls in the North, she's perfectly set up as his replacement.
I still think Ozai would recognize that capturing the Avatar is the top priority, and don't see how he wouldn't divert Azula.
@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS For the sake of the narrative, he doesn't believe in his son and so far, though he recognizes the Avatar could be a threat, at the moment all reports are he's just a kid, and Ozai is the most powerful leader on the planet. He may not be that worried about it until the Northern Water tribe battle, where Aang proves how big a threat he is. If they must bring Azula in early, this makes sense. Squashing rebellions on the ground would also be an important job. I doubt that's the route they're taking, but it's how I'd handle it. It's also a good use of preparing the audience for her to really build up to the big bad in season 2. We see little glimpses of her power throughout season 1 and then full out for season 2. Again, this is if I were in charge and the powers that be insisted on introducing her early.
The points brought up in this video regarding the presence of Azula and Ozai are some of the things that temper my enthusiasm.
The slow build-up, the escalation, the focus of each season' particular "big bad" -- those were near-perfect storytelling decisions in the animated series.
While it satisfies the nostalgia centers of my brain to see these characters in live-action right away, I agree that featuring Azula and Ozai too early could be a detriment.
Unless they are retelling the story in a very different way, and not simply doing a faithful, almost shot-for-shot remake of the original series, I don't see why they should change it.
There are plenty of ways to do it right. I'll reserve judgment until we see it play out. But yeah, I've expressed my concerns.
Just one quick note, the attack depicted will be at the Southern Air Temple not the Northern one because that's where Aang found Gyatso's skeleton in episode 3.
Yeah, I mis-spoke. Good catch.
28:31 ugh, I feel this deep down. I wrote up about 240 pages for my Wheel of Time season 1 deep dive breakdown. But I feel like I'm one of the few people who will ever read it because it's not in an easily digestible format - even though many people have expressed interest in reading it.
Sounds like you need an editor 🤣 I'm in the same boat.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS lol, I need a good webcam 😆. I am an editor (primarily vfx artist, but I edit, color, work on the production side of things, etc). You'd think I could have just winged it, but I'm always super thorough, and wanted to be sure my opinions had merit rather than being knee jerk reactions.
@@jeremyvanneman8112 How about just invest in a good Mic, to start? Do a faceless channel. Then, if it takes off, get a nice webcam. I got a Kiyo Pro and love it.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS thanks! That's a good idea! My friend and I are in the process of starting up a podcast (a sort of news beyond the news podcast that leans into what we're passionate about - film and politics - that we first do extensive research on then chat about our findings as opposed to the typical off the cuff convos), so I've already been thinking about getting a new mic. But that's good to know where to start with a camera. Yours seems to work really well!
@jeremyvanneman8112 the camera in most of my videos is a Canon t6i. But for webcam, I have the Kiyo pro. I wish I could use the Canon for a webcam, but the software creates a delay that I can't stand.
I really enjoy your videos on ATLA, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Netflix adaptation!
Thank you for commenting 😉 I hope I can keep making videos you enjoy.
Thank you for your points!
You're welcome!
And thank you for your comment 😋
Theres some fan theories that suggests Azula is working under Zhao as one of his archers. And when he loses she takes over his army
Those skilled archers were VERY underused in the show. I’d love this change !
I love this theory! It'd highlight her ability to rise in power with little effort and to manipulate her position to her advantage. And it'd provide the initial set-up for her successful usurpation of Omashu and fall of Long Feng/take-over of the Dai Li in Book 2. It'd also provide a massive blow to Zhao's ego as a newly promoted admiral.
I could get behind this. But it would be hard to see her putting up with incompetence. Also still hard to see her not getting to Aang before Zuko.
I’m not gonna chicken out on my old man crush on sword and pen lol
The content is great!
Lol! It's no worse than me drooling over Ozai's smokin' bod 😜
I’m as straight as they come and IM drooling over Ozai 😂🤣
With regards to showing characters early in the trailers, I think we must remember, and I especially find this with streaming services, they often include more than one season's content in those trailers in order to fill them with fan fave characters to generate more excitement and hype from the fans. It doesn't necessarily mean these characters will actually show up in season one.
I don't believe they have filmed season 2 yet. Maybe a few shots, but .... I dunno.
The creators have said Azula, Mei, and Tai Lee will all be in season 1. I really suspect only as flashbacks or flashed over to the Fire Nation.
26:54 agree with everything until this moment. Creating a trailer in the indy world means taking your mostly completed film and cutting together different versions that are fun/interesting.
Creating a trailer for a big budget, extensive vfx film is very different. More often than not they have a rough cut that at least gives them a place to start having vfx studios bid for the work, and they've handed a few (shorter duration) shots to maybe one vendor to get look development going - which is what's slated for the trailer. But they likely required some sort of rush delivery for those individual shots (unless their producer is extremely good at planning).
So for them to edit together something different, they'd likely need to use 90% non-vfx shots, or they'd have to had already planned on that second cut (which may actually be in the works - they could be seeing what online traction is like for this first trailer before releasing/finishing it). I think it's very unlikely they could come up with a trailer that's 90% non-vfx shots considering how many invisible vfx elements there likely are in these episodes (like set extensions, digital makeup, split takes, etc).
At this point, though, most of the VFX shots are gonna be complete (not all, as my source ahas even confirmed). But with most done, why not do it now?
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS we're still a month out. And this is television (or rather episodic streaming) instead of a feature. I would guess episode 1 and 2 are done and 3 is well underway. But based on my experience, it always comes down to the wire - with the final deliveries handed over in the last day or two of post to get final exports out and properly mastered. And with how much vfx is going to be in a show like this, I'd be surprised if there's not still some creative revisions being done for episode 1 to make sure it captures viewers attention.
If they had vfx done for the scene they'd want to use, I could totally see your idea working - I just don't think it's likely.
@@jeremyvanneman8112 I spoke with a higher-up a couple days ago who confirmed that, yes, they are currently finalizing VFX and Mixing and stuff. But since all episodes are being released at once, I am guessing they are further along than studios that release an episode per week.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS ah, copy that. That's really interesting! That bodes very well for production that they're so far ahead of schedule. I find that the better prepared post production is, the better the film is on release.
At that point my guess is they don't want to flood social media with two very different trailers right away. They likely want to get chatter online started with the trailer that caters to existing fans and give them plenty of time to pore through it. Then release a general audience trailer closer to release, since it's unlikely someone would be so hyped by a trailer to remember what they thought about watching almost a month later without someone (like an existing fan who's excited) reminding them about it.
I had a very similar idea as to how they would work the northern air temple episode into omashu. Like you said its one of those moments for sokka to show his intellegence but also the reveal that the mechanist was working for the fire nation out of necessity to keep his people safe. Having that plot point in the show can be an easy tie in down the road as to how the fire nation took over omashu, he would have been their inside man so they would have known the interworkings of the city already before the gaang gets there. So when the time came to take omashu the fire nation already had an in to do it even if he has since turned around and started helping the gaang.
Looks like they made a change many of us can see as acceptable.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS For sure and I think plots like that where yes they are important but the location not so much are pefectly fine to make work when it can still serve its purpose. Thats coming from someone who isnt too big on changes considering the past 30 or so years of adaptations have been basically by name only and not actually looking or feeling anything like what they are adapting. As for the ozi thing I get it you cant recapture the surprise we already know, so to have him more involved early can only help because he really didnt have good build up they talked a big talk but the only 2 times we see him in action hes getting owned by children.
Support the free-form discussion/word vomit approach as opposed to scripting/ video essays. If the formula ain’t broke, why fix it? 👍
It's been hard to admit it, but yeah. This is the way.
Interesting. Looking forward to seeing this 🙂
Same 😊
Love your videos. Longer is a bonus. :)
Aww shucks! Thank you 😊
If Teo and the Mechanist are living in Omashu it sets up the fire nation taking over the city in book two. If the fire nation has spies in Omashu checking in on the Mechanist, it would make sense that the takeover would start from the inside. It’s more interesting than Bumi just surrendering the city.
I think Bumi can still surrender the city. He just has to see that he is at a disadvantage and decide it is not time to strike. It is the prompt "you need a teacher who is a master of waiting and listening" that sets Aang on the right path to finding Toph. So it works for me if Bumi surrenders.
27:34 do what works for you and you'll build an audience. "Perfection is the enemy of the Good". Can't wait for you to finish Wheel of Time, looking forward to your overall season thoughts, and hopefully a fan edit review some day 😉
you're forgetting that when the avatar sanctuary was lits up indicating the avatar is alive, it was Zhao who came to zuko QUESTIONING him about finding the avatar, they even interrogates zukos men and that's how they found out. it's pretty obvious that the firelord sent Zhao to confirm if zuko had actually found him. the fire lord had already changed that responsibility to Zhao. (Zhao said that "finding the avatar is too important to be left up to a boy, zuko". it would make sense why he would ask commander Zhao who is commanding the army instead of Azula.
I think that was implication and not exactly explicit. But it totally works. Great observation! 👍🏻
Within regards to Azula you CAN include her outside of flashbacks. The firelord doesn't appoint her to find the avatar until the last scene of season 1. That can stay the same. The firelord only asks Azula to track down aang because Zuko was seen as a failure AND traitor. Her shooting the arrow makes sense as Zuko trained with swords. She will probably be under Zhao during the blue spirit ARC. Because the archers captured aang. I guarantee she's the one who takes the shot at the blue spirit. And perhaps since she's under Jow she can also piece together that Zuko was the bluespirit. This explains why Zuko is a traitor that needs to be arrested. We actually get zero explanation why the FIrelord was trying to arrest Zuko in the first episode of season 2. Treason makes the most sense. Zuko had failed to capture aang many times, but the firelord didn't arrest him after those failures. Treason was obviously the reason as the firelord and Zhao didnt even know that Zuko failed to get Aang at the north pole. And with Zhao's death, it would make sense for Azula to take his position especially if she was already second in command. She can be the one who informs the firelord of Zukos treason.
Ooh! I like all these theories. But I still can't see Azula being under Zhao's control. Although capturing Aang with the YuYan archers would be cool and fitting. 🙂
Ozai says, "Your brother is a failure and Iroh is a traitor." She comes to arrest them both so Zuko can stand trial for being a failure, an embarrassment and causing Zhao's death. Iroh was to be imprisoned for treason. No one finds out Zuko is the Blue Spirit, except Aang and Iroh. Zhao suspected it after seeing the swords, but took it to his grave.
How I feel about these changes is going to depend wholly on whether or not the important beats that were present in those scenes for the original show are still somewhere in the Netflix one. It won't be impossible for them to do, but each change also brings with it the possibility that the show fucks up. For my own sanity, I will remain skeptical until I see the finished product for myself, heh heh
Haha. Your caution is understandable.
Regarding Zhao going to Kyoshi, i think they're going to do the Agni Kai between Zhao and Zuko in that episode (it's called Warriors, after all). After Zuko wins, Zhao gets upset and goes to confront the Avatar while Zuko's ship is still being repaired. A kind of, " he thinks he's so tough cause he beat me, but I'll show him up!" Kind of deal.
Oh wow! Great theories. I gotta think more about some of these.
I'm 100% with you. If June doesn't get to use the "where's your creepy uncle?" referring to Iroh line on down the episodes, they did that whole character wrong. Arden Cho looks fantastic so hopefully we get a little more of the character.
I just heard there is a June and Iroh graphic novel coming out. I totally wanna check that out.
Hey I been waiting for this video great watch❤
Sweet! I'm glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting, too 😊
Yessss I've been waiting to hear your thoughts, thanks ❤
Sweet! Thanks for watching and commenting 😊
Glad for longer videos, personally.
Haha. Hopefully jlnot too much longer. Even this one took 3 days to make.
Fugitive of the fire nation
YES!!!!! THAT'S THE WORD!!!!
You are the FIRST person to get the word I was looking for! Lol
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
You win the prize🎆✨️🧨🎉🎁🥇🏆🐺
Thank you
9:59 I agee, I like Ian as Sokka, he's cute, seems naturally funny, looks like Sokka and is clearly doing his best, but for some sjw wanna be people, he's not dark enough and isn't really indigenous even though (imo) it's pretty easy to tell that is mixed just by looking at him. The hate is undeserved, same with Katara. The good thing is, a lot of people have come around and liked Ian's line: " Yup, there goes the savior of the world"
My favorite line of his in the trailer was the supportive one. Sokka has to have the most range out of everyone. He has to be funny and supportive, and suffer (Yue). His performance, if done well, will undoubtedly gain this kid a lot of attention.
@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS indeed, it is a heartwarming little monologue (?) When he says that to Aang.
What are your thoughts on the trailer? I loved it ❤❤❤ I'm suuuuuper excited for it.
Haha. My final thoughts at the end of the video say it all. I love it, too. But I'm trying to keep my expectations under control.
They could still have the Northern Air Temple fight, but after the battle there they all flee to Omashu and maybe Aang and the Gang go with them or maybe even show them the way and thats how we get to Omashu, when I first saw that scene in the trailer, I felt that was them arriving at Omashu
I think we are confusing battles. They don't go to Omashu at the end of the season. They go at the beginning. After the Northern Air Temple battle, they arrive at the North Pole.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS right, I'm just saying they could change when they go to omashu, so it's just changing the order that it happens I just don't see them taking it out, good fodder for dramatic scenes and Aang growth. He at first felt like the desicrated the temple but then let go of the past. I agree it could happen off screen but I felt it was an important episode in Aangs growth
I like this kind of video more anyway, don't stress on trying to be like everyone else, do you're own thing 👍.
Thanks 😉
The Producers said they will build Azula's character more but they didnt say she will Join Zuko and Jao to hunt the avatar
They shouldn't, keep her in the Fire Nation honing her skills like the perfectionist she is.
I hope she's not hunting Aang. She is scary because she is so freakishly good. I can't see Zhao or Zuko getting to Aang before her.
I actually disagree with 6:39 but this is my own personal opinion. You have to remember that at the start of the story, Zuko has been already banished from the fire nation for around 3 years and I think Ozai sent him to capture the avatar as some sort of wild goose chase. I like to think that it makes complete sense because no one has seen the avatar in almost 100 years and at that point he probably wasn't expected to appear before the events at the Southern Air temple. I think that this mission was just to discard Zuko and to have him never seen again because it emphasizes how much Ozai doesn't care for him. But I do agree that Azula would have outdone Zuko and Zhao because she is just that good.
I think I did not communicate very clearly here (downside to not scripting). I was trying to say that, once the Fire Lord learns that the Avatar HAS returned (long after sending Zuko on a hopeless mission), he wouldn't just rely on his banished son to keep looking. He would send his best. In fact, the Fire Lord's belief that Zuko is talentless is even more reasonable for Ozai to have probably sent Azula out the moment he heard about the glowing eye statues. He would figure Zuko isn't capable of catching Aang.
Ah that makes sense about zuko and Zhou, with the kioshi battle
It totally does. I can see the truncation happening in logical ways, so far. Another hopeful sign.
So exited for this show!!!
Saaame!
Katara will be dealing with Jet in that episode.
That could definitely work, but Jet was in a fire nation controlled area. Omashu is not.
I believe the first hurtle was already jumped.
Now, I am a huge One Piece fan. I think the OP live action series absolutely nailed the look of the original characters, and scenery.
So what hurts me to say... Is that going by look alone, the Avatar LA trailer showed me enough to believe the production achieved as good as, if not better, look for their characters, scenery and effects.
I am fully in Avatar's corner at this point. I want it to be as good for me as the One Piece LA was. But I am also holding reserve for the final product. I would have been merciless on One Piece, had they screwed up the adaption, and turned out that I came away far more impressed than I expected to be.
I'm not sure if it is fair, but the success of One Piece raised my expectations for Avatar. Just about a month away from testing those expectations. I'll be patient.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS That is actually VERY encouraging to me, as I think Wednesday and Umbrella Academy are excellent shows, as well.
I think it's time for a re-watch haha, none of the past avatars told aang he has to kill 😅
O, but they did tell him that they had killed and that he needs to sacrifice his own morals for the same of the world (can't recall the exact quote offhand, but it was something like that).
Also I will say the first episode was written by the original creators so we can assume these changes in the first episode are by them and probably approve of them.
From what I hear, the first two episodes are going to have big changes to the prologue, but still be very true to the source material. It's mostly re-arranging and a bit more expansion, from what I hear.
I hope you don't feel like you've failed with your video essay experiment; I know tossing all that work must be painful, but you will still have learned from the process, even if it's not clear what right now. (Sorry if that sounded pompous.) Your videos are enjoyable due to your professionalism, humour, and likability, so the longer the better, I say!
I definitely don't thin I failed. It's just not me and not the right project for this show. Thank you 😊
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS I'm glad to hear it, and forgive me if I was presumptuous, but you sounded a bit deflated so I wanted to be encouraging. Onwards!
The sarcasm on its own would not just be dark, it would also be Stark😏 (see what I did there🤪)
I do see 😋
For why he wouldn't need to send his best in his daughter after Aang? It could be he see's the air benders as weak and Aang is just a child so it should be easy for his Commander, also he looks at Azula as his only heir, he doesn't think Zuko will ever fit so it would be a risk to send her out. It's not till he see's how difficult it is to catch Aang he sends out everyone
Oh! These are good reasons. But I still think Ozai wouldn't hesitate to send Azula.
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I am going to hold my hype. Netflix has been saying a lot of "we are doing it for the fans" and then you get a Sh**show like the Witcher and Cowboy Beebob, where you have a passionate person somewhere, but everyone else pretty much craps all over it. And these changes in the trailer are worrisome to say the least. They are indicative of them doing their own thing, and if anything has been proven to me.. then it is that Netflix cannot be trusted to do their own thing and still produce a good show based on source material.
Netflix has to do a lot of work to regain and sort of benefit of doubt and good will on my part.
I recently learned something about those crappy shows you mentioned as bad adaptations.... they were not being overseen by the same people who are overseeing Netflix's more well-received adaptation, such as One Piece, Wednesday, Sweet Tooth, Dark Crystal, Umbrella Academy, Lost in Space, etc. Avatar is in the hands of folks who did those! That's a hopeful sighn, I say. 😊
Yeah, especially with the recent success of One Piece and Yu Yu Hakusho, I feel Netflix finally learn their past mistakes and getting better at handling live action adaptations of our beloved anime/cartoon shows.
@@satriawanjodi One can only hope they learned the lesson.
aww.. I got excited for a second.. RIP WoT :_( Hope you're doing well!
Haha. I'm still working on WoT. I have a recorded S2E4 episode already. It's just.... not the big priority, at the moment. I'm chipping away at it slowly.
Another one of my issues from this is a lot of Zuko‘s moments from the original show. Looks like they’re going to general zhao. We really need to see zuko as a villain before he gets his redemption arc. If not, I would really dislike it.
I think there are plenty of times we will have opportunities. The North Pole mission is pretty intense and brutal. The worst moment for Zuko is betraying Katara in the Crystal Caverns. I can't wait to get to that!
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS
Remember, though Zuko is at his height as a true villain, in season one. And burning down that village was one of the most truest evil things he did. And his redemption started around the time of Zuko alone he started being an anti-villain. we need to see Zuko as a villain before a victim.
In one day, you gotta remember the amount of villainous thing Zuko done throughout the season before his redemption arc. The more take away the less impactful that arc will feel
@@KamiAnimeS1 agree. I'll be getting more into this in my character arc video focusing on him.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS thank you very much it is really needed. I was hoping you would’ve went into it in the video slightly. But I’m really thankful you’re doing a video. Because remember, we got to stack up the things that Zuko did in the series to reiterate what he did in Omashu leaving, and betraying them on the tear of villainy Is lower than the thing he did in season, one with burning down at Village, where some people were in those houses, and no remorse was shown in season one. That’s very interesting. If they take that part of Zuko away, it’ll be kind of weird for me. Remember in season two who killed anng was Azula. Zuko just played along with it. Still evil but you could tell he was in his anti-villain phase. Because he was showing a lot of remorse there. So again, I am very thankful for the response talking with you was great. I knew that was a good channel to subscribe to way back .
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ 100 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
😉😊☺️😁🥰 🦆
I’m very skeptical fortunately. I really wish the original creators had worn power over their creation for examples of one piece creator. But it is what it is let’s see what happens.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS
Ok hopefully
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Things have really changed. Even Lost in Translation is being critized now because of the age difference of the leads even though it was once seen as mostly innocent. I don't think we need Iroh being creepy or lechereous to a much younger woman.
I think her enjoying the effect she has on men, and using it, would make Iroh's "rescue" more palatable.
June is the most perfect casting
Agree 🖤❤️🖤❤️
👍👍
💪🏻💪🏻👊🏻
Fav character ?
Lol. You can't ask that. But I have a top 4....
Zuko, Iroh, Sokka, Toph. Iroh and Toph I just love who they are. Zuko and Sokka have my favorite arcs. Zuko wins, though. They really did something special with him.
Katara, Aang, Azula, Mei, and Tai Lee are also fantastic though. Also excellent arcs. Aang's was maybe the most vague, so I'd love to see them sharpen his arc a but more in the Live Action.
Will also be hard to have someone as good as Daniel Dae Kim cast as Ozai but not show him until season 3
True 👍🏻
Thank you for being honest about how you enjoyed the small innocuous scene of uncle Iroh enjoying June laying on him. No foul play and not “pervy” as many on some subreddits like to claim.
I hope they retain a similar humor in the live action.
It's totally a little pervy.... 😋 But its totally harmless. I really hope they do it.
A later breakdown is still valid.
Truth 😀
Also contacting gyatso wouldn’t be against the rules of the world. Korra was able to find Iroh in the spirit world. Aang can do the same.
Oh yeah!
Good recall. Checking the world rules for proof is so essential to adaptations where you want to change things.
Had june was younger, she’d be a perfect azula as well
Lol. Yes!
Exile, is the word you were searching for.
He was already and exile. It's more than that.
Pariah? fugitive? outlaw, wanted man. made anathema or excommunicated, classical ostracism or shunning, untouchable, condemned, i dunno that's all i've got@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONSexcommunicated? Banished? Banned?
I see Azula with a bow and arrow, if they dont give her blue flames, so help me God 😤
I don't think they could possibly get away with non-blue flames.
Not sure why people keep comparing it to One Piece. Avatar went into Production 2019, One Piece went into production 2022. If anything, one Piece learned from Avatar the last air bender.
Girlie good point !!
Great point!
Also, Avatar is a bigger production. It's the biggest Netflix has ever done. I really think they are being careful with this one, and the same people in charge of making sure it's done right were in charge of making sure One Piece, Wednesday, Umbrella Academy, Sweet Tooth, and basically all the biggest Netflixes successes were done right. I think Netflix knows.
U know them say This is the netflix version for avatar them really following the cartoon beat for beat
I doubt they will follow the cartoon beat for beat. That will be extremely difficult to pull off and feel good. Some changes have to be made for Live Action.
"Pervy crush"
Is her character underage?
"Pervy" in the sense that he slides into a way to touch her when she wouldn't normally allow it. Totally fine to find an attractive woman attractive. I do the same with men. 😋
Zuko's the prodigal son?
Haha
Sorta. Yeah. But I don't think that was the word I was looking for.
Azula just didn't know he was at the North Pole?
If she was paying attention to where the Fire Nation fleet was heading, I'm sure she would have figured it out and gotten there first. The great thing about Azula is how smart and proactive she is. If she was dispatched by Ozai, I have no doubt she would get Aang before Zuko or Zhao.
@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS Yeah I agree. Hope it makes sense in the show 🤞