Warning! This article has spoilers for Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender.
A slight change in Katara's character in Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender season 1 led to a complete replacement of an original episode. By the end of season 1, Katara's character was well portrayed in both the original animation and the Netflix live-action version. Kiawentiio's performance as Katara in Netflix's The Last Airbender cast was commendable, capturing several key elements of her character from Book One: Water.
Katara's Character Evolution in Netflix's Live-Action Adaptation
Katara's journey in the live-action adaptation of The Last Airbender closely mirrored that of the original series. However, there were some subtle changes made to her character, including her relationship with Aang and the depiction of her battle against sexist customs in the Northern Water Tribe. One significant alteration involved the origins of Katara's Waterbending scroll, which ultimately led to the omission of the pirate episode from the first season on Netflix.
Kiawentiio as Katara in Netflix's Last Airbender next to the animated model for the original show's pirate captain - Katara’s Waterbending Scroll Origins Means Avatar’s Pirate Episode Was Not In Netflix’s Season 1
The Waterbending Scroll, crucial to Katara's bending journey in Netflix's The Last Airbender episode 2, has a significant change. In the original series, Katara acquires the Waterbending Scroll in season 1, episode 9 titled "The Waterbending Scroll." In this episode, Katara, Sokka, and Aang encounter pirates selling items from the Four Nations. Among these items is the coveted Waterbending Scroll, which Katara ends up stealing from the pirates due to their exorbitant price.
In the Netflix live-action version of Avatar: The Last Airbender, the episode featuring battles between the main trio, a group of pirates, and Zuko's Firebending forces is missing. Instead, Katara's grandmother has the Waterbending Scroll and includes it with Katara's belongings, completely removing the pirates from the show.
Katara’s Grandma Having The Waterbending Scroll Makes More Sense Than Pirates
In the original show, it is revealed that Admiral Zhao later hires the same pirates who stole the waterbending scroll to assassinate Zuko. This is a plot point that differs from Netflix's live-action adaptation, where Zhao takes matters into his own hands.
Gran Gran stood in the Southern Tribe from Netflix's Last Airbender next to the Pirate crew from the original show - Katara’s Grandma Having The Waterbending Scroll Makes More Sense Than Pirates
The decision to have Katara's grandma own the Waterbending Scroll in the live-action show instead of the pirates may have disappointed some fans. However, it actually makes more sense considering that Gran Gran used to be friends with other Waterbenders in the Southern Water Tribe. While Netflix's The Last Airbender does not provide this explanation, the original show clearly establishes Gran Gran's connection to the Waterbending Scroll through her past friendships with other Waterbenders.
The pirates in the original show have minimal impact on the story, only appearing in two episodes of the first season. On the other hand, Gran Gran plays a significant role in Katara's backstory. She passes the Scroll to Katara, helping her become a true successor to her old friends and the next Southern Waterbender in Avatar: The Last Airbender season 1.
All episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender season 1 are available for streaming on Netflix.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides an insightful analysis of the changes made to Katara's character in Netflix's live-action adaptation of "Avatar: The Last Airbender." The omission of the pirate episode and the subsequent possession of the Waterbending Scroll by Katara's grandmother are significant deviations from the original animated series. While the article highlights the disappointment some fans may have felt, it also presents a compelling argument for the revised storyline.
The narrative change not only simplifies the plot but also adds depth to Katara's backstory. By having Gran Gran bestow the scroll upon Katara, the show reinforces the character's connection to her heritage and the legacy of Waterbending in the Southern Water Tribe. This alteration aligns well with the character development and themes of the original series, where Katara's growth as a Waterbender is intricately linked to her cultural identity. Overall, the article effectively demonstrates how this subtle character change has enhanced Katara's arc in the live-action adaptation while remaining faithful to the core values of the beloved story.
