7 Reasons Why Avatar: The Last Airbender Is The Most Complete TV Show Ever

5. It Didn't Shy Away From Addressing Complex Themes

Avatar The Last Airbender
Nickelodeon

These days, just about every show tries to incorporate various social struggles into their content. Success varies from show to show, and it is understandable given how complicated these issues and their interpretations can be. That does, however, only make it even more impressive how well the Last Airbender depicted some of the darkest social evils to ever exist.

The showrunners explored the consequences of imperial expansion and colonialism and were able to encapsulate the horrors faced by the oppressed with near perfect grace and authenticity. The show was able to remain as objective as possible without inclining the narrative toward any group. The Fire Nation’s invasion, the subsequent 100 Years War, the altering of history to fit the victors and even the attitude of the colonialists towards the people they had subjugated were all showcased in a way that lets the viewer decide who is right and who is wrong, without having to smash them over the head with it.

And of course this would be incomplete without a tipping of our fictional hats to Uncle Iroh. His near encyclopaedic knowledge and enlightened viewpoint on life offers the perfect, unbiased commentary on all that is happening.

Ethically aware, subtle storytelling at its very best.

Contributor
Contributor

After battling Galactus and pinning Hulk Hogan in the main event of Wrestlemania, I've taken a break from living in fantasy worlds, to focus on writing about them. I'm a comic book geek, a wrestling mark, a break dancer, and a scientist. One of those things may not be true.