Netflix rolled out its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender on February 22nd, 2024.
However, despite the fervent excitement surrounding its release, the adaptation has been met with lacklustre reviews (including ours). From amateurish acting, shoddy writing, and messy direction, this adaptation leaves much to be desired. Nonetheless, amid the criticisms, the stage has been set for a potential second season.
Avatar: The Last Airbender, originally created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, offers a rich and expansive universe filled with complex characters and captivating stories. So, there is much to explore. And if Netflix picks up a second season, there is still hope that current showrunner Albert Kim may be able to pull it together.
As fans eagerly await news of a potential second season, here’s what you need to know about the ending of Avatar: The Last Airbender season one.
What happens at the end of Avatar: The Last Airbender?
Aang’s Sacrifice
In the climactic ending of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Gordon Cormier’s Aang makes a big sacrifice. Combining his powers with the Ocean Spirit, he gives his body and Avatar powers over to the spirit, which becomes instrumental in defeating the ruthless Fire Nation.
This is a culmination of Aang’s character arc throughout the season. Throughout the season, Aang grapples with the weight of his duty, echoing the guidance of past Avatars like Roku, Kyoshi, and Kuruk, who emphasised prioritising the world’s needs above his own.
Azula and Ozai’s schemes
Netflix’s adaptation introduces significant deviations from the original series, notably incorporating characters like Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim) and Princess Azula (Elizabeth Yu) much earlier in the storyline.
Their presence speeds up Zuko’s (Dallas Liu) character development as well. Before Zhao died, he told Zuko that Azula had helped the Admiral fight against him, leading to Zhao’s promotion. Azula also revealed Zuko’s identity as the Blue Spirit. Ozai was not only aware of this but simply used Zuko to motivate Azula’s ambition.
Setting the stage for Avatar: The Last Airbender season two
Avatar: The Last Airbender season one’s finale lays the groundwork for more story arcs in the upcoming season. Aang’s journey to master Waterbending and Earthbending promises new challenges and growth.
Even Omashu’s capture by Azula foreshadows larger conflicts and the rise of formidable antagonists. With Ba Sing Se standing as the last stronghold against Fire Nation control, the Earth Kingdom’s fate hangs in the balance.
One of the most significant teasers for future storylines is the impending return of Sozin’s Comet. This celestial event will undoubtedly shape the course of the story going forward as Ozai’s ambitions for world domination reach a critical juncture.
You can now stream Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix and catch the trailer here:
