Coming Up: Avatar the Last Airbender

So, on Monday I'm launching into a rundown of the entire series Avatar the Last Airbender and I had to gush that I love this series. I really do.

(Note: Nothing to do with James Cameron, lots to do with M. Night Shyamalan. And yes, we were supposed to get started in January, but now we're starting on Monday. It happens)

Avatar the Last Airbender so wonderfully written, with great character, strong pacing and fantastic humor. And smart. So smart. Not one single episode I can think of hinged on someone being an idiot because the writer said so.

Essentially it's a "little kid saves the world because he's so special" story, but the world so beautifully realized. The culture-building and the design of each Nation is just gorgeous. It's all "Asian-inspired" but not like the HGTV "Hey, it's a futon" way. There is depth and the philosophical references underpinning the culture are meaningful.

The characters are so great - sweet, strong, complicated and funny. Aang grows in real ways, not in Lesson of the Week ways. Katara remains strong and interesting all the way through, rather than getting shunted into exclusively romantic stories. Sokka matures beyond comic relief, just as Zuko deepens beyond your stereotypical Hot Bad Boy.

There is hardly a stinker in the whole three seasons; the storytelling was that assured. They paced things so well, drawing plots out just far enough and brilliantly balancing events in the third season particularly.

And with that introduction, look forward to seeing a new episode review everyday - starting Monday - from Avatar the Last Airbender.